Skip to Content

Changes for page Testing Procedures

Last modified by robert on 2024/12/09 16:08
From version 12.1
edited by robert
on 2024/12/09 16:08
Change comment: There is no comment for this version
To version 1.2
edited by robert
on 2024/12/02 13:01
Change comment: There is no comment for this version

Summary

Details

Page properties
Content
... ... @@ -4,532 +4,66 @@
4 4  
5 5  = Data Loggers (TSAWR & LPR-200) =
6 6  
7 -//(originally written by F. Bozinovic March 2024)//
7 +Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
8 8  
9 -== Items Required ==
9 +== Sub-paragraph ==
10 10  
11 -* Multimeter
12 -* Power supply 
13 -* Correct solar regulator cable
14 -* Solar regulator (unmodified) with correct voltage
15 -* Battery (with enough charged)
16 -* GPS antenna
17 -* SD card (FAT32 formatted)
18 -* Sensor (known working)
19 -* Correct sensor cable
20 -* Test Power Plug device
11 +Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
21 21  
22 -== Power Test ==
13 +=== Sub-sub paragraph ===
23 23  
24 -Install a known working (and charged) battery into the recorder and turn ON the main power switch, verify that the recorder powers ON correctly.
15 +Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
25 25  
26 -(% class="box infomessage" %)
27 -(((
28 -NOTE: Unit powering ON is not instant, there may be a 10 to 15 sec delay.
29 -)))
30 30  
31 -Verify the LCD screen turns on and begins clearly displaying the ANU logo and system parameters correctly once the recorder powers up. Look for signs of flickering, blurring or any other visual artefacts.
32 -
33 -With the recorder powered ON, using a multimeter, test the bias voltage on GPS antenna port; the reading should be 3.3V (outer shell is negative and centre pin is positive).
34 -
35 -Connect "Test Power Plug” (//ANU only//) into the sensor port and verify the light is turned on, this indicates the power will be correctly delivered to the sensor.
36 -
37 -(% class="box infomessage" %)
38 -(((
39 -NOTE: The following step, power feature is not present in LPR200, therefore this step cannot be verified for LPR recorders.
40 -)))
41 -
42 -== System Test ==
43 -
44 -* Verify LCD screen works correctly.
45 -* Check that the keypad is responsive and functions correctly.
46 -* Verify recorder has GPS fix acquired and information is displayed.
47 -* Insert SD card and verify the latching mechanism holds the card and releases it.
48 -* Verify the SD card is detected and can be erased.
49 -
50 -=== System information ===
51 -
52 -Record the Firmware version.
53 -
54 -In the Menu under “System Information”, verify that the serial number matches what is written on the case.
55 -
56 -== Functional Test ==
57 -
58 -=== Charging ===
59 -
60 -Verify the battery is charging (LPR differs from TSAWR, additionally, TSAWRs differ between each other based on firmware version).
61 -
62 -Set-up an external power source, by connecting a solar regulator to a power supply  and set voltage to 18V DC. Verify the regulator is supplying the correct voltage of 7.7V and then plug into the “External Power” port of the recorder.
63 -
64 -(% class="box warningmessage" %)
65 -(((
66 -**IMPORTANT! **The LPR-200 now has two types of solar regulators. The new type (exclusive after Jan 1 2025) are modified to output 13.8V (for charging lead acid batteries directly). Do not use these with the old lithium battery packs as this may destroy the units and possibly explode! If you are confused email us.
67 -)))
68 -
69 -Navigate to “System Information” in the Menu and note the battery icon will have a lightning symbol indicating it’s charging, also observe the state of charge % is increasing under.
70 -
71 -=== Sensor Reading ===
72 -
73 -Live Seismometer Data is used ONLY for functional verification. It is an indicator that all connections to the sensor and output response is correct.
74 -
75 -Place the recorder on flat surface bench/ table and connect the sensor (ensure the sensor is not tilted, shaken or rough-handled). Level the sensor using the bubble as guide. Turn ON the recorder wait until the self-check has completed and the recorder has acquired GPS fix. Set the parameters to read the correct sensor.
