Vega PEL-4 User manual

PEL-4 LED Precision Sector Light
All Horizontal Divergence Models
Installation, Operation and Programming Manual
IMPORTANT If oscillating boundary has been installed, remove temporary packers
from inside of PEL-4 before first use.
CAUTION The PEL-4 is a source of bright light. Do not stare directly into the beam
from close range. Observe all warnings and guidelines in this instruction manual.
PEL-4 Product Manual
Available colour range Red, Green or White
Available models 3.5D, 5D, 10D
Sector number & sub tenses Custom
Software version 2.2.9+
Product version 3.00
Manual version 1.06
Date released August 2018
V G A I N D U S T R I S L I M I T D

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Manual quick reference
PEL-4 LED Versions by release date and serial number
WHIT L D
L D Version Release Date Serial Number
480 December 2016 405-00000010
VEGA INDUSTRIES LIMITED
21 Heriot Drive, Porirua 5022, New Zealand
Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]
-mail: [e-mail]; website: http://www.vega.co.nz
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.
Manual
Revision
Description of Change Date manual
released
Software
version
PEL-4 Serial
number
1.00 Initial release. December 2016 2.2.0 405-00000010
1.01 Updated Dataport I/O levels December 2016 2.2.0 405-00000010
1.02 Updated performance figures,
maintenance recommendations
and other minor corrections for
product version 2.0. Monitoring
tags adjusted for interfacing to
AIS & Vegaweb. rror logging
feature added. Improved current
logging data.
March 2017 2.2.3+ 405-00000100
1.03 Updated specification table Nov 2017 2.2.7+ 400-00000140
1.04 Added 3.5D specification table June 2018 2.2.8+ 400-00000160
1.05 Added 3.5D mounting information
and factory default reset codes.
June 2018 2.2.8+ 400-00000160
1.06 Updated monitoring data units for
better VegaAIS compatibility.
Updated flash compensation
mode to support latest IALA -
200-4 2017 Rec by default.
Incomplete emergency mode
deprecated.
Corrected programming
instructions to describe colour
intensity programming.
August 2018 2.2.9+

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Table of contents
1.0 Introduction to the PEL-4 Precision LED Sector Light. ....................................... 5
1.1 Overview ................................................................................................................... 5
1.2 Quick-start Guide ...................................................................................................... 6
1.3 Automatic Flash Compensation ................................................................................ 7
1.4 P L-4 Intensity Specification .................................................................................... 7
2.0 Electrical Connection ............................................................................................. 9
2.1 Power Connection ..................................................................................................... 9
2.2 Hardwire Sync Connection ........................................................................................ 9
2.3 DataPort .................................................................................................................... 9
3.0 Mounting and Alignment ...................................................................................... 11
3.1 Mounting ................................................................................................................. 11
3.2 Alignment ................................................................................................................ 12
4.0 Programming ......................................................................................................... 13
4.1 Programming Syntax ............................................................................................... 14
4.2 Visual Feedback when Using the TVIR Programmer .............................................. 14
4.3 If the P L-4 will not enter Programming Mode ........................................................ 15
4.4 Becoming Familiar with the Programming Syntax and Flash Feedback ................. 15
4.5 Deciding which Settings are required ...................................................................... 17
4.6 Programming or Reading Multiple Settings ............................................................. 17
5.0 Normal, Automatic Operating Mode .................................................................... 18
5.1 Flash Character ....................................................................................................... 18
5.2 Custom Flash Character ......................................................................................... 19
5.3 Day/Night Automatic Operation of the P L-4 .......................................................... 19
5.4 Night & Day Intensity Settings ................................................................................. 20
5.5 Synchronising Options ............................................................................................ 21
5.6 Battery Thresholds .................................................................................................. 22
6.0 Performing System Checks ................................................................................. 22
7.0 Setting a Security PIN Number ............................................................................ 24
8.0 Flash Character Modes ......................................................................................... 25
8.1 Flash Compensation Modes ................................................................................... 25
8.1.1 IALA -200-4 2017 ffective Intensity Mode (Default) ................................. 25
8.1.2 Peak Intensity During the Flash Mode .......................................................... 26
9. Remote Control Operation ................................................................................... 27
9.1 nabling Remote Control Operation ....................................................................... 27

