Overview

This article walks you though how to troubleshoot an SAL 1030 Runway End Identification Light. You can also view a more guided flow style walkthrough by using the link below. Select L849 from the product guides dropdown box.

Guided Product Troubleshooting

Identify the Symptoms

• What is not working: single head, both heads, or the MCU.
• A head is having a problem if it does not illuminate, partially illuminates, or irregularly illuminates.
• The MCU is having a problem if the LSM display does not light up.
• If the MCU is not working, neither head will illuminate.
• If a single head is working, it becomes unlikely that the MCU is the problem.
• Was there any environmental factors?
• Are there any signs of water intrusion?

MCU Error Codes

Read the codes in the MCU if possible.
C006 means it is only communicating with one head.
C005 means more than 25% of the LEDs have failed in a head.
You may notice a head come on and then turn off within 10 seconds if this is the case.
Measure DC Voltage across the A and B comms lines. You should have 4.5v, if not there may be a physical problem with the communication conductors or LSM board in the MCU. Test by running temporary communications lines above ground or swap testing the LSM. Most of the  time this is not the problem and these tests should be a last resort if moving the head proves it is indeed functional.

MCU Non Functional

If you have determined that the MCU is the problem:

• In a current-based system, test the input power at the LVCV2 power supply by measuring DC voltage on the two outside pins.
  Reference: Testing an LVCV2 Power Supply
• If you do not have the 24V required
• Test the Bridge Rectifier
• Verify Isolation Transformer Output Current / Fixture Input Current

In a voltage-based system, test the power supply below the control mod bracket for the same 24V.

If input power is good, then swap test the LSM board or control mod.

Troubleshoot Head(s) Problem

If you have determined that the MCU is the problem:

• In a current-based system, test the input power at the LVCV2 power supply by measuring DC voltage on the two outside pins.
  Reference: Testing an LVCV2 Power Supply
• If you do not have the 48V required
• Test the Bridge Rectifier
• Verify Isolation Transformer Output Current / Fixture Input Current

In a voltage-based system, test the power supply for the same 48V

Head Controller Board and Light Engine Testing

• If you have determined that the head(s) are receiving the needed power:
• De-energize using the interlock switch.
• Open the head by removing the 8 Phillips head screws in the back of the head on the black heatsink.
• Let the heatsink and electronics hang from the conduit
• Re-energize using the interlock switch.

Look closely at the head controller board which is perpendicular to all the light engines. Observe if you see the red blinking light(s). They are small LEDs in the center of the board.

• If the lights are present, the head controller board is good.
• If it is not present,
  • De-energize at the interlock switch
  • Disconnect the head controller board from the white harness running to the light engines
  • Re-energize.

If the red light appears, the head controller board is good; if not, then it is bad. Replace or swap the head controller board to continue.

Once you have a working head controller board, plug in all the light engines and try to power up again. If the head fails to illuminate and 

• De-energize
• Remove the white harness from all the light engines
• Re energize.

Check for a red blinking light(s). It should be present if we have a known functional head controller board. Once the red light(s) are visually confirmed:

• Test each light engine
  • De-Energize
  • Plug in the first light engine alone to the white harness with the head controller board.
  • Re-energize

Does the single light engine illuminate?

• If not remove that light engine from the system
• If it does keep the light engine in its position

There are 5 engines total with 2 PCBs each test all of them. Keep in mind that each time you remove one the rest have to shift over. These run in series so you must fill each harness spot in order. If you skip a plug, all lights after will not illuminate. You do not need to screw the light engine in to test. Only screw them back in when you are sure they are functional.

Be very cautious each time you touch anything in the head; you want to make sure it is completely de-energized at the interlock switch. Determine which light engines are bad by following a pattern of de-energizing and introducing a light engine, re-energizing and testing.

Safety Reminder

• Always maintain safe working conditions by using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) where necessary.
• Only qualified service personnel should troubleshoot or service SAL-1030 REIL systems.
• Follow lock out / tag out procedures and verify absence of hazardous voltage before accessing internal components, junction boxes, or heads.
• Use the interlock switch to de-energize the head whenever opening or handling electronics.
  
  

Airport Lighting Company |  SAL-1030 Runway End Identifier Light (REIL)