Why is my MX system dimming on its own or is not as bright as it used to be?

Product applicability

The following products are discussed in this article:

• MX Series: R920-MX, R829-MX, R247-MX, CHEVRON-MX and WWD-MX

MX flasher modules come preset with with specific daytime and nighttime intensity settings. Carmanah uses a feature called Automatic Light Control (ALC) to dynamically adjust daytime intensity. This is controlled via two modes within MX Field App:

1. Auto
2. Manual

In Auto, the system will do the following:

• RRFBs - operate at SAE J595 or brighter.
• Beacons - the beacon output intensity will automatically adjust to maximize the beacon's brightness while ensuring sustainability in varying weather conditions. 
• LED Signs - the LED sign output intensity will automatically adjust to maximize the sign's brightness while ensuring sustainability in varying weather conditions. 
• Chevrons - the chevron sign output intensity will automatically adjust to maximize the sign's brightness while ensuring sustainability in varying weather condition

Automatic Light Control (ALC), when enabled, allows solar-powered systems to reduce their fixture brightness in response to low battery states of charge, allowing the battery to recover. When the solar power system is properly sized for its location, ALC will typically only intervene after a prolonged period of unusually poor weather. ALC can also intervene in cases of solar panel shading, improper connection of a battery, interconnect corrosion or other component failure. If by reducing the fixture intensity ALC cannot recover the battery, the system will eventually reach Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD) at which point the fixtures are kept off to limit permanent battery damage.