SiteWatch/GenTrak

Technical Supplement 1.18

GTT Battery Inspection

& Maintenance

GTT Batteries Inspection and Maