Difference between pages "File:PART stand base MAT 5mm mild steel QTY 1.dxf" and "Standalone Fireball Camera Installation"

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(Tag: visualeditor)
 
(Deep Cycle Battery)
(Tag: visualeditor)
 
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[[Category:Production Files]]
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<gallery mode="packed" heights="350">
[[Category:Observatory Stand]]
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File:DaysHill_camera_1200.JPG|
 +
File:Weekeroo.jpg|
 +
File:Nilpena_camera_1200.JPG|
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File:Moolawatana_camera_1200.JPG|
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File:Sm_DSC_2024.JPG|
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File:Ingomar_camera_1200.JPG|
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File:BillaKalina_camera_1200.JPG|
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</gallery>
 +
 
 +
= Parts =
 +
Have the below designs laser cut. Number per installation and material are specified in the filenames.
 +
 
 +
=== Solar Panel Stand ===
 +
 
 +
*[[Media:PART solar support 45d MAT 5mm mild steel QTY 2.dxf|PART_solar_support_45d_MAT_5mm_mild_steel_QTY_2.dxf]]
 +
*[[Media:PART solar support sand shoe MAT 5mm mild steel QTY 4.dxf|PART_solar_support_sand_shoe_MAT_5mm_mild_steel_QTY_4.dxf]] (in soft soil)
 +
 
 +
*[[Media:PART wedge MAT 10mm mild steel QTY 30.dxf|PART_wedge_MAT_10mm_mild_steel_QTY_30.dxf]]
 +
*30x30x3 Aluminium angle bar
 +
 
 +
=== Observatory Stand ===
 +
 
 +
*[[Media:PART stand rib MAT 5mm mild steel QTY 1.dxf|PART_stand_rib_MAT_5mm_mild_steel_QTY_1.dxf]]
 +
*[[Media:PART stand base MAT 5mm mild steel QTY 1.dxf|PART_stand_base_MAT_5mm_mild_steel_QTY_1.dxf]]
 +
*[[Media:PART_stand_back_MAT_5mm_mild_steel_QTY_1.dxf |PART_stand_back_MAT_5mm_mild_steel_QTY_1.dxf]]
 +
*[[Media:PART wedge MAT 10mm mild steel QTY 30.dxf|PART_wedge_MAT_10mm_mild_steel_QTY_30.dxf]]
 +
*Fencing wire to construct tensioning stays
 +
 
 +
(Note: wedges are included twice as they are used by both designs but only 30 in total are required per installation.)
 +
 
 +
=== Other Parts ===
 +
 
 +
* Star picket stakes to secure the stand in soft soil, or
 +
* Sand bags or rocks to weigh down stand in rocky terrain
 +
 
 +
== Observatory Stand Assembly ==
 +
At least two people are recommended for assembling the stand.
 +
 
 +
# Place stand base on four blocks or bricks ensuring there is clearance for the rib and back's tabs.
 +
# Place stand back on top of base and insert tabs.
 +
# Lean stand back outwards and insert stand rib. You may have to wiggle the pieces until they fall into place.
 +
# Start inserting wedges staring from the corners. Do the top first and then start on the bottom corners. It may be helpful to tilt the stand over a bit or lay it down on its side.
 +
# Once the wedges are are all securely inserted, wire up the four fencing wire cross stays and tension by twisting using a large screwdriver.
 +
# Align stand so stand back is facing south (in the Southern Hemisphere, north in the Northern Hemisphere).
 +
# Stake down the stand in soft soil or weigh down the stand using rocks or sandbags. As the centre of mass is not over the centre in the base, it is not safe to leave the stand without weight or stakes.
 +
 
 +
== Solar Panel Stand Assembly ==
 +
 
 +
# Assemble solar panel stand using aluminium angle bar, wedges, panels and self tapping fasteners (Tek Screws) into the panels.
 +
# Add sand shoes in soft soil
 +
# Stake or weigh down solar panel stand.
 +
 
 +
== Power System ==
 +
Components:
 +
 
 +
* Enclosure
 +
 
 +
* Deep cycle battery
 +
* Solar charge controller
 +
* Solar panel(s)
 +
* Fuses and fuse holders for load and battery if not provided by solar charge controller
 +
* Wire for connections
 +
* Cable glands or panel mount connectors
 +
* DFN observatory power connector
 +
 