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9.2 Remote Control Inputs ............................................................................................ 27
9.2.1 Hard-wired Input Control Programming ........................................................ 28
9.2.2 Hard-wired Input Level Settings Programming ............................................. 28
9.3 Serial Remote Control Interface .............................................................................. 29
9.4 Serial Remote Control Mode Changes .................................................................... 30
9.5 Simultaneous Use of Remote Control Hardwired Inputs and Serial Interface ......... 30
10.0 Routine Maintenance ............................................................................................ 32
10.1 Maintenance Cleaning ............................................................................................ 32
10.2 Inspection check ..................................................................................................... 32
Appendix A Programming Table ................................................................................ 33
Appendix A.1 Generic TVIR Programming Commands .................................................. 33
Appendix A.2 Remote Control Input Level Settings ........................................................ 41
Appendix A.3 Factory Default Reset Commands ............................................................ 42
Appendix B Intensity Settings and Currents ............................................................. 44
Appendix B.1 3.5D Models .............................................................................................. 44
Appendix B.2 5D Models ................................................................................................. 46
Appendix B.3 10D Models ............................................................................................... 48
Appendix C PEL-4 Dimensions by Model .................................................................. 50
Appendix D Specifications of PEL-4 .......................................................................... 53
Appendix E Flash Character Table with Programming Codes ................................ 55
Appendix F Serial Interface Commands .................................................................... 59

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1.0 INTRODUCTION TO THE PEL-4 PRECISION LED SECTOR LIGHT.
1.1 Overview
The Vega P L-4 Precision L D Sector Light (P L-4 ) is a highly energy-efficient marine
sector light projector. The P L-4 is available in a range of horizontal divergences to cover
many applications. The sectors of the P L-4 can be customised in number and sub-tense
for a specific application.
The P L-4 typically projects up to three colours in a custom arrangement from one to
seven sectors, using high intensity L D technology to produce white light. The red and
green sectors are generated through coloured filters. On request, the white sector(s) can
be reduced in intensity to match the intensity of the red and green sectors.
The P L-4 complies with the IALA Recommendations -200-1 Marine Signal Lights
(Colours), -200-2 Marine Signal Lights (Luminous Range), -200-3 Marine Signal Lights
(Measurement), and -200-4 Marine Signal Lights (Determination & Calculation of
ffective Intensity).
The power supply has been designed to operate using a nominal 12 VDC or 24 VDC
power supply. The full input voltage operating range is 10V to 30V.
Introducing L D technology also means regular maintenance such as the need to change
lamps on a six-monthly basis has been eliminated.. The L D has been mounted onto a
specially-designed cassette so that if the L D is replaced or upgraded at a future date, the
replacement cassette will guarantee precise optical alignment with no special effort.
If an oscillating boundary is fitted, it is operated by a stepper motor and controller. The
motor is sealed and self-lubricating and there is no gearbox, thereby eliminating any need
for regular maintenance of these parts.
The rear cover is sealed with silicone o-rings for maximum security in harsh environments.
It is not recommended that the rear cover be opened on a regular basis. If it is opened,
then the silicone o-rings should be replaced to ensure a quality seal.
The P L-4 has been designed with many features to allow the user to set up the operation
for a specific site. These features are programmable using the Vega Remote infrared
programmer (TVIR programmer ). A TVIR programmer is provided with each P L-4. The
unit will be delivered with the operator’s specified settings. Details on how to re-program
the P L-4 are available in a later section of this manual.
The flash character and range required from the P L-4 must be supported by the power
supply it is connected to. Increasing the range or the duty cycle of the P L-4 might require
provision of a larger power-supply, solar panel or battery capacity. Information is provided
in this manual to enable operator power consumption calculations. Vega’s solution
engineers or the local Vega distributor can assist in calculating these figures with respect
to the flash character and range. As a result of specifying a power supply too small for the
load of the P L-4, intermittent operation will occur due to low battery voltage setting.
Additional options available include an external GPS module (VSU-29) to allow the P L-4
to synchronize (sync) with other lights, and an interface to the VegaAIS and VegaWeb
monitoring products. The P L-4 has a hardwire sync option as standard and this can be

