User's Manual

CHAPTER 2
Using the addSWITCH
12
• The channel has moderate radio activity, with requests every
15 minutes.
• The counters are stored in the internal memory every 15
minutes.
• No more then 40 valve activations per day (12V Type).
Table 1 shows the addSWITCH devices’ expected operation time
on a fully charged battery under various conditions..
Note: Radio activity means that one base station and between one
and three RTUs are active on the same operating frequency
as the addSWITCH remote station under test.
However, if for some reason (wear-out or accident) the battery
loses its capacity (noted in the software with repeated “Battery
low” messages), it must be replaced. Make sure, though, that the
problem is really due to the battery and not to a defective or dirty
solar panel.
Adcon highly recommends that you check the solar panels’ state
and clean them often. The rain droplets can splash thin layers of
soil on the panels, thus reducing their power output. The surround-
ing vegetation can also lower the panels’ efficiency.
Changing the battery
If you have verified that the battery needs to be replaced, follow
these steps to do so:
1. Open the lid by unscrewing the four screws in the corners of
the addSWITCH RTU, then remove the lid as shown in
Figure 3.
Table 1. addSWITCH Device Operation Time
Radio
Activity
Valve Actions
Average
Consumption
(mA)
Estimated
Operation
(days)
No none 0.667 100
Yes none 0.833 80
Yes 40 1.8 37