76 -
77 -To verify the sensor is detected and registering, perform a controlled test is performed by having the person press down on the table with their body weight (similar to performing a slow CPR). The flexing of the table will be detected by the sensor and will be clearly visible on screen. This will verify the sensor-cable and the internal digitizer are working correctly.
78 -
79 -(% class="box infomessage" %)
80 -(((
81 -NOTE: If the user requires to verify the sensor or the validity of the recorded data, a power spectral density analysis would need to be performed, see rest of document (link here) for instructions on how to perform this test.
82 -)))
83 -
84 -=== Recording test ===
85 -
86 -Insert SD card and erase the content.
87 -
88 -Set-up the System Parameters (sensor type and interval frequency).
89 -
90 -Ensure the recorder has a GPS Fix.
91 -
92 -Select the recording setting in the menu.
93 -
94 -
95 -Ensure to allow sensor data recording of overnight or at least 4 hrs.
96 -
97 -Verify the data has recorded correctly by running a power spectral analysis (PSD) script.
98 -
99 -
100 -(% class="box infomessage" %)
101 -(((
102 -NOTE: For procedure on how to use and set-up the PSD script refer to the “Performing PSD function on recorded sensor data procedure” document. (LINK)
103 -)))
104 -
105 -=== Troubleshooting ===
106 -
107 -
108 -(% style="width:920px" %)
109 -|(% style="width:243px" %)(((
110 -Antenna open or short circuit
111 -)))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
112 -* Check antenna connection
113 -
114 -* Replace antenna if faulty
115 -)))
116 -|(% style="width:243px" %)(((
117 -GPS initialisation failed
118 -)))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
119 -* A GPS communications issue has occurred
120 -
121 -* Restart the unit
122 -)))
123 -|(% style="width:243px" %)(((
124 -Failed to acquire GPS fix
125 -)))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
126 -* Reposition the antenna so that it is not obstructed
127 -
128 -* Either monitor the GPS info screen or restart the system to monitor if a fix is now acquired
129 -)))
130 -|(% style="width:243px" %)(((
131 -SD card is not inserted
132 -)))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
133 -* Insert a FAT32 formatted SD card
134 -)))
135 -|(% style="width:243px" %)(((
136 -FAT32 Initialisation failed
137 -)))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
138 -* Ensure the SD card is FAT32 formatted
139 -
140 -* Reinsert card to reinitialise or replace
141 -)))
142 -|(% style="width:243px" %)(((
143 -SD card initialisation failed
144 -)))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
145 -* Ensure the SD card is FAT32 formatted
146 -
147 -* Reinsert card to reinitialise or replace
148 -)))
149 -|(% style="width:243px" %)(((
150 -RTC synchronisation failed
151 -)))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
152 -* Ensure GPS is operating correctly
153 -
154 -* Else communications to RTC failed, restart the unit
155 -)))
156 -|(% style="width:243px" %)(((
157 -Start time precedes RTC time
158 -)))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
159 -* Alter the start time noting the current time
160 -)))
161 -|(% style="width:243px" %)(((
162 -End time precedes the start time
163 -)))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
164 -* Alter either the start or stop time
165 -)))
166 -|(% style="width:243px" %)(((
167 -Record start time is not set
168 -)))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
169 -* Record start mode is set to On Time but the start values have not been set
170 -
171 -* Set the start time and date fields ensuring the ENT key is used to set each digit
172 -)))
173 -|(% style="width:243px" %)(((
174 -Record end time not set
175 -)))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
176 -* Record end mode is set to On Time but the end values have not been set
177 -
178 -* Set the end time and date fields ensuring the ENT key is used to set each digit
179 -)))
180 -|(% style="width:243px" %)(((
181 -SEED initialisation failed
182 -)))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
183 -* Ensure GPS, RTC and SD card have all initialised correctly
184 -
185 -* Restart the recorder
186 -
187 -* In the event restart did not work, replace the recorder
188 -)))
189 -|(% style="width:243px" %)(((
190 -Write error
191 -)))|(% style="width:673px" %)(((
192 -* The SD card may have run out of room during recording
193 -
194 -* Ensure the SD card is adequately sized for the intended use
195 -
