SX-16 Nightsun
®
Searchlight System
Maintenance Manual
Document 031734-1/Revision A
031734-1 Revision B
January 27, 2014
•
During preflight tests on the ground, make sure that the beam is directed away from nearby
people and flammable materials. Make sure to tell people not to look at or to walk through the
Searchlight beam.
•
For Searchlight adjustments that require visual observation of the light beam, always wear
dark glasses that are equivalent to welding safety glasses, shade 3.
•
To avoid potential impact to eyes from reflected light, never operate the Searchlight in dense
fog or while the aircraft is flying in clouds.
2.1.4
Required Protective Equipment and Clothing
The gas pressure inside the xenon arc lamp makes the lamp a potential explosion hazard. Use the
following safety equipment and wear the following protective clothing when exposed to a bare xenon
arc lamp (for example, when working around the Searchlight head with the front lens removed from
the Searchlight):
•
Dark green safety glasses (welding safety glasses, shade 3), such as the Uvex Genesis
(S3207
•
Clear safety glasses and face shield, such as the Aerosite/Uvex Highflyer 9177
•
Cut-resistant safety gloves (8A38998)
•
A long-sleeve, heavy leather jacket.
•
A non-flammable target at which to aim the light beam during adjustments (do not use wood,
cardboard, plastic, cloth, or paper as a target); there are two acceptable target types:
o
A piece of sheet metal that is 0.032” to 0.125” (0.7 mm to 3 mm) thick and
approximately 3 feet (1 m) across painted with a high temperature resistant black (or
dark brown) paint on one side and white (or light colored) high temperature resistant
paint on the other side. The high temperature resistant paint should be resistant to
500° F (260° C). Barbecue or automotive exhaust manifold paint works well. The
target should be well supported by a stand that is non-flammable. During use, it will
become very hot and should not be handled until it has cooled. A fan can be used to
cool the target.
o
A woven aluminum air-handling filter (the washable type used to catch cooking
grease in over the grill venting systems.) If the filter is painted black, it can be an
effective fireproof lamp target. Its large surface area helps to keep it cool. You can
use a fan to help cool the target.
2.1.5
Trained Operators and Maintenance Personnel
Only trained staff with FAA certification should maintain the Searchlight. Furthermore, all installation,
maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs should be performed only by experienced technicians who
have skill and knowledge about aircraft airframes and electrical systems.
•
Because the SX-16 Nightsun
®
is subject to vibration in its normal operating environment, the
hardware used for system attachment requires positive locking features such as locknuts and
lockwire.
•
The SX-16 Nightsun
®
contains parts that users can maintain and replace; however, there are
no factory approved processes for rebuilding any worn parts; they must be replaced. If you
have questions about what is and what is not repairable, please contact Spectrolab Customer
Service.
2.1.6
Handling Precautions
Do not lift the SX-16 Nightsun
®
using locations that are not designed to bear the weight or strain of
being lifted.
•
During inspection, cleaning, and maintenance, do not grasp the Gimbal motors or the
connector interfaces on the Gimbal or Searchlight to lift it. Instead, use the handle on the
back of the Searchlight, or lift the Gimbal Arm itself (Figure 1).
Source: Spectrolab, Inc.
3
The document reference is online, please check the correspondence between the online documentation and the printed version.
