Campbell Scientific RF300-Series DRL VHF/UHF Radio Transceivers - Manual (Page 27)

SECTION 3. RADIOTELEMETRY NETWORK COMPONENTS
3-9
3.4 TRIPODS, TOWERS, ENCLOSURES,
AND POWER SUPPLIES
There are several methods of mounting and
housing sensors and other equipment for a
station.
3.4.1 TRIPODS AND TOWERS FOR MOUNTING
For the different mounting requirements,
Campbell Scientific offers the CM6 Tripod,
CM10 Tripod, UT10 Tower, and UT30 Tower.
All mounting options available from Campbell
Scientific are rugged instrument mounts that
provide sturdy support for Campbell Scientific
sensors, enclosures, and measurement
electronics. The CM6 and CM10 Tripods can
be used as a portable instrument mount in a
variety of applications. The UT10 and UT30
Towers provide a more sturdy long-term
support.
3.4.2 ENCLOSURES
Enclosures are needed to keep water and
debris from damaging the data acquisition
equipment. Campbell Scientific, Inc. enclosures
are designated as “rain-tight,” and are designed
to mount to a tripod or tower. Following is a
description of the standard enclosures.
3.4.2.1 CR10X and CR23X Enclosures
Campbell Scientific offers two enclosures for
housing a CR10X or CR23X and peripherals.
The fiberglass enclosures are classified as
NEMA 4X (water-tight, dust-tight, corrosion-
resistant, indoor and outdoor use). A 1.25”
diameter entry/exit port is located at the bottom
of the enclosure for routing cables and wires.
The enclosure door can be fastened with the
clasp for easy access. The enclosure’s clasp
door can be secured with a basic lock. Both
enclosures are white for reflecting solar
radiation, reducing the internal temperature.
The Model ENC 12/14 fiberglass enclosure
houses the CR10X and power supply, and one
or more peripherals. Inside dimensions of the
ENC 12/14 are 14" x 12" x 5.5", outside
dimensions are 18" x 13.5" x 8.13" (with
brackets); weight is 11.16 lbs.
The model ENC 16/18 fiberglass enclosure
houses the CR10X or CR23X and power
supply, and two or more peripherals. Inside
dimensions of the ENC 16/18 are 18" x 16" x
8.5." Outside dimensions are 21.75" x 21" x 11"
(with brackets); weight is 17.2 lbs.
3.4.2.2 CR7 Enclosures
Most CR7 radiotelemetry applications have
special needs depending on the individual
system. The ENC-24 is normally used in CR7
RF applications. Contact Campbell Scientific's
customer service department for special
applications.
3.4.3 POWER SUPPLY
A radiotelemetry network requires a reliable
power supply at each station. A solar panel or
110/220 VAC charging source is normally
required due to the large current drain of the
radio.
3.4.3.1 Lead Acid Batteries
Lead acid batteries are designed to be float
charged by a solar panel or AC power source.
The role of the lead acid battery is to supply
power when the charging source is absent, e.g.,
in case of power failures (AC charging), or
during times of zero charge with a solar panel.
21XL and CR7 lead acid batteries do not have
the required capacity for a typical RF station,
they are only 2.5 Amp-hour batteries.
Generally, we recommend a minimum of 7
Amp-hour batteries for RF applications.
3.4.3.2 PS12LA Lead Acid Power Supply
The PS12LA power supply includes a 12V, 7.0
Amp-hour lead acid battery, AC transformer,
and a temperature-compensated charging
circuit with a charge indicating diode. An AC
transformer or solar panel should always be
connected to the PS12. The charging source
trickle charges the lead acid batteries which
power the datalogger. The internal lead acid
battery continues to power the datalogger if the
charging source is interrupted. The PS12LA
specifications are given in Table 3-8.
The two leads from the charging source can be
inserted into either of the CHG ports, polarity
doesn’t matter. A tranzorb provides transient
protection to the charging circuit. A sustained
input voltage in excess of 40V will cause the
tranzorb to limit voltage.
Some solar panels are supplied with a
connector. This connector must be clipped off