Document revision 1.0

1. January 16, 2025
2. Copyright 2018-2026 Zenseio LLC
   

NOTE: This manual applies to version 2 (V2) of the Zenseio Solar Charger Kit only

1. Introduction

The Zenseio Solar Charger Kit V2 is designed specifically for CSMP and LSMP devices to provide a continuous and renewable power source in applications where external sensors, higher transmission rates, or extended radio activity prevent the device from entering deep sleep mode.

This kit enables long-term, low-maintenance operation by replacing the standard non-rechargeable battery with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery system powered by a solar panel and managed by an intelligent charging controller.

This kit replaces a non-rechargeable battery that was included with the CSMP/LSMP device.

Version 2 (V2) of the Solar Charger Kit includes improvements in charging speed and efficiency, better thermal protection, mechanical design, and installation convenience.

1.1. Kit components

The Zenseio Solar Charger Kit V2 (SOLIK2) consists of the following components:

1. Solar panel with mounting bracket and extension cable
   
2. Rechargeable lithium-ion battery cell
3. Charging controller board with integrated protection and status indicators
   

         

 

1.3. System Overview

The charging controller houses the lithium-ion battery and manages all aspects of the charging and power delivery process, including:

• Input power regulation

• Battery charging and protection

• Temperature-based charge suspension

• Power-path management

• Overcharge and fault protection

This ensures safe, efficient, and reliable operation across a wide range of environmental conditions.

2. Specifications

2.1. Solar panel

Parameter	Specification
Peak Power	2.38 W
Peak Voltage (Vmp)	5.3 V
Peak Current (Imp)	450 mA
Cell Type	High-efficiency monocrystalline
Surface Material	ETFE
Weather Resistance	Yes
UV Resistance	Yes
Mounting	Integrated bracket
Bracket Angle	45° from horizontal
Dimensions	5.35 × 4.4 × 1 in (136 × 112 × 2.5 mm)
Weight	5 oz (142 g)
Cable Length	10 ft (3 m)

2.2. Lithium-ion rechargeable battery

Parameter	Specification
Chemistry	Lithium-ion
Nominal Capacity	2600 mAh (0.2C, 2.75 V cutoff)
Nominal Voltage	3.63 V
Charge Cutoff Voltage	4.2 V
Discharge Cutoff Voltage	2.75 V
Operating Temperature (Charge)	32 to 113 °F (0 to 45 °C)
Operating Temperature (Discharge)	–4 to 140 °F (–20 to 60 °C)
Storage Temperature	–4 to 77 °F (–20 to 25 °C)
Cell Dimensions	Ø 0.72 in × 2.6 in (18.4 mm × 65.0 mm)
Cell Weight	45 g

2.3. Charging controller (SOLIC2)

Parameter	Specification
Supported Battery Types	Lithium-ion, Lithium-polymer
Supported Battery Size	18650
Additional Battery Connector	JST-PH (compatible with Adafruit batteries)
Input Voltage Range	4.35 V to 10 V
Nominal Charge Voltage	4.2 V
Maximum Charge Current	1000 mA
Charging Temperature Range	23 °F to 124 °F (–5 °C to 51 °C)
Charge Control Method	Constant Current / Constant Voltage (CC/CV)
Power-Path Management	Yes
Battery Thermal Protection	Yes
Overcharge Protection	Yes
Additional Battery Connector	Yes (wired battery)
Solar Panel Connector	Push-in terminal block
USB Charging Port	Micro-USB
Status Indicators	Power Input LED, Charge/Fault LED

Additional battery connector

3. Hardware installation instructions

Follow these steps carefully to install the Zenseio Solar Charger Kit V2. Improper installation may result in damage to the device or charging system.

3.1. Power off the device

First, ensure the device Power switch is set to "Off" position.

3.2. Remove non-rechargeable battery

The battery connector uses a locking mechanism to secure it in place.

To remove the battery:

1. Locate the small locking tab on the connector.

2. Use a small flat-tip screwdriver to gently press the tab.

3. While holding the tab, pull the connector straight out.

4. Remove the battery from the metal battery clamps.

WARNING: Do not pull on the wires. Doing so may damage the connector.

3.3. Insert rechargeable battery into the charging controller

Insert the lithium-ion battery into the black battery socket on the charging controller.

Ensure correct polarity:

1. The raised bump at the end of the battery must align with the groove on the “+” side of the socket.
   

WARNING: Incorrect polarity may prevent charging or trigger a fault condition.  

 

3.4. Insert charging controller into the CSMP/LSMP device

1. Insert the charging controller board sideways into the metal battery clamps, with the green terminal block facing upward.
2. Rotate the board to the right until it is parallel with the main (blue) device board.
3. Ensure the board is firmly seated and not loose.

3.5. Pre-charge the battery from USB power (recommended)

It is highly recommended to fully charge the battery using a USB power source before deploying the system in the field.

1. Connect a USB cable to the micro-USB port on the charging controller.
2. Plug the other end into a 5 V USB power adapter.
3. When charging, the green P.IN LED will illuminate (red CHG LED will also illuminate when the battery is actively charging).

WARNING: Always disconnect the solar panel before charging via USB to avoid damaging the USB power source or the controller.

WARNING: Do not apply lateral force to the micro-USB connector. Physical damage to the connector is not covered under warranty.

3.6. Connect solar panel cable to charging controller

1. Thread the extension cable through the enclosure cable gland.
2. Press the tabs on the green terminal block to open the wire clamps.
3. Insert the wires:
   
1. Red wire → connect to terminal marked "+"
2. Black wire → connect to terminal marked "–"
   
4. Release the tabs to secure the wires.
   

The charging controller includes reverse-polarity protection. If the wires are reversed, no damage will occur, but solar charging will not function.

3.7. Mount the device and solar panel 

Use the supplied mounting brackets to secure the CSMP/LSMP device and solar panel to a pole, post, or other fixed structure.

Solar Panel Orientation:

1. Position the panel so it receives sunlight for most of the day.
2. In the northern hemisphere, face the panel toward the south.

Device Placement:

Due to the sealed waterproof enclosure, internal temperatures may rise significantly when exposed to direct sunlight.

Note: Excessive heat may temporarily suspend battery charging.

For best performance:

1. Mount the solar panel in direct sunlight
2. Mount the CSMP/LSMP device in shade, if possible
   

3.8. Connect the charging controller to the device

Plug the short power cable from the charging controller into the main blue board inside the CSMP/LSMP device.

The connector is polarized and will only insert in the correct orientation. Once inserted, the locking tab will click into place.

3.9. Power on the device

Slide the device power switch to the ON position.

The system is now operational.

Power switch

4. Usage

4.1. Charging

WARNING: Do not connect the solar panel and USB power at the same time. Doing so may damage the power source or the charging controller.

4.1.2. Charging Controller LED Indicators

LED	Label	Behavior	Meaning
Green	P.IN	Off	No input power present
Green	P.IN	Solid On	Valid input power detected
Red	CHG	Off	Battery not charging
Red	CHG	Solid On	Battery is charging
Red	CHG	Rapid Flash	Fault condition

Charge Controller LEDs

4.1.2. Charging Controller Fault Conditions

A fault condition is indicated by a rapidly flashing red LED. This may be caused by:

1. Battery not detected or improperly connected
2. Input voltage outside acceptable range
3. Battery temperature outside safe charging limits
4. Internal safety timeout or protection trigger
   

4.1.3. Resetting a Fault

To clear a fault condition:

1. Disconnect all power sources (solar panel and USB)
2. Remove the battery
3. Wait at least 10 seconds
4. Reinsert the battery
5. Reconnect only one power source

4.2. Discharging

During normal operation, the connected CSMP/LSMP device draws power from the battery. When an external power source (solar or USB) is present, the system load is powered directly from the input source while simultaneously charging the battery. This reduces battery wear and allows uninterrupted operation.

If no external power source is available, the system will run exclusively from the battery.

5. Important Product Information

5.1. Safety and Compliance Information Use Responsibility.

Read all instructions and safety information before use.

WARNING: FAILURE TO READ AND FOLLOW THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR OTHER INJURY OR DAMAGE.

5.2. Lithium Battery Safety Information.

The Lithium batteries accompanying this device cannot be recharged. Do not open, disassemble, bend, deform, puncture, or shred the battery. Do not modify, attempt to insert foreign objects into the battery or immerse or expose to water or other liquids. Do not expose the battery to fire, explosion, or other hazard. Promptly dispose of used, damaged, or leaking batteries in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. If fluid from the battery comes into contact with skin or clothes, flush with water immediately. Insert the batteries in the proper direction as indicated by positive (+) and negative (-) markings in the battery compartment. It is required to use only 3.6V Lithium batteries with this product.

5.2. Component replacement

To prevent the risk of fire or explosion, do not replace any components with unapproved parts.