Power Configurations
From Inveneo
A Battery System Charged by Solar Panels
This explains how best to run an Inveneo Computing Station using a battery and solar panel, while ensuring maximum life for both battery and computer.
The Inveneo Computing Station, battery and solar panel should all connect to the charge controller. The charge controller provides two important functions: 1) it will disconnect power from the solar panel to the battery when the battery is fully charged. 2) the charge controller will cut off power to the Computing Station if the battery is discharged excessively. Both of these functions help to protect and extend the life of the battery and the Computing Station. . To create the connection between the Computing Station and the charge controller in order to power the Computing Station from a 12VDC battery, you may need to cut the AC power cord that is shipped with the unit, as follows:
- Cut the cord half way between the power brick and male coaxial end.
- Strip the insulation from the wires on the cut end.
- Plug the male coaxial end into the computing unit.
- At the other end of the cord, insert the positive wire (the one with the stripes) into the positive terminal on the charge controller.
- Then insert the negative wire into the negative terminal on the charge controller.
NOTE: Both 2.1mm and 2.5mm coaxial connector will work with the Computing Station.
The best type of battery to use is a deep-cycle, sealed battery. It does not require the continual maintenance of an unsealed or wet battery, (for example, car batteries). Wet cell types of batteries must have their acid replaced and be refilled ONLY with distilled water. Rain water is not distilled water, do NOT use it. Distilled water can usually be bought from pharmacies or people who sell wet batteries. The deep cycle battery is better designed for powering computers than a car battery. While a car battery will work for a while, it will require more maintenance and have a shorter lifespan.
You can also download this information in a pdf file
A Battery System Charged by the Grid
This explains how best to run an Inveneo Computing Station using a battery and various power sources, while ensuring maximum life for both battery and computer.
Grid and generator power provide electricity at 230Volts AC, but both types of power are notoriously unstable and there are frequent power spikes. To protect your equipment from receiving power spikes that can damage your equipment, use a Voltage Stabilizer to regulate the power flow. The Voltage Stabilizer plugs into a voltage converter or transformer, which converts the 230VAC to 15 to 16 Volts DC. The 15VDC from the transformer supplies power to a charge controller, that then charges a battery.
The Inveneo Computing Station, battery and transformer should all connect to the charge controller. The charge controller provides two important functions: 1) it will disconnect power from the grid or generator to the battery when the battery is fully charged. 2) the charge controller will cut off power to the Computing Station if the battery is discharged excessively. Both of these functions help to protect and extend the life of the battery and the Computing Station. However, a charge controller does not by itself protect the computer from power spikes, so it is important to use a Voltage Stabilizer to obtain protection.
To create the connection between the Computing Station and the charge controller in order to power the Computing Station from a 12VDC battery, you will need to cut the AC power cord that is shipped with the unit, as follows:
- Cut the cord half way between the power brick and male coaxial end.
- Strip the insulation from the wires on the cut end.
- Plug the male coaxial end into the computing unit.
- At the other end of the cord, insert the positive wire (the one with the stripes) into the positive terminal on the charge controller.
- Then insert the negative wire into the negative terminal on the charge controller.
NOTE: Both 2.1mm and 2.5mm coaxial connector will work with the Computing Station.
The best type of battery to use is a deep-cycle, sealed battery. It does not require the continual maintenance of an unsealed or wet battery, (for example, car batteries). Wet cell types of batteries must have their acid replaced and be refilled ONLY with distilled water. Rain water is not distilled water, do NOT use it. Distilled water can usually be bought from pharmacies or people who sell wet batteries. The deep cycle battery is better designed for powering computers than a car battery. While a car battery will work for a while, it will require more maintenance and have a shorter lifespan.
You can also download this information in a pdf file
12 Volt Power Cords
The system ships with one power cord, which plugs into AC power, both 110v and 220v. This cord can be modified to work on a DC 12volt system; however, it will no longer be useable as an AC power cord. Inveneo recommends buying a coaxial cable with a 2.1mm or 2.5mm male connector, which will connect to the computing/communication station. The other end of the coaxial cable can then connect to DC system.
