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Rev 8.0, 29
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Sep, 2017
Charging Via the Optional Built-In High Performance MPPT Solar Charger
If you have purchased the solar kit option to use in a permanent
installation, connect the provided 5W (or 10W) solar panel to the
solar panel circular connector on the bottom of the box. This will
provide full autonomy in practically all locations even in winter.
In the northern hemisphere, the solar panel must be pointed towards
true South
(not magnetic south) and angled based on the latitude of the
location. Most
smart phones
feature a
compass
that may be set to
point towards true South.
The suggested angle from the horizontal is (
location la 15º
).
The solar panel will
charge the battery
even with the
key switch
in the
off
position but you will not be able to connect to the Armadillo if the
switch is off.
To see a visual history of the Armadillo’s charge/discharge
status, simply connect to the Armadillo via the Houston
Radar Stats Analyzer and then
click on the battery icon
. A
window will open that will track the charge status of the
battery. It will also calculate the rate of charge or discharge
of the battery. This is a very helpful tool when debugging
charging issues.
The Armadillo also logs the battery charge, voltage and
ambient temperature every hour to internal data memory.
These parameters are extracted when you retrieve the traffic
statistics data from the Armadillo and may be plotted. This
will allow you to ensure that the solar charger is keeping the
battery adequately charged.
Recommended Solar Panel Angle