196 -* Alternatively the SD card may be faulty and need to be replaced
197 -)))
198 -
199 -(% class="table-condensed" style="width:888px" %)
200 -|(% colspan="2" style="width:885px" %)(((
201 -**Error Screen Warnings **
202 -)))
203 -|(% style="width:246px" %)(((
204 -**Error **
205 -)))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
206 -**Solution **
207 -)))
208 -|(% style="width:246px" %)(((
209 -Antenna open or short circuit
210 -)))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
211 -* Check antenna connection
212 -
213 -* Replace antenna if faulty
214 -)))
215 -|(% style="width:246px" %)(((
216 -GPS initialisation failed
217 -)))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
218 -* A GPS communications issue has occurred
219 -
220 -* Restart the unit
221 -)))
222 -|(% style="width:246px" %)(((
223 -Failed to acquire GPS fix
224 -)))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
225 -* Reposition the antenna so that it is not obstructed
226 -
227 -* Either monitor the GPS info screen or restart the system to monitor if a fix is now acquired
228 -)))
229 -|(% style="width:246px" %)(((
230 -SD card is not inserted
231 -)))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
232 -* Insert a FAT32 formatted SD card
233 -)))
234 -|(% style="width:246px" %)(((
235 -FAT32 Initialisation failed
236 -)))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
237 -* Ensure the SD card is FAT32 formatted
238 -
239 -* Reinsert card to reinitialise or replace
240 -)))
241 -|(% style="width:246px" %)(((
242 -SD card initialisation failed
243 -)))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
244 -* Ensure the SD card is FAT32 formatted
245 -
246 -* Reinsert card to reinitialise or replace
247 -)))
248 -|(% style="width:246px" %)(((
249 -RTC synchronisation failed
250 -)))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
251 -* Ensure GPS is operating correctly
252 -
253 -* Else communications to RTC failed, restart the unit
254 -)))
255 -|(% style="width:246px" %)(((
256 -Start time precedes RTC time
257 -)))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
258 -* Alter the start time noting the current time
259 -)))
260 -|(% style="width:246px" %)(((
261 -End time precedes the start time
262 -)))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
263 -* Alter either the start or stop time
264 -)))
265 -|(% style="width:246px" %)(((
266 -Record start time is not set
267 -)))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
268 -* Record start mode is set to On Time but the start values have not been set
269 -
270 -* Set the start time and date fields ensuring the ENT key is used to set each digit
271 -)))
272 -|(% style="width:246px" %)(((
273 -Record end time not set
274 -)))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
275 -* Record end mode is set to On Time but the end values have not been set
276 -
277 -* Set the end time and date fields ensuring the ENT key is used to set each digit
278 -)))
279 -|(% style="width:246px" %)(((
280 -SEED initialisation failed
281 -)))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
282 -* Ensure GPS, RTC and SD card have all initialised correctly
283 -)))
284 -|(% style="width:246px" %)(((
285 -Write error
286 -)))|(% style="width:638px" %)(((
287 -* The SD card may have run out of room during recording
288 -
289 -* Ensure the SD card is adequately sized for the intended use
290 -
291 -* Alternatively the SD card may be faulty and need to be replaced
292 -)))
293 -
294 -(% class="table-condensed" style="width:1063px" %)
295 -|(% colspan="2" style="width:1060px" %)(((
296 -**General System Errors **
297 -)))
298 -|(% style="width:279px" %)(((
299 -**Error **
300 -)))|(% style="width:782px" %)(((
301 -**Solution **
302 -)))
303 -|(% style="width:279px" %)(((
304 -The unit does not start
305 -)))|(% style="width:782px" %)(((
306 -* Ensure the battery pack being used is fully charged and replace if necessary
307 -
308 -* Connect communications via the monitor port and restart the unit to determine whether it is just the display which is faulty
309 -
310 -* Disconnect external connections to see whether they are blowing the internal fuse1
311 -
312 -* Else use an alternative unit
313 -)))
314 -|(% style="width:279px" %)(((
315 -The screen does not respond to wakeup during recording
316 -)))|(% style="width:782px" %)(((
317 -* Wait 30-45 seconds before reattempting  as the display will not respond while the unit is writing data to disc
318 -
319 -* Connect communications via the monitor port to ensure there is not a display issue
320 -
