DAVIS Solar Power Kit for Non-Vantage Pro Stations User Manual
S
OLAR
ND
A
6.5-A
The Solar Power Kit is designed to provide power to any Davis weather
station.
CAUTION: Davis Instruments assumes no liability for any injury or damage caused directly or indirectly by
the installation or use of this product.
P
OWER
MP
-H
OUR
K
ATTERY
B
IT
Product # 7708
The solar power subsystem comprises three units:
✦
Solar Panel
Converts solar energy to electrical energy. The unit provided is rated at
10 Watts. It provides about 600 mA of current in bright sunshine
(1000 W/m
2
). In 1
∫ hours it provides power to operate the station for
more than 24 hours.
✦
Battery
A battery is not included in the kit. You may wish to provide your own.
The kit is designed to use the 6.5 Amp-hour Battery (7711), but any 12volt rechargeable battery may be used. The 6.5-Amp-Hour battery, when
fully charged, can supply power to operate the station for eight days
without recharging, assuming an average temperature of 68˚F (20˚C). It
will run for about seven days at 32˚F (0˚C) and about five days at -4˚F
(-20˚C).
✦
Regulator Circuit
The regulator circuit performs three functions, designed to increase the
efficiency and life of the battery:
Temperature-Compensated Voltage Limit
✦
The circuit limits the voltage to which the battery is charged, and it
adjusts this voltage according to the temperature at the rate of 28
mV per degree C. This ensures that the battery is fully charged for
the conditions, but never over-charged.
Load Disconnect
✦
The circuit disconnects the battery from the weather station if the
battery voltage drops below approximately 10.8 Volts. This ensures
that the battery is not deep-discharged, an event which shortens
battery life.
Re-Connect
✦
When the battery voltage has risen about 0.7 Volt above the disconnect voltage, the circuit re-connects it to the station. This ensures
that the battery is in the process of recharging before the load is
restored. The re-connect causes the station to reset and restart if the
standby battery was drained.
The regulator circuit also contains terminals (B3 and B4) to facilitate the
use of the Alarm Output Module in switching power to accessories (for
example a radio) to minimize power consumption.
CAUTION: The battery (#7711) is sealed, but it should be assumed that it (and any other rechargeable
battery) is capable of generating flammable gas. The battery should be located in a vented
space, if possible. No spark, flame, or lighted cigarette should be allowed in the vicinity.
Page 2 Solar Power Kit
C
OMPONENTS
The Solar Power Kit includes the following components. Please make sure that
you have all the listed components before continuing.
✦
Solar Panel
✦
Solar Panel Bracket
2-1/4” U-Bolt
✦
✦
U-Bolt Saddle
✦
Regulator Circuit Assembly
Battery Cover Plate
✦
✦
Battery Mounting Bracket
✦
Battery Cable
Solar Panel Mounting Accessories
✦
Four End Caps
✦
✦
Four Rubber Sealing Tubes
Components Page 3
Installation Kit Hardware
✦
Two 5/16-18 x 3/4” (19
✦
mm) Machine Screws
✦
Two 1-1/2” (4 cm) Lag
Screws
✦
Four 5/16” Flat Washers
Four 5/16” Split Lock
✦
Washers
Four 5/16” Stainless Steel
✦
Hex Nuts
✦
Three #6-32 x 1/2” (12.5
mm) Machine Screws
Two #4-40 x 1/2” (12.5
✦
mm) Machine Screws
Two Nylon Screw
✦
Insulators
✦
One #6 x 1/2” (12.5 mm)
Sheet Metal Screw
T
OOLS
You may need some of the following tools and materials in order to install the
Solar Power Kit.
M
AND
✦
Battery
The kit is designed to use the 6.5-Amp-Hour Battery (Davis
Product #7711), but you may use any 12-volt rechargeable battery.
✦
Medium Phillips Screwdriver
Adjustable Wrench or 1/2” Wrench
✦
Protractor
✦
To adjust solar panel to the correct tilt angle.
✦
Magnetic Compass, Map of Local Area, or Watch
To align solar panel to south in the Northern Hemisphere (or north in
Southern Hemisphere). The watch may be used to set the panel facing
the sun at solar noon.
✦
Voltmeter
To check battery voltages.
ATERIALS
N
EEDED
FOR
I
NSTALLATION
Page 4 Solar Power Kit
L
ABELING
Use the label sheets provided with your station to mark the battery cables
before you begin installation. Doing this now will help prevent confusion during the installation and if you ever need to disconnect the cables at a later date.
L
OCATION
The following tips should help you find the best possible location for your
solar panel:
Y
✦
Place one BATTERY/B2 label over both wires of the battery cable so the BATTERY
side of the label is nearest the end of the cable with individual slide connectors.
Place one BATTERY/B2 label onto the cable so the B2 side of the label is near the
plastic connector.
✦
Place the C1/CONSOLE PWR/P1 labels onto the power adapter cable, when
instructed to do so in “Connecting to the Regulator” on page 12.
Place the SOLAR PANEL/B1 label over both wires of the solar panel cable with B1
✦
near the connector.
T
✦
The solar panel works best when the surface of the panel receives full sunlight.
Mount the panel away from fences, buildings, trees or other obstructions that
may cast shadows over panel.
The panel should be mounted facing south in the Northern Hemisphere and north
✦
in the Southern Hemisphere.
✦
The optimum tilt angle for the panel (measured from the horizontal) is determined from the site latitude, and may be found from the table below.
OUR
IPS
C
ABLES
S
L
ITE
ATITUDE
0˚ to 4˚ 10˚
5˚ to 20˚ latitude + 5˚
21˚ to 45˚ latitude + 10˚
46˚ to 65˚ latitude + 15˚
65˚ to 75˚ 80˚
Labeling Your Cables Page 5
R
ECOMMENDED
T
A
ILT
NGLE
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