1. January 18, 2021
2. Copyright 2018-2023 Zenseio LLC
   

1. Introduction

Zenseio Solar Charger Kit has been developed for CSMP/LSMP devices to provide power in situations when an external sensor or radio communication requires constant power draw preventing device deep sleep. 

The kit consists of the following components:

• Solar panel

• Solar panel extension cable

• Solar panel mounting bracket

• Lithium-ion rechargeable battery cell

• Charging controller board

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

The charging controller houses lithium-ion battery and efficiently manages the charging cycles according to allowed ambient temperature specifications 

2. Specifications

2.1. Solar panel

• Peak power 1.2W

• Peak Voltage: 6.5V

• Peak Current: 180mA

• Waterproof (IP67)

• UV resistant (10+ year life)

• Urethane coating

• Durable and lightweight

• High-efficiency monocrystalline cells: 19%

• Embedded screws for easy mounting

• Size 3.5 x 4.4 x 0.2 in. (8.9 x 11.3 x 0.5 cm)

• Weight 2.5 oz. (71g)

• Cable Length: 10.2" (26cm)

2.2. Solar panel extension cable

• Length 10 ft (3 m)

2.3. Solar panel mounting bracket

• Material: 2.5mm 6063 aluminum

• Weight: 0.1lbs (54g)

• Angle from horizontal: 40 degrees

2.3. Lithium-ion rechargeable battery

• Nominal Capacity: 2600mAh (test conditions: 0.2C, 2.75V discharge)

• Nominal Voltage 3.63V

• Discharge Protection Cut-off Voltage 2.75V

• Cell Weight 45.0g

• Cell Dimension 

• Height: 2.6” (65.00mm), 

• Diameter: 0.72” (18.40mm)

• Operating Temperature 

• Charge: 32 to 113 F (0 to 45 ℃)

• Discharge: -4 to 140 F (-20 to 60 ℃)

• Storage Temperature -4 to 77 F (-20 to 25 ℃)

2.4. Charging controller

• Supported battery chemistries: lithium-ion, lithium-polymer

• Charging voltage 4.2V

• Max charging current 680mA

• Charge modes: constant current and constant voltage

• Battery thermal protection management

• Micro-USB port for rapid charging

• Push in terminal block header for connecting solar panel

3. Hardware installation instructions

3.1. Remove non-rechargeable battery

The battery connector uses a locking mechanism to hold it reliably in place. It has to be disengaged first, so it can be removed effortlessly, without breaking the connector. Since the locking tab is very small, it’s best to use a small, flat-tip screwdriver to push it, as in the photos below. Then remove the battery from the metal battery clamps.

3.2. Attach mounting bracket to solar panel

Remove the top two plastic nuts on the back of the solar panel, insert the mounting bracket as in the photo below, and screw back the nuts tightly - but do not overtighten.

3.3. Insert rechargeable battery into charging controller

Push in the battery into the black battery socket. Ensure the correct polarity - the bump at the end of the battery should go into the groove in the battery socket on the “+” side. 

 

3.4. Insert charging controller into CSMP/LSMP

Insert the charging controller board sideways (with the green block header pointing up) into the metal battery clamps. Then, rotate the board to the right until the green board is parallel to the blue board.   

3.5. Charge battery from USB power adaptor (optional)

It is highly recommended to first charge the battery using a USB power adaptor to give it full charge before device deployment. Plug in USB cable into the micro-USB socket on the charging controller. When the battery is charging, a red LED will light up.

Note 1: Always disconnect the solar panel when charging using USB power adaptor to avoid possible damage to the USB power source.

Note 2: Do not exert any lateral pressure on the mini-USB connector - breakage is not covered under warranty 

3.5. Connect extension cable to charging controller

Thread in the extension cable through the cable gland and push in on the tabs on the green terminal block header and insert the bare wire cable into it. Red wire should go into the connector marked with “+” and black wire should go into the connector marked with “-”. The charging controller has reverse polarity protection, so the misconnection will not cause damage, but it will prevent the battery from charging using the solar panel.

3.5. Connect extension cable to solar panel

Push in two round connectors together until the rubber covers snap over each other to create a weatherproof seal.

3.6. Mount CSMP/LSMP device and solar panel 

Use the mounting brackets on the solar panel and CSMP/LSMP device to mount them to poles or posts (or other fixed structures). Orient the solar panel towards the sun such that it receives illumination throughout most of the day. For example, in the northern hemisphere, the optimal direction is toward the south.

Due to waterproof enclosure seal, the temperature inside CSMP/LSMP device can become extremely hot if it is exposed to direct sunlight. This high temperature may prevent battery charging if it exceeds the approved operating conditions. It’s best if CSMP/LSMP device itself can be mounted out of direct sunlight, in a shade while the solar panel should be in full sun.

3.7. Plug in charging controller power cable into CSMP/LSMP device

Connect the yellow cable from the charging controller into LSMP main blue board. The power connector is polarized, so it will slide in only in the correct orientation. Once it is in, the small tab will lock it in place.

3.7. Turn on the power switch in CSMP/LSMP device

Slide the Power switch to “On” position to power up the device.

4. Important Product Information

4.1. Safety and Compliance Information Use Responsibility.

Read all instructions and safety information before use.

4.2. 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.

4.2. Component replacement

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

4.2. Charging with USB power adaptor 

Always disconnect the solar power cable from the Charging Controller whenever charging the battery using a USB power adaptor.