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connected to any Vega-compatible sync source operating from the same power supply
voltage as the P L-4.
To begin using the P L-4, the power will need to be connected. The P L-4 has been pre-
programmed for the flash character, effective intensity, and any other features required at
the time of sale.
1.2 Quick-start Guide
This guide provides simple steps to begin operation of the P L-4.
 Open the rear cover and remove all protective packers which are used for shipping
 Connect power to the P L-4: nominal 12V or 24V supplies are suitable. Brown or
red is positive, blue or black is negative.
 The P L-4 will have been shipped from the factory with the operator’s required
settings. Therefore, 30 seconds after power-up, the P L-4 should be operating as
required
 If the operator required remote control settings, then the P L-4 might not activate
until external wiring and correct voltages have been completed for the dataport.
Remote control settings can be disabled if necessary for bench testing – refer to
Appendix A.2.
 The P L-4 will start in night mode and will begin monitoring the level of daylight.
The detection of night or day can be controlled by gently covering or exposing the
infrared and daylight sensor with a cloth. The location of the sensor is shown by the
red circle in the following diagram:
 After power-up, the P L-4 will begin to monitor for the low battery threshold (factory
setting 11 Volts or 22 Volts, for 12V and 24V systems, respectively). If the input
voltage falls below the threshold, then the P L-4 will turn off. The P L-4 will not
return to normal operation again until the battery charges to above 13.0 Volts or
26.0 Volts (for 12V or 24V systems, respectively).
 Light output can be reviewed by placing a screen (such as a piece of cardboard) in
front of the lens. At close range ( less than 50m) this image will be out of focus,

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however it will be useful for indicating significant intensity changes and verifying the
oscillating boundary function.
1.3 Automatic Flash Compensation
The P L-4 is programmed for effective intensity. The effective intensity is automatically
compensated according to IALA -200-4 to maintain a constant visible range regardless of
the flash character selected.
For rectangular flash characters the -200-4 2017 Modified Allard algorithm resolves to
the Schmidt-Clausen algorithm shown here. Where each flash on period (f) within a total
flash character is compensated by a factor (SC) according to its individual duration, as per:
SC = (f + a)/f
For the default compensation compliant with -200-4 2017, during night, the applied flash
compensation formula uses the Schmidt-Clausen constant of a=0.1s. During the day
a=0.1s is always used.
For the alternative -200-4 2008 algorithm, during night, the applied flash compensation
formula uses the Schmidt-Clausen constant of a=0.2s. During the day a=0.1s is always
used.
When flash compensation is disabled, a = 0, in the above formula, meaning that SC = 1.0.
The P L-4 has the full range of Vega flash characters available, plus a custom character
that can be defined by the operator. If oscillating boundaries are required, then it is
recommended to usea fixed character, or a character with a long-duration flash-on (such
as an occulting character) to avoid confusing the observer.
1.4 PEL-4 Intensity Specification
The P L-4 is programmed for the required colour (red/green) effective intensity in
Candela. The white intensity will depend on the model of P L-4. If the P L-4 is a Uniform
White model then the white intensity will be approximately the same as (but never less
than) the programmed colour intensity. If the P L-4 is a Bright White model then the white
intensity will be considerably greater than the programmed colour intensity (typically 3
times to 4 times brighter). The precise colour to white intensity relationships are described
in the tables in Appendix B and current consumption data is provided for each intensity
setting shown.
The P L-4 is capable of operating in fixed character up to and including its maximum
intensity setting shown in the table.
Example 1 How to calculate the P L-4 fixed character intensity setting and to calculate
the current consumption.
A P L-4 is set to fixed character and a colour intensity setting of 200,000 candela is
required. Identify the appropriate value in the white intensity column, and read the
corresponding (colour intensity) value from the Prog Code column. This Prog Code should
be used in the intensity programming sequence for the P L-4, using the TVIR Remote02.
Similarly, the continuous P L-4 optical current drawn at this intensity will be read from the
Current column. The P L-4 overhead currents shown at the bottom of the table can be
added to the optical value to obtain a final consumption figure. The red and green
intensities in candela can also be read from their respective columns.

