Instruction Manual
VLB-67 LED Beacon
© Vega Industries Ltd, July 2014
VLB-67 LED Beacon
Page 6 of 52
VLB-67 V1.0.17
SECTION 1 OVERVIEW OF THE VLB-67 LED BEACON
1.0
Introduction to the VLB-67 LED Beacon
The VLB-67 is a feature rich product allowing the user to program many advanced features not
normally required for standard navigation applications. How the beacon has been programmed
can be checked using the read settings option with the TVIR remote programmer or the PROG-01
IRDA Computer programming option. If it is uncertain how the beacon has been programmed the
VLB-67 can be reset to the factory default settings. The procedure to do this is detailed in Section
4, Clause 5.6
For the self-contained solar powered models of the VLB-67 beacon it is critical that the solar
irradiation for the location where the beacon is to be used is checked to ensure there is enough
energy available to support the intended range, and flash character. Vega provides an on line web
calculator for the VLB-67 on www.vega.co.nz to assist in the correct usage of the VLB-67. Please
note that reducing the range and the duty cycle of the beacon can lower the power requirement.
1.1
Options Available
There are two lens options for the VLB-67 beacon. The 7° divergence (±3.5°) symmetrical lens
provides a horizontal fan bean for marine beacon applications. The Obstacle lens is an
asymmetrical lens with the peak intensity occurring at +8° above the horizontal and is designed to
provide the beacon profile required for aircraft hazard lights for ICAO Type A and Type B and for
use as bridge marking lights.
The VLB-67 Marine Beacon can be programmed for an operating range at:
x
2 to 5NM at 0.74T visibility and
x
2.25 to 6NM at 0.85T visibility
The VLB-67 Obstacle Light can be programmed between 1 and 54 candela effective measured at
+6 and +10 degrees from the horizontal. ICAO Aircraft Hazard Light requires the following intensity
at these angles:
x
Type A hazard light 10 candela
x
Type B hazard light 32 candela
Five LED colours are available red, green, white, yellow, and blue. Each colour has a different
power requirement to achieve any particular intensity. Detail on power consumption is provided in
Appendix B.
The Vega VLB-67 Beacon is available in four models.
Body size
Solar Panel Capacity
Battery Capacity
SA=Stand Alone
Nil
Nil
SS=Standard Solar
8Watt (4x 2W panels)
12Ah Gel Lead acid
LS1=Large Solar
16Watt (4x 4W panels)
12Ah Gel Lead acid
LS2=Large Solar
16Watt (4x 4W panels)
2x12Ah Gel Lead acid
The self-contained solar power models use a 12VDC long life GEL battery that can operate down
to low temperatures. The battery has been specifically designed for the mounting arrangement in
the VLB-67. Only use a Vega --67 battery should a replacement battery be required.
The SS-Standard Solar unit will cover most self-contained applications. The large solar LS models
are available for use in higher latitude and/or high duty applications.
For bridge marking application the VLB-67 obstacle lens can be separated from the solar power
pack and mounted separately. This allows the light head to be mounted under a bridge while
locating the power pack where it can receive solar energy. The separate components consist of
