Operation; Start-Up; Flash Sequence; Power Monitoring - OBELUX CSW-DCW Manual

CSW-DCW – Manual
Obelux Oy, Kutomotie 6 B, 00380 Helsinki FINLAND

7 OPERATION

The CSW-DCW is used to flash aviation obstruction warning lights. It monitors the current going into each
lamp and raises an alarm if the output power is either lower than expected or higher than expected.
The CSW-DCW can have a GPS receiver mounted on the printed circuit board that is used to synchronize all
CSW-DCW flash sequences so that all CSW-DCW units flash their lights simultaneously all over the planet.
Also, the CSW-DCW has an internal photocell on the board that can be used to switch off the lights at day
time.

7.1 Start-up

The CSW-DCW application takes some time to perform start-up tests as there are numerous features that
require detection and initialization. Also, the start-up process now includes an output test pattern. The Self-
test OK LED blinks during start-up process.

7.2 Flash sequence

The CSW-DCW has several different user selectable flash sequences. Base sequence, Flash duration, Flash
mode. User can select the flash frequency (FPM) and flash duration. In addition to this the CSW also has
special flash sequences. These settings are described in more detail in the Chapter 6.

7.3 Power monitoring

The CSW-DCW monitors the current going into each aviation obstacle light once it is lit. Every time a light is
set to illuminate, the channel output is checked for short-circuit. If short-circuit is detected, the output channel
(light) is disabled and an alarm is raised.
Also, whenever a light is illuminated, the current this obstacle light draws from power supply via CSW-DCW
current monitoring circuit is checked 20 times in each second in order to detect possible light unit failure. If
the current going to a light is outside the selected range, an alarm is raised. Over-current situation will also
disable the light. User sets these limits by selecting the power window with the rotary dial switches
separately for each output. It is important to select the correct power range for the connected lights, as
temperature changes may alter the current required by the lamp.

7.4 Global synchronization with GPS

The CSW-DCW unit has a factory-installed GPS module. When a GPS module is installed with appropriate
antenna, the CSW-DCW synchronizes its clock and the flash models so that units flash simultaneously. The
timing difference from one CSW-DCW to another is less than one millisecond when the units are GPS-
synchronized. GPS synchronization status is signalled with GPS led on the CSW-DCW board. When the
CSW unit is powered on, it can take up to 15 min to synchronize the flashing lights to the GPS signal.

7.5 Photocell

Photocell measures the ambient light in lux. When the ambient light level rises above the set threshold CSW
turns off its outputs. When the lights are turned off by photocell, it will take 15 minutes to turn them on, and
when lights are on, it will take another five minutes to turn them off by photocell. The photocell can be
disabled, or set to threshold of 400, 800 or 1600 lx.
© Obelux Oy 2016 Technical information in this document is subject to change without notice.
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