Users Manual Part 1

conditions, this battery has a life expectancy of 5 years. Ultra-capacitors that always store power are installed in the M5™ SSPM to sup-
plement the batteries, which are most beneficial in cold temperatures. The SSPM is designed to use power efficiently. When any light is
available, the solar panel charges the Main battery. The Main battery supplies the SSPM with power until its voltage drops, and it can not
power the meter sufficiently. At this point, power from the Backup battery supplements the meter's power consumption. Once the Main bat-
tery has enough power, it returns to powering the meter again, as usual.
Note: Once the voltage of the Backup battery has completely expired, it can no longer function and must be replaced.
The solar panel can be tested for proper operation by covering / uncovering the solar panel while ambient light is available. The voltage
levels should change from low (covered), to high (uncovered) accordingly. The expected voltage levels are listed in the following table:
M5™ values Maximum Minimum Nominal
Solar panel
5,500 mv 1,000 mv (with indoor lighting) 4,100 mv
Main battery
4,100 mv 2,800 mv 3,600 mv
Backup battery
3,680 mv 2,800 mv 3,600 mv
Sleep
The Sleep sub-menu allows the meter to be placed in sleep mode. Sleep mode places the SSPM in the lowest power-consumption state
possible, without turning the meter completely OFF. If an SSPM must be "bagged" (out-of-service) for ≥ 48 hours, IPS recommends pla-
cing it into Sleep mode. If an SSPM must be bagged or stored for 1 month, IPS recommends turning the meter OFF (by disconnecting the
jumper (JMP0002) at JMP6 header), and / or the Back-up battery.
To put the SSPM into Sleep mode, go to Diagnostics mode, and scroll to the Sleep sub-menu. Press √ OK to Sleep, then press — Time
(less time) to confirm. The SSPM can also be put into Sleep mode by pressing and holding the Diagnostics button for ~5 seconds, until it
emits an audible signal and (the LCD) turns OFF.
Understanding M5™ Battery Voltages
This concept topic discusses the IPS Group, Inc. M5™ SSPM batteries. It explains the process flow for checking the M5™ batteries, and
what to do if one or both battery voltages are below an acceptable threshold.
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