User's Manual
CHAPTER3
Understandingconnectors
24
TheDCINPUTconnector
The DC INPUT connector enables the RA440 devices to power the unit
by an external power supply or battery. This function mode is
restricted by the following statements:
• The external supply circuit in the RA440 is designed for a
standard 12 volt rechargeable battery. To ensure proper
functionality of the RA440, the following behavior was integrated
into the input circuit of the connector:
• To enable power supply from an external power source, the
input voltage must be greater than approximately 11.5 volts.
• After activation the power source may drop the voltage to
approximately 9.5 volts without deactivating the external
input.
• By running under the lower threshold, the input circuit
detaches the power source from the RA440 and uses the
internal batteries as the power supply.
0 CAUTION If the voltage of the external power source exceeds 18 volts, the
RA440 might be permanently damaged.
• The DC INPUT connector is an input only. It will not charge the
external battery.
• The external battery will not charge the internal batteries. Thus,
if you are using internal batteries in addition to an external one,
you must provide a separate charger, such as an Adcon solar
panel, to back up the internal batteries.
0 CAUTION To avoid damaging your RA440, be sure the charger you select does
not exceed the maximum output voltage.
Figure 12 displays the pinout of the DC INPUT connector.
Figure 12. DC INPUT Connector
Note: If you want to use an external power supply to power the RA440, you
need to have a special power cable equipped with the plug that
connects to the external DC INPUT. This cable is not included in the
standard delivery package and must be ordered separately from your
local Adcon distributor (order number: 800.440.001).