Press
and hold 4 seconds. The lantern
LED will fade on or off to confirm your
setting change.
CHECKING BATTERY STATE OF CHARGE (SOC)
BATTERY CHARGING
MAINTENANCE
SPECIFICATIONS
FLASH CODES
RECYCLING
If the battery is < 30%, Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD) disables the LED, attempts to
charge the battery to a sustainable SOC. The LED is re-enabled once SOC is >30%.
8 1 0
or
Good battery
SOC > 75%
Charge battery
SOC 30 - 75%
Low battery
SOC < 30%, LVD Active
AUTOMATIC LIGHT CONTROL
During periods of sustained poor solar charging, Automatic Light Control (ALC) may
decrease LED intensity based on battery SOC and recent charging trends. When
solar charging returns to a sustainable level, ALC increases intensity back to the user
setting. ALC may be disabled to keep the lantern at a constant intensity.
Enable ALC:
8 0 1
Disable ALC:
8 0 0
In “on” mode, the M550 LED turns on at night and off during the day. In “off” mode, the
lantern charges in sunlight, but the LED remains off. When turned on again, the lantern
activates at its last programmed settings (1 minute preview for daytime activations).
Option 1: Switched Models
Set the switch to on or off
position
Option 2 : IR Programmer
Using the IR programmer, enter:
The batteries are best charged inside the lantern. The M550 can recharge 0 V or 0%
SOC batteries back to 100% SOC:
CAUTION
CAUTION
The M550 comes with 3x AA industrial-grade, high-temperature NiMH batteries. The
M550 will only operate with all 3x batteries installed correctly. The lantern remembers
its settings even when the batteries are removed.
Other rechargeable AA NiMH batteries will not void your warranty. However,
shock, vibration, temperature, and optical performance may be limited.
To install batteries:
1. Apply a thin coat of silicone lubricant to the large sealing
o-ring
2. Install batteries noting their polarity
3. Align top cover and assembly components; secure with
the provided screws. Do not over tighten!
BATTERY INSTALLATION
Do not use a battery charger with >370 mA charge rate. High charge rates
will over heat the batteries and cause internal damage.
Take care when charging using a lamp. Provide air circulation or a fan so that
lantern and batteries do not exceed max. temperature
CAUTION
Summer sunlight
8-12 hours
Winter sunlight
18-36 hours
60 W incandescent lamp
15-36 hours
Although the M550 is maintenance-free, performance gains can be made. Clean with
water and a soft sponge or cloth. A mild non-abrasive cleanser can be used for more
stubborn residue. Clean more frequently during drier months as dust accumulates more
quickly. Check the exterior and o-rings for cracks, missing or broken hardware.
•
If a lantern detects continuous dark for 24 hrs, it will disable the LED. Upon
sensing light, it will enable the LED and continue normal operation
•
Check the battery state of charge every 1 - 2 months and charge if required
•
High-grade NiMH batteries shipped with the M550 can be stored without any
charging for up to 12 months with no battery damage
STORAGE
TROUBLESHOOTING
Turn the lantern off to store. In switched models, set the switch to the “off” position. To
turn off using the IR programmer, press and hold
for 4 seconds.
TURNING ON/OFF
LED is off
during the
night
Batteries are very low and
lantern cannot turn on
Charge the lantern or replace the batteries
Batteries are low and LVD is
active
Confirm with code 810 using IR programmer. Charge lantern or
replace batteries. Decrease eff. intensity to a sustainable level
Switch is off
Switch to on
Night not yet detected
Wait for the lantern to detect 2 min. of consistent “dark”
Nearby light source is illuminat-
ing the lantern
Move away from light source, turn off unneeded light, or shield
lanterns
Solar panel is not charging the
battery well during the day
Under bright sunlight, enter code 815 using the IR programmer:
1x flash= too low for charging, 2x flashes = solar panel is fine
No response
to IR
programmer
Batteries are very low and
lantern cannot turn on
Charge the lantern or replace the batteries
Sunlight is obscuring IR signal
Move the IR programmer closer to the lantern
Moisture
inside
Condensation
Ensure the vent on the bottom cover is not dirty or obstructed
Seal failure
Ensure the bottom cover o-ring is dry (no water) and lubricated
Ensure o-ring is not pinched and all screws are fully installed
Visit www.carmanahmarine.com for complete specifications
Maximum effective intensity varies by flash code and color. “FL” is the flash duration (sec) and “EC” is an eclipse
(sec). Intensities are IALA values (10th percentile) over a 360° horizontal measurement.
This product may contain substances that could be harmful to the environment or
human health if improperly handled at the product’s end of life. Check your local munic-
ipality for electronics recyclers.
The batteries are rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (NiMH). Consult your local
laws for information on recycling.
This product complies with the European Union’s requirements according to
Directive 2002/96/EC on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).