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Note that the table only contains examples taken from the very wide range of intensity
values available from the P L-4. Any intensity can be programmed in 1 candela steps
between the minimum value shown in the table (the lowest value above zero) and the
maximum value in the table.
Example 2 How to calculate the P L-4 flashing character intensity setting and to
calculate the current consumption.
For a P L-4 set with an ISO 4s flash character and a desired white effective intensity of
100,000 candela, the table in Appendix B should be consulted twice:
 Read off the nearest intensity to the desired effective intensity and consult the Prog
Code column. Use this value as a guide for how to program the effective intensity.
For example, the nearest intensity to 100,000 is 120,400. The Prog Code for this
value is 120 400, so the Prog Code for 100,000 candela will be 100 000. Program
the P L-4 with this intensity using the instructions in Appendix A.
 Calculate the peak intensity for the above settings: The -200-4 2017 flash
compensation at night will be 1.05, meaning that the white peak intensity required
from the P L-4 will be 100,000 * 1.05 = 105,000 candela. Comparing this white
peak intensity figure with the white maximum intensity figure in the table shows that
the P L-4 is capable of generating this character+intensity specification. The peak
current consumption for this white peak intensity figure can be read off from the
table using the nearest intensity value or by linearly interpolating between two
adjacent values. The average current consumption can then be calculated by
applying the flash character duty cycle to the peak current and adding the P L-4
overhead currents from the bottom of the table.
The P L-4 will not output intensity above its maximum candela capability shown in the
table.
The P L-4 L D is protected from over-temperature which could be caused by excessive
environmental conditions or covering of the heatsink. The internal L D temperature is
monitored to automatically compensate for the effects of heat on the output intensity and
to also protect the L D in the case of an over-temperature condition.
The P L-4 will output the intensity it has been programmed in ambient temperatures
between -30°C and +50°C at fixed character and maximum intensity.
At ambient temperatures exceeding +50°C (including the effects of solar heating of the
P L-4), the P L-4 will reduce its output intensity to protect the L D. The P L-4 will not
abruptly turn off if over-temperature conditions are encountered but will gradually turn
down the intensity until, and if, a severe over-temperature condition occurs.
Therefore, the P L-4 will continue to operate up to an equivalent ambient temperature of
+85°C, at which the L D will be extinguished. At this point an over-temperature alarm
condition will be signaled by the P L-4.
Once the L D temperature has reduced below a safe threshold, the L D will be turned on
again.

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2.0 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
2.1 Power Connection
The P L-4 is designed to work from a nominal supply voltage of 12VDC or 24VDC.
If the supply is connected in reverse, the P L-4 will not operate. However, the P L-4 will
not be damaged as it is protected from reverse polarity.
Power connection details are shown below:
Wire Colour
Function
Comment
Brown
or Red
Vin +
+10VDC to +
30
VDC
Blue
or Black
Vin
–
0V
2.2 Hardwire Sync Connection
The hardwire sync (green wire from the Dataport) operates as a positive to negative
transition. The hardwire sync and a common ground pair can be connected between
several Vega beacons that operate from the same power supply voltage. This inter-
connection will result in the beacons and P L-4 flash characters being synchronized.
The start of the P L-4 flash character can be delayed between 0 and 9.9 seconds from the
sync edge should it be desirable to have a different start time to that of other beacons
connected to the synchronising wire.
Other beacon manufacturers may not use a negative transition signal and in such cases
the third-party sync signal will not be able to synchronise the P L-4. If there is a
requirement for the P L-4 to synchronise to another manufacturer’s beacon that uses
positive synchronization, then enquire with Vega whether a sync converter option might be
available.
2.3 DataPort
The dataport option provides the following interface connections:
 Serial interface (RS232 levels by default, RS485 on request);
 Remote Control/Traffic Light hardwired inputs;
 P L-4 status hardwired outputs.
 Sync (bidirectional signal).
The dataport pin-out and cable colour-code are described in the following table.

