7
3
Power
R
equirements and
Charg
ing
the SFM1 Internal Battery
The SFM1 is a self contained instrument that incorporates a lithium polymer
battery. Before using the instrument, this battery MUST be charged.
To choose from a range of charging options see
:
Connecting a Power Supply to the Instrument (pages
8
to 1
2
).
The unique power-bus plug design was developed by ICT International to
simplify the electrical wiring process. It minimises the need for custom tools in
the
fiel
d
,
requiring
only
that
the
outer
cable
sheath
be
stripped
back
to
expose
the
copper wire. See section
:
Connecting a Power Supply to the Instrument
(page
8)
N
o
other
tools
are
required
with
all
necessary
components
fully
incorporated into the instrument design. Retaining straps ensure
that
the
power-bus plugs do not separate from the instrument when removed from the
power-bus during wiring preparation and connection of external power.
ICT International
Enabling better global research outcomes in soil,
plant & environmental monitoring.
The SFM1 can be charged from a range of external voltages via the Bus Plugs,
however there are limits. For the SFM1 to correctly charge, the external
power
supply must be within a voltage range of 8Volts DC to 30Volts DC at all times.
If the voltage falls below 8Volts DC the logger will automatically stop using
the supply to charge the internal battery. 30Volts DC is a predetermined
maximum voltage that the SFM1 can handle
.
S
upply voltages that exceed this
level are not recommended and may cause accidental triggering of the
protection circuitry. Triggering this circuit may result
in
semi-permanent
disabling of the external power which will require the SFM1 to be sent back to
ICT for repair.
