F.A.Q
LED
- How does the system operate without contact?
- What do you mean by slidable module?
- Will any 14 AWG THHN work with this product or does it require one of the listed suppliers?
- How does wire lenght affect the loading of the power supply?
- Does the driver have a built in fusing system whereby the fuse would blow if the two leads were to make contact with each other?
- Are power supplies protected against overloads and shorts?
- How can we use HEICO lighting™ LED system within 220V environment?
- Is your LED system dimmable?
NEON
- How does one obtain service for (sequence of troubleshooting) a sign with the Octopus product?
- How many feet of neon can the MPS support?
- How many feet of neon can the HVM support?
- Can the Octopus Master Power Supply be used outdoors?
- What is the voltage emission of the HVM?
- How many HVM can the MPS support?
- How much current does the MPS draw?
- Can the Octopus be used in reverse channel letters?
- Do I need special components other than the MPS and the HVM?
- Is it less expensive than regular transformers?
- Can I jump 2 neon units together on the same HVM?
- Do I need a dedicated line (secondary) for each MPS that feed my sign?
- Are the HVMs heat resistant?
- Can I use a dimmer or a flash unit on the Octopus?
- What is the minimum number of HVMs needed?
- What if I have an input voltage of 220V or similar?
- What is the “nuisance tripping” feature on the Octopus System?
- How reliable is the Octopus System?
- Does the MPS create interference with other wiring installations?
- Can the MPS troubleshoot itself?
- What kind of warranty is offered on the Octopus System?
- How does the Temperature Control Module (TCM) work?
- Does the Octopus System comply with all standards and regulations?
- How much energy does the Octopus consume?
LAYOUT SERVICES
1. What file extension do you accept?
The ideal formats are: portable document file (PDF), Auto CAD 2000 (DWG), Corel (CDR), Adobe Illustrator (.Al) and Encapsulated PostScript (.EPS). Please do not forget to complete the design plan application form.
2. Is the layout service free?
Yes, absolutely.
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LED
1. How does the system operate without contact?
The energy is transferred from the power supply to the modules by electromagnetic induction. During installation, the modules are threaded onto the cable. The field is formed when electric current flows through the wire. This method does not use connectors (which could corrode and impair the reliability of the system).
2. What do you mean by slidable module?
Since there are no connectors to hold the module, it can be easily placed where it is needed without any constraint and unecessary wire splices. This provides unsurpassed flexibility and simplicity.
3. Will any 14 AWG THHN work with this product or does it require a listed suppliers?
Any kind of 14AWG wire can be used. The wire must meet the local standards, CEC (Canadian Electrical Code) or NEC (National Electrical Code), and the overall size of the wire needs to fit within our wire size limitation (refer to technical bulletin "Wiring and splice guidance for the Virgolite™ LED modules").
4. How does wire lenght affect the loading of the power supply?
When installaing the power supply at a distance of the modules, we recommend usage of twisted pair or jacketed CL2 or CL3P 14 AWG. Contrary to DC circuits, increasing wire gauge will not allow longer runs (refer to LMPS Product Sheet for the distance factor chart).
5. Does the driver have a built in fusing system whereby the fuse would blow if the two leads were to make contact with one another?
Our power supply is a current source power supply, therefore the output is designed to handle a short between the two output leads.
If one considers how we connect our Contactless LED modules one will notice that the single wire loop crosses the whole module then returns to the power supply to close the loop. This single wire is a short between the two output leads and this is how the system is able to function with a current source power supply.
6. Are power supplies protected against overloads and shorts?
Our power supplies are impervious to overloads, shorts, ground faults, and miswiring.
7. How can we use HEICO lighting™ LED system within 220V environment?
You can use a step-down non-isolated autotransformer.
8. Is your LED system dimmable?
Yes, compatible with 0-10V, PWM and DMX 512 protocole.
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NEON
1. How does one obtain service for (sequence of troubleshooting) a sign with the Octopus product?
If you appear to have a problem with the adjustment of your banner, please consult the Octopus System Troubleshooting Guide.