This product is covered by the Carmanah warranty. Failure to comply with the use,
storage, maintenance, or installation instructions detailed in this manual could void the
warranty. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Email:
Toll Free:
1.877.722.8877 (US & Canada)
Worldwide:
1.250.380.0052
Fax:
1.250.380.0062
Web:
carmanah.com
WARRANTY
Flash
Code
Flash Character
FL1
EC1
FL2
EC2
FL3
EC3
FL4
EC4
FL5
EC5 Duty
Cycle
Maximum Effective Intensity (cd)
White Yellow Green
Red
Blue
000 off
0
0
0%
0
0
0
0
0
001 F
60
0
100%
29
25
23
18
8
012 Fl (2) 6s 0.5
0.5
1
0.5
4
16.7%
20
17
17
12
6
016 Fl (2) 8s 0.5
0.5
1
0.5
6
12.5%
20
17
17
12
6
043 Fl 1.5s 0.5
0.5
1
33.3%
20
17
17
12
6
044 Fl 10s 0.5
0.5
9.5
5%
20
17
17
12
6
049 Fl 2.5s 0.3
0.3
2.2
12%
17
15
14
10
5
050 Fl 2.5s 0.5
0.5
2
20%
20
17
17
12
6
051 Fl 2.8s 0.3
0.3
2.5
10.7%
17
15
14
10
5
052 Fl 2s 0.2
0.2
1.8
10%
14
12
11
9
4
055 Fl 2s 0.5
0.5
1.5
25%
20
17
17
12
6
058 Fl 3s 0.3
0.3
2.7
10%
17
15
14
10
5
059 Fl 3s 0.5
0.5
2.5
16.7%
20
17
17
12
6
060 Fl 3s 0.7
0.7
2.3
23.3%
22
19
18
14
6
061 Fl 3s 1.0
1
2
33.3%
24
20
19
15
7
063 Fl 4.4s 0.4
0.4
4
9.1%
19
16
15
12
5
064 Fl 4s 0.5
0.5
3.5
12.5%
20
17
17
12
6
066 Fl 4s 1.0
1
3
25%
24
20
19
15
7
068 Fl 5s 0.3
0.3
4.7
6%
17
15
14
10
5
069 Fl 5s 0.5
0.5
4.5
10%
20
17
17
12
6
070 Fl 5s 1.0
1
4
20%
24
20
19
15
7
072 Fl 6s 0.5
0.5
5.5
8.3%
20
17
17
12
6
078 Iso 2s
1
1
50%
24
20
19
15
7
079 Iso 4s
2
2
50%
26
22
21
16
7
098 Mo(U) 10s 0.3
0.3
0.7
0.3
0.7
0.9
7.1
15%
17
15
14
10
5
099 Mo(U) 10s 0.4
0.4
0.6
0.4
0.6
1.2
6.8
20%
19
16
15
12
5
103 Mo(U) 15s 0.7 0.5
0.7
0.5
0.7
0.5
1.9
10.7
22%
22
19
18
14
6
104 Mo(U) 15s 0.7 0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7
2.1
10.1
23.3%
22
19
18
14
6
125 Q 1.2s 0.3
0.3
0.9
25%
17
15
14
10
5
126 Q 1.2s 0.5
0.5
0.7
41.7%
20
17
17
12
6
129 Q 1s 0.3
0.3
0.7
30%
17
15
14
10
5
131 Q 1s 0.5
0.5
0.5
50%
20
17
17
12
6
144 Q(4) 20s 0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
16.5
10%
20
17
17
12
6
147 Q(5) 20s 0.3
0.3
0.7
0.3
0.7
0.3
0.7
0.3
0.7
0.3
15.7 7.5%
17
15
14
10
5
160 VQ 0.6s 0.3
0.3
0.3
50%
17
15
14
10
5
174 Fl 4s 0.4
0.4
3.6
10%
19
16
15
12
5
178 Fl (3+1) 20s 0.5
0.5
1.5
0.5
1.5
0.5
4.5
0.5
10.5
10%
20
17
17
12
6
179 Fl (3+1) 20s 0.6
0.6
1.4
0.6
1.4
0.6
4.4
0.6
10.4
12%
21
18
17
13
6
209 Q 1s 0.15
0.15 0.85
15%
12
10
10
7
3
238 CST9
0.6
0.3
0.6
0.3
1.5
56.7
4.5%
21
18
17
13
6
251 Fl 3.5s 0.7
0.7
2.8
20%
22
19
18
14
6
Temperature
-40 to 176 °F (-40 to 80 °C)
Light Source
High-power LED, >100,000 hrs lifetime
Intensity
See Flash Code table
Flash
See Flash Code table
Divergence
>8 ° FWHM Vertical Divergence
Chromaticity
IALA blue, red, white, yellow, and green
Battery
3x AA high-temperature nickel-metal
hydride (NiMH), 1.2 V nominal each.
-40 to 185 °F (-40 to 85 °C) ambient
Immersion
IP68, 3 ft. (1m) for 72 hrs.; EN 60529
MIL-STD-202G immersion & damp heat
cycling, MIL-STD-810G rain & salt fog
Regulatory
RoHS
Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive 2002/95/EC (RoHS)
PATON
Complies with the requirements of the US Coast Guard in 33 CFR, Part 66
CE
EN 60945, EN 61000-6-1, EN 61000-6-2, EN 61000-6-3
FCC
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules (see 15.109)
ICES
This Class [B] digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Cet appareil
numérique de la classe [B] est conforme à la norme NMB- 003 du Canada.
Patents
US and International patents apply
A commercial charger designed for 1.2 V AA batteries can also be used.
ON
OFF
2-Hole Flange Mount
0.8 lb (0.35 kg)
Pole Mount
0.9 lb (0.40 kg)
4.9 - 5.0 in
124 - 128 mm
154 mm
6.1 in
4.6 in
117 mm
2.2 in
56 mm
1.6 in
40 mm
3.0 in
70 mm
3.8 in
97 mm
2.2 in
56 mm
0.8 in
20 mm
0.27 in
6.8 mm
With sleeve:
1.9 in (48 mm) pole ID
Without sleeve:
2.4 in (61 mm) pole ID
Overtop mount:
2.8 in (71 mm) pole OD
70950_M550_UserManual_RevA
