The VLB-44 is a lighthouse optical system designed and built by Vega Industries Ltd. in Porirua, New Zealand.[1]

Components

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The VLB-44 consists of one to eight tiers of LED bulb assemblies. Each tier draws approximately ten Watts. The tiers are available in 3 vertical divergences:

  • 2.5 degrees, for use in fixed lighthouses
  • 5 degrees, for use on pole lights on land
  • 10 degrees, for buoys

They are available in white, red, green, blue, and yellow.

The light output and timing is controlled within tight limits. All of the features, including characteristic, day/night transition time, and synchronization is programmable with an IR programmer. The units are expected to have a service life greater than ten years, depending on characteristic and duty cycle.[1]

End of an Era

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From the first use of lighthouses with flashing lights, the light source has been continuous. Turning a flame on and off was impractical and flashing an incandescent electric lamp reduces its life substantially. The characteristic seen by the observer has been achieved by rotating a lens system. Since LEDs can be flashed on and off without degrading their lives, it appears that the use of rotating beacons in lighthouses is coming to an end.[2]


Examples of Lights using the VLB-44

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Light Characteristic Range, nm
Isles of Shoals Light, New Hampshire Fl W 15s 14
Point Loma Light, California Fl W 15s 22
Wood Island Light, Maine Alt W&G 10s 13

References

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  1. ^ a b Vega Industries, Ltd. files/vlb-44.pdf "VLB-44 LED Marine Beacon" (PDF). {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  2. ^ Bob Trapani, Jr. (2009-09-03). "Vega VRB-25 – Last of the Lighthouse Rotating Beacons as We Know Them".
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Category:Lighthouse fixtures