Raytec VTS20-850-28-ETH PULSESTAR VTS20 Pulsed IR Illuminator

VTS20-850-28-ETH is the Raytec PULSESTAR VTS 20 pulsed illuminator in its 850 nm, 28 x 28 degree version: up to 1.0 kW of pulsed lighting drive power from an 80-LED, IP66 housing with an integrated pulse controller and Ethernet control.

Pulsed infra-red for ANPR, tolling and rail cameras

PULSESTAR VTS illuminators deliver high-intensity pulsed light from a single compact housing for transport applications. Raytec names traffic and rail monitoring, ANPR and LPR, and tolling as examples. Pulsing concentrates light into the instant the camera shutter is open, which lets the illuminator freeze fast-moving vehicles and give a significant uplift over an equivalent non-pulsed unit, according to the datasheet.

A trigger input lets the illuminator be synchronised to the camera shutter, and a trigger output can control camera timing or other illuminators. A built-in GUI over Ethernet sets pulse power, duration and frequency for each site. The datasheet adds that pulsing an LED illuminator can increase operating life, because LED life depends on average operating temperature rather than the number of switching cycles.

Key features as printed in the datasheet

• Up to 1.0 kW lighting drive power (pulsed) at 850 nm; average consumption 20 W.
• Integrated pulse controller with adjustable timing, height and width of the pulse.
• 5 V to 24 V opto-isolated trigger input and 24 V, 20 mA opto-isolated trigger output.
• 12 V and 24 V DC shown as standard in the Raytec feature list; the specification table gives 24 V DC.

Technical specification

Specification (VTS20-850 column)

Mechanical and environment

VTS 20 order codes in the datasheet

Choosing the beam angle and wavelength

The last number in the code is the beam angle: 14, 28 or 50 degrees for infra-red, 12, 28 or 50 degrees for white light. A narrow beam throws further onto a single lane, a wide beam covers more lanes at shorter range; Raytec does not print distances in this datasheet, so match the beam to the camera field of view and ask for a site calculation. Infra-red avoids visible flash for drivers; the white-light versions provide colour recording.

Camera integration is described in the separate PULSESTAR camera connectivity guide 1170-D-00006, which is published on the Raytec product page. Confirm trigger voltage, camera model and beam angle before ordering.

Installation and camera synchronisation

The unit comes with a U bracket and a 2 m pre-wired cable and is powered from 24 V DC. The trigger input accepts 5 to 24 V opto-isolated signals, so it can be wired to a camera strobe output; the opto-isolated output can pass the pulse to a second illuminator or camera. Raytec lists a maximum pulse width of 1 ms and a duty cycle limit of 2 percent at full intensity for the 850 nm model, which the camera exposure must respect.

The product is configured over Ethernet through its GUI. Raytec publishes VTS installation guide 1230-D-00001 on the product page, and the datasheet itself cites document 1140-D-00013 for installation instructions.

Applications in Oman and the GCC

Typical sites are toll plazas and road gantries, border and port gates, car park entries and rail crossings where plate or wagon-number cameras must work day and night. The -20 to +50 °C range needs shading and ventilation checks for Gulf summer sun, and the datasheet states a 1 year warranty for this range, shorter than the 5 years quoted on other Raytec product families.

Selection and installation notes

A CCTV illuminator is selected from the camera, the distance and the width of the scene. Match the beam angle to the camera field of view, mount it close to the camera on a stable bracket, keep the lens clear of foliage and glass reflections, check the supply voltage under load and set the light level in the dark, not in daylight. Camera and illuminator should be aimed together at commissioning.

Information needed for a quotation

Send the full model code, the quantity, the delivery location in Oman or the GCC, the intended use and any accessories needed, so that the complete package can be quoted together.

Documents and supply information

The manufacturer data sheet is attached to this page and should be read together with the project specification and the site risk assessment before a purchase is confirmed. Ratings, standards and dimensions are quoted as printed on that sheet. Lead time, stock position and certificates available with the shipment are confirmed in the quotation, and we supply to Oman and the wider GCC region for industrial, utility and building services projects.

Compatible accessories and related items

The datasheet lists only the VTS 20 codes; for sites needing more pulsed power or multi-lane control, the PULSESTAR PSTR range is the Raytec alternative. See the category for related lighting.

Frequently asked questions

What does the 28 in VTS20-850-28-ETH mean?

A 28 x 28 degree beam angle; other 850 nm codes use 14 or 50 degrees.

How much light does it deliver?

Up to 1.0 kW of pulsed lighting drive power for the 850 nm model.

How is it synchronised to a camera?

Through a 5 to 24 V opto-isolated trigger input, with a trigger output for chaining.

Which power supply does it need?

24 V DC ±5 percent.

Is Seven Star LLC a Raytec distributor?

No, we are an independent supplier in Muscat and supply Raytec items on request rather than acting as a Raytec channel partner.

Documents and quotation

For quotation, send your required quantity and destination. The Raytec datasheet for VTS20-850-28-ETH is provided below the description on this page. Seven Star LLC works as an independent supplier from Muscat. Please compare code, ratings and approvals with the document before you place an order; see also the category listing.