Campbell Scientific RAWS-H Remote Automated Weather Station - Manual (Page 14)

RAWS-H Remote Automated Weather Station
The SP10-Handar 10 watt solar panel is recommended for a RAWS where NO
communication equipment is used. The SP20-Handar 20 watt solar panel is
recommended for a RAWS where communication equipment is used (for
example, GOES, voice, cell phone, or radio).
If the user supplies a solar panel for the RAWS, use an
unregulated solar panel. The solar panel size depends on the
station power requirements, specifically the communication
equipment selected for the station. NOTE
The SP10-Handar solar panel outputs 0.59 Amps, 8.9 Watts typical peak
power.
The SP20-Handar solar panel outputs 1.17 Amps, 18 Watts typical peak power.
5.1.2 Wiring
The RAWS solar panel attaches to the connector panel labeled “BATT
CHARGER/SOLAR PANEL”. Inside the RAWS environmental enclosure the
“BATT CHARGER/SOLAR PANEL” connector pin A and pin B are wired to
the CH100’s “CHG” and “CHG” ports. Polarity does not matter; either lead
can be connected to either terminal. The CH100 has two functions: blocking
any current flow from the battery to the solar panel, and limiting the source
current to the battery.
5.1.3 Troubleshooting
If a problem is suspected, it may be checked by measuring the voltage output
from the solar panel. Check the voltage with a voltmeter connected between
the two leads going to the CH100’s “CHG” “CHG” terminals located inside the
environmental enclosure (15 to 28 Vdc). There must be solar radiation
incident on the panel and there must be a load connected to the solar panel.
The load can be the datalogger, other equipment, or a 75 ohm resistor capable
of dissipating solar panel power between the two leads. No voltage output
implies a bad solar panel, regulator, or cable. The magnitude of the voltage
output depends on the incident solar radiation. Check the sensor cable.
Disconnect the connector and look for damaged pins.
5.2 Charger/Regulator
5.2.1 General Description
The 12 volt charger/regulator (pn CH100) is a charging regulator for 12 V
rechargeable batteries. The CH100 is connected to an external charging source
such as an unregulated solar panel (pn SP20-Handar or SP10-Handar) or a wall
charger (pn 29796). The CH100 has two functions: blocking any current flow
from the battery to the solar panel, and limiting the source current to the
battery.
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