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Pin
Colour
Signal
Direction
Description
1
Cyan
Signal
Ground
Ground
A polyfuse
-
protected common signal ground.
2 Pink Beacon OK Output Grounded (positive sink) when P L-4 is
operating normally with no alarm condition.
Open-circuit when an alarm is present or
when power is removed.
3 Grey AIS Beacon
Fail
Output Grounded (positive sink) when P L-4 has an
alarm condition or when power is removed.
lectrically separate but logically identical to
Beacon Fail signal.
4
Green
Sync
Bidi
Vega hard
-
wired sync.
5 White Beacon Fail Output Grounded (positive sink) when P L-4 has an
alarm condition or when power is removed.
lectrically separate but logically identical to
AIS Beacon Fail signal.
6 Blue Beacon On Output Grounded (positive sink) when P L-4 is
active. Open-circuit otherwise, or when power
is removed.
7
Yellow
Transmit
Output
Serial transmit output from the
P L
-
4
.
8
Brown
N/A
N/A
Not used.
9
Violet
Receive
Input
Serial receive input to the
P L
-
4
.
10 Red On/Off Input Remote Control or Traffic Light input. Its
behaviour and
polarity is user
-
programmable.
11
Black
Signal Ground
Ground
A polyfuse
-
protected common signal ground.
12 Orange Day/Night Input Remote Control or Traffic Light input. Its
behaviour and polarity is user
-
programmable.
The Beacon Fail and AIS Beacon Fail outputs are polyfuse-protected to 300mA maximum
current.
All other outputs, excluding the serial connections, are polyfuse-protected to 750mA
maximum current.
All hardwired inputs, excluding sync, have a 4V threshold with respect to signal ground. An
internal pull-up is permanently enabled. Do not attempt to use the internal input pull-up to
control external devices.
With the exception of the serial connections, all inputs and outputs should be limited to
30V operation with respect to signal ground.
The serial interface connections should be limited to ±7V with respect to signal ground and
are polyfuse-protected to 100mA.
The serial interface defaults to 115.2kbaud, 8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit (8N1).

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3.0 MOUNTING AND ALIGNMENT
3.1 Mounting
A typical P L-4 mounting plate is shown in the following figure. The mounting holes are
designed for M12 or half-inch bolts at 120 degree-spacing on a 286mm Pitch Circle
Diameter (PCD).
PEL-4 5D & 10D Models’ Mounting Bracket – Plan View
PEL-4 3.5D Model’s Mounting Brackets – Plan View

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3.2 Alignment
The P L-4 mounting bracket provides a few degrees of horizontal angle adjustment prior
to tightening the M12 bolts through it.
The P L-4 includes an M12 elevation adjustment screw beneath the barrel, as shown in
the following diagrams.

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IMPORTANT
Before attempting to use the TVIR
programmer for the first time, please pull
the plastic insulating strip out of the battery
holder – you do not need to remove the
battery holder to do this.
The TVIR programmer will not work if the
plastic strip is left in place.
4.0 PROGRAMMING
The P L-4 can be programmed using the TVIR programmer (shown below).
The infrared receiver for programming the P L-4 is located in the programming and
daylight sensor projecting from the connector face of the P L-4 mainframe (indicated by
the red markings in the following diagrams). For best results when programming, direct the
TVIR programmer at this part of the P L-4. Refer to Appendix A for operating the TVIR
Programmer.
Location of the PEL-4 Programming Infrared Receiver and Daylight Detector
Location of the PEL-4 Programming Infrared Receiver and Daylight Detector
Red standby key,
used to enter
Numeric keypad,
used to
configure the
programmable
features of the

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4.1 Programming Syntax
Reading or writing parameters with the TVIR programmer involves entering a sequence of
numbers on the keypad. The programming syntax is: OP RATION F ATUR [VALU ]
Note: - the VALU parameter is only required when writing data to the P L-4.
There are four OP RATIONs:
Programming Operation 1
System Information Operation 3
Special & PIN codes Operation 7
Read settings Operation 9
The F ATUR parameter represents the feature of the P L-4 to be read or written such
as flash character or intensity.
The VALU parameter is the new value to set the selected F ATUR to.
For example, the sequence 9 8 reads the low battery threshold (operation 9 = read setting,
feature 8 = low battery threshold).
Appendix A of this manual provides a Table for the programming features of the P L-4.
Please take the time to become familiar with the table before continuing.
4.2 Visual Feedback when Using the TVIR Programmer
The P L-4 will provide visual feedback of the programming instructions it receives from
the TVIR programmer. This feedback is provided to confirm that TVIR commands have
been received correctly and therefore ensures the P L-4 is programmed correctly. The
visual feedback is provided by a green L D inside the infrared/daylight sensor projecting
from the P L-4 mainframe connector surface. During programming, the main L D is
extinguished.
The programming visual feedback is summarised below:
Programmer Keys P L-4 response
nter Programming Mode
(b
y pressing red standby key for 5 seconds
)
4 quick flashes (0.1sec on 0.1sec off).
Numeric key when programming 1 flash for each key pressed
When programming sequence recognised The 3 or 4 digit value code is output
using a series of flashes of 0.1sec on
and 0.1sec off with a gap of 0.5sec
between each number of the code. A
zero is represented by a 2 second on
flash.
When programming sequence is not
recognised
3 quick flashes (0.1sec on 0.1sec off)
The P L-4 will remain in programming
mode waiting for a new programming
instruction.

