BATTERY BOX
INSTALLATION
WARNING
SOLBBOX12V
WARNING
CARTON
INVENTORY
CAUTION
DC Power Adapter
12Vdc to 32Vdc
Model K76-33847
Battery Box with:
Charger, Cable 15',
Fuses (2), Battery Strap
and Strain Relief (2)
Model SOLBBOX 12V
Battery Not Included
NOTE: Solar panel is not provided. A 20W 12V solar panel is
recommended.
AVERTISSEMENT
ATTENTION
WARNING
To reduce the risk of fire and the risk of SEVERE INJURY or
DEATH to persons:
• Disconnect electrical power to operator BEFORE proceeding.
• Disconnect battery power internal to operator.
• DO NOT dispose of the battery in fire. The cells may
explode. Check with local codes for disposal instructions.
• DO NOT open or mutilate the battery. Released electrolytes
are corrosive and may cause damage to the eyes or skin. It
may be toxic if swallowed.
• Exercise care in handling batteries in order not to short the
battery with conducting materials such as rings, bracelets
and keys.
• Change the battery provided with one identified for use with
this product ONLY in accordance with the instructions and
limitations specified in the manual.
• Observe proper polarity orientation between the battery and
charging circuit.
• DO NOT mix batteries of different sizes or from different
manufactures in this product.
AVERTISSEMENT
AVERTISSEMENT
COMPLETED OVERVIEW
NOTE: Image is for reference only, your operator and control box may appear different.
Solar Panel
(Facing South)
(Not Provided)
ADVERTENCIA
Cable from Solar Panel
to Battery Box
ADVERTENCIA
Control Box
ADVERTENCIA
PRECAUCIÓN
Battery
Box
Cable from Battery
Box to Control Box
Cable Control Arm
to Control Box
PREPARATION
This kit is not intended to replace or eliminate the need for the
primary batteries provided with the operator. Primary batteries
are REQUIRED to operate the gate. Both the primary and external
batteries must be fully charged prior to installation. It is strongly
recommended that new batteries are used for solar applications.
• Verify kit contents.
• You will need to purchase a UL recognized, sealed leadacid (SLA) battery (not included) or a marine deep cycle
battery. See Suggested Batteries.
NOTE: Automotive batteries are not acceptable.
Suggested Batteries
MFG
PART NO.
SPECIFICATIONS
Jolt
XSA12800B
12V, 80AH
Werker
WKA12-80C/FR
12V, 80AH
Universal
UB12750
12V, 75AH
PowerSonic
PS-12750
12V, 75AH
Genesis
NP75-12
12V, 77.5AH
Potential sources:
• www.batterygiant.com
• www.apexbattery.com
• www.batteriesplus.com
INSTALL BATTERY BOX
Location
The battery box must be located within 10' of the operator control box. The box must be located in a place where it cannot be damaged
due to flooding, excessive contact or by being knocked over. Place battery box either on the ground or a stable platform (not provided).
NOTE: Image is for reference only, your
operator and control box may appear different.
Solar Panel
(Not Provided)
SOUTH
Cable to
Battery Box
Control
Box
40-50399A
Cable to
Control Box
Battery
Box
2
WIRING
Open battery box. Remove and retain fuse in fuse holder. Route output cable and solar
panel(s) cable as shown. Reminder, as soon as sunlight hits the solar panel(s) there
will be electrical power at the leads. Leave the leads covered until ready to connect
them. Extend output cable though strain relief leaving slack in the battery box, and
tighten top strain relief. Attach red wire from solar cable to terminal 4 on solar
controller and black wire to terminal 3. Tighten bottom strain relief. Attach and tighten
the provided wire tie to both cables on the inside of the box.
NOTE: If using a marine (flooded) battery, metallic jumper must be removed for proper
charging. If using a sealed lead-acid (SLA) battery, leave jumper in place.
