Power Manager
A complete power distribution and management system.  The Power Manager increases the standby power capacity of a typical FTS GOES transmitter equipped, solar powered station by 50%, to 6 months instead of 4 months, without solar charging.

Power Manager

  • High efficiency voltage regulator for solar panels greatly extends standby capacity for solar powered systems during long and dark winters or if damage occurs to a panel.
  • Maximum field simplicity - high performance, quick connect waterproof connectors, fast mount options, clear labeling, and front panel diagnostics.
  • Non-interruptible and interruptible power ports support preservation of power for critical functions in the event of damage to the solar panel or AC power source.
  • Diagnostics for connection problems. Flashing LED indicators on the front panel, as well as reverse polarity protection.
  • Reliable and tough - full internal lightning protection inside a custom cast waterproof 0-ring sealed aluminum case.
Voltage Regulator for Battery Charging
Standard regulators for remote weather stations use considerable amounts of power, representing a significant power drain when the system is not charging (night time or if the solar panel has been damaged). The Power Manager consumes less than ½ mA, increasing the standby power capacity of a typical FTS solar powered station by 50%, to 6 months instead of 4 months, without solar charging.

Power Distribution
All power cables terminate in connectors and plug into the Power Manager, except for a simple pair of ring terminals for the battery, simplifying station installation and maintenance and reducing the opportunity for incorrect electrical connections.

Power Preservation
The Power Manager has two sets of power distribution ports: one which disconnects power once 80% of the battery capacity has been consumed; and one which will continue to supply power until the battery is completely consumed. This allows high power demand telemetry systems (such as cellular) or high power demand sensors (such as auto-samplers) to be shut down while preserving core data logging activities for an extended period.

Diagnostics
The Power Manager has 4 diagnostic LED status lights:

Charging Power Present: confirms power availability from the Solar Panel or AC adapter.
Charging: confirms that the battery is being charged.
Battery Connection Problem: alerts the user to a battery connection problem.
Interruptible Power Currently Available: confirms that the battery has enough capacity to continue to supply power to the interruptible power ports.

Reverse Polarity Protection
The Power Manager is protected from reverse connection to the battery, or accidental connection of two batteries in series. Self-resetting circuitry within the Power Manager provides this protection without the use of fuses.

Power Manager Specifications

Current
  Standby (quiescent) current: < 1mA standby
  Max Charging current: 7.3 A
  Max solar panel size: 100W

Max Current draw
  Continuous Power Ports: 5A (total for all loads)
  Interruptible Power Ports: 5A (total for all loads)

Battery Fuse: 15 AMP ATO style fuse

Temperature Range
  Operating: -40°F to +140°F (-40°C to +60°C)
  Compensated: -40°F to +140°F (-40°C to +60°C)

Charge Characteristics
  Charge Cutoff Voltage: 14.3 Volts @ 25°C
  Charge Restore Voltage: 0.8 Volts below Charge cutoff voltage
  Temperature Compensation: -0.03 V/°C centered at 25°C
  Low battery capacity cutoff point: 20% capacity left in battery

Battery Type: Lead acid