How to find out about flash pattern Whelen 9000 series bar?

[busbart]

Hello,
I have a very simple 9000 series Whelen strobe lightbar here, and I'm very curious how I can find out more about it? Like what flash pattern it should have, if I can change it and so?

It has two alleys, and four corner strobes (the one at about 30* angle.)

Today when I lit it up since a very long time, it seemed to me that the flashes became brighter the longer it was flashing, is that possible?

 

[JohnMarcson]

The type of corner strobe will help identify and date the bar if you can post pictures.

 

[busbart]

The type of corner strobe will help identify and date the bar if you can post pictures.

yep, can do, but it will be tomorrow, it's night now. thanks.

 

[JohnMarcson]

yep, can do, but it will be tomorrow, it's night now. thanks.

No problem, I should be able to give you some basic info

 

[busbart]

No problem, I should be able to give you some basic info

I also thought that I saw through the lens a electronic board, maybe with some numbers on there, foto from that?

 

[JohnMarcson]

I also thought that I saw through the lens a electronic board, maybe with some numbers on there, foto from that?

Can't hurt...

 

[busbart]

Here they are:

Should there be a kind of seal somewhere, where the green algae are?

 

[RS485]

Hello, I believe the basic theory of operation for your power supply is described in https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/fe/72/1b/590040789fc131/US5013973.pdf

The little sticker marked "10 93" may well indicate it was made in October, 1993.
You should also be able to see date codes on the circuit's components too.

I don't think you can change the flash pattern on this power supply...sorry . Its fixed at "Comet Flash".

https://whelen-engineering.com/install/132/13217.pdf describes how to upgrade older "edge" power supplies to an SL6 which had a few more patterns available.

Yes, it seems if you haven't run the power supply in a long time, the capacitors (condensers) can require "re-forming". This occurs as they run but quoting from a Whelen aircraft power supply manual:

"WARNING: Strobe light power supplies are meant to be used, not to
remain in an inactive state. Use them at all times, this will improve their
proper functioning. Any strobe light power supply that has been out of
service for a long period of time is subject to failure because the elec-
trolytic condenser loses the polarity formation. A strobe light power
supply not having been used for one year or longer is vulnerable to
failure, applies to 1993 & older units.
If this is the case, it is recommended to start operating the system on
a voltage that is reduced by 25 percent for 10 to 15 minutes before
putting the power supply into normal service. This will prevent over-
heating of the condenser while they reform. If the power supply, after
a long period of non use, is operated at full voltage immediately, there
is an excellent possibility that the condenser will become overheated"

Hope this helps!

 

[busbart]

wauw, that's great! such a wealth of knowledge...!
would there be a night position as well?
and about the lenses,you just slide in these, or should there be any gastket or so so no water from above comes in? (I did notice some condensation on the inside of these lenses).

 

[Nolines]

There has never been a gasket where the lenses slide in. Pressure keeps out most water and yes they still see condensation based on what the weather is.

 

[busbart]

Ok , nothing to worry about then.
Thanks

 

[RS485]

wauw, that's great! such a wealth of knowledge...!
would there be a night position as well?
and about the lenses,you just slide in these, or should there be any gastket or so so no water from above comes in? (I did notice some condensation on the inside of these lenses).

"night position" is low power? Yes -- its the purple wire but I'm not sure if it needs to be connected to (+) or (-).

I do have a very similar power supply and when I just connected the violet wire to (-) ground, it went into low-power mode. It's "latched" which means if you just touch it briefly, it will stay in low-power mode until you either turn the power supply completely off, or stop all lamps from flashing (i.e. disconnect the blue and green wires).