Battery Box
1 Panel Wiring
2 Panel Wiring
Battery Box
Load Disconnect LED
Battery Box
Terminal 3
Terminal 4
Load Disconnect LED
Terminal 2
Terminal 1
Terminal 6
CHARGING
LOAD
DISCONNECT
Output Cable
(To Control Box)
Terminal 5
Terminal 6
Terminal 3
Terminal 4
BLK
BLK
LOAD CHARGING
DISCONNECT
Metallic
Jumper
Output Cable
(To Control Box)
Terminal 5
RED
RED
Charging LED
Charging LED
Metallic
Jumper
BLK
WHITE
BLK
WHITE
ORANGE
+
ORANGE
+
Wire Tie
BLK
-
Solar Panel Cable
(Not Provided)
Solar Panel 1 Cable
(Not Provided)
BLK
-
To Battery
Wire Tie
Solar Panel 2 Cable
(Not Provided)
To Battery
NOTE: Remove the battery and use a 3/4" drill bit to drill
additional hole. Be careful not to hit any wires.
Multiple Panels Overview
When multiple panels are required, they must be wired in parallel to terminals 3 and 4 on the solar controller.
Solar Panel (Facing South)
(Not Provided)
Control Box
Cable to Battery
Box (Up to 200')
Solar Panel
(Facing South)
(Not Provided)
Battery Box
3
WIRE BATTERY BOX TO OPERATOR CONTROL BOX
Install Power Adapter
Open control box cover and disconnect primary operator batteries at the control board. Locate the 24Vac input on the control board.
Attach the yellow and black wires to the 24Vac input terminal (polarity is not important). Insert the provided strain relief though one of
the knockouts and thread the battery box output cable through strain relief in the control box. Attach black wire from the output cable
to the black wire on the power adapter connector. Attach the white wire from the output cable to the red wire on the power adapter
connector. Place power adapter inside of the control box.
Power Adapter
Red
Blac
(+)
White
k (-
24 VAC/
SOLAR
INPUT
)
Control
Board
Black
Battery Box
Output Cable
(To Control Box)
J4
Black
LA400
Yellow
O
N
1 2 3 4 5
OFF
F
F
OFF
E
SINGLE
O
NO
O
NO
ON
ON
DUAL
NC
NC
SAVE
MAGLOCK
MODE
EDGE
PHOTO
S1
NOTE: For the LA400 the SAVE switch (S1) must be in the ON position after all operator adjustments have been made.
INSTALL BATTERY
Wire Battery
NOTE: Battery voltage must be above 12Vdc for proper operation.
Install the 12V 75AH min. (fully charged) sealed lead-acid battery into the battery box. Connect the orange wire to the positive terminal
on the battery. Insert the 5 amp fuse into the fuse holder. Connect the black wire to the negative terminal on the battery. Reminder, if
using a deep cycle marine battery, the metallic jumper must be removed for proper charging.
Terminal 3 Terminal 2
Terminal 1
Terminal 4
Battery
CHARGING
LOAD
DISCONNECT
Terminal 6
Terminal 5
–
+
Battery Box
Output Cable
ORANGE
+
Cable from
Solar Panel
BLACK
_
Metallic
Jumper
To Battery
COMPLETE INSTALLATION
Reconnect internal batteries to the control board and ensure that all wires are secure. Close control box cover and battery box. Secure
battery box with strap (provided) if desired.
4
CHARGING
The Chamberlain Gate operator uses 2 - 12 volt 7amp hour batteries (24 volts) in the gate control box to keep the control board alive
and arms functioning (in operation). These are referred to as the primary batteries. This battery kit is designed as a secondary DC
power source for charging the primary batteries, not replacing the primaries. If the primary batteries are below operational voltage,
attaching this secondary solar panel(s) kit will not immediately operate the gate operator, only after the secondary battery charging
devise charges the primary batteries to an acceptable 24 volt level for operation prior to install.