 +
=== Enclosure ===
 +
The B&R Forte FR060430 has been used for all previous solar powered DFN observatory installations (unless there is an existing power supply). It is available from electrical wholesalers (e.g. [http://advanced.net.au/ Advanced Electrical Equipment], [http://electricaldistributors.com.au/ Electrical Distributors], [https://www.mmem.com.au/ MM Electrical Merchandising]) or at a higher price from [https://au.rs-online.com/web/p/wall-boxes/8852711 RS Components].
 +
 
 +
=== Deep Cycle Battery ===
 +
The recommended battery for the DFN fireball observatories is a 140-180 AH deep cycle lead acid battery. This is the same sort of battery you would use to run a fridge in an RV or boat. AGM (absorbant glass mat) or gel constructions should be used. The DFN uses 165 or 175 AH AGM deep cycle batteries. Ensure that the battery will fit inside the Forte FR060430 with the solar charge controller. (Usable internal dimensions are a bit less than 600x400x300 mm.)
 +
 
 +
Good suppliers include:
 +
 
 +
* [http://www.independantbattery.com.au/ Independent Battery Distributors],
 +
* [https://www.batteryworld.com.au/ Battery World], and
 +
* [https://www.aussiebatteries.com.au/ Aussie Batteries & Solar].
 +
 
 +
It is worth ordering in bulk and obtaining multiple quotes to secure a good price. Lead acid batteries will degrade if not kept charged, so it is worth charging any batteries you have in storage about every six months.
 +
 
 +
When used in a solar power application it is best to keep the [[wikipedia:Depth_of_discharge|depth of discharge]] of lead acid batteries to 30% or less to prolong the cycle life of the battery.
 +
 
 +
If the recommendations on this page are followed and the charging voltages on the solar charge controller are set correctly for your battery, your observatory's battery should last at least four years.
 +
 
 +
=== Solar Charge Controller ===
 +
A [[wikipedia:Maximum_power_point_tracking|maximum power point tracking]] charge controller will allow you to use much better value 200-360W 60 or 72 cell solar panels designed for rooftop use and available as low as $0.50 per Watt instead of 12V 65-150W solar panels designed for camping which are much more expensive (around $2 per Watt).
 +
 
 +
The [https://www.victronenergy.com/solar-charge-controllers/mppt7510 Victron Energy BlueSolar MPPT 75/15] would be a good option that seems like good value at [https://www.outbackmarine.com.au/blue-solar-mppt-75-15-charge-controller-victron-sc around $130]. You will also need a [https://www.victronenergy.com/panel-systems-remote-monitoring/ve-direct-bluetooth-smart-dongle Bluetooth smart dongle] or [https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/ve-direct-to-usb-interface USB cable] to program the battery charging voltages on the charge controller (about [https://www.outbackmarine.com.au/victron-ve.direct-bluetooth-smart-dongle~21407 $90] or [https://www.outbackmarine.com.au/victron-ve.direct-to-usb-interface $50] respectively).
 +
 
 +
The DFN has used the [https://www.morningstarcorp.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/SS3.IOM_.Operators_Manual.01.EN_.pdf SunSaver SS-20L-12V] with three 80-100W panels for most of its installs, but this configuration is no longer recommended due to the high cost of 12V panels compared to 60 or 72 cell panels.
 +
 
 +
=== Solar Panel(s) ===
 +
A single polycrystalline panel of at least 275W is recommended. We would recommend considering the [https://www.jinkosolar.com/ftp/EN-Eagle+-275PP(Plus)-60_rev2015.pdf Jinko Solar JKM275PP-60] which is very good value at [https://sgwholesale.solar/ $0.46/W]. We have used the Jinko Solar JKM270PP-60 to power all of our off-grid FireOpal SSA observatories.
 +
 
 +
=== Fuses and Fuse Holders ===
 +
The power system should be protected by two [https://www.altronics.com.au/p/s5910a-25a-clear-blade-fuse/ 25A] automotive blade fuses placed in line with the battery and load (observatory) using [https://www.altronics.com.au/p/s6036-30a-in-line-blade-fuse-holder/ blade fuse holders] (unless protection is provided by the solar charge controller—as is the case with the [https://www.victronenergy.com/solar-charge-controllers/mppt7510 Victron Energy BlueSolar MPPT 75/15]).
 +
 
