Initial setup

The following steps can be undertaken indoors or outdoors. If it is your first time with an IoE Module, you may find it worthwhile to do this in the comfort of your office, and then you'll know exactly what is needed for your work in the field.

Unpacking the boxes

The hardware is shipped in corrugated cardboard boxes with cardboard sheets, boxes of components, empty boxes, and foam blocks to secure components while in transit. Unpack the hardware before going to the field. Be careful to avoid discarding hardware when you discard the packaging materials. Some packaging materials are hard to remove while the frame is collapsed; remove them when you unfold the frame. Use a box cutter to open packaging and a clippers to cut zip ties used in packaging.

Warning: The components of this product are heavy (see Specifications for weights). Use caution to avoid injury when lifting and securing components. Moving the fully assembled product should not be undertaken without appropriate precautions (e.g., a mechanical lift system, two-person lift, or other suitable lifting method).

  1. Set the large box on the ground in your workshop, lab, or office.
  2. Cut all of the tape on the seams and unfold the cardboard.
  3. Lift off the loose pieces of cardboard to expose the solar panel box.
  4. Continue to remove spacer boxes and boxes of parts until they are all separated from the packaging.
  5. Open every box and separate the packaging materials and filler until you have identified every component included in your order.

Check the lists of components in What's what.

Assembling the structure

Warning: The components of this product are heavy (see Specifications for weights). Use caution to avoid injury when lifting and securing components. Moving the fully assembled product should not be undertaken without appropriate precautions (e.g., a mechanical lift system, two-person lift, or other suitable lifting method).

Wear study gloves to protect your hands.

Mast and frame

  1. Remove and discard the black caps from the top and bottom of the mast.

  2. Release the upper mast clamp.

    Remove the nut and cap screw that secure the mast, and then pull the mast out of the bracket. Slide the mast up and then press the largest section of the mast into the clamp. Then reinstall the cap screw, washer, and nut.

  3. Extend the mast until the bottom is aligned with the lower rail.

  4. Rotate the enclosure frame to a vertical position.

    If it does not move freely, be sure the slots are not seated on the pins.

  5. Install two angle-braces to secure the frame in the vertical position.

    The high-density panel adjustment holes will be oriented toward the bottom. Install it with four cap screws and four lock nuts.

Installing the battery

Warning: The battery can explode, start a fire, or cause severe burns if the terminals are shorted together. Exercise extreme care when handling the battery. Use insulated tools when practical.

  1. Connect the cable to the battery.

    The cable (part number 99512-022) connects to the battery terminal with this hardware arrangement: flat washer, cable ring terminal, flat washer, lock washer, and finally, the bolt. Washers and bolts are included with the battery. Attach the red cable to the red terminal (+) and the black cable to the black terminal (-). Tighten the bolts securely with the wrench and then slide the insulating covers over the terminal.

  2. Set the battery on the shelf with the terminals toward the front of the box.
  3. Install the battery bracket.
  4. Insert the two-pronged part into the upper slots (A) and the single prong into the lower slot (B). The bracket holds the battery in place if the system falls over, protecting you and the equipment.
  6. Connect the battery cable to the connector.

See Removing the main battery for removal instructions.

Using an external power supply

The IoE Module can be powered from an external power supply that delivers 9 to 33 VDC, 3.0 A current. If using an external power supply, do not connect a solar panel or battery. Instead, rely solely on the external power. See Optional auxiliary power cables for cable options.