SX-16 Nightsun
®
Searchlight System
Maintenance Manual
Document 031734-1/Revision A
031734-1 Revision B
January 27, 2014
3.2
Guidelines for the Installer
3.2.1
General Guidelines
Spectrolab does not install the SX-16 Nightsun
®
. It is the responsibility of system installers to ensure
the integrity and safety of the installation, configuration, and integration with the aircraft/structure.
•
This manual should not be your sole guide for specific installations. Assess the safety of your
installations on a case by case basis.
•
The SX-16 Nightsun
®
does not require major modifications because it relies on bulkhead
through connectors for system cabling. Consequently, the SX-16 Nightsun
®
can be installed
on a variety of aircraft/structures. Consult with Spectrolab for assistance in determining your
precise installation requirements.
3.2.2
Technical and Safety Considerations
When selecting a mounting location, the following technical and safety considerations are important:
•
Consider aircraft/structure stress, fatigue, and handling characteristics before you approve an
installation design.
•
Locate the equipment for favorable equipment operation, and provide optimum mobility for
aiming and focusing.
•
On aircraft installations, consider the following elements: balance and weight distribution with
reference to the aircraft center of gravity; aircraft operation; and optimum mobility for aiming
and focusing in all flight patterns.
•
Locate the equipment to facilitate adjustments, maintenance, and repairs.
•
Route the system cables in ways that minimize their length.
•
A stainless steel safety cable secures the Gimbal to the mounting bracket, and another
secures the Searchlight to the Gimbal. If the Gimbal is separated from its mount (or if the
Searchlight is separated from its Gimbal mounting), the safety cables will prevent the Gimbal
or Searchlight from potentially falling free of the aircraft.
Before installing the Searchlight, test the installation location:
•
During operation, the Searchlight’s high-intensity light beam can cause heat damage to
exposed surfaces, especially if the light is aimed at a surface for long periods of time.
o
Provide for heat dissipation from the Searchlight head during operation.
o
Do not install the Searchlight in locations that allow the light beam to be aimed at
nearby temperature sensitive surfaces without taking appropriate steps to mitigate
possible damage. The light absorbed by dark colored surfaces may cause them to
reach combustion temperatures under some conditions.
o
If the Searchlight is installed on an aircraft that is equipped with floats, the
mechanical stops for Azimuth and elevation may have to be adjusted. Adjust the
stops to limit the movement of the Searchlight to prevent it from shining directly at the
floats. The Searchlight beam may deteriorate the material in floats at close range.
o
Do not expose fuel or other volatile substances to the Searchlight beam.
o
Prevent the Searchlight from being aimed in ways that adversely affect the aircraft
crew.
o
Install a circuit breaker (for the SX-16 Nightsun
®
) that is accessible to the aircraft
crew.
o
Make sure that the Searchlight does not interfere with aircraft instrumentation or
radios.
o
Make sure that the Searchlight does not overload the aircraft’s electrical system
when all other anticipated electrical systems are operating.
3.3
Overview of System Connections
The SX-16 Nightsun
®
includes a Control Box, Junction Box, Gimbal, Searchlight, and cables. Figure 2
depicts the connections between the main components of the SX-16 Nightsun
®
. It identifies the
Source: Spectrolab, Inc.
6
The document reference is online, please check the correspondence between the online documentation and the printed version.
