Tempest Battery Voltage Range?

Tempest Owners
62

so, is a power on/off reset required when a power booster is installed? Or is it optional?

63

IF the PBA (PowerBoosterAccessory) Control Box is connected to AC power via the supplied adaptor. . .Tempest is designed to immediately “recognize” that the PBA exists and will begin “boosting” the battery all the way up to “top off” level. . .generally 2.79v to 2.80v. In which case. . .NO Power Cycle (turn off then back on) is required.

IF (on the other hand) the PBA is using 8x Lithium Ion batteries (in the control box) instead of the AC Adaptor. . .the PBA will not get “kicked in” (by Tempest) until its battery voltage drops to ~ 2.42v. At that time. . .when the Tempest is connected to the PBA (with batteries instead of the AC power Adaptor). . .the Tempest’s Charge Controller will then signal the PBA to start boosting the battery of Tempest. . . .BUT. . .while the PBA is using the 8x Lithiums. . .it will only charge Tempest up to about 2.60v to perhaps 2.65v. The “top off” to maximum allowable voltage of 2.80v can Only occur with. . .

  1. direct sunlight on at least 2 of the Solar Panels or
  2. the PBA is not using 8x Lithiums. . .but rather connected via the AC power Adaptor.

Note: IF using the PBA with the AC Adaptor. . .completely REMOVE the 8x Lithium Ion Batteries.

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64

no batteries in the power booster, just power boost plugged in to AC power and it looks like the power level in the Tempest is staying the same (in power save mode).

EDIT - literally 5 min before I replied it was still in the same state (power save) but now it’s got more power so it’s good to go. WHEW!

65

That is perfect. Right now, in Oklahoma, under mostly sunny skies at 1147 hours, my battery voltage rating is 2.77.

1 Like