Common Questions about Solar Powered Navigation Lights
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PDF versionWhat flash patterns are offered?
Can the flash codes be changed?
What is the life expectancy of lights?
What is the intensity of light emitted from lights?
Are the batteries replaceable?
What type of batteries are used?
How do LEDs compare to a normal incandescent light bulb?
Do I ever need to change the batteries in my light?
Should I worry about cleaning the lens to improve visibility?
I want to ensure that my light receives maximum sunlight.
Do the LEDs burns out? How should I care for the solar dome?
What is the recommended operating temperature for lights?
My Model 501 doesn't have a switch. How do I activate it once I've received it?
Q. What flash patterns are available for marine lights? Top
The type of flash patterns available depends on the model of Carmanah Light.
For example, the 501, 601 and 701 are currently available from the factory in
the five most common flash patterns (10, 15, 30, 60 flashes/min & steady-on)
for general purpose uses, including "steady on".
Q. What colors are available? Top
All models are available in red, green, amber, white and blue LED output colors.
For daytime indication, red, amber, blue or green lenses are also available on request.
Q. Can the flash codes be changed? Top
For the Model 501, the flash rates is set from the factory. For the Model 601 and 701,
the flash code can be changed at any time using the optional infrared programmer.
Q. What is the life expectancy of solar lights? Top
The expected life span of the encapsulated units (Models 501 and 601) is dependent
on the life of the battery system, which in turn is dependant on the area of
installation and operating conditions. However, these units have been designed to
last up to five years under extreme environmental conditions.
The batteries in the Models 701 are replaceable and, ideally, these units should
last for decades. It is interesting to note that the LEDs used in all Carmanah
Lights should last at least 100,000 hours -- or 27 years of continuous operation
at 10 hours per day -- as long as the units remain intact.
Q. What is the intensity of light emitted from Carmanah marine lights? Top
See the product specifications for each model.
Q. Are the batteries replaceable? Top
At this time, the batteries are replaceable only for the 701 Series units. All
other models have been designed to operate for up to five years with absolutely
no maintenance or servicing required. At the end of their lifespan the entire unit
is replaced. Please note, the batteries in the old units are recyclable.
Contact your local lead-acid battery recycler regarding proper disposal.
Q. What sort of batteries are used? Top
All lights use special lead-tin acid batteries that perform extremely well under
harsh environmental conditions. Specifically, they are sealed, rechargeable batteries
that provide a large energy capacity for their size and deliver extremely reliable
power output over a long period of time.
Q. How do LEDs compare to a normal incandescent light bulb? Top
Carmanah Lights use LEDs (light emitting diodes) for their light source, which are
far more efficient in their power consumption than incandescent bulbs. Incandescent
lamps expend much of their energy in the form heat dissipation (85%), whereas LEDs
waste relatively little energy as heat.
Q. Do I ever need to change the batteries in my Carmanah Light? Top
Other than the 701 units, all Carmanah Lights are completely sealed and are designed
to be completely reliable and maintenance-free for the duration of their lifespan.
They never require bulb or battery replacement for up to five years, at which time
the entire light is replaceable. The maintenance-free capabilities of Carmanah Lights
provides a distinct advantage over traditional marine lighting, particularly in countries
that must import the light bulbs and batteries, as well as the lights. It also means
there is a significant cost savings in terms of the labor required for maintaining and
servicing traditional navigation lighting.
Due to the size and relative cost of the 701 Lights, these models feature a replaceable
battery pack that extends their life indefinitely.
Q. Should I worry about cleaning the lens to improve visibility? Top
Carmanah Lights are designed for maintenance-free performance. The unique structure
of the Carmanah Lights typically relieves you from any cleaning duty under most
circumstances. These lights are operating in a variety of climates worldwide without
the need to clean the lens.
Q. I want to ensure that my Carmanah Light receives maximum sunlight. How should I care
for the solar dome? Top
Carmanah Lights were designed for use in rugged, remote areas where the need for self-
cleaning products is paramount. The patented solar dome is typically self-cleaning
and ensures that your light will receive maximum sunlight and therefore, enhanced
product reliability throughout its lifespan.
Q. Do the LEDs burns out? Top
The lifetime of an LED (light emitting diode) at least 100,000 hours, depending on
the color -- or 27 years assuming the LED is in operation continuously for 10 hours a day.
Q. What is the recommended operating temperature for Carmanah Lights? Top
The operating temperature range of the lead-acid batteries used in Carmanah Lights
limits the operating temperature range of the products. As the ambient temperature
increases, the expected life of the battery may decrease. Optimum battery life will
be achieved by mounting the unit on the coolest available surface. Carmanah Lights
have been successfully used in temperatures ranging from -40°C (-40°F) to +80°C (176°F).
Heat sinking or attaching your unit to metal that extends to a water source, will
moderate the ambient temperature of the unit and extend its life. As well, where
possible, resist mounting the lights on high-heat surfaces such as black roofs or
tarmac, as these surfaces will degrade the life of the unit over time.
Q. How do Carmanah Lights recharge? Top
Once the lead-acid batteries in Carmanah Lights are discharged, they prefer to be
"fast charged" to restore their capacity to full power. The proprietary MicroSource™
circuitry in our lights is designed to restore a full charge as quickly as possible.
The result of this charging regimen is that the unit will shut off at a particular
level of battery charge and will not resume operation until there is a significant
recharging of the battery.
Q. My Model 501 doesn't have a switch.
How do I activate it once I've received it? Top
The Model 501 has a temporary magnetic "switch" in its base designed to prevent the
units battery from being discharged or damaged during storage or transport. The switch
is very simple and consists of a powerful external magnet (about the size of a typical
watch battery) that fits in depression in the base the product. To activate the Model
501 prior to mounting, simply remove the magnet by placing the unit's base against any
magnetic surface (iron, steel, etc.).
The magnet is used to protect the battery during storing and shipping only. It MUST
be removed from the bottom of the Model 501 for the unit to work! Once removed, the
magnet is only needed again if and when the light is to be stored. It is recommended
that the magnet be kept in a safe place for such an occasion. Top