Return to Help Index
Additional Support
Product and General FAQ
 

Product FAQ



General Information
I want to use PATLITE products outdoors. Which products are suitable for outdoor use.


Many of our products are designed primarily for indoor use, but some products can be used outdoors. Please refer to the catalog or product specifications for the IP rating (ingress protection grade) of each product, and select a product suitable for the installation environment. For example, when using outdoors where the product may be directly exposed to rain or wind, please select a product with an IP rating of IP65 or higher.

How do I check if a product is not working properly.


If a PATLITE product is not working, please check the following items: (1) Is the power voltage correct? (2) Are the wiring connections correct? (3) Is the operation method correct? If you have checked the above and the problem is not resolved, please contact customer service.

What is the warranty for PATLITE products.


The warranty period for PATLITE products are 1 year after delivery (excluding consumables such as light source bulbs and LEDs). For details on the warranty content, please refer to the warranty terms in the catalog or instruction manual.

Where I can purchase PATLITE products.


PATLITE products can be purchased from our distributors, sales agents, and our online shop (shop.patlite.com). Please refer to the distributor search list on our website or contact customer service.

Network Products
Do you have network enabled products that can be controlled with HTTP(S) commands?


There are several network products that can be controlled with HTTP(S) commands: Text-to-speech network control signal tower NHV series (both HTTP/HTTPS); Network control signal tower NHB series (both HTTP/HTTPS); PoE compatible LED signal tower LA6-POE series (both HTTP/HTTPS); LR5-LAN series (both HTTP/HTTPS) Wall mount signal tower WE-LAN (HTTP).

Do you offer any products that support PoE (Power over Ethernet)?


There are 2 network products compatible with PoE: Text-to-speech network control signal tower NHV-DP (only the NHV-DP among the NHV series supports PoE) and the programmable LED signal tower LA6-POE series.

Can I mirror the status of a signal tower to additional units in remote locations?


Yes. We offer solutions for both wired and wireless network mirroring: Wired (Ethernet): The LA6-POE Series features a built-in network mirroring function that allows a master unit to replicate its precise visual and audible status on up to 8 remote slave units over a LAN. Wireless: The WIO Series allows you to wirelessly mirror machine status from a single transmitter to a receiver up to 400 meters away.

WIO Series
How many LED and buzzer units can be mounted on the WIO series?


Up to five LR6 LED units and one buzzer per WIO transmitter, repeater, or receiver can be mounted.

What are WIO's wireless communication specifications.


The WIO uses Bluetooth 5.0 (Blootooth Low Energy), 2402MHz to 2480MHz frequency.

When setting up WIO transmitters and receivers:
(1) Is pairing required when using multiple groups?
(2) Is pairing required again after a power outage (WIO power loss)?
(3) When is the recommended time to set up pairing?
(4) Is the relay route determined by the pairing order?
(5) Even when using a repeater, will the transmitter and receiver communicate via shortcut if the radio signal is good?


(1) Pairing is required when using multiple groups.
(2) Pairing again is not required. The settings are retained even when power is turned off, and pairing is performed automatically after restart.
(3) We recommend pairing before installation when the transmitter and receiver can be placed in close proximity.
(4) Communication relays in the order in which units were paired.
(5) Even when the radio signal is good, communication always follows the pairing order through the set route without bypassing the relay unit.

USB Products
Can the multi-color unit and buzzer unit be attached to the USB-controlled signal tower LR6-USB?


Multi-color LED unit: The multi-color LED unit LR6-E-MZ can be used. However, the maximum number of LR6-E-MZ multi-color LED units that can be assembled is 1. It cannot be used simultaneously with other LED units. When ordering, please purchase the LR6-E-MZ and the body unit LR6-USBW, and assemble them yourself. Buzzer unit: The LR6-USB has a built-in buzzer in the body unit. The buzzer unit LR6-BW cannot be added for use.

Can the buzzer volume on the LR6-USB be adjusted?


The buzzer volume of the LR6-USB can be set to two levels using the volume switch on top of the main unit: H (loud, sound pressure Typ. 80dB) and L (quiet, approximately -10dB from the H level). The factory default is H (loud, sound pressure Typ. 80dB). For detailed setting instructions, please open the LR6-USB product page on our website and download the General Instruction Manual from "Instruction Manual/Specifications" then refer to the relevant page.

Can the LR6-USB be used via a USB hub?


When connecting the LR6-USB to a PC, please connect directly without going through a USB hub or other equipment. Operation may become unstable when connected via a USB hub (including bus-powered types) or other equipment.


Can multiple NE-USB or LR6-USB units be connected to a single PC or device?