321 -* The battery may have gone flat during recording and the unit will not respond
322 -)))
323 -|(% style="width:279px" %)(((
324 -There is no response from the seismometer
325 -)))|(% style="width:782px" %)(((
326 -* Ensure the seismometer is connected correctly
327 -
328 -* Ensure the appropriate seismometer model is selected in the system configuration screen
329 -
330 -* Try an alternative seismometer
331 -
332 -* Restart the unit to reinitialise the ADCs
333 -
334 -* Try an alternative unit
335 -)))
336 -|(% style="width:279px" %)(((
337 -The display does not respond to commands
338 -)))|(% style="width:782px" %)(((
339 -* The buttons may be faulty or the unit may have frozen
340 -
341 -* Restart or try an alternative unit
342 -)))
343 -
344 -(% class="table-condensed" style="width:1066px" %)
345 -|(% colspan="2" style="width:1063px" %)(((
346 -**Battery Errors **
347 -)))
348 -|(% style="width:289px" %)(((
349 -**Error **
350 -)))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
351 -**Solution **
352 -)))
353 -|(% style="width:289px" %)(((
354 -The unit never fully charges
355 -)))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
356 -* There may be an issue with one or more cells
357 -
358 -* Cease charging immediately and use an alternative battery pack
359 -)))
360 -|(% style="width:289px" %)(((
361 -The unit does not live up to expected life cycle
362 -)))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
363 -* There is a damaged cell
364 -
365 -* Use an alternative battery pack
366 -)))
367 -|(% style="width:289px" %)(((
368 -The unit does not charge at all (none of the indicators light up)
369 -)))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
370 -* Check charging voltage and current
371 -
372 -* Check connections 
373 -)))
374 -|(% style="width:289px" %)(((
375 -The unit does not appear to trickle charge via the external connector
376 -)))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
377 -* Check external power connections
378 -
379 -* Ensure solar panel is not obstructed and receiving direct sunlight
380 -
381 -* The seismic recorder may be damaged from a pervious overvoltage/ current state on the external power line, try an alternative unit
382 -)))
383 -|(% style="width:289px" %)(((
384 -The charging indicator lights up but the power indicator does not
385 -)))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
386 -* The power indicator is controlled by a single charging chip and will light up when sufficient power is applied to fully charge the batteries
387 -
388 -* This feedback is normal whilst trickle charging
389 -
390 -* May indicate that one or more of the charging circuits is faulty
391 -)))
392 -|(% style="width:289px" %)(((
393 -Power Light is on but both charged and charging light is off
394 -)))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
395 -* Can be caused by the unit being above 40°C and surpassed the recommended charging temperature of the batteries
396 -
397 -* One or more of the cells could be damaged and need to be replaced
398 -)))
399 -|(% style="width:289px" %)(((
400 -The battery charged LED does not turn on after a full charge is expected
401 -)))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
402 -* This LED is prone to failure and may need to be replaced
403 -)))
404 -|(% style="width:289px" %)(((
405 -The battery pack has swelled and is difficult to insert remove
406 -)))|(% style="width:773px" %)(((
407 -* There is a damaged cell which will need to be replaced
408 -)))
409 -
410 -(% class="table-condensed" style="width:1064px" %)
411 -|(% colspan="2" style="width:1061px" %)(((
412 -**Hardware Errors **
413 -)))
414 -|(% style="width:285px" %)(((
415 -**Error **
416 -)))|(% style="width:775px" %)(((
417 -**Solution **
418 -)))
419 -|(% style="width:285px" %)(((
420 -The unit does not start
421 -)))|(% style="width:775px" %)(((
422 -* Check input voltages and fuse
423 -
424 -* Check voltage rails and port voltage outputs
425 -
426 -* Reprogram the unit
427 -)))
428 -|(% style="width:285px" %)(((
429 -The battery gauge has an unexpected voltage
430 -)))|(% style="width:775px" %)(((
431 -* Try another battery to confirm error
432 -
433 -* Replace RV7 as it is prone to failure
434 -)))
435 -|(% style="width:285px" %)(((
436 -The SD card won’t lock in or isn’t detected
437 -)))|(% style="width:775px" %)(((
438 -* Clean the connector with some compressed air
439 -
440 -* Replace the SD card
441 -
442 -* Reformat the card (FAT32)
443 -)))
444 -
445 445  = Sensors =
446 446  
447 447  Sensors can be tested in many ways...