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Programmer Keys P L-4 response
xiting Programming mode
No programming activity for 10 Seconds
The P L-4 will give two quick flashes
followed by a short pause followed by
another two quick flashes.
After this the P L-4 will resume normal
operation.
4.3 If the PEL-4 will not enter Programming Mode
If you find the P L-4 will not enter the programming mode, it could be caused by several
reasons such as:
 The battery in the TVIR Programmer is missing, or the plastic battery insulator has
not been removed, or the battery has low voltage.
 There is no 12VDC or 24VDC supply connected to the P L-4.
If the PEL-4 enters programming mode but rejects all commands that would change
its settings, then it requires a security PIN to be entered by the operator to allow
programming. Refer to Section 7 and Appendix A.
4.4 Becoming Familiar with the Programming Syntax and Flash Feedback
If you have not used the TVIR Programmer before, spend some time learning how the
P L-4 will respond to the various programming actions. Make sure the P L-4 is
connected to a power supply and experiment with the following.
nter and xit Program mode:
1. nter program mode
Press the red standby button for 5
seconds
The P L-4 will give 4 quick flashes to
indicate it has entered programming mode
2. xit program mode
Leave the programmer idle for 10
seconds
The P L-4 will give two quick flashes
followed by a short pause followed by
another two quick flashes.
After this the P L-4 will resume normal
operation.
Program the Low Battery Threshold:
Referring to Appendix A it can be seen that the low battery threshold is feature 8. The
three digit value that is read or written is the threshold voltage * 10.
Operation = Programming = 1
Feature = Low Battery Threshold = 8
Value = New Value = 105 (i.e. 10.5 Volts)
The sequence to program this threshold is therefore 1 8 105
1 nter programming mode
Press the red standby button for 5
seconds
The P L-4 will give 4 quick flashes to
indicate it has entered programming mode
2. nter the programming sequence for
writing the low battery threshold (1 8 105)
The P L-4 will flash once each time a key
on the programmer is operated.
When the sequence is completed and
accepted the P L-4 will repeat the value
105 in a series of flashes. One quick flash
followed by a 0.5sec gap followed by a 2
second flash (for zero)
followed by a 0.5

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second gap followed by
five quick
flash
es
3 xit programming mode
Leave the programmer idle for 10
seconds
The P L-4 will give two quick flashes
followed by a short pause followed by
another two quick flashes.
After this it wil
l resume
normal operation.
After completing this exercise, be sure to set the low battery threshold back to your desired
value (the default is 11.0V, i.e. 110). All configuration settings are stored in PROM so
switching the power on or off will not reset these values.
Create a programming error by attempting to program an out of range value:
This time try to program the high battery threshold to an invalid value. Referring to
Appendix A it can be seen that the high battery threshold is feature 8, and the valid range
is 12.0 to 18.0VDC.
Operation = Programming = 1
Feature = High Battery Threshold = 9
Value = New Value = 100 (i.e. 10.0 Volts)
The sequence to program this threshold is therefore 1 9 100
1. nter programming mode
Press the red standby button for 5
seconds
The P L-4 will give 4 quick flashes to
indicate it has entered programming mode
2. nter the programming sequence for
the Operation Mode (15003)
The P L-4 will flash once each time a key
on the programmer is operated.
When the sequence is completed the
command will be rejected and an error
indicated by 3 quick flashes.
The P L-4 will then return to programming
mode and is ready for a new instruction.
3. xit programming mode
Leave the programmer idle for 10
seconds
The P L-4 will give two quick flashes
followed by a short pause followed by
another two quick flashes.
After this the P L-4 will resume normal
operation.
Reading System Information
Referring to Appendix A it can be seen that the battery voltage can be read from the
System Checks (feature 3), feature 1. The value that is returned is the battery voltage * 10
(three digits):
Operation = System Checks = 3
Feature = Battery Voltage = 1
The sequence to read the battery voltage is therefore 3 1
1. nter programming mode
Press the red standby button for 5
seconds
The P L-4 will give 4 quick flashes to
indicate it has entered programming mode
2. nter the programming sequence
for the information (31)
The P L-4 will flash once each time a key
on the programmer is operated.
When the sequence is completed and

