User's Manual

IPS GROUP, Inc. – M5 Manual (Ver. 1.0)

All information contained herein is considered confidential

Voltages

The IPS SSPM, which is powered by battery, has a rechargeable cell and a non-

rechargeable pack. The M5 batteries are designed to use energy in an efficient manner.

The rechargeable cell is constantly recharged by the solar panel. The non-rechargeable

pack is used when the main battery voltage is too low and there is not sufficient power

coming from the solar panel. Once the power of the backup battery is exhausted, it will

no longer be functional and should be replaced. Ultracapacitors have also been included

to supplement the batteries. These are most beneficial in cold temperatures but always

store power.

The rechargeable battery is normally a lithium polymer or lithium-ion cylindrical type,

which is typically recharged from a solar panel. The non-rechargeable battery is normally

lithium-thionyl chloride (Li-SOCI2) cells designed as a backup for when the rechargeable

battery becomes discharged.

The M5 as well as the other SSPM can also use standard off-the-shelf batteries;

however, in order to have maximum capabilities, IPS recommends using our IPS battery

packs. Please note that if you would like to use off-the-shelf alkaline cells, there must be

a special battery case to hold the alkaline cells.

The Voltages menu displays information for the power sources in millivolts (mV). Solar

Panel voltage is the current voltage level of the solar panel. It may be tested for proper

operation by covering and uncovering the solar panel while ambient light is available.

The voltage levels should change from a high value (uncovered) to a low value

(covered). The battery voltages – Main and Backup – are shown separately. Please

note that the Backup battery on the display screen as well as the below chart is the non-

rechargeable battery which is plugged directly into the side of the M5. This battery has

the expectancy life of approximately five years if the meter is in optimal conditions. The

Main battery is the rechargeable cell and is directly on the Main PCB of the meter. The

values for these voltages are shown in the following table: