Battery Replacement. Carmanah R820-E, R829-E, R920-E, R247-E, F series, R829-F, E Series, R920-F

E / F SERIES USER MANUAL

8.0 MAINTENANCE AND PRODUCT CARE

8.2 Battery Replacement

When the system’s batteries require replacement, it is recommended that the original manufacturer and model of battery be used. Always replace both batteries at the same time.

The general health of the battery is tracked by the system in a form of “odometer.” If battery status is reported as

“Bad”, this odometer function has determined the battery health is too poor to operate reliably and the batteries should be replaced. Battery health is evaluated by considering such things as the total number of charge and discharge cycles and the amount of time spent in a low state of charge.

The health odometer is reset by powering up the system while the Set button is pressed using the following procedure:

1. Install the new batteries as described in 4.5 Battery Installation

2. Pull apart yellow rubber fuse holder leading to left-side battery

3. Ensure fuse holder leading to right-side battery has a good fuse and is connected

4. Disconnect positive terminal of right-side battery

5. Press and hold down EMS “Set” button

6. While continuing to hold down “Set” button, connect positive terminal of right-side battery (in F Series, it is sufficient to hold positive ring terminal against positive battery terminal)

7. While continuing to hold down “Set” button, wait for 2ero (zero) to appear

8. Release the “Set” button

9. Reinstall the right-side positive battery terminal and reassemble the left side fuse holder.

The battery health meter inside the system is now reset (i.e. it knows that new, healthy batteries have been installed). The battery status should read 9OOd (good) if the new batteries are 12.6V or higher, or char

(charge) if they are between 11.7 and 12.6 volts.

Battery replacements should not be carried out in windy conditions. In all cases, the area at the base of the post must be roped off to prevent people from being injured or killed by falling batteries.

8.3 EMS Replacement

Caution - The solar panel may still be producing energy if it is exposed to light. Cover the solar panel or ensure it is not exposed to sunlight to prevent risk of injury.

Sensitive electronics can be damaged by electrostatic discharge. Observe proper ESD precautions when installing the new EMS.

1. Open the solar panel.

2. Disconnect the battery fuses.

3. Remove the 4 screws securing the metal housing containing the EMS PCB (Energy Management System

Printed Circuit Board). Carefully unscrew and remove the coax connector leading to the antenna if present.

4. Turn the metal housing over to reveal the circuit board and review the wire positions on the existing EMS.

Photograph the existing wire terminations if convenient.

5. Remove the wires from each terminal block connector: with a small screwdriver, press down firmly on the wire release button above the wire and pull the wire out.

Carmanah Technologies Corp. | 250 Bay St, Victoria, BC V9A 3K5, Canada | 1.250.380.0052 | [email protected]

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E / F SERIES USER MANUAL

8.0 MAINTENANCE AND PRODUCT CARE

6. Secure the bare ends of the solar panel wires with electrical tape. The solar panel wires may still have voltage on them that could damage the electronics if they contact the circuit board.

7. Remove the 4 screws securing the old EMS PCB to the metal housing and set the old EMS PCB aside.

8. Remove the new EMS PCB from its antistatic bag and secure it to the metal housing with the same 4 screws.

9. Beginning with the solar panel wires, check that the wire strands are straight and that all the strands will go into the terminal. This will avoid short circuits created by stray strands. Twist the wire strands as necessary to keep the strands together.

10. With a small screwdriver, press down firmly on the wire release button and insert each wire into its terminal. Reconnect the solar panel power wires in the correct polarity as they were originally found.

11. Reconnect the remaining wires as they were originally found. Carefully pull on all wires to ensure they are secure.

12. If a radio module is present, carefully thread the antenna connector to the module. Do not damage the circuit board with tools.

13. Replace any cable ties that were removed to ensure wires have proper strain relief.

14. Secure the EMS enclosure into the cabinet with the supplied screws.

15. Reconnect battery fuses.

16.

The system should now be operating and the front display on the EMS should light up.

17. The replacement EMS should be pre-programed from the factory for your location and installation requirements. You may review the settings if necessary. See the information decal on the back of the solar panel and the user manual for additional information.

Depending on your system, not all terminals on the EMS PCBA will be populated

Carmanah Technologies Corp. | 250 Bay St, Victoria, BC V9A 3K5, Canada | 1.250.380.0052 | [email protected]

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