448 448  
449 -== ... via Centaur (Nanometrics sensors) ==
22 +== via Centaur (Nanometrics sensors) ==
450 450  
451 -//(originally written by F. Bozinovic May 2024)//
24 +words
452 452  
26 +== via data comparision (vs S1.AUANU) ==
453 453  
454 -=== Introduction ===
28 +words
455 455  
456 -Sensor calibration allows user to input an electrical test signal into a connected sensor to simulate ground motion. The resulting digitized sensor output can then be analysed to assess various attributes of the sensor, such as basic functionality,
457 -frequency response and/or sensitivity stability over time. For a high-quality broadband sensor, these parameters typically remain stable over time, so that if the sensor initially meets manufacturer’s specifications and has not suffered damage,
458 -then calibration is usually not required. However, calibration can be a useful quality control check if it is suspected that the sensor may be defective or damaged after multiple deployments.
459 459  
460 -(% class="box infomessage" %)
461 -(((
462 -NOTE: Not all sensors have this capability and user must refer to the manufacturer’s datasheet for clarification.
463 -)))
464 -
465 -=== Process ===
466 -
467 -The Centaur data recorder can generate and output an analog signal using a 16-bit internal digital-to analog converter (DAC). The DAC output is applied to the sensor for calibration purposes via the matching sensor cable. Make sure to use manufacturer cables as the correct signal lines have been connected to the correct pins of the mating connector. The Centaur CTR, CTR2 and CTR3 series models may generate signals of up to ±5 V amplitude, while the Centaur CTR4 series models have an enhanced calibration output.
468 -
469 -Calibration output signal actions are launched from the **Waveform** page in the Centaur Web interface. A synthetic waveform signal generator allows you to generate sinewave and pseudo-random binary (PRB) signals on demand. User can configure the sine frequency or PRB pulse width, signal duration and amplitude as well as specify lead-in and lead-out silence intervals before and after the calibration waveform. One can also select and play a calibration file containing any other desired digital time series waveform that by uploading it to the Centaur, such as a swept sinewave, step function, random noise, or chained PRB sequence.
470 -
471 -The following sample calibration files are supplied with the Centaur. These files may be used to visually verify functionality and approximate sensitivity of the sensor by inspection of the output waveform:
472 -
473 -* **sine_5V_30s** generates a 1 Hz sine wave with 5 V amplitude lasting 30 seconds. **This is the default test for ANU as well as Nanometrics.**
474 -* **step_0V_to_5V_15s** generates a 0 V signal for 15 seconds followed by a positive 5 V step function lasting 15 seconds.
475 -* **prb 1V 20ms 10min** generates a 10 minute PRB sequence using 20 ms pulses and 1 V amplitude.
476 -* **prb 1V 5s 150min** generates a 2.5 hour PRB sequence using 5 second pulses and 1 V amplitude.
477 -* **prb 2V 5s 8hr** generates an 8 hour PRB sequence using 5 s pulses and 2 V amplitude.
478 -
479 -=== Procedure ===
480 -
481 -1. Log-in to the Centaur Web Interface and use the Admin credentials
482 -1. Navigate to the **Health** page and verify that the sensor is properly levelled and recognised by its serial number.
483 -1. To configure the calibration parameters, navigate to the **Waveform** page.
484 -1. From the Calibration panel at the top page, select **Type** from the drop-down list and  choose Sine.
485 -1. For the CTR4 series models, additional option to select between Voltage or Current is available.