 +
=== Wire for connections ===
 +
Use ≈10 AWG cable for wiring inside the battery box. Wire can be purchased from electronics shops such as [https://www.altronics.com.au/p/w4158-85-0.30-heavy-duty-automotive-figure-8-cable/ Altronics] or [https://www.jaycar.com.au/25a-2-core-tinned-dc-power-cable-sold-per-metre/p/WH3087 Jaycar], or from electronic components distributors such as Mouser ([https://au.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Alpha-Wire/6831-RD005?qs=sGAEpiMZZMtW9UaYX5J1tPEcnFWMEIz7%2fq7IzrvhBjE%3d Red], [https://au.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Alpha-Wire/6831-BK005?qs=sGAEpiMZZMtW9UaYX5J1tPEcnFWMEIz7AlK53dc87ts%3d Black]).
 +
 
 +
For exterior solar panel connections use [https://www.altronics.com.au/p/w7015-56-0.30-4mm-42a-solar-cable/ 4mm<sup>2</sup> UV resistant solar cable]. You will also need [https://www.altronics.com.au/p/p8600b-ip67-mc4-solar-panel-30a-line-plug-socket-connector/ MC4 connectors] and the [https://www.altronics.com.au/search/all/?sr=crimptool%2Bmc4 correct crimp tool]. Pre-terminated cables are also [https://www.altronics.com.au/search/all/?sr=solar%2Bmc4%2Blead available].
 +
 
 +
=== Cable Glands or Panel Mount Connectors ===
 +
You will need to use [https://www.altronics.com.au/p/h4304a-3-6.5mm-eg7-pg7-black-ip68-cable-gland/ cable glands] or panel mount MC4 connectors ([https://au.rs-online.com/web/p/solar-connectors/1368622/ Male], [https://au.rs-online.com/web/p/solar-connectors/1368621/ Female]) to wire the solar panels through the wall of the battery box to the charge controller.
 +
 
 +
=== DFN Observatory Power Connector ===
 +
The [https://au.rs-online.com/web/p/mil-spec-circular-connectors/2982516/ Amphenol MS3102A 14S-2P] is used on the battery box and the DFN observatory for the observatory power cable. The [https://au.element14.com/amphenol-industrial/10-040450-014/gasket-14s-14-shell-size-circular/dp/5779182 correct gasket] as well as some fastening hardware will have to be purchased separately. The mating connector which is used on the observatory power cable is [https://au.element14.com/amphenol/ms3106f14s-2s/circular-connector-plug-size-14s/dp/1849969 MS3106F 14S-2S].
 +
 
 +
== Power System Wiring ==
 +
Wire up the charge controller as specified in the charge controller's user manual.
 +
 
 +
== Set Up Observatory ==
 +
 
 +
* Bolt the observatory onto the stand
 +
* Attach GNSS and mobile data antenna connections
 +
* Connect power from battery box to observatory
 +
* Secure lose wires using cable ties to stop abrasion and vibration from the wind
 +
* Configure and test fireball observatory

Revision as of 01:03, 5 October 2018

Parts

Have the below designs laser cut. Number per installation and material are specified in the filenames.

Solar Panel Stand

Observatory Stand

(Note: wedges are included twice as they are used by both designs but only 30 in total are required per installation.)

Other Parts

  • Star picket stakes to secure the stand in soft soil, or
  • Sand bags or rocks to weigh down stand in rocky terrain

Observatory Stand Assembly

At least two people are recommended for assembling the stand.

  1. Place stand base on four blocks or bricks ensuring there is clearance for the rib and back's tabs.
  2. Place stand back on top of base and insert tabs.
  3. Lean stand back outwards and insert stand rib. You may have to wiggle the pieces until they fall into place.
  4. Start inserting wedges staring from the corners. Do the top first and then start on the bottom corners. It may be helpful to tilt the stand over a bit or lay it down on its side.
  5. Once the wedges are are all securely inserted, wire up the four fencing wire cross stays and tension by twisting using a large screwdriver.
  6. Align stand so stand back is facing south (in the Southern Hemisphere, north in the Northern Hemisphere).
  7. Stake down the stand in soft soil or weigh down the stand using rocks or sandbags. As the centre of mass is not over the centre in the base, it is not safe to leave the stand without weight or stakes.

