User manual

A511 User Manual, Rev. 1.1 - 5 - 08/2007
3.2. How to test the power consumption of Sensors
Testing for sensor power consumption is useful if you observe the RTU battery not charging
normally. If the solar panel is located in a sunny location and oriented properly then it is
possible that a defective sensor or short may cause excessive power draw.
The A511 will let you test how many mA either analog or SDI-12 sensors are drawing
• Turn the A511 on by pressing the “Menu ON” key.
• Skip “Load last Menu settings?” by pushing the “F3” key.
• Press the “F2” key. The display will now show the power consumption screen. In the
top line of the screen you can see the voltage rating of the internal battery, while
the second line will show you the current uptake of aLL currently attached sensors.
• Example: an Adcon SEN-R combi-sensor for air temperature and humidity has a
typical uptake of less than 4mA. The display will show a value like 0.004 A or less.
Note: An aging battery as well as an aging or dirty solar panel could cause similar
symptoms. If the sensor power consumption is normal then see the next section
for testing solar panels.
3.3. How to test a solar panel
• Turn the A511 on by pressing the “Menu ON” key.
• Skip “Load last Menu settings?” by pushing the F3 key.
• Press the F1 key. The display will show the solar panel test screen.
• Connect the solar panel to Port 3 at the right side of the A511.
• Now watch for the change on the A511 display (also see Fig. 8, page 9).
Note: To see the full capacity of your solar panel the test must be performed on a sunny day.
Make sure to orient the panel perpendicular to the to the sun (an angled orientation
will diminish the solar panel output).
The following table will give you a few examples of what you can expect from a properly
performing solar panel on a moderately sunny and a rather cloudy day:
Model Sunny (~950W/m²) Cloudy (~50W/m²)
120mA 2,5 V / 111mA 0,3V / 28mA
300mA 6.8V / 309mA 2V / 95mA
460mA 9.2 V / 420mA 4.4V / 180mA
Scratched or weathered solar panels have diminished charging capability. Charging
capability can be maintained/improved by polishing the surface with Adcon Solar Cell
Cleaner (item number 800.000.400.)
3.4. Changing the address of SDI-12 sensors
The A511 provides the ability to check and modify addresses on SDI-12 sensors. You will
need the SDI-12 adapter cable (optional; item number. 800.511.001).