User's Manual

CHAPTER 2
Using the RTU
14
Table 1 shows the addIT devices’ expected operation time on a
fully charged battery with 50 mA total consumption for the sensors,
as described above.
Note: Radio activity refers to the fact that one base station and
between one and three A73x/A74x or addIT remote stations
are active on the same operating frequency as the addIT
remote station under test.
However, if for some reason (wear-out or accident) the battery
loses its capacity (noted in the software with repeated “Battery
low” messages), it must be replaced. Make sure, though, that the
problem is really due to the battery and not to a defective or dirty
solar panel.
Adcon highly recommends that you check the solar panels’ state
and clean them often. The rain droplets can splash thin layers of
soil on the panels, greatly reducing their power output. The sur-
rounding vegetation can also lower the panels’ efficiency.
Changing the battery
If you have verified that the battery needs to be replaced, follow
these steps to do so:
1. Open the lid by unscrewing the four screws in the corner of
the addIT RTU.
2. Gently remove the lid (the battery is fixed on the lid and is
connected to the electronics board by means of a connector).
3. Remove the battery’s plug from the PCB connector.
Table 1. addIT Device Operation Time
Radio
Activity
Sensor Sampling
(samples/15 min)
Average
Consumption
(µA)
Estimated
Operation
(days)
No No sensors 450 92
Yes No sensors 540 77
Yes 1 750 55
Yes 3 (default) 1080 38
Yes 5 1450 28
Yes 15 3100 13