STL FLARE 12 - User Manual

1 SpeedTech Lights, Inc © 2019
FLARE 12
HIDEAWAY
K-F12
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Summary

User and Installer Warnings

Safety and Usage Precautions

Covers user responsibilities, daily testing, proper mounting, wiring, and avoiding interference.

Unpacking Your STL Product

Unpacking Instructions

Guide to identify all parts, check small bags or foam protection.

Product Information and Setup

Safety and Longevity Guidelines

Essential points for installers on electronics, LED safety, cleaning, wiring, and airbag zones.

Bench Testing Procedures

Steps to bench test before installation, checking LEDs, patterns, and condition.

Product Maintenance

Instructions on cleaning, avoiding car washes, and lens yellowing.

Technical Information

Wiring Diagram and Specifications

Covers wire color functions and key product specs like voltage and LED count.

Flash Pattern Synchronization

Instructions for syncing patterns between multiple units using white and yellow cables.

Alternating Sync Programming

Steps for programming alternating patterns between groups using blue cables.

Installation Methods

Extension Cable Usage

Guidance on extending cables, soldering, heat shrinking, and protecting connections.

Push Bulb Mounting

Mounting instructions using the push bulb method, lens insertion, and hardware.

Surface Mounting with Flange

Steps for surface mounting with a flare flange, cable routing, and hardware.

Flash Pattern Details

Available Flash Patterns

A list of all 34 available flash patterns, including steady burn and various flashing sequences.

Flash Pattern Shortcuts

Instructions to toggle steady burn mode by holding a button for 3 seconds.

About Flash Patterns

Explains non-volatile memory and how to cycle through patterns.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The FLARE 12 HIDEAWAY is an emergency warning device manufactured by SpeedTech Lights, Inc. It is designed to alert pedestrians and other operators to the presence of personnel, the operation of emergency vehicles, an emergency site, and other warning needs. This professional-grade equipment is intended for strict use by authorized personnel only.

Function Description:

The FLARE 12 HIDEAWAY is an LED-based warning light that operates on 12 VDC. It features a dome lens and contains 12 LEDs. The device offers a variety of flash patterns, including steady burn, single flash, alternating flashes, quad flash, and more, totaling 34 different patterns. These flash patterns are stored in a non-volatile memory, meaning the device will recall the last flash pattern used when it is turned on.

The wiring diagram indicates several functions controlled by different wire colors:

• Red: Positive power connection. This is a main power cable.
• Black: Negative power connection. This is a main power cable.
• Yellow: Controls the flash pattern. Contacting this wire to +12 VDC cycles through the available patterns.
• Green: Activates a steady burn override function.
• White: Used for synchronization between multiple units.
• Blue: Used for alternating sync programming.

For multi-unit installations, the FLARE 12 HIDEAWAY supports synchronization and alternating synchronization. To synchronize units, all units must be powered on and flashing on the same pattern. Connecting the white cables of all units together, and then contacting the yellow cables of all units to +12 VDC, will cycle them to the next pattern. Powering all units off and back on completes the sync process.

For alternating synchronization, units are divided into two groups. After ensuring all units are powered on and flashing on the same pattern, and connecting the white cables of all units, the blue cables of the first group are connected together, and the blue cables of the second group are connected together. Contacting the blue cables of the first group to +12 VDC for 3 seconds will make the first group units steady burn (only half of each unit will light up). Contacting the blue cables of the second group to +12 VDC for 5 seconds will turn off the second group units. Powering all units off and back on completes the alternating sync process. It is important that all programming for both groups is completed before the steady burn portions cease.

Usage Features:

The FLARE 12 HIDEAWAY can be mounted in two primary ways:

1. Push Bulb Mounting: The Flare bulb lens is inserted through an opening in the installation location, and the unit is secured to the vehicle using the included hardware.
2. Surface Mounting with Flare Flange (Sold Separately): The Flare flange is pushed onto the Flare unit. The cable is routed through the central hole of a foam pad, and the unit is then mounted to the vehicle using the included hardware.

When extending the main cables, it is crucial to solder and heat shrink the wire connections. It is important not to cross-connect wires and to ensure that connectors, cables, and solder points are not exposed to heat, moisture, or debris.

The device's flash patterns can be set by pushing a dedicated Flash Pattern button on a Grand Control Box (if used) to cycle through the patterns. If a Grand Control Box is not used, the Flash Pattern wire (yellow) can be manually contacted to +12 VDC to cycle through patterns. A shortcut feature allows users to hold the Flash Pattern wire to +12 VDC for 3 seconds to toggle the Steady Burn mode.

Maintenance Features:

To ensure the longevity and proper function of the FLARE 12 HIDEAWAY, specific maintenance practices are recommended:

• Cleaning: The device should never be taken through a car wash, including pressure washers, automatic car washes, or those with brushes that could scratch the equipment. Chemicals or high-pressure water can also damage the unit. Instead, use water with a soft cloth to clean the light bar and lenses.
• Inspection: Daily inspection and testing of the product are essential to ensure it operates properly and is securely mounted.
• Lens Replacement: Over time, clear lenses may yellow. Replacement lenses can be purchased by contacting STL Customer Service.
• Wiring and Mounting: The effectiveness of the STL equipment is highly dependent on correct mounting and wiring. Improper wiring and mounting can reduce output and performance. Fuses should be properly sized and located as close to the power take-off points as possible to protect the wiring and device. Only fuses with the initial amp rating provided by STL should be used. Grommets, cable ties, and looms should be used to anchor and protect all wiring.
• Airbag Safety: Equipment and wires must never be installed through or in the deployment area of airbags, as this can cause serious personal injury and reduce airbag effectiveness.
• Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): To prevent EMI, light bars should be mounted a minimum of 12" - 34" from radio antennas. Equipment should not be powered from the same circuit or share the same grounding circuit with radio communication equipment. After installation, all vehicle equipment should be tested together to ensure interference-free operation.

It is crucial for installers to have a good understanding of automotive electronic systems and procedures. Users and installers must read the entire manual to ensure proper and safe use, preventing property damage or serious injury. The user is responsible for understanding and obeying all laws regarding emergency warning devices.

STL FLARE 12 Specifications

General

Type	LED Light Bar
Category	Automobile Accessories
Length	12 inches
Light Source	LED
Color Temperature	6000K
Beam Pattern	Spot/Flood Combo
Waterproof Rating	IP67
Housing Material	Aluminum
Lens Material	Polycarbonate
Size	12 inches
Mounting Type	Bracket Mount