Recharging depleted batteries is a challenge for solar systems requiring full sun for extended periods, therefore it is recommended
charging both primary and secondary batteries using an AC trickle charger and beginning with a fully charged system.
It is assumed that the actual operator has been installed correctly and that its operation was verified before the installation of the solar
kit, so that if there are any problems we can confine them to the solar operation.
Solar systems are 100% dependent upon the amount of sun and direction of the solar panel(s) to maximize the battery charge. The
system should be evaluated several times during the first month of operation to see if the external battery is being replenished by the
solar panel(s). Also note that December in the US typically has the lowest amount of solar energy reaching the earth with June the
maximum. If the battery voltage should continue to decrease, the system should be checked to see if the solar panel(s) is pointed
properly, and if so an additional panel(s) may be required for this location. Obviously the number of operation cycles per day is another
factor to be considered. In addition to the first month of use, the battery should be measured several times during the first year to
make sure the lack of sun does not discharge the battery below 11.5 volts as an additional solar panel(s) may be required.
To verify correct solar operation, review the following:
IMPORTANT NOTE: For the LA400 to conserve battery voltage, the SAVE switch located inside the gate control box must be in the
ON position so board goes to SLEEP mode (If SAVE switch is not turned to the on position, batteries will drain prematurely).
With sun shining on the solar panel(s), the
green charging LED on the solar controller in
the battery box should be on, indicating that
the panel(s) is supplying power to the
battery. If the green LED is not illuminated
check:
1. Solar panel(s) connection at terminals 3 and 4 and polarity (See wiring
diagram), and that no part of the solar panel(s) is in the shade.
2. The battery connections are secure and their polarity is correct.
3. Fuse F1 is good and installed.
Inside the gate control box, measure voltage
across the yellow and black wires from the
output of the power adapter.
1. If this voltage measures greater than 31 volts (yellow positive), installation is
complete.
2. If voltage is less than 31Vdc, see Troubleshooting Procedures.
If the there is no voltage out of the power
adapter.
1. Verify 12-14Vdc on terminals 5 and 6 at the solar controller, verify voltage at
both sides of the power adapter connector block (white positive).
2. Reverify the fuse is good.
If the voltage output of the power adapter is
less than 31 volts, but greater than 20.
1. Unplug connector on gate control board and reconnect.
2. If the voltage rises to 31Vdc, installation is complete. If not, the batteries inside
the gate control box may require charging or replacement with new batteries.
5
TROUBLESHOOTING
NOTE: Follow steps below if any of the components of the battery kit or the gate operator fail to operate properly.
PROBLEM
SOLUTION
Battery charger
LED (green) fails
to light.
1. Solar panel(s) may not be mounted properly or the day may be too cloudy to provide enough sunlight.
Check mounting, orientation, and possible shading of the solar panel(s) or wait for a brighter day to verify.
Check the panel(s) for damage or pinched wires.
2. Wire polarity connections. Verify that the red and black wires go to the correct locations on the battery
charger module (see wiring diagram).
Operator control
board does not
power up once
power adapter is
connected.
1. This battery kit will only work with operators that have local batteries that are used to provide motor
current. Make sure these batteries are good and properly connected to operator control board.
NOTE: This battery kit does not replace the operator batteries nor will it prevent the replacement of those
batteries during normal maintenance for the operator.
2. Blown fuse. It is possible that a fuse, either in the battery cable harness or on the operator control board,
may have been blown during the installation. If a blown fuse is found, first check all wiring to make sure it
is correct, and then replace the fuse with the same size and type.
3. Battery is not charged. It is possible that the 12V 75AH min. battery (not provided) was not fully charged
when installed. Use a voltmeter to make sure this battery is good and has at least 12V across the open
circuit terminals.
Operator powers
up but does not
run properly.
1. Debris or other obstructions are affecting gate travel. Make sure that the battery box, solar panel(s), and all
connecting wires are clear of the gate. Clear the gate of all obstructions and verify all protection devices are
operating properly. See gate operator owner’s manual for additional troubleshooting.
