Specifications

Section 19. Troubleshooting
19-8
19.4.3.2 Charging Circuit Test — Solar Panel
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Disconnect any wires attached to the 12 V and ground terminals on the charging regulator (e.g., PS100, CH100, PS12LA).
Disconnect the battery from the charging circuit. Only the solar panel should be connected. This test assumes the solar
panel has an unregulated output.
Set the voltmeter to measure dc volt-
ages. Use the voltmeter to measure
the voltage output of the solar panel
at the “CHG” inputs on the regulator.
Is the voltage between 17 and 22 V?
NOTE: This test must be performed
on a sunny day.
Place a 5 kohm resistor between the
charger/regulator’s 12 V and ground termi-
nals. Use a voltmeter to measure the dc
voltage across the 5 kohm resistor. Is the
measured volta
g
e between 13.3 and 14.1 V?
Remove the solar panel from
the charging circuit. Does
the solar panel have an output
voltage that is > 0 V?
Is the charger/regulator’s output voltage
to the battery between 10 and 15.5 V?
Test the Charger under a Load
Disconnect the charging source, remove the 5 kohm
resistor, and place a 50 ohm, 1 watt resistor between
the 12 V output and ground of the charger. Use the
voltmeter to measure the dc voltage across the
50 ohm resistor. Is the voltage between 13.0 and
14.0 V?
NOTE: The resistor will get HOT; do not leave
connected for more than a few seconds.
Is the voltage ≥17 V?
The solar panel is defective and
should be replaced or repaired
by Campbell Scientific. Call for
an RMA number before return-
ing the solar panel.
There might not be
enough sunlight to
perform the test or the
solar panel may be
dama
g
ed.
Connect the solar panel to the “CHG” terminals
on the charging regulator. Confirm that the
battery is disconnected and that nothing is
connected to the 12 V terminals. Is the voltage on
the “CHG” terminals ≥17 V?
The regulator is defective and should be
replaced or repaired by Campbell
Scientific. Call for an RMA number
before returning the regulator.
The charger is functioning properly. After removing
the 50 ohm resistor, the test is com
p
lete.
See “Adjusting Charging Circuit” section to cali-
brate the charging voltage or return item to CSI
for calibration. An RMA number is required to
have CSI calibrate the charging circuit.
With the charger under load, is
the “CHG” voltage >15.5 V?
There might not be enough sun-
li
g
ht to
p
erform the test.