YSI 6200 - Manual (Page 95)

YSI 6200 DAS USER Manual
YSI/Massachusetts 508.748.0366, Fax 508.748.2543 Page 9-3
Power
The system operates from a 12 volt DC battery. In the event the main source of power
fails or some how gets disconnected, the, fully charge battery will provide backup power
for over 10 days at a 15 minute sample rate. If the sampling rate is increased, more
power will be used, thus, the reserve days will decrease. The external source can be
from a solar panel(s), AC power, 110 V~ or 220 V~, or from an external 12 to 16 volt
power supply, or an external larger capacity battery. The battery power is automatically
monitored by the 6200 data logger and stored in memory as a parameter, this parameter
is uploaded with the normal data sample to the base station. If the voltage drops
dangerously low and no one takes notice, the logger will stop logging and eventually
someone will take notice. This cutoff voltage is 10.6VDC.
Battery changes
The lead acid batteries follow the same operating principle as any lead acid battery found
in most cars. If they are allowed to go below 10.5 volts DC, they are basically dead and
damaged. The charge recovery depends largely on the length of time the battery was
discharged, however, because these are not deep cycle configuration batteries, any full
discharge will prevent the battery from ever achieving 100% charge potential again.
The battery provided is a lead acid, sealed type battery requiring very little maintenance.
These types of batteries should last over five years of continuos operation. Pay close
attention to the battery terminals for signs of corrosion, which could indicate overcharge
conditions, or excessive moisture within the electronics enclosure. A corrosion inhibitor
spray or paste may be used on the terminals to prevent damage.
A battery change can be accomplished in a couple of minutes, in most cases the
procedure can be performed between samples eliminating any data loss. Disconnect the
2-pin solar panel terminal strip (the green connector located next to the COM port). If
the unit is AC powered, unplug the AC cord from the panel, then disconnect the battery
and replace it with a new one.
Solar panels
Solar panels may vary in size to suit different application, as some areas receive less
energy from the sun than others. All panels must be oriented properly, toward the peak
sun hour, typically due south at a angle depending on the latitude of the installation. For
peak output clean the solar panel surface on a regular basis. It doesn’t take much dust or
dirt accumulation to drop the solar panel output 20 to 30%. Insure all solar panel
brackets and clamps are secure.
Cables
The 6200 system interface cables come in all different shapes and sizes. In most cases
they have a UV stable jacket insulator suitable for outdoor environments. Insure that
they are secure with tape, tie wraps, or wall anchors. Be sure to provide ample radius
bends, and avoid sharp kinks which will stretch and eventually breakdown the jacket
insulator.
Connectors
All the connectors used in the 6200 are high quality and splash proof. Take extra
precaution in treating the threads with a small amount of silicone lubricant and then