Vega Industries VLB-5X User manual

VLB-5X LED Beacon
AIS-Compatible
Installation and Operation Manual
STAND ALONE & SELF CONTAINED
•Marine Beacon
•Bridge Light
•Aircraft Hazard Light
VLB-5X Product Manual
Available colour range Red, Green, White, Yellow or Blue
Available models
SA-Stand Alone (No Solar panels)
SS-Standard Solar 8W with 12Ah battery
LS1-Large Solar 16W with 12Ah Battery
LS2-Large Solar 16W with 24Ah Battery
Vertical divergence 7° Marine Beacon, Obstacle Light and
Wreck Light
Options
Internal GPS for synchronising
RS232 Data port (RS485 optional)
Sync and monitor wire
AIS-compatible
Product Version 1.00
Software version: 8.11
Manual version: 1.2
Date released: Aug 2017
V E G A I N D U S T R I E S L I M I T E D
VLB-5X-SA-Stand Alone VLB-5X-SS-Standard Solar VLB-5X-LS-Large Solar

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Manual revision history
Serial Communications Protocol Compatibility
VLB5X beacons with software versions lower than 811 (or 722 for Lead-Acid Battery variants) may not communicate correctly over the
serial interface with a Vega AIS device. Please contact Vega Industries to arrange a software update.
Manual Version Released Description of Change Software version VLB-5X Serial number
1.0.0 Dec 2016 •First issue. 800 67-00050000
1.1 Jul 2017 •Added CSQ query command 810 67-00050000+
1.2 Aug 2017 •Add coms protocol compatibility section 811 67-00050964+

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VLB-5X LED Versions by colour, release date and serial number
RED LED
GREEN LED
LED Version
Release Date
VLB
-
5X
Serial Number
LED Version
Release Date
VLB
-
5X
Serial Number
Vega 116 Dec 2009 Vega 223 Dec 2009
Vega 163 Aug 2011 67-50000 Vega 263 Aug 2011 67-50000
WHITE LED
YELLOW LED
LED Version
Release Date
VLB
-
5X
Serial Number
LED Version
Release Date
VLB
-
5
X
Serial Number
Vega 422 Dec 2009 Vega 320 Dec 2009 67-50000
Vega 423 May 2011
Vega 463 July 2013 67-50000
BLUE LED
LED Version
Release Date
VLB
-
5X
Serial Number
Vega 525 Dec 2009 67-50000
VEGA INDUSTRIES LIMITED
21 Heriot Drive, Porirua 5022, New Zealand
Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail] Web: http://www.vega-navigation.com
Product Warranty
Vega warrants that all products supplied are free from labour and material defects, and will repair or replace (at its
option) the whole or any part of the products found to be faulty. Vega is not liable for any charge beyond the point of
delivery, including installation, alignment or testing. To claim under warranty the product must be returned to the
manufacturer.
To view Vega’s warranty terms and conditions please visit http://www.vega.co.nz/terms-and-conditions/.
Legal Notice
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Vega Industries Ltd. makes no warranty of any kind with regards to
this material, including but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for purpose. Vega Industries Ltd. shall not
be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the use of this material. No part of
this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated to another language without prior written consent of Vega Industries Ltd.
The Vega logo is a registered trademark of Vega Industries Ltd. All other trademarks belong to their respective proprietors.

