Vega Industries VLB-44 Instructions Manual - page 16
Vega VLB-44 Lantern
25 Jan 2011 - Rev 9
Installation - VLB-44-2.5 in a Lighthouse
The physical installation at a lighthouse is the same as for a structure. Leveling is especially
critical as the vertical divergence (beam spread) is very narrow and the light may not project in
the direction of the mariner (an out of level lantern will project the light beam into the sky or into
the water). A “lighthouse” is defined as a rock-solid structure unaffected by wind and wave
action. The VLB-44-2.5 is not suitable on single or multi-pile structures, or any structure with
significant movement by wave or wind.
Wiring is critical to ensure adequate voltage at the lantern. Lighthouses generally use multi-
tiered lanterns and will use a significant amount of current. Expect the VLB-44 to use up to 1.25
amps per tier. Therefore, an 8 tier lantern will have a maximum current consumption of 10 amps.
Voltage drop between the battery and lantern shall not exceed 0.35 volts. Use of a low voltage
drop kit to increase the wire size between the lantern and charge controller, CAT V Load Center
or Solar Distribution Box may be necessary. To prevent excessive voltage drop, keep the wire
run between the junction box and the lantern as short as possible (2-3 feet). Consult with the Solar
Design Manual, COMDT M16500.24 or our website for wire sizing calculations, or contact
COMDT (CG-432A) for assistance.
The operating current of the VLB-44 may be lower than the operating current of the lantern it
replaced. If using a SACII or SACIII to monitor the main light, the SACII/SACIII will have to be
adjusted if the operating current of the VLB-44 is below 1.5 amps (see the programming section
for additional info regarding the daylight control and daytime intensity setting). Technical Data
Sheet 96-03 (
http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg4/cg432/2a_technicaldatasheets.asp
) details the procedure
to adjust the SAC. Note: 1.25 amps per tier is the maximum current consumed by the VLB-44.
Selecting an intensity other than the maximum intensity for the number of tiers used will result in
lantern current being lower than 1.25 amps per tier. Either measure the lantern current with a
digital volt/amp meter, use the VLB-44 current calculator (available from CG-432A), or contact
COMDT (CG-432A).
The VLB-44 can not be used with color sectors. White LED light does not contain as much red
(or green) light as does white light from an incandescent source. Placing a red or green filter in
front of a white LED light will result in an unacceptably low amount of colored light on the far
side of the filter.
The effective intensity of any light signal in a lantern room is reduced by 12% when it passes
through clear glass or acrylic. Be sure to account for this reduction when calculating the effective
intensity, luminous and nominal ranges of the aid.
Power System
Most VLB-44 installations will be wired as self-regulating systems (minor aids that don’t use a
Solar Charge Controller (SCC) or Range Power Box (RPB)). Lighthouses and some installations
in northern latitudes and/or multiple tiers may require a more significant power system. Consult
with the standard aid drawings to determine the proper layout and wiring of components:
http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg4/cg432/drawings_2a.asp
. The power system shall be sized using the
solar design spreadsheets available at
http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg4/cg432/publications.asp
.
Assistance is available from COMDT (CG-432A).
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