P a g e |
30
5 Electrical installation
Always isolate the dc power source before the unit is installed or uninstalled. Appropriate visual
inspection and electrical safety testing must be performed after unit installation or unit replacement.
All batteries contain highly reactive, poisonous and corrosive chemicals, which are hazardous if
released.
Should a battery approach end-of-life, become non-functional or be damaged, then it must not be
used.
Do not attempt to open the Merlin LT.
The Merlin LT system has no user-serviceable parts. In the event of a problem, please contact
Carlson.
The Merlin LT system must be powered from an external, low-voltage dc power source rated at 12 V dc, +/-0.5 V.
The characteristics of Merlin LT’s electrical motor drive mean that a higher current is drawn at rotation start-up,
stabilising when at a constant defined rotation speed. The current draw also becomes greater in colder
temperatures. These are considerations when selecting the power supply to be used.
If a single Merlin LT unit is operating at 12 Vdc, it has the potential to draw up to 8.5 A at start-up.
Any voltage source connected to the Merlin LT system must be from a regulated supply and within the specified
voltage range. This includes a car battery as an acceptable stand-alone power source, but it does not include a car
battery connected to a powered vehicle or from a dc power generator.
The battery used should be capable of meeting the maximum power parameters of the system, as well as
conforming to the required scanning duration.
A new, good quality, standard car battery of 80 Ah from fully charged should run a single Merlin LT unit for between
8 and 10 hours.
Dedicated connectors that fit the terminals of your chosen battery may need to be attached to the dedicated Merlin
LT power cable if the supplied connectors are not appropriate.
Ensure there is a sound, low electrical resistance connection to the battery.
The power cable positive is the RED sleeved wire. If the red sleeving is not present, seek further advice from
Carlson.
Do not extend the Merlin LT power cable.
