[2020] Energy Management System (EMS) product update – new feature: push button station mode (no LED load)

Product applicability

The following products are discussed in this article:

• E Series: R920-E and R820-E
• F Series: R920-F and R820-F
• G Series: SC315 and R820-G

When did this update occur

Starting in late 2020 Q4, all systems above received this update. This includes all replacement Energy Management System (EMS) boards. The new mode will show up as nLED under the Digital Output (OUTP) menu. 

What firmware version is required

This flash pattern is supported starting with firmware version 1.1.5.0.

Theory of operation

The primary application for this feature is for using a Carmanah solar engine (E / F Series) or cabinet (G Series) to power a pedestrian push button or passive detector with no LED load connected. One example use case is a remotely placed push button or activation station for wirelessly triggering other Carmanah systems with beacons.

Prior to this feature, the EMS would flag an open LED fault after the button or passive detector was triggered. This would in turn also shut off the digital output (Ext2) which is used for powering a relay during the pedestrian activation phase.

Procedure

The following setup is required for this feature to function:

• A Carmanah beacon system (E/F/ G Series)
• A pedestrian push button or passive detector installed
• Digital Output (OUTP) set to nLED (no LEDs connected)
• No LED load connected

The nLEd setting will ensure no LED faults are displayed on the EMS user interface and it will ensure the digital output remains active with no LED load connected. This digital output is used to send 12VDC out to applications like overhead lighting after the pedestrian push button or passive detector has been activated. This voltage will remain active during the crossing phase only.