37
TLC 2100
271-0498-4852503#
PART FIVE: DC OPTIONAL FEATURE
This feature is active only on units containing the DC optional feature.
Installation
Operation
The DC feature allows a time-lapse recorder to operate using DC power, in addition to
commercial AC power. The recorder may therefore be used where commercial power
is unavailable. The DC feature may be used with an external battery back-up system
for the recorder to ensure uninterrupted service if power is lost. Any 10-15 volt DC
power source with a current rating of at least 3.0 amps may be used (a car battery, for
example). When a battery is connected to the recorder while the unit is powered by an
AC source, the battery experiences a small current drain (about 55 mA). A separate
trickle charger can be used to keep the battery fully charged for extended periods of
time.
See the diagrams on the next page for the configurations described below.
Configuration 1. If you are required to use the recorder with a DC battery continuously
or very frequently, connect a 12 Volt DC battery to the terminal block located on the rear
panel of the time-lapse video recorder. The positive line connects to the 12V terminal,
and the negative line to the GND terminal.
Configuration 2. If your DC application requires you to use the recorder for a limted
time each day, Configuration 1 may cause the recorder's internal memory back-up
battery to lose its charge. In order to circumvent this loss of charge, a 12V BC (Battery
Charge) terminal is available on the terminal block.
Connect a positive line to the 12V BC terminal, and a negative line to the GND terminal.
Then connect another positive line to the 12V terminal, with a simple ON/OFF switch
installed in the line. The connection to the 12V BC terminal will draw a very small
amount of current from your 12 Volt DC battery and keep the recorder's internal
memory battery charged. When the recorder is not in use, turn the switch to OFF and
this will eliminate the battery drain on your 12 Volt DC battery.
Configuration 3. For battery back-up applications, attach a trickle charger to the
battery following the instructions provided with the charger. Connect the battery to the
recorder as described in Configuration 1.
The unit will operate using only a DC power supply. However, when external AC
power is provided, the unit automatically operates from the AC supply. If power loss
occurs, the DC supply instantly takes over. The recorder draws about 3 amps from
its DC power source when it is threading a tape, and draws a maximum of 1.5 amps
while recording in the 2-hr. mode (2.0 amp peak during time-lapse).
The chart below lists conservative estimates of how long the recorder can operate when
powered by various capacity batteries. These estimates are for fully charged batteries
in good condition, and assume a continuous 2 amp power drain.
BATTERY RATING ESTIMATED RECORDING TIME
60 amp hour
30 hours
45 amp hour
22 hours
40 amp hour
20 hours
30 amp hour
15 hours
20 amp hour
10 hours
Introduction
Battery Rating/
Estimated Record
Times Chart