Solar Panel Stand Assembly

  1. Assemble solar panel stand using aluminium angle bar, wedges, panels and self tapping fasteners (Tek Screws) into the panels.
  2. Add sand shoes in soft soil
  3. Stake or weigh down solar panel stand.

Power System

Components:

  • Enclosure
  • Deep cycle battery
  • Solar charge controller
  • Solar panel(s)
  • Fuses and fuse holders for load and battery if not provided by solar charge controller
  • Wire for connections
  • Cable glands or panel mount connectors
  • DFN observatory power connector

Enclosure

The B&R Forte FR060430 has been used for all previous solar powered DFN observatory installations (unless there is an existing power supply). It is available from electrical wholesalers (e.g. Advanced Electrical Equipment, Electrical Distributors, MM Electrical Merchandising) or at a higher price from RS Components.

Deep Cycle Battery

The recommended battery for the DFN fireball observatories is a 140-180 AH deep cycle lead acid battery. This is the same sort of battery you would use to run a fridge in an RV or boat. AGM (absorbant glass mat) or gel constructions should be used. The DFN uses 165 or 175 AH AGM deep cycle batteries. Ensure that the battery will fit inside the Forte FR060430 with the solar charge controller. (Usable internal dimensions are a bit less than 600x400x300 mm.)

Good suppliers include:

It is worth ordering in bulk and obtaining multiple quotes to secure a good price. Lead acid batteries will degrade if not kept charged, so it is worth charging any batteries you have in storage about every six months.

When used in a solar power application it is best to keep the depth of discharge of lead acid batteries to 30% or less to prolong the cycle life of the battery.

If the recommendations on this page are followed and the charging voltages on the solar charge controller are set correctly for your battery, your observatory's battery should last at least four years.

Solar Charge Controller

A maximum power point tracking charge controller will allow you to use much better value 200-360W 60 or 72 cell solar panels designed for rooftop use and available as low as $0.50 per Watt instead of 12V 65-150W solar panels designed for camping which are much more expensive (around $2 per Watt).

The Victron Energy BlueSolar MPPT 75/15 would be a good option that seems like good value at around $130. You will also need a Bluetooth smart dongle or USB cable to program the battery charging voltages on the charge controller (about $90 or $50 respectively).

The DFN has used the SunSaver SS-20L-12V with three 80-100W panels for most of its installs, but this configuration is no longer recommended due to the high cost of 12V panels compared to 60 or 72 cell panels.

Solar Panel(s)

A single polycrystalline panel of at least 275W is recommended. We would recommend considering the Jinko Solar JKM275PP-60 which is very good value at $0.46/W. We have used the Jinko Solar JKM270PP-60 to power all of our off-grid FireOpal SSA observatories.

Fuses and Fuse Holders

The power system should be protected by two 25A automotive blade fuses placed in line with the battery and load (observatory) using blade fuse holders (unless protection is provided by the solar charge controller—as is the case with the Victron Energy BlueSolar MPPT 75/15).

Wire for connections

Use ≈10 AWG cable for wiring inside the battery box. Wire can be purchased from electronics shops such as Altronics or Jaycar, or from electronic components distributors such as Mouser (Red, Black).

For exterior solar panel connections use 4mm2 UV resistant solar cable. You will also need MC4 connectors and the correct crimp tool. Pre-terminated cables are also available.

Cable Glands or Panel Mount Connectors

You will need to use cable glands or panel mount MC4 connectors (Male, Female) to wire the solar panels through the wall of the battery box to the charge controller.

DFN Observatory Power Connector

The Amphenol MS3102A 14S-2P is used on the battery box and the DFN observatory for the observatory power cable. The correct gasket as well as some fastening hardware will have to be purchased separately. The mating connector which is used on the observatory power cable is MS3106F 14S-2S.

Power System Wiring

Wire up the charge controller as specified in the charge controller's user manual.

Set Up Observatory

  • Bolt the observatory onto the stand
  • Attach GNSS and mobile data antenna connections
  • Connect power from battery box to observatory
  • Secure lose wires using cable ties to stop abrasion and vibration from the wind
  • Configure and test fireball observatory

File history

Click on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time.

Date/TimeDimensionsUserComment
current14:17, 4 October 2018 (218 KB)Robert Howie (talk | contribs)
  • You cannot overwrite this file.

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