Signal lamps, also known as indicator lamps or Morse lamps, are devices used to display or communicate certain signals. The term is generalized to refer to various lamps and light sources. It originally referred to light sources used for communication, relaying specific information in pulsating flashes.
These can be seen over long distances and were often utilized by the military in what is known as the Morse Code.
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Also known as Aldis lamps (named after Arthur Cyril Webb Aldis, the inventor), these visually indicate units used in wireless signals to communicate. They are used in modes of signal light communication known as the Morse code.
The present models are engineered to generate pulsating lights, accomplished by adjusting the shutters fixed at the front of the lamp. You can adjust these mechanically or automate them using a pressure valve or tilting a concave mirror.
Various indicator lamps are used in optical signals, each with a distinct role and signaling meaning. Here are some of the characteristics:
Color and Light Output
Different lamps or indicators have distinct light patterns (characteristics). This can be seen clearly at sea, where mariners communicate and navigate using various light signals. One has to learn and familiarize themselves with the specific sequences and different colors displayed in each signal.
These vary from one area of use to the next, making learning the specific signaling language even more critical. Mariners also have to be particular about selecting the proper signal light.
The following light patterns are possible, these being:
The most commonly used lighting in maritime applications is the fixed lights, which give mariners positional data and signals about harbors and ports. Normally, colors are used to communicate, usually green and red.
Different signals can operate at relatively low output levels, such as millicandela, whereas others require significantly more light. Additionally, several colors combinations are possible and are frequently appropriate for application in communication under various conditions, such as:
More modern models also use blue signals now that technology has allowed blue-emitting light-emitting diodes. However, because that shade is relatively new, not everyone understands the message communicated by that color choice.
Emission
Emission can be diffuse or directional, with the former being more common. In diffuse emission, the light is emitted in multiple directions, allowing them to be visibly seen from various angles.
However, directional emission signals are often useful when observing from a greater distance but can only spread in a limited number of directions.
Reliability
Engineers design these signal lights for durability by constructing them from quality materials to ensure they remain viable for as long as possible. This helps save the costs of repairs and replacement by installing quality lamps. Another consideration is dependability, which weighs extreme importance in security and overall safety.
Think of it this way: if the turn signal lights are faulty and start to blink, there might be accidents on the road. A malfunction may communicate the wrong message to mariners with navy signal lamps. Photodetectors are often required to observe the lamps’ operation, though drive currents can also be monitored for the same reason.
Most incandescent lights rely on low power and lower filament heat. This reduces overall efficiency significantly and allows the bulbs to last longer than those used in residential settings.
To suit the various applications for optical signaling, engineers designed various types of signal lights.
Here are some of the different types:
They also come in panel or surface-mounted configurations.
Strobe lights emit light in quick succession (milliseconds) and arguably have the best signal effects. This makes them useful in the latest security systems when paired with audio signaling devices. It’s tailored to play into the fact that human eyes are wired to follow any movement within their field of vision.
You can also effectively detect any warnings from strobe light signals, thanks to reflection. They’re often applied in situations that need immediate alerts for pending danger. Also, they can be found in special motor vehicles like the ones used in mining, and construction, among other things.
Strobe lights are available in LED and Xenon bulbs and come in various colors, including blue, clear, green, and the most popular, orange and red.
Flashing lamps draw the most attention of all signal lights since the flashing motion is quick and conspicuous and can be picked up from any field of view. These light up at rhythmic intervals, emitting a blinking signal, and it is this uniform flashing helps draw attention.
Unlike strobe lights, these aren’t often used in emergencies as warning lights but will be applied where it’s essential to have clear, visible light.
They also come in various colors, including clear, blue, red, green, yellow, and orange. Also, you can refer to your signals category for colors to decide which one to use. You can get them in LED and halogen lamps.
They’re often combined with an audio signal, available in various designs, and can be manually controlled to boost effectiveness and visibility.
These beacons emit signals with complete rotation (360 degrees) ranges, revolving around like a lighthouse. Often, you’ll find these in an emergency (red or blue in ambulances and police cars) or unique (orange in large vehicles with bulky cargo) motor lighting.
Because of its flexible construction, the signal is conspicuous from any angle. One of the common applications is in alarm systems, serving as a warning when there’s a looming danger. The most popular is the rotating mirror beacon.
In road traffic, these come in three colors:
Continuous or steady beacons produce permanent signals without flashing or breaking or any other pattern. They’re least likely to garner attention and are often utilized in announcing the status of a machine or application.
The most common colors are red and green (normal), as used in signal lights for cars. They’re available in various lighting technologies, including halogen, incandescent lamps, and LED.
Similar to rotating beacons, multifunctional models are available in the R series of the Auer Signal in two types of performance categories. Their models in Standard Performance come furnished with 6×6 LED lights, while those in High Performance have 6×12 LEDs.
LED technology offers an advantage where these models come in the same size but present two different performance categories, owing to the LED’s advanced innovation.
One of the most common applications of signal light symbols is in the navies. Navy signal lights are key in communicating radio silent missions and operations where marines aren’t too far from each other. That way, they can signal to each other using Morse code. The latest models enable the passing of pre-written template messages.
You’re less likely to come across signal lights in factories and manufacturing plants as these frequently require bright beams. This is because they offer updates and warnings.
On the other hand, optical signals can illuminate all sorts of spaces.
The voltage differs but, on average, ranges from 5÷10 V AC/DC to 10÷130 V AC/DC.
Normally, the drive voltage influences the various solutions that can be applied. On average, glow lamps are used for high voltages, while LEDs are applied at lower voltages or use incandescent lamps.
One of the most impressive qualities of LEDs is their durability and estimated life expectancy, ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 hours in total. If these lamps are used for eight hours a day, they can be viable for 17 years. This life span is almost thirty times longer than that of incandescent lamps.
Signal lamps have a range of applications and come in various ranges and colors. As devices used for communicating signals via light sources, they need to be understood and identified accurately to know what they mean.
Understanding the various types and how they work is the best way to know which will work for you, whether for automotive signal lights or marine purposes.