486 -1. Click on the **Configure** button to access the calibration dialog box for the selected **Playback**.
487 -1. Configure the signal characteristics by selecting **5V, 30 sec with gain of 1.**
488 -1. Configure the padding before and after the calibration signal, enter 5 seconds.
489 -1. The **Duration (s)** time can be made shorter or longer as required by user. NOTE, for shorter frequencies a longer duration will be required for the signal to complete its full cycle and to capture the entire waveform on the screen.
490 -1. Click OK button to close the dialog box and save the settings.
491 -1. Click the start calibration button  [[image:1733178329484-829.png]] to begin the process. Approximately 5 seconds of time padding ( as set in Step 8) will past before the sensor responds to the injected signal and display the sine wave feedback response.
492 -1. The calibration will end after 30 seconds (as set in Step 7) or can be terminated manually by pressing the stop button. The calibration will then stop after 5 seconds and any configured lead out silence will be skipped.
493 -1. Click on the pause button on the bottom of the page to stop the live stream and use the arrows to centre the sine signal response. Note that the screen waveform will turn Blue and the stream will freeze. Avoid capturing live streaming signal!
494 -1. Once the response signal is cantered, perform a screen-capture “Print Screen” button or use “Snippet” tool and save the captured image locally. In the nametag, include a Serial number, date and sensor type.
495 -1. Archive and back-up the file.
496 -
497 -== ... via data comparision (vs S1.AUANU) ==
498 -
499 -CODE & Guide to use code
500 -
501 -
502 502  = Solar Panels =
503 503  
504 504  //(originally written by F. Bozinovic November 2024)//
505 505  
506 -Testing solar panels is vital for any remote seismic station, since the solar panel ensures that the batteries are kept charged throughout the day. Therefore, reliably testing them ensures only the working panels are installed on remote sites, ensuring success of the site operation and serviceability.
35 +Testing solar panels is vital for any remote seismic station, since role of the solar panel ensures that the batteries are kept charged throughout the day. Therefore, reliably testing them ensures only the working panels are installed on remote sites, ensuring success of the site operation and serviceability.
507 507  
508 508  This procedure describes the method for testing solar panels and determining how to identify defective panels. The testing of solar panels should be performed outdoors, under bring sun to obtain accurate results.
509 509  
510 -(% class="box warningmessage" %)
511 -(((
512 -DO NOT test solar panels indoors using room lighting, this does not provide adequate light energy and will not give reliable results.
513 -)))
39 +**DO NOT test solar panels indoors using room lighting, this does not provide adequate light energy and will not give reliable results. **
514 514  
515 515  
516 -=== Following materials are required ===
42 +Following materials are required
517 517  
518 518  * Solar panel for testing
45 +
519 519  * Digital multi-meter (DMM)
47 +
520 520  * Load Resistor (designated power resistor of known value)
49 +
521 521  * Wire leads
51 +
522 522  * Alligator clips
53 +
523 523  * Spreadsheet with formulae
55 +
524 524  * Marker/ pen
525 525  
526 -=== Test Method ===
527 527  
59 +Test Method
60 +
528 528  1. Clearly label each solar panel to keep track of measurements.
529 529  1. Record the manufacturers power rating of the solar panel. **Perform all measurement outdoors under bright sunny conditions! **
530 530  1. Using wire leads and/ or alligator clips measure the open circuit Voltage and Current of the solar panel and record. **Make sure to change the dial on the DMM as taking measurement under incorrect setting will damage the DMM! **
531 531  1. Using wire leads and/ or alligator clips connect the Load Resistor and measure the Voltage across the resistor and record.
532 532  
66 +
533 533  Ensure the load resistor value is accurately measured and recorded. A difference in 0.1 Ohms results in 1% power difference in calculated result.
534 534  
535 535  Once all the solar panels have been tested and their results recorded, enter their values under the corresponding panel label in a spreadsheet. The cells containing preset formula will auto-populate and provide the results.
