Purpose of VCM100’s Emergency Stop Connection

[chartertom]

This post is concerning the purpose of the VCM100’s emergency stop connection. This application includes 4KW HD Pedestal (part number E52069E) receiving power directly from its VCM100 without switching located between pedestal and VCM100.

Does the emergency stop connection, when wired to a remote switch with appropriate screen connection, serve the same purpose as the power switch physically located on the back side of the pedestal?

When the VCM100’s remote emergency stop switch turns power off to the VCM100, is all power turned off to the pedestal so the pedestal’s power switch can be left in the on position?

Lastly, if the VCM100’s remote emergency stop switch does not turn off to the pedestal, is there any issue with continuously leaving the pedestal’s switch in the on position?

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Welcome to the Raymarine Forum Tom,

The VCM's emergency stop feature is designed such that when the connected switch forms a closed circuit, the VCM's 48VDC power supply will switch OFF (effectively shutting down the open array pedestal). In contrast, the switch located on the back side of the pedestal is simply intended to enable/disable rotation of and transmission via the open array.

[chartertom]

Thanks for the reply.

Will any adverse effects to the pedestal such as premature failure of electrical components result from leaving the pedestal power switch on and just "killing" power to the pedestal by using the VCM100 kill switch during long-term non-use?

Question is being asked noting the "stand-by" and "power down" functions of MFD's will still be used.

[Chuck - Raymarine - Moderator]

Tom,

In all of the years of If concerned about affects upon the pedestal's circuitry, I do not recall ever having an installer contact us regarding or install an emergency shutoff switch. It is generally recommended that a breaker or switch be dedicated to supplying power to the VCM be installed ... and that it simply be switched OFF (after placing in standby and turning OFF) when not needed for extended periods. Unlike older radar designs where one may have had concerns for the life of the magnetron, failures of this magnetrons within modern radar designs such as this are very rare.