The Dialight Flashing Red Beacon is designed for the lighting of structures that pose a
risk to aerial navigation, as specified by the FAA, ICAO and Transport Canada.
The D-264 Flashing Red Beacon as shown in Figure 1, (hereafter referred to as the
Beacon) is pre-wired with a power cable and operates from a nominal 24-48Vdc. The
beacon consists of High Performance LED’s that provide the light output equivalent to an
incandescent fixture while consuming a fraction of the electrical power. This manual
provides guidance and recommendations for the installation and checkout of the beacon
assembly. Please read this document in its entirety before installing the Beacon.
Remove power from all wiring and circuitry before installing or working on the Beacon.
Wiring the Beacon
The Beacon is supplied with a power cable pre-wired to the internal electronics to
facilitate installation. The only connection required is 24-48Vdc power. The ground wire
must be connected for proper operation and protection of the Beacon.
Terminal Wire Color
Negative DC In Black
Positive DC In White
Chassis/Ground Green
Note: For maximum immunity to high RF field strengths, such as might be experienced
on some radio antenna towers, it is recommended that the power cable be shielded. The
shielding should be complete and grounded at both ends. A shielded power cable could
either pass through the strain relief gland on the bottom stem, after removal and cutting
short of the existing cable, or directly into the hole at the bottom of the light. The cables
can be joined inside the hollow stem, from underneath the light.
Mounting the Beacon
Dialight recommends the installation of one or more lightning rods near the installed
Beacon. The lightning rods should extend a minimum of three feet above the height of
the Beacon.
The Beacon is mounted to the tower pedestal utilizing customer supplied ½” hardware.
Six mounting holes are provided on the Beacon base (Figure 2). These mounting holes
will align with most tower pedestals. The Beacon should be installed level to maintain
light output in accordance with FAA requirements.
Prior to installation, it is recommended that the unit be tested to ensure no damage was
incurred during shipping. This is accomplished by applying power to the input power
cable described in section 2. Visual verification of the functioning of the Beacon will
indicate proper performance.
Upon completion of the Checkout, the installation may proceed.
Section 4: Beacon Theory of Operation
4.0 System Overview
The block diagram in Figure 4 shows the major components of a typical Beacon
installation. The parts of the system are the LED Beacon and Controller. The LED
Beacon is made up of one LED module, which lights when current passes through it. The
LED Module contains its own internal power supply. The Beacon is designed for use
with an external controller. This external controller provides the properly timed flashing
signal and alarm interfaces.
The Beacon incorporates protection against voltage surges (as induced by nearby
lightning strikes) by means of Gas Discharge Tubes (GDT’s).
Section 5: Maintenance and Troubleshooting
No regularly scheduled maintenance is required for the Beacon.
1- Dialight warranties the light output of the Beacon to meet or exceed FAA
requirements for 5 years period (See Section 8, Dialight Warranty Statement).
LED Module replacement after 5 years is recommended to ensure FAA
compliance.
2- General cleaning of the Dome Assembly is recommended after re-lamping with
regular glass cleaning solution, soapy water or any acrylic cleaning solutions. No
other cleaning solutions are recommended. Abrasive compounds will scratch the
Dome Assembly.
Table 1 Lists possible faults and repair procedures for the L-264 Beacon
Table 1 Troubleshooting
Symptom Possible Cause Corrective Action
Beacon does not light No DC power
Damaged LED Module
Failed Power supply
Verify proper DC levels from
power source thru supply lines.
Replace defective LED Module.
See repair and replacement
procedures.
The only parts that are serviceable on the Beacon are the LED module and power supply.
The troubleshooting and replacement procedure for the LED Module is as follows.
Step 1 WARNING: Power to the Beacon must be removed prior to servicing.
Step 2 The Dome Assembly (D264-2005) is secured to the Beacon base by three
latches. One of the latches has a locking screw that must be removed before it
can be undone. Undo all three latches located on the base of the Beacon
assembly. The Dome assembly lanyard is secured to the Beacon Base support
bolt. The Dome may be carefully lifted off the top of the Beacon by gently
pulling outward on the lanyard hole tab and letting air enter. Once released, the
Dome can be removed and set aside of the tower until ready for re-installation.
Step 3 Undo the (3) knobs holding the LED module (D264-1016) to the Base
assembly. The knobs are captive and will remain in the Base Plate.
Step 4 Carefully lift the LED module enough to allow access to the cable connecting it
to the power supply unit (fixed to the base). Carefully pull the inline connector
between the LED module and power supply apart to separate the two
assemblies.
Figure 6 - LED module D264-1016
Step 5 Replace the LED module using the alignment pins as a guide, make sure the
LED cable is connected to the power supply, before retightening the knobs to
secure the LED assembly to the base.
Step 6 Apply power to the Beacon and verify it lights correctly.
Step 7 Refit the dome, CAUTION:
hold it level and securely by the lower rim. With even pressure gently lower
the dome over the o-ring seal until the bottom lip of the dome is seated on
the (3) cast latch pads, ensure that the lanyard tab is approximately
centered between two of the latch clamp pads. Clamp all latches and refit
the locking screw.