Campbell Scientific RAWS-P Remote Automated Weather Station - Manual (Page 21)

RAWS-P Remote Automated Weather Station
The solar panel selected for the RAWS depends on the station
power requirements, specifically the communication equipment
selected for the station. NOTE
The SP10-LQ solar panel outputs 0.59 Amps, 8.9 Watts typical peak power.
The SP20-LQ solar panel outputs 1.17 Amps, 18 Watts typical peak power.
5.1.2 Wiring
The 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 with the solar panel is suspected, the solar panel 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
charger/regulator “CHG” “CHG” terminals located inside the environmental
enclosure (15 Vdc 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. Try connecting a substitute panel.
Obtain an RMA number before returning the SP10/20-LQ to Campbell
Scientific for repair.
Consult the SP10, SP10R, SP20, and SP20R Solar Panels
manual for more information. NOTE
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-LQ or SP10-LQ) 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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