Only one NE-USB series or LR6-USB series unit can be connected to a single PC or device via USB. Connecting multiple units or using a USB hub may result in the product not operating properly. Please connect only one unit at the same time.


LR Signal Towers
General
If lighting and flashing signals are input simultaneously, will it break? And how will it operate?


It will not break, and lighting will take priority.

I am installing the LR series cable type specification. What is the minimum bending radius of the cabtire cable that comes out of the main unit.


LR4 / LR5 / LR6 / LR7: 40mm
LR10: 45mm

Can the LR series be used outdoors?


LR4, LR5, LR6, and LR7 are for indoor use only. Although they have IP65 or IP54 ratings, environmental testing has only been conducted assuming indoor use.
LR10: Outdoor rated.

How do you remove/attach an LED unit.


1. First, ensure the power is turned off.
2. To remove or rearrange LED modules, always start from the buzzer or head cover. Remove each module one at a time by twisting them counter clockwise.
3. To attach LED modules, start from the bottom up one at a time by twisting them on clockwise.

I purchased an LR Series signal tower, but the model name printed on the nameplate is different from the model ordered. Why?


The model number printed on the nameplate attached to the product body of the LR series is an abbreviated version of the product model number. The unabbreviated model number is shown on the label attached to the product's individual packaging box.

What is the wiring for the M12 connector cable connection.


The connector pin arrangement and wire colors for the LR Series wit M12 connector are indicated on the product specification sheets. Note: M12 cables are not included with the signal tower units. When using commercially available cables, please refer to the manuals issued by each manufacturer.

For the LR4, LR5, LR6, and LR7 with rated voltage DC12V or DC24V specifications, does the gray wire need to be connected?


A. For lighting-only units: The gray wire is not connected internally in the product, so it does not need to be connected. However, since the gray wire serves as the power supply line for the buzzer circuit, if you anticipate adding a buzzer unit in the future, we recommend pre-wiring as described in B or C below.
B. For lighting/flashing/buzzer units when using flashing COM: The gray wire must be connected to the power supply. If not connected, output will not be available from the flashing common line.
C. For lighting/flashing/buzzer units when not using flashing: If you are not using the buzzer, the gray wire does not need to be connected. If you are using the buzzer, we recommend connecting the gray wire. The gray wire serves as the power supply line for the buzzer circuit.

Buzzer
How many types of buzzer sounds do LR buzzers have?


There are 4 types of sounds, selectable via DIP switches. Since the buzzer line is a single line, only one type of sound can be chosen. By connecting it to either the lighting common line or the flashing common line, two different sounds can be produced. For LR5 and LR6, a custom buzzer unit that can produce two different buzzer sounds was released [Model numbers LR5 type: LR5-BW+B0960, LR6 type: LR6-BW+B0960]. By short-circuiting the white LED wiring [terminal block type No. (5)], buzzer input 2 can be activated. However, if a white LED unit is built into the signal tower, inputting to buzzer input 2 will also light the white LED.

How many seconds after the buzzer signal line input does the buzzer start sounding?


1: When both the yellow and gray wires are connected to electrodes, the buzzer starts sounding approximately 60msec later.
2: When only the yellow wire is connected to an electrode, the buzzer starts sounding approximately 150msec later.
*Note: msec (millisecond) is a time unit representing one-thousandth of a second. Note that when using intermittent operation by repeatedly turning the buzzer signal ON and OFF, there is a limitation that the buzzer sound cannot be intermittently controlled freely.

Can the buzzer volume be adjusted for the LR series?


LR4 / LR5 / LR6 / LR7: The volume can be reduced by -10dB from the normal (factory shipment) sound pressure. The factory setting is normal (DIP switch No. 3 on the buzzer unit is OFF). To set the reduced volume, turn DIP switch No. 3 on the buzzer unit to "ON." This makes the sound approximately 10dB lower than the normal sound pressure.
LR10: The LR10 does not have a volume reduction function.

Can I add a buzzer to a LR4 / LR5 / LR6 / LR7 tower that does not come with a buzzer?


By purchasing the buzzer unit for the LR4 / LR5 / LR6 / LR7 custom build units, you can simply remove the head cover and replace it with the buzzer.

Mounting
For the body unit "Direct mount: Screwless terminal block specification" LR5-02WTNW and LR7-02WTNW, can a pole be added later?


Yes, an aluminum pole can be added later by replacing the direct mount bracket of the LR5-02WTNW or LR7-02WTNW with a pole bracket. Aluminum poles come in two types: N type for round brackets and the threaded T type for L-angle brackets. Not only the LR5-02WTNW and LR7-02WTNW, but other direct mount specifications in the LR series can also have aluminum poles added later in the same way. For details on how to remove the direct mount bracket, how to attach the pole bracket, and how to attach the pole to the pole bracket, please refer to the LR series General Instruction Manual. The General Instruction Manual can be downloaded from the individual product pages on our website under "Instruction Manual/Specifications."

