© Interleader Limited 2017
12 of 30
Printed: 06/09/2017
10 Battery Run-time
10.1
System Off
When ‘Off’, the MLC is in low power ‘sleep’ mode waiting for activation via the magnetic switches. In
this condition most of the systems are shut down to conserve power but the microcontroller and
sensors are still drawing a small current.
This constant small drain will reduce the battery to half charge in approximately 18 months.
It is essential that the batteries are checked and charged at least every 12 months (see later sections).
10.2
Normal Operation
When the MLC is turned On the systems are fully operating, the VHF receiver is powered on but, to
ensure maximum battery run-time the UHF transceiver is off until it is required to switch MIL-Star
®
lights on or off.
The UHF transceiver will then be switched on for the period of the command and then be powered off
again.
In this mode the fully charged run-time is 3 days.
If deployed continuously it is essential that the batteries are checked and charged at least every 2 days
(see later sections).
10.3
Communication Mode
To configure the MLC via the PC Controller Software requires that the UHF tranceiver is powered on.
To do this, with the unit switched on, hold the magnet to the On sensor for two seconds until the blue
Status LED comes on. The MLC is now in Communication Mode and will respond to requests from the
PC Controller Software.
To ensure maximum battery life the system will automatically drop out of Communication Mode ten
minutes after the last legitimate request from the PC Controller Software. When this happens the blue
Status LED goes out and the PC Controller Software will no longer be able to communicate with the
MLC.
Important Notes
1) The run-time figures above have been obtained from a new unit with a fully charged battery.
2) Battery performance will degrade slowly over time and with charge cycles.
3) This is a guide only and should be validated by the operator prior to use.
4) There will be a variation of run times between MLCs.
5) The MLC will run until the battery is exhausted and then suddenly turn off.
