Heliport Radio Controller

General Description

Flight Light’s Heliport Radio Controller is designed to provide complete control of heliport lighting systems. Lighting control can be provided by low voltage DC or AC power. The output of the controller can be activated manually by internal switches, or automatically with the use of a photocell and/or VHF radio control. The system is fully protected from input transients, output overload, over-voltage, and over-temperature conditions. The watertight NEMA 4X compliant enclosure provides protection from adverse weather conditions. The Flight Light Radio Controller is designed to provide pilots direct, unassisted air-to-ground control of power circuits. Pilots activate lights from the air with key clicks from a VHF AM aircraft band radio. The controller uses a high precision radio to prevent false triggering.

Ordering Codes

Heliport Radio Controller Benefits

• Lower Maintenance Costs
– Fully integrated control and power distribution system simplifies system setup and maintenance.
• Lower Power and Operating Costs
– Radio Controllers save power and extend fixture lamp life by only activating the lights when needed.
• Flexibility
– Ability to control the system operation by various means: on/off switch, photocell, and radio control.

Standard Features

• Field programmable frequency between 118 and 137MHz (in 25KHz increments). Chart of Valid FAA Frequencies.
• System may be set to respond to 3, 5 or 7 clicks (default setting: 5 clicks).
• Adjustable activation duration (user programmable 1, 5, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes)(default setting: 15 minutes).
• The timing cycle may be restarted at any time during the cycle by repeating the specified keying sequence.
• Photocell (VDC) connection standard (photocell sold separately).
• Simple operation: internal on/off power switch.
• Wide operating temperature range: -10°C to +55°C.
• Input transient protection.
• Output overload and over-voltage protection.
• Remote antenna with 30′ RG58 cable and surge suppressor.
• NEMA 4X polycarbonate enclosure with security latch UL Listed.

Heliport Radio Controller Options

Dimming Option
The Dimming Radio Controller allows pilots to control light intensity by clicking their microphone’s VHF aircraft frequency band. To operate the lights, the pilot must key the microphone 7 times initially. This will ensure all the lights are on maximum “High” intensity. Pilots can reduce glare and adjust system brightness by selecting from low (3 clicks), medium (5 clicks) or high intensity (7 clicks) which provides 25%, 50%, or 100% output as they approach the heliport. The brightness adjustment keying sequence must occur within 5 seconds. The timing cycle may be restarted at any time by repeating the initial keying sequence. This dimming feature is only available with DC output controllers and is designed to work only with Flight Light Inc. dimming lights.

External Contactor Option
If more than 2000W capacity is required, the radio controller with the external contactor option will be configured to work with a contactor with an extended capacity (45 amps).

Photocell Option
The Heliport Radio Controller comes standard with connections for the “24V Photocell”. Use of a photocell is recommended for dusk-to-dawn control of operations of non-solar-powered systems. The photocell is supplied in a UL stabilized high-impact polypropylene housing which contains the cadmium sulfide light sensitive element. Surge protection is provided by a metal oxide varistor rated at 320 joule. The photocell activates at 35 ft-cd and turns off at 58 ft-cd, has a minimum rated life of 5,000 operations, and an operating temperature range of -40°F to 170°F. The photocell measures 3.07″ diameter by 2.15″ high. (If the photocell option is on and the radio option is off, the system will be activated only by photocell and will be on during the night and off during the day. If the photocell option and the radio option are on, then the system will be on during the night only when the radio is activated.)

Radio Controller Frequently Asked Questions

What input voltages can the controller run on?
The Radio Controller operates on 120V (60Hz), 240V (60Hz), 220V (50Hz) or 12/24 VDC power.

What output does the Radio Controller supply?
The Radio Controller can be configured to have 120VAC, 220VAC, 240VAC or 12/24VDC output.

How many light fixtures can be connected to the Radio Controller?
It depends on the wattage of the light fixtures. The standard Radio Controller circuit breaker can supply up to 2000W of AC current. Using the formula (Power = Voltage * Current) will help you calculate the number of fixtures the controller will supply.

What is the radio frequency range used in the Controller?
The standard radio frequency is 118-137 MHz. Frequencies are field programmable.

How is the Radio Controller turned on and off?
The Radio Controller is activated by 3, 5 or 7 quick clicks by the pilot’s microphone on the receiver’s frequency. The Radio Controller can also be turned on and off with a photocell.

What is the range of the Radio Controller receiver?
Depending on atmospheric conditions, the receiver can work up to 5 miles based on the antenna line of sight.