What are the parts and procedure required to change from a direct mount type to a pole mount type after purchase.


To change from the direct mount (WJ) type to the pole mount type, please purchase the optional (1) "Pole" and the replacement part (2) "Pole Bracket." The model numbers are as follows: (1) Pole: N type or T type aluminum pole sold separately. Please refer to the catalog for model numbers. (2) Pole Bracket: For LR4: B22210159-7F1, For LR5: B22210160-7F1, For LR6: B22210161-7F1, For LR7: B22210178-7F1. Please refer to the General Instruction Manual for the installation method. Note: If you change an AC100V-240V high-voltage power supply type from direct mount to pole mount, it will no longer comply with CE.

I purchased the LR series LJ type (pole mount with L-angle). After opening the packaging and taking out the main unit, the L-angle is not attached to the pole. Where is the L-angle?


The LR series LJ type (pole mount with L-angle) is packaged with the L-angle detached from the pole to prevent damage during transport. When unpacking, please be careful not to dispose of the L-angle along with the cardboard or other protective materials. For attaching the L-angle to the pole, please refer to page 21 on the Complete Operation Manual available on our main website.

I already purchased an LR4 / LR5 / LR6 with a pole mount; can I change it to a direct mount?


It is not recommended to change from the pole mount type to the direct mount type. This is because it does not have a bolt mounting structure and does not include a waterproof gasket. Please purchase a body unit with direct mount specification and transfer the buzzer unit and LED unit. Please refer to the web catalog on our main website for information on each body unit.

LA6 Programmable Towers
Setting up
What cable can be used to connect the PC with the LA6 dedicated application software installed to the main unit.


A Micro USB cable is required for charging and data transfer (USB Type-A male - USB Micro-B male).

When transferring data from the LA6 dedicated application software to the LA6, is it necessary to supply power to the LA6 main unit?


Data transfer is possible without supplying power to the LA6. However, if the LA is not powered, the actual unit simulation function cannot be used.

Is it possible to read setting data registered on the main unit?


Yes, it is possible to transfer it using the LA6's dedicated application software. However, please note that if any configuration data is being edited at that time, it will be overwritten.

After a setting data transfer to the LA6, when the LA6 is powered on, all tiers flash red.


The LA6 checks whether the setting data is valid at power-on before starting operation. If the setting data is invalid, all tiers flash red. Please re-transfer the setting data using the dedicated LA6 application software.

How should unused signal lines be handled?


Unused signal lines must be insulated individually, one at a time. If they are bundled without insulation, the input lines may short circuit with each other and cause unintended operation.

What happens if a signal is input during data transfer?


It will not operate until the transfer is complete.

Can the dimming setting be configured for each group?


Yes, it can.

Mode Setting
Is it possible to operate Signal Tower Mode and Smart Mode simultaneously?


Yes. When the Mode Switch line is turned ON, it operates in Smart Mode. When turned OFF, it operates in Signal Tower Mode.

Can "Single Display," "Time Trigger," and "Pulse Trigger" in Smart Mode be combined and used in a single main unit?


No. Only one mode from "Single Display," "Time Trigger," or "Pulse Trigger" can be used.

The LA6 is set to Smart Mode, but it is operating in Signal Tower Mode. How can this be resolved?


Smart Mode is displayed only while the "Mode Switch" contact input is ON (cable type: pink wire / terminal block type: No. 11 terminal). If "Mode Switch" is OFF, it operates in Signal Tower Mode.

For the "No flashing, No buzzer" type (N type), can flashing be set in "Smart Mode" using the editing software "EDITOR for LA Series"?


In "Smart Mode," you can choose whether to light or flash all LED tiers. Flashing speed can be selected from 30, 60, or 120 times/minute. Please refer to the "Smart Mode" section under "How to Use" in the General Instruction Manual.

I have set the LA6 to the pulse trigger type in Smart Mode and turned ON the contact input for "Mode Switch" and the input wire/terminal corresponding to the display group No., but nothing is displayed and it remains off.


Please set to Input 5 (trigger input). Pattern 1 of the input group will only be displayed once the trigger input is received.

When operating in Smart Mode Time Trigger type, the display color changes faster than the set time.


The time span setting in the LA6 dedicated application software is set to 0.1 seconds by default. If "5" is entered for the lighting time, the lighting pattern will be maintained for 0.5 seconds. To operate in 1-second increments, please set the time span setting to 1 second.