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Table of Contents
SECTION 1 OVERVIEW OF THE VLB-5X LED BEACON ............................................6
1.0 Introduction to the VLB-5X LED Beacon...................................................................6
1.1 Options Available ................................................................................................................6
1.2 Additional Factory Options ..................................................................................................7
1.3 Approvals ............................................................................................................................7
2.0 Range and Power .....................................................................................................7
2.1 Effective Intensity Settings ..................................................................................................7
2.2 Automatic Schmidt Clausen Correction ...............................................................................7
3.0 Mechanical Description .............................................................................................9
3.1 Construction ........................................................................................................................9
3.2 Solar Body Breather Vent.................................................................................................. 10
3.3 Sealing .............................................................................................................................. 10
4.0 Electrical .................................................................................................................10
4.1 Electrical Connections....................................................................................................... 10
5.0 Battery Charging on VLB-5X SS and LS Beacons..................................................10
SECTION 2 SETTING UP AND USING THE VLB-5X BEACON.................................10
1.0 Getting Started........................................................................................................10
2.0 Solar Calculations ...................................................................................................10
3.0 Shipping of the VLB-5X...........................................................................................11
3.1 From the Factory............................................................................................................... 11
4.0 Infra-red Programming ............................................................................................11
5.0 The Initial Power Up................................................................................................11
5.1 Stand Alone Model ............................................................................................................ 11
5.2 Self Contained Model ........................................................................................................ 11
6.0 Programming...........................................................................................................11
7.0 Installing the VLB-5X Beacon .................................................................................12
7.1 Bird Spikes........................................................................................................................ 12
7.2 Wiring from VLB-5X-SA & SAP Stand Alone Beacon ........................................................ 12
7.2.1 VLB-5X Base Compartment .............................................................................................. 12
7.3 Mounting the VLB-5X Beacon ........................................................................................... 12
7.3.1 Levelling the Beacon ......................................................................................................... 13
7.3.2 Mounting Structure............................................................................................................ 13
8.0 VLB-5X Factory Options .........................................................................................13
8.1 Hardwire Synchronization.................................................................................................. 13
8.2 Internal GPS Synchronization............................................................................................ 14
8.3 Alarm Monitor wire ............................................................................................................ 14
8.4 Data Port........................................................................................................................... 14
SECTION 3 MAINTENANCE .......................................................................................14
1.0 Maintenance Cleaning ............................................................................................14
2.0 Inspection Check.....................................................................................................14
3.0 Changing the Battery on Self Contained Models.....................................................15
SECTION 4 PROGRAMMING......................................................................................15

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1.0 Programming Methods............................................................................................15
1.1 Using the Vega Remote TVIR Programmer....................................................................... 16
1.2 Using a Computer ............................................................................................................. 16
2.0 Default Settings.......................................................................................................16
3.0 Programming Syntax...............................................................................................16
4.0 Visual Feedback when using the TVIR Programmer...............................................17
4.1 The VLB-5X Will Not Enter Programming Mode ................................................................ 18
4.2 Becoming Familiar with the Syntax and Flash Feedback................................................... 18
4.3 Deciding what Settings are required .................................................................................. 20
4.3.1 Programming or Reading Multiple Settings........................................................................ 20
5.0 Programming Features ...........................................................................................20
5.1 Flash Character................................................................................................................. 20
5.2 Custom Flash Character.................................................................................................... 21
5.3 Day/Night Use of the Light................................................................................................. 21
5.4 Intensity Settings ............................................................................................................... 21
5.5 Synchronising Options....................................................................................................... 22
5.5.1 Additional Sync Options .................................................................................................... 22
5.6 Operation Mode................................................................................................................. 23
5.6.1 Auto Leave Storage........................................................................................................... 23
5.6.2 Auto Storage ..................................................................................................................... 23
5.7 Programming Mode........................................................................................................... 24
5.8 Battery Thresholds ............................................................................................................ 24
5.9 System Checks ................................................................................................................. 24
5.10 Security PIN Number......................................................................................................... 25
5.11 Calendar............................................................................................................................ 25
User Notes.........................................................................................................................28
Appendix A Programming Table ................................................................................29
Appendix B VLB-5X Intensity Settings And Currents ..............................................33
Appendix C Worksheet for a Custom Character.......................................................37
Appendix D VLB-5X Settings......................................................................................38
Appendix E VLB-5X Solar Power Calculation example............................................39
Appendix F Electrical Connections to VLB-5X Beacon ...........................................42
Appendix G VLB-5X Beacon Dimensions..................................................................44
Appendix H 7° Marine light Vertical Divergence Profiles .........................................46
Appendix I Specifications of VLB-5X Beacon .........................................................47
Appendix J Flash Character Table with Programming Codes ................................50
Appendix K VLB-5X Beacon Product Codes.............................................................53