Operator works
fine for several
weeks or months
but then batteries
die.
1. Obstructed solar panel(s). Verify the correct installation and orientation of the solar panel(s). Make sure
that the solar panel(s) is unobstructed from the sun throughout the entire day and the glass is clean.
2. Too many accessories will eventually drain the battery despite its larger size and capacity. Contact technical
support at 1-800-528-2806 if accessories are required for the installation.
Mag-locks must NOT be used with solar applications.
3. Inadequate solar panel(s). Many locations are not suitable for solar installations because of local geography
or locations that simply do not receive enough sunlight. Contact technical support to determine if an
additional solar panel(s) will help with your installation or if solar is entirely unsuitable.
4. Make sure SAVE switch is on after adjustments have been made for the LA400.
Red LED load
disconnect on.
At 11.5V, the light comes on. Refer to Troubleshooting Procedures.
6
TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES
Required test equipment:
• Digital multimeter, to measure current (5 amps max.) and DC voltage
All solar measurements must be taken when the sun is out.
If your operator is not working, due to a low battery condition, follow the following steps (gate will be open and red LED on the
sunsaver will be on):
1. Measure the voltage on the primary batteries. The combined battery voltage must be above 25V, if not, recharge or replace the
internal batteries.
2. Remove the external battery box cover and check for load disconnect LED (red). If load disconnect is on, remove battery and
charge to 12.5Vdc.
3. Verify that the battery is a 75 amp Hour (min.) Sealed lead-acid battery (SLA). Other types of batteries will dramatically decrease
the effectiveness of this kit (do not use a standard automotive battery). If using a flooded, marine-type battery, make sure that the
jumper is removed (see page 3).
4. Check fuse and all other connections in battery box.
5. Remove the external battery from the battery box while wires are connected.
6. Open the main control box and disconnect the white wire, from the battery box to the power adapter.
7. Inside the battery box, remove red wire from the solar panel(s) to sunsaver and place a DC amp meter between the red wire from
the solar panel(s) and terminal 4 on the sunsaver (Figure 1). The current should read 0.8 amps with the panel(s) pointed properly
in direct sunlight unless the battery is fully charged. If less than 0.8 amps, clean and/or redirect the panel(s) due south. An
additional panel(s) may be required.
8. Reconnect the red wire from the solar panel(s) to terminal 4. Disconnect the black lead of the battery and measure the current
between the black wire and the negative battery terminal (Figure 2). Readings should be slightly less than the reading in step 7 (a
current reading much less than step 7 indicates a problem with sunsaver or battery is fully charged). If battery checks OK, replace
the sunsaver.
9. Reconnect the external battery and measure voltage across 5 & 6 on the sunsaver (black and white). Now measure the voltage
across the black and white wires at the adapter located in the electrical box (Figure 3). Voltage should be the same. If not, check
connection. Reconnect the white lead.
10. Measure the voltage coming out of the power adapter (black and yellow wires) (Figure 4). This should be greater than 30 volts. If
not, replace the power adapter.
11. If there are still problems with the installation, please contact Technical Support at 1-800-528-2806.
FIGURE 1
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 4
7
WIRING DIAGRAM
SOLAR PANEL
OPERATOR
BATTERY BOX
MorningStar SS-6-12V
SOLAR
4
+
BATTERY
3
-
2
+
1
-
LOAD
6
+
5
-
CONTROL BOARD
SEALED
OR
FLOODED
BLK
REMOVE METALLIC
JUMPER FOR
MARINE BATTERY
RED
F1
BLACK
WHITE
RED
POS
(RED)
NEG
(BLK)
NOTE: Automotive batteries are not acceptable.
01-34938
BLK
BLK
POWER
ADAPTER
SA ATC
12VDC
SEALED LEAD
ACID BATTERY
MINIMUM 75 AH
YELLOW
© 2009, The Chamberlain Group, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
24Vac
Input
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