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accepted the P L-4 will provide the
voltage level in a series of flashes
(12.3VDC). One quick flash followed by a
0.5sec gap followed by 2 quick flashes
followed by a 0.5 second gap followed by
two quick flashes.
3. xit programming mode
Leave the programmer idle for 10
seconds
The P L-4 will give two quick flashes
followed by a short pause followed by
another two quick flashes.
After this the P L-4 will resume normal
opera
tion.
4.5 Deciding which Settings are required
Since the P L-4 is delivered from the factory with operator-specified settings, it is unlikely
to be necessary to reprogram any settings. The “Read Settings” feature can be used to
note the values already programmed.
4.6 Programming or Reading Multiple Settings
In the examples above, the P L-4 was allowed to time-out of programming mode after
reading or writing each parameter. This is not necessary as multiple parameters can be
read and written in one programming sequence.

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5.0 NORMAL, AUTOMATIC OPERATING MODE
The operation mode setting is the master mode setting of the P L-4. It controls whether
the P L-4 is operational or in storage mode and how the P L-4 responds to detected fault
conditions.
There are two normal, automatic operation modes:
 Fail-safe, in which the P L-4 will operate automatically and will turn off if it detects
an internal fault, or;
 Best-effort (this is the default), in which the P L-4 will operate automatically and will
attempt to continue operating if it detects an internal fault.
When the P L-4 detects an internal fault, it will always set the alarm output, irrespective of
whether it is set to fail-safe or best-effort modes. In best-effort mode, in some fault cases it
will not be possible for the P L-4 to continue operating. (For example, if the input voltage
drops below the low battery threshold then the P L-4 will turn off and signal an alarm,
even if its operation mode was Best-effort mode.)
To set the Operation Mode, follow this sequence:
Operation =Program (or read) = 1 (or 9)
Feature =Operation Mode = 5
Value =XXX
The normal operation mode values are shown in bold in the following table:
Normal, Automatic Operation
Modes
Value
Name
Description
001 Normal Mode – fail-safe P L-4 shuts down on fault
condition.
002 Normal Mode – best-effort
(default)
P L-4 attempts to continue on fault
condition.
Other operation modes are available, for example, for remote control via hardwire input or
serial command. These are described in the more advanced sections of this manual and
listed in Appendix A.
The P L-4 can be programmed over the serial interface of the Dataport. Appendix A
includes references to the serial interface commands that are equivalent to, or associated
with, the TVIR programmer commands. A detailed description of the serial interface
commands is provided in Appendix H.
The following sections describe programmable features and parameters that are
supported in normal, automatic mode.
5.1 Flash Character
Vega P L-4s are pre-programmed with 246 standard characters, each represented by a
three digit code (XYY). The first digit of the code represents a flash type – such as 1YY for
Isophase characters. If additional flash characters are required that are not included in the
standard set, these can be included if advised at time of order. These would then be
available for programming under User Character Type 9YY.

