Owner’s Manual | Model A704-5 Aviation Lighting System
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© 2008 Carmanah Technologies Corporation
Last revised: April 2008
5.2 Understanding the Controller
The A704-5 wireless controller is made of rugged aluminum with a sealed backlit keypad and a 900 MHz
transceiver. The wireless controller enables secure configuration and operation of the A704-5 light and is
designed to withstand water immersion.
The controller uses a tactile keypad interface and features the following capabilities:
Model A704-5 Light Control
The controller allows for wireless operation of all the functions available through the push button as well
as additional features. Light Control allows for the changing of light intensities, powering the light on/off
and flash pattern.
Grouping
The A704-5 controller allows A704-5 lights to be grouped for convenience, enabling configuration or
operation instructions to be sent to any of eight predefined subsets of A704-5 lights, or all A704-5 lights.
For example, a set of helipad lights can be configured as a group and therefore controlled independently
from lights on a main landing strip.
Unique Code Sequence (UCS)
The UCS feature allows one or more controllers to be uniquely associated to one or more A704-5 lights.
When UCS is enabled, the controller sends a UCS with each radio transmission; only lights configured to
accept that particular UCS will respond to the transmission. The UCS feature has several benefits:
1. Added security: in the event that a controller is stolen or lost, a new UCS can be configured between
the new controller and the lights. This prevents the stolen or lost controller from being used by
unauthorized persons to control the lights.
Independent operation: nearby installations of lights can be operated independently by different
controllers without interference. The A704-5 wireless system can operate at ranges up to 2.5 miles (4
km). For example, two islands, 1 mile (2 km) apart, could each have an airfield equipped with A704-5
lights. With UCS enabled, each island’s controller will only control the lights on its airfield.
To use UCS on an airfield, all lights must be configured for UCS. The system cannot
control UCS configured and non-UCS configured lights at the same time.
For more information on UCS, see section
5.8.3 Unique Code Sequence (UCS) Management
.
Battery Charge State and Charging
The controller is powered by an internal rechargeable battery. The battery charge is indicated by one of
three multicolored LEDs:
Green indicates 75% or greater charge
Amber indicates the charge level is between 50% and 74%
Red (solid) indicates that the battery level is below 50% and that the light soon requires recharging
Red (flashing) indicates the battery level is very low, and requires recharging immediately
A universal wall charger is included with each controller. It is strongly recommended that the controller be
allowed to fully charge before each use by plugging it into the wall charger. This will maximize the life of
the battery.
