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Germany
+49 (721) 961 409 01
Track Box Configuration Rules
Track Box configuration rules can be applied through RACE RESULT 12, these allow the
mode of Track Boxes to be set and defined for specific time windows. When standby mode
is enabled in this way then the rate at which the Track Box communicates with servers is
reduced, only sending periodic status updates, further reducing power consumption.
This mode allows for devices to be setup in place in advance with the reader off to preserve
battery which will then automatically enable at the configured time.
Solar Mode
Solar Mode allows a Track Box to be permanently operated in remote locations without any
additional electronics. The Track Box can automatically detect when it is connected to a
solar panel and will optimize the solar power output by adjusting its power consumption.
Enabling Solar Mode
Solar Mode is enabled when the input voltage rises above 17V, this remains enabled until
the next reboot of the Track Box. If the panel voltage drops below 10.5V, the Track Box
switches to a lower power mode which will reduce the rate of battery charging but is always
sufficient to cover the power consumption of the box itself. It automatically retries to step up
to a higher power mode once every 20 seconds.
Solar Mode Power Consumption / Charging
In Solar Mode, the Track Box tries to maximize the solar cell power by adjusting its input
power between 10W/8W/6W/4W depending on the power received from the solar panel.
At 4W, the internal batteries will not be charged, but the power consumption of the box itself
is covered. At 10W, it takes about 10h to charge the Track Box from 0% to 90% when the
reader is turned on.
When in solar mode a solar panel will be indicated in the Timing Tab of RACE RESULT 12.
A cloud or a sun indicates whether the panel is currently providing power, or not.
In normal solar applications with partly cloudy days, expect the battery to hover around
75%. This is due to the slower charging speed at a higher charge, once the battery is above
80% you would need several hours of perfect sun, to reach 100% battery.
Charging a Track Box that has been connected to a solar panel from mains power will take
longer than usual, as the Solar Mode prevents the Track Box from exploiting the voltage.
Reboot the Track Box first and then connect to a Mains Power supply to charge the Track
Box.