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Operation =Program (or read) =1 (or 9)
Feature =Flash Character =0
Value =Select from Appendix A =XYY
5.2 Custom Flash Character
A single ‘custom’ character can be programmed in raw time-counts for occasions when the
desired character is not included in the P L-4 pre-programmed set of standard characters.
To program the custom character, the details of the on and off periods of the flash
character has to be recorded in the P L-4 and then the flash character ‘999’ has to be
programmed (see the previous section for this last step).
The programming of a custom character has its own syntax and this needs to be followed
correctly to be able to program the character successfully:
Operation =Custom Character =2
Value =Code sequence for the character (Pairs of 3-digit On/Off values & ND
code)
The code sequence is entered in a series of 3 digit value-pairs representing an on period
and an off period. ach 3-digit value is a multiple of 0.05 seconds. The 3-digit code for a
1 second on or off period would be 020 (20 multiplied by 0.05 seconds is 1 second).
The following restrictions apply:
 The minimum period that can be programmed is 0.1 second or the code of 002.
 The maximum period that can be programmed is 12.75 seconds or the code of 255.
For longer periods than 12.75 seconds an ADD code can be entered
There are two special codes used as part of the custom character programming
 The ADD code to get on or off periods greater than 12.75 seconds = 001
 The ND code when the programming of the custom character is finished = 000
If an error occurs when entering a custom character, the P L-4 will flash the error code of
3 quick flashes.
Programming a custom character creates a flash character with code 999. To get the
P L-4 to use the custom character the value of 999 must be entered as the flash
character.
Some examples:
e.g.
Q 1s (0.3s) is programmed as:
2 – 006 014 000
Fl(5) 30s
4 x (1s, 1s), 1s, 21s is programmed as:
2 – 020 020 020 020 020 020 020 020 020 255 001 165 000
5.3 Day/Night Automatic Operation of the PEL-4
By default the P L-4 is fitted with a photocell day/night detector. The P L-4 automatically
detects day and night and can be configured to operate in any of the following ways:
 Night-only (set night intensity to the desired value and day intensity to zero)
 Day-only (set night intensity to zero and day intensity to the desired value)
 Night and Day (set night and day intensities to the desired values)

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The P L-4 is capable of outputting its full intensity range from minimum to maximum in
each of night and day operation. Additionally, one of night or day intensities can be set to
zero. There is no relationship user-programmed between the night and day intensity
values and any combination of valid values is programmable.
In normal automatic day/night mode, the P L-4 is continually sampling the daylight level.
The default construction of the P L-4 places the photocell inside the rear cover, obscuring
it from the intense light output of the P L-4. It is important to ensure that the rear cover is
not obscured from daylight if automatic day/night operation is required. The P L-4 will
transition from night to day operation, or vice versa, after three consecutive, filtered
daylight samples agree that the user-programmed Lux threshold has been reached. The
P L-4 will nominally respond to a light level change in thirty seconds, and will take slightly
longer if fixed character is selected.
There are 12 different day/night transition light levels allowing for a shorter or longer night.
Operation =Program (or read) = 1 (or 9)
Feature =Day/Night Control = 4
Value =Select from Appendix A =0YY
The first digit (0) of the Day/Night Control value should always be zero.
The YY digits of the Day/Night Control Value determine when the Day/Night transition
occurs. The lux levels of the twelve settings are detailed in Appendix A. The accuracy of
the light sensor is ±10%.
5.4 Night & Day Intensity Settings
The P L-4 allows separate programming of night and day intensities. The intensity range
offered by the P L-4 makes it practical to set the day intensity higher than the night
intensity in order to achieve similar day and night ranges in nautical miles. Zero is a valid
intensity setting. The programmable effective intensity settings are provided in Appendix B.
The P L-4 is programmable in effective intensity or in peak intensity during the flash.
When an effective intensity is programmed into the P L-4, the peak intensity is controlled
automatically for the selected flash character, using the default IALA -200-4 2017 flash
compensation algorithm, to maintain the required effective intensity. The operator needs to
confirm from Appendix B that for any combination of programmed effective intensity and
flash character that the P L-4’s maximum intensity specification is not exceeded.
An alternative flash compensation algorithm is available: IALA -200-4 2008. Refer to
Appendix A for how to program this alternative mode.
When a ‘peak intensity during the flash’ value is programmed into the P L-4 then no flash
compensation is calculated and the programmed intensity is used directly during the flash
on period. Refer to Appendix A for how to program this mode (i.e. no flash compensation).
To program night or day intensity using the TVIR Remote02:
Operation =Program (or read) =1 (or 9)
Feature =Intensity =1 for night intensity, 2 for day intensity
Value =Select from Appendix B =XXX XXX (6 digits)
(The 3-space-3 formatting of the six intensity digits in the example above and also in the
Appendix B tables is merely to aid in clarity).