8
OPERATION – SET UP
Step 1:
Remove the solar mat and accessory leads from the original packaging. Check the solar mat, leads and connectors for
any damage before use.
Select a suitably cleared area to unfold the solar mat. The position should allow the solar mat to have a clear view of
the sun and facing in the direction of ‘North’ as close as possible. if required, assemble the three wire support stands
and adjust the buckle straps to achieve the optimal angle towards the sun
Step 2:
Refer to the specification label on your battery or consult the battery manufacture to establish the type of battery being
charged. Set the ‘DIP’ switch on the rear of the controller to the matching battery type being charged.
Step 3:
FIRST, connect the DC clamp on the 0.8m extension lead to the correct polarity terminals on the battery being charged.
Example;
A
‘RED’ DC clamp to the Positive ‘+’ terminal and the
B
‘BLACK’ DC clamp to the negative ‘ –’ terminal.
C
Connect other end of the 0.8m extension lead (30A plug) to the controller output (30A plug)
D
Connect the controller input lead (30A plug) to either end of the 5m extension lead (30A plug) then finally, join the
remaining end of the 5m extension lead to the solar mat output lead
E
Ensure the all connections are firm and that the extension lead is positioned not to cause a tripping danger to people
walking by. And that’s it, your battery will now be charging.
Also ensure that the solar panels are kept in direct sunlight for optimum efficiency. The solar panels may have to be
moved periodically throughout the day to track the sun’s path.
NOTE: IF DAMAGE IS FOUND ON ANY PART, IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT THEY ARE REPLACED WITH
GENUINE PARTS AVAILABLE FROM COMPANION BRANDS. PLEASE CONTACT COMPANION BRANDS CUSTOMER
SERVICE (DETAILS ARE AT THE BACK OF THIS BOOKLET) IF SPARE PARTS ARE REQUIRED.
WARNING: CELLS (PANELS) WILL START PRODUCING ELECTRICITY AS SOON AS THEY ARE EXPOSED TO THE
SUN. CARE MUST BE TAKEN WHEN CONNECTING THE DC CLAMPS TO THE BATTERY AND JOINING THE EXTENSION
LEADS. TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF AN ELECTRIC SHOCK OR SHORT-CIRCUIT, IT IS RECOMMENDED
TO PLACE A BLANKET OR TARP OVER THE PANELS TO BLOCK OUT ANY SUNLIGHT TEMPORALLY WHILE ALL
CONNECTIONS ARE MADE.
NOTE: IT IS RECOMMENDED TO ESTABLISH CONNECTIONS (DC CLAMPS) AT THE BATTERY BEING CHARGED
FIRST. THEN, JOIN THE CONNECTORS IN SEQUENCE WORKING BACK TOWARDS THE SOLAR MAT. THIS WILL
ELIMINATE THE DANGER OF HAVING ‘LIVE’ BATTERY CLAMPS INADVERTENTLY BEING SORT-CIRCUITED
CAUSING SPARKS AND POSSIBLY FIRE.
