A SolSat 5 uses two 3.4 Ah LiPo batteries. They are charged via the built-in 2 Watt solar panel. The SolSat 5 is also supplied with a 5 volt USB charging cord. The same 2-pin Bulgin power connection on the SolSat 5 can be used to attach an optional solar panel to increase the battery charging capacity.
Note:
Using a higher voltage (over 6 volts) to charge the SolSat 5 will damage the electronics.
The batteries are fully charged at 4.2 volts, at 3.4 volts the SolSat 5 needs to be recharged. The battery voltage can be checked when connected to the SolSat 5 Wi-Fi App, or can be sent with each data report.
Without an added solar panel, basic usage would allow the SolSat 5 batteries to last over 1 year. On average, the batteries will last 2–3 years based on hourly samples and one satellite transmission per day. With the solar panel recharging, they should last indefinitely.
Note:
Contact Solinst if the batteries need replacing. Do not try replacing the batteries yourself.
Keep in mind, a clear view to the sky/satellite is required for best performance and battery life, and more frequent data transmissions will use more battery power.