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SECTION 1 OVERVIEW OF THE VLB-5X LED BEACON
1.0 Introduction to the VLB-5X LED Beacon
The VLB-5X (next generationVLB-67/VLB-5) includes a new robust battery technology and an
increased optical range. The benefits of the new Lead Crystal® Battery (LCB) include improved
lifetime in hot climates, improved capacity in cold climates and better tolerance to running flat.
The user can also program many features using the TVIR remote programmer. If it is uncertain
how the beacon has been programmed, the VLB-5X can be reset to the factory default settings.
The procedure to do this is detailed in Section 4, Clause 5.6
For the self-contained solar powered models of the VLB-5X beacon it is critical that the solar
irradiation for the location where the beacon is to be used is checked to ensure that there is
enough energy available to support the intended range, and flash character. Vega provides an
online calculator for the VLB-5X on www.vega-navigation.com to assist in the correct usage of the
VLB-5X. Please note that reducing the range and the duty cycle of the beacon can lower the
power requirement.
1.1 Options Available
There are three lens options for the VLB-5X beacon.
•The 7° divergence (±3.5°) symmetrical lens provides a horizontal fan beam for marine
beacon applications.
•The obstacle lens is an asymmetrical lens with the peak intensity occurring at +8° above
the horizontal and is designed to provide the beacon profile required for aircraft hazard
lights for ICAO Type A and Type B and for use as bridge marking lights.
•The FAA lens is made to meet the FAA 810 optical requirements.
The VLB-5X 7° marine beacon can be programmed for an operating range at:
•2 to 5.5NM at 0.74T visibility and
•2.25 to 7NM at 0.85T visibility
The VLB-5X obstacle light can be programmed between 1 and 54 candela effective intensity,
measured at +6 and +10 degrees from the horizontal. ICAO Aircraft hazard light requires the
following intensity at these angles:
•Type A hazard light 10 candela
•Type B hazard light 32 candela
The VLB-5X wreck light is IALA-compliant and offers a yellow and blue alternating light.
• Flash character: Blue 1.0s + 0.5s + Yellow 1.0s + 0.5s = 3.0s
• Hard-wired and GPS sync options
For the VLB-5X, there are five LED colours available: red, green, white, yellow, and blue. Each
colour has a different power requirement to achieve any particular intensity. Detail on power
consumption is provided in appendix B.
The Vega VLB-5X beacon is available in four models.
Body size
Solar Panel Capacity
Battery Capacity
SA=Stand Alone Nil Nil
SS=Standard Solar 8Watt (4x 2W panels) 12Ah
LS1=Large Solar 16Watt (4x 4W panels) 12Ah
LS2=Large Solar` 16Watt (4x 4W panels) 2x12Ah

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The self-contained solar power models use a 12VDC long life lead crystal battery that can operate
down to low temperatures. Only use a Vega VLB-5X replacement battery (EBAT-LCB-12V-12AH).
The Standard Solar (SS) unit will cover most self-contained applications. The large solar LS
models are available for use in higher latitude and/or high duty applications.
For bridge marking application (VLB-5X-SAP and VPP-5X), the VLB-5X obstacle lens is mounted
separately from the solar power pack. This allows the light head to be mounted under a bridge
while locating the power pack where it can receive solar energy. The separate components consist
of the stand-alone (SAP) light head and VPP-5X power pack. Note that the solar power regulator is
located in the lantern and not in the VPP-5X power pack. In applications requiring more solar
power, the solar power pack can be substituted with the larger capacity VPP-5X.
The VLB-5X is designed with many features to allow the user to customise the beacon for any
application. Programming is done using the Vega Remote-02 infrared programmer, which needs to
be ordered separately.
1.2 Additional Factory Options
Additional Factory options for the VLB-5X:
•GPS synchronising.
•Data Plug incorporating RS232 or RS422 data connection, alarm/monitor wire, and sync
wire
•External charging plug and sync wire for self-contained models SS and LS
•Alarm/Monitor output (beacon healthy)
Note: Hard wire synchronisation is provided as standard on the SA model
1.3 Approvals
The VLB-5X (approved under the former name of VLB-67) LED beacon has been approved under
US Coast Guard regulations CFR33 part 67 for use as a Class B or C light for artificial islands and
structures in the Gulf of Mexico (USCG District 8).
2.0 Range and Power
2.1 Effective Intensity Settings
Effective intensity is the intensity required to see a continuously “on” light (fixed character) at a
certain distance. For example 37 Candela is required to see a fixed “on” light at 4 NM when the
atmospheric visibility is 10 miles (0.74T).
The VLB-5X beacon supports a number of effective candela settings.
Appendix B of the manual provides the following information:
•The effective intensity settings available for each colour
•The current the beacon will use at each intensity
•The peak candela and peak current of each colour
While the VLB-5X is normally only used at night it is possible to operate the beacon during the day
using a different intensity setting than is used at night.
2.2 Automatic Schmidt Clausen Correction
When a light is flashed, the intensity must be increased to maintain the lights visibility at the
required distance. This increase of intensity is the “peak” intensity for the flash character. The
VLB-5X automatically handles this process according to the Schmidt Clausen multiplier for LED
lights: (Flash period in seconds+0.2)/Flash period in seconds