SK / SF / SL Beacons
General Questions
How do you wire the SF and SL series for flashing?


Please refer to the installation manual included with each SF and SL series product.
SF Series: The light emission pattern of the SF series can be switched by combining the rotary switch and the ON/OFF of signal lines CH1 and CH2.
SL Series: The light emission pattern of the SL series is switched by combining the signal lines CH1 and CH2.

For the SK / SF / SL series, when controlling the signal lines with a PLC or transistor, are NPN transistors or PNP transistors supported?


SK Series: The SK series has higher current on the power and buzzer lines compared to the SF and SL series, so it cannot be controlled directly from the transistor output unit of a typical PLC. Please control through contact relays. Also, designing a transistor board circuit with NPN open collector that has high current capacity is not recommended due to the risk of fire or failure from heat generation.
SF / SL Series: The SF and SL series can control signal lines via NPN transistors (open collector output). Signal line control via PNP transistors is not supported. PLC NPN open collector control is supported.

What are the protection rating (IP) for the SK / SF / SL series and their waterproof options (mount rubber, waterproof wall mount bracket) when installed.


The protection rating correlation depends on the mounting bracket and gasket specification of each part used.

What is the vibration resistance of the SK / SF / SL series.


The vibration resistance of the SK / SF / SL series is 45m/s². When the optional mount rubber SZW-102 or SZW-103 is attached, the vibration resistance is also 45m/s². When using mounting options other than SZW-102 or SZW-103, the vibration resistance is 10m/s².

What brackets can be used with the SK / SF / SL series?


For the SK / SF / SL series, we offer brackets for wall, ceiling, and pole mounting, as well as mount rubber for enhanced waterproofing and dustproofing. Some previously sold wall mount brackets are also compatible. Since the IP rating differs depending on the mounting method, please select a bracket suitable for the installation environment. For details, please refer to the product page details on patlite.com.

Can the volume of the buzzer-equipped types of the SK / SF / SL series be adjusted?


The volume of the buzzer-equipped SK / SF / SL series cannot be adjusted. Models with adjustable buzzer volume for rotating beacons are the RFT series and RT series.

SF Settings
How do you change the flash patterns of the SF beacons.


The flash patterns of the SF series are switched by combining the rotary switch on the main unit and signal lines CH1 and CH2. Please refer to the SF Series Flash Pattern Setting Table in the Installation Manual for the rotary switch and CH1/CH2 settings. The rotary switch can be adjusted by removing the globe (cover) from the main unit. Please use a flathead watch screwdriver to adjust the rotary switch.

How do you dim the light on the SF Beacon.


To dim the light for the SF series, use the rotary switch on the main unit and signal lines CH1 and CH2. Please refer to the SF Series Flash Pattern Setting Table in the Installation Manual for the rotary switch and CH1/CH2 settings. Dimming can be used with the following 5 flash patterns: Rotation (60 rpm); Rotation (120 rpm); Rotation (180 rpm); Triple flash; Pulsing pattern. Dimming can also be used with half-illumination (front of the product illuminated) using the same 5 patterns.

How much can the SF Series beacon be dimmed?


When using the dimming function of the motorless rotating beacon SF series, the light is reduced by approximately 75%, resulting in approximately 25% of the brightness of full illumination. The 22 flash patterns, including dimming and full illumination, can be viewed on our website. For details on setting the SF series flash patterns, please refer to the Installation Manual.

BSV Annunciator
Is the BSV weather resistant and suitable for industrial sites?


The BSV has a protection rating of IP54 (dust and splash proof). It is recommended to install in a location where it will not be directly exposed to rain or wind, and where it will not be exposed to volatile chemicals.

How is the BSV mounted


There are a couple of ways to install the BSV.
1: Wall mounting using the included mounting bracket.
2: Direct installation on a flat surface (such as the floor or ceiling) with or without the mounting bracket. Without the bracket, please prepare M5 screws for fixing the four corners of the bottom surface.
*Please refer to the installation diagram on the BSV instruction manual for details.

What is the maximum volume of the BSV?


The maximum sound volume of the BSV is 105 dB (at 1m in front, with adjustable volume of approximately 75-105 dB at the loudest setting).

What is the audio data specifications of the BSV?


BSV audio data specifications: File format: MP3 or WAV. Sampling frequency: 8 kHz, 11.025 kHz, 12 kHz, 16 kHz, 22.05 kHz, 24 kHz, 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz. Bit rate: For MP3 - 16 kbps to 320 kbps; For WAV - 8 bits or 16 bits.


How do I contact you?
  Please click here for our company contact information.