2. How many feet of neon can the MPS support?
The MPS can support up to 120’ (15 mm white 30 mA). Refer to loading chart for more footage and diameters.
3. How many feet of neon can the HVM support?
The HVM can support up to 15’ (15 mm white 30 mA). Refer to loading chart for more footage and diameters.
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4. Can the Octopus Master Power Supply be used outdoors?
The MPS and the High Voltage Modules are rated outdoor non-weatherproof. Since the MPS has a secondary voltage of only 165V, you can place the MPS up to 250’ away from the sign. We suggest you place the MPS next to the breaker panel.
5. What is the voltage emission of the HVM?
The HVM has a voltage output of 2000V with a self-adjustable device of 0 to 2000V.
6. How many HVM can the MPS support?
The MPS can support up to 20 HVM (15 mm white 30 mA). Refer to the chart for more footage and diameters.
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7.How much current does the MPS draw?
The MPS has a current input of 3.2A at full capacity. If the MPS has a smaller load, it will draw less current.
8. Can the Octopus be used in reverse channel letters?
Yes, the small size of the HVM allows one to do almost anything that regular transformers cannot.
9. Do I need special components other then the MPS and the HVM?
No, the only things needed for an installation are standard components like wiring nuts, 3-14 AWG wires and small standard junction boxes.
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10. Is it less expensive than regular transformers?
Yes, as there is no special equipment needed like P-K housing and high-voltage connectors. Installation time is cut by half (One hole per letter).
11. Can I jump 2 neon units together on the same HVM?
Yes, as long as the footage limit is not exceeded, it is acceptable to jump 2 neon units together using standard GTO.
12. Do I need a dedicated line (secondary) for each MPS feeding my sign?
Yes, if more than one MPS is needed, one dedicated line between the MPS and the section of the sign is needed for each MPS.
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13. Are the HVMs heat resistant?
Absolutely, the HVMs are designed to withstand heat up to 200°F at full capacity without failing.
14. Can I use a dimmer or a flash unit on the Octopus?
No, the Octopus System has been designed for channel letters which rarely requires these features.
15. What is the minimum number of HVMs needed?
At least 3 HVMs are needed for the MPS to function properly.
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16. What if I have an input voltage of 220V or similar?
You can use a step-down non-isolated autotransformer. Calculate 384 VAC for each MPS that will be powered by this transformer (i.e. 3 MPS = 1152 VAC). A step-down transformer will be needed for a minimum of 1.5 kV.
17. What is the “nuisance tripping” feature on the Octopus System?
The MPS has been designed with a patented device that can make the difference between a true or false arc and therefore avoiding any nuisance tripping. No other manufacturer provides this feature.
18. How reliable is the Octopus System?
Heico Lighting™ has been recognized for the dependability of its products since its inception in 1985. The Octopus System continues this tradition of reliability.
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19. Does the MPS create interference with other wiring installations?
Absolutely not.
20. Can the MPS troubleshoot itself?
Yes, the MPS can detect up to 6 errors, from a broken tube to a faulty ground. A LED will define the fault and the integrated software will indicate where the error is to be found.
21. What kind of warranty is offered on the Octopus System?
The Octopus System has a 2-year warranty.
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22. How does the Temperature Control Module (TCM) work?
The TCM works almost the same as a photocell or a time clock with the exception that the TCM is installed at the secondary of the MPS. With a temperature probe, the TCM will switch the output current from 30 to 60 mA depending of the outdoor temperature, which will extend the life of the neon tubes and provide additional energy savings. For this reason, only HVM-60 and HVM turbo-60 can be used with TCM.
23. Does the Octopus System comply with all standards and regulations?
Yes, the Octopus System complies with U.L.2161 and CSA.
24. How much energy does the Octopus consume?
With a high capacity factor of .92 and a maximum input current of 3.2 A, the Octopus System has the lowest energy consumption on the market. The Octopus System uses 2.7 W/ft @ 30mA.
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