Page 89: of Marine News Magazine (November 2016)

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the manufacturer to maintain the nec- over con? gurations, and will essary luminous intensity of LEDs.” work with or without super-

Manufacturer’s must specify to either vised panels that are required replace the light ? xture after (typically) for most inspected vessels. 50,000 hours; or monitor and process At 70,000 hours, the typ- the LED intensity and give an alarm if ical LED light will have lost the intensity falls below 72 COLREGS. 30% of the original inten-

This monitoring and processing re- sity even in a well-designed quires more intelligence in the design light. The LED will gradu- than just counting hours of use. For ex- ally lose intensity, but the current will panel ample, just because the LED is lit does not be reduced. Hence, LED naviga- was modi? ed from not ensure the visibility/COLREG re- tion lights can fail prematurely before incandescent to LED. The modular quirements are being maintained. reaching 50,000 hours due to failure design allows the four major compo-

The best approach is to monitor rates of electronic parts (MTBF), im- nents to be replaced without having the LED intensity and compare to proper thermal management, improp- to replace the whole light. These com- the COLREGs values. If the intensity er mixing of thermal adhesives, and as- ponents include the permanent base – is below COLREGs requirements, sembly procedures. Since Signal Mate hard coated aluminum heat sink, the then the intelligent light will turn off turns off the LED when the intensity LED holder (LEDs, drivers, proces- which will trigger the alarm panel. falls below COLREGs, the current is sor), Lens (UV stable poly carbonate)

Subchapter M introduces other con- also turned off, which will trigger the and the Power hook up/termination cerns. Alarm panels on most inspected alarm panel regardless of how well the circuit board. www.SignalMate.com vessels were designed for incandescent bulbs which have ten times the cur- rent of LEDs navigation lights. The alarm panel will need to be modi? ed to work properly with the reduced current of LEDs.

MEETING THE SUBM CHALLENGE

Available in the Fall of 2016, Signal

Mate Certi? ed UL1104 LED navi- gation lights for Sub Chapter M and lights for inspected vessels compliant with IMO Resolution MSC 253 (83) are so constructed to monitor LED intensity to ensure COLREGs nauti- cal mile visibility requirements, as op- posed to assuming that the light will maintain the nautical mile visibility for a lifespan of 50,000 hours before replacement, as other manufactures specify. The intelligent light commu- nicates with switch panel to provide light’s status and to increases brightness during restricted visibility. Or, in other words, keeps you and your boat safe and incompliance. Signal Mate’s LED navigation lights’ modular design will feature single, dual, and auto switch- 89 www.marinelink.com MN