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The VLB-5X beacon will not operate above its maximum candela capability. When programming a
flash character the user should check that the peak candela required for a flash character at the
required range is below the maximum intensity. The VLB-5X will cap the intensity at the maximum
candela allowed, reducing the range of the light.

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3.0 Mechanical Description
3.1 Construction
The common parts of the VLB-5X are the beacon head, the
base, and the connecting seal.
The stand-alone (SA) model consists of these 3 parts and
has a 1.5 metre 3 core cable fitted to provide the power
connection for the beacon. This cable also contains the
wire for the sync signal.
The standard solar (SS) and large solar (LS1 and LS2)
self-contained models have the solar power system
consisting of solar panel assembly and battery.
The plastic body and base of the VLB-5X beacon is made
from nylon and has a 30 percent glass fill. The coloured
top of the beacon is made from ASA plastic. The lens is
moulded from optical grade acrylic.
The VLB-5X LED beacon is assembled and sealed using
self-tapping fasteners into the glass filled nylon parts. This
assembly method is not designed for frequent disassembly
and reassembly of the beacon. There should be no need
to disassemble the beacon other than to change the
battery once or twice during the beacon’s lifetime.
Disassembly of the beacon should be kept to a minimum to
ensure the proper sealing.
Beacon head
Base
VLB-5X-SA Stand Alone
VLB-5X-SS Standard Solar
Seal
VLB-5X-LS2 Large Solar
Solar Body
VLB
-
5X
-
LS1
Large Solar
Battery
Battery
Solar Body

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3.2 Solar Body Breather Vent
The solar body has been fitted with a membrane vent to allow pressure equalization, and to
release any hydrogen gas that may build up from the battery. The membrane vent is located at the
top of the body behind one of the solar panels. The vent should not be tampered with as any
damage may cause water to enter the battery compartment.
3.3 Sealing
The beacon is sealed against the ingress of moisture, dust, insects and other environmental
contaminants. Because the beacon does not need to be opened for programming, these seals can
remain undisturbed for extended periods. If the power pack is opened for inspection or to change
the battery, do not let any water accumulate in the battery compartment.
4.0 Electrical
4.1 Electrical Connections
There are four connectors at the bottom of the VLB-5X
lantern. These are used to connect the battery/power
supply, solar panels, data port, sync wire, and monitor
wire. What connectors are used on any VLB-5X Beacon
will depend on the options ordered.
There should be no need for the user to access these
connections other than when a battery is being replaced
on the self-contained units.
Details of the electrical connections are provided in
Appendix F.
5.0 Battery Charging on VLB-5X SS and LS Beacons
The solar charger in the VLB-5X beacon monitors the temperature and the voltage and will charge
the batteries when the voltage level at the solar panels exceeds the voltage of the battery.
Protection is provided to prevent the overcharging of the battery.
The solar charger is designed for the lead crystal battery. The battery on the VLB-5X has been
specifically designed for the mounting configuration used in the VLB-5X. If a replacement battery
is required please obtain the correct battery from Vega or one of Vega’s distributors. Other
batteries may cause damage to the beacon.
SECTION 2 SETTING UP AND USING THE VLB-5X BEACON
1.0 Getting Started
•If using a self-contained model check there is sufficient solar energy at the location to
support the range and flash character (see Appendix E). Alternatively use the selector
program on the Vega website www.vega-navigation.com under “Calculators”
•For self-contained models change the operating mode from “storage” to “normal”
•Program the beacon (Section 4).
•Fit the bird deterrents (Clause 7)
•Install the VLB-5X LED marine beacon (Clause 7)
•Check the beacon is working (Section 3)
2.0 Solar Calculations
If the solar calculations are being done manually, it is necessary to determine the energy
contribution for each solar panel taking into account the azimuth and inclination angles. Examples