MX Field App
      Back to home
      1. Product Support Center
      2. MX Series
      3. MX Field App

      How do I change the intensity for my MX system?

      This article discusses daytime and nighttime intensity settings with MX systems.

      Product applicability

      The following products are discussed in this article:

      • MX Series: R920-MX, R829-MX, R247-MX and CHEVRON-MX

      MX flasher modules come preset with with specific daytime intensity and nighttime intensity settings. Carmanah uses a feature called Automatic Light Control (ALC) to dynamically adjust daytime intensity. This is controlled via two modes within MX Field App:

      1. Auto Mode -  the beacon output intensity will automatically adjust to maximize the beacon's brightness while ensuring sustainability in varying weather conditions 

        1. Meets MUTCD Standards.
        2. Automatic Light Control (ALC) enabled – allows the system to reduce the beacon brightness in response to low battery states of charge. RRFBs will not use ALC to ensure that J595 standards are adhered to.
        3. Applies sustainable daytime intensity based on flasher module connected.
        4. Applies sustainable nighttime intensity based on flasher module connected.
      2. Manual Mode - the beacon output intensity will be fixed at the percentage set by the user. This is a percentage of the factory default value.
        1. Automatic Light Control (ALC) disabled – system runs at a fixed intensity. 
        2. User adjustable daytime intensity (percentage of factory default value).
        3. User adjustable nighttime intensity (percentage of factory default value).

      The main function of Manual mode is to override the Auto settings to force a specific intensity (a percentage of the factory default value). This is typically to reduce the intensity if it is too bright. Using Manual mode may reduce system sustainability for solar-systems.

      Flasher Module Daytime Intensity Nighttime Intensity

      RRFB

      SAE J595 or brighter 

      (IA-21 and MUTCD NPA)

      		 30% of factory default value

      Beacon

      		 ITE (MUTCD)

      30% of factory default value (yellow)

      100% of factory default value

      (red)

      LED Sign

      Maximum intensity

      (factory default)

      		 10% of factory default value

      Chevron

      Maximum intensity

      (factory default)

      		 10% of factory default value

      Automatic Light Control (ALC), when enabled, allows solar-powered systems to reduce their fixture brightness in response to low battery states of charge, allowing the battery to recover. When the solar power system is properly sized for its location, ALC will typically only intervene after a prolonged period of unusually poor weather. ALC can also intervene in cases of solar panel shading, improper connection of a battery, interconnect corrosion or other component failure. If by reducing the fixture intensity ALC cannot recover the battery, the system will eventually reach Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD) at which point the fixtures are kept off to limit permanent battery damage. 

      ALC is enabled by default with all flasher modules except RRFBs, which aren't permitted to dim during the day per MUTCD requirements. If local standards or other requirements don't permit fixture dimming, ALC should be set to Disabled. 

      Most users will benefit from leaving the system in Auto mode. In Auto mode the system will dynamically adjust brightness to retain system sustainability, while attempting to achieve maximum brightness.