... ... @@ -538,17 +538,17 @@
538 538  
539 539  
540 540  
541 -=== Developing a spreadsheet ===
75 +Developing a spreadsheet
542 542  
543 543  Create a spreadsheet with following cells
544 544  
545 545  
546 546  
547 -(% class="table-bordered" style="height:563px; width:433px" %)
81 +(% style="height:563px; width:433px" %)
548 548  |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
549 549  Solar panel ID#
550 550  )))|(% style="width:281px" %)(((
551 -Measurement
85 +
552 552  )))
553 553  |(% style="width:148px" %)(((
554 554  Voltage (Voc)
... ... @@ -606,13 +606,12 @@
606 606  Load resistor value
607 607  )))
608 608  
143 +
144 +
609 609  For cells in rows (Solar panel #ID), (Voc), (Ioc), (Vrl), enter the recorded values.
610 610  
611 611  
612 -(% class="box warningmessage" %)
613 -(((
614 -These values should be measured and NOT taken from the panel specification sticker. The values may appear same or similar but these are manufacturer factory values obtained under very strict control conditions.
615 -)))
148 +**These values should be measured and NOT taken from the panel specification sticker. The values may appear same or similar but these are manufacturer factory values obtained under very strict control conditions. **
616 616  
617 617  
618 618  (Rload) cell is the Load Resistor value. This cell is a constant and does not need to be copied for all entries.
... ... @@ -620,24 +620,27 @@
620 620  
621 621  Inside the “Vrl (Theoretical)” cell enter the following formula using the corresponding cells.
622 622  
623 -[[image:Screenshot 2024-12-09 103334.png||height="28" width="141"]]
156 +[Equation]
624 624  
158 +
625 625  Inside the “Rated Power” cell enter the following formula using the corresponding cells.
626 626  
627 -[[image:Screenshot 2024-12-09 103419.png||height="31" width="157"]]
161 +[Equation]
628 628  
163 +
629 629  Inside the “Load Power” cell enter the following formula using the corresponding cells.
630 630  
631 -[[image:Screenshot 2024-12-09 103432.png||height="67" width="176"]]
166 +[Equation]
632 632  
633 633  
634 634  Inside the “Power Loss %” cell enter the following formula using the corresponding cells.
635 635  
636 -The calculated values that are negative represent power loss, and positive values are power gain. Performing “conditional formatting” on these cells with colour gradient (defined by colour break limits) would yield visually easy to recognise defective panels.
171 +The calculated values that are negative represent power loss, and positive values are power gain. Performing “conditional formatting” on these cells with colour gradient (defined by colour break limits) would yield visually easy to recognise defective panels. 
637 637  
638 -[[image:Screenshot 2024-12-09 103639.png||height="63" width="304"]]
639 639  
174 +[Equation]
640 640  
176 +
641 641  Perform all the calculations for each solar panel ID entered.
642 642  
643 643  Solar panels with power loss of 20% or more should be clearly marked as defective and not be used in any future deployments.
1733178329484-829.png
Author
... ... @@ -1,1 +1,0 @@
1 -XWiki.robert
Size
... ... @@ -1,1 +1,0 @@
1 -1.5 KB
Content
Screenshot 2024-12-09 103334.png
Author
... ... @@ -1,1 +1,0 @@
1 -XWiki.JackD
Size
... ... @@ -1,1 +1,0 @@
1 -11.6 KB
Content
Screenshot 2024-12-09 103419.png
Author
... ... @@ -1,1 +1,0 @@
1 -XWiki.JackD
Size
... ... @@ -1,1 +1,0 @@
1 -11.9 KB
Content
Screenshot 2024-12-09 103432.png
Author
... ... @@ -1,1 +1,0 @@
1 -XWiki.JackD
Size
... ... @@ -1,1 +1,0 @@
1 -18.5 KB
Content
Screenshot 2024-12-09 103639.png
Author
... ... @@ -1,1 +1,0 @@
1 -XWiki.JackD
Size
... ... @@ -1,1 +1,0 @@
1 -38.4 KB
Content
Screenshot at 2024-12-09 10-25-40.png
Author
... ... @@ -1,1 +1,0 @@
1 -XWiki.JackD
Size
... ... @@ -1,1 +1,0 @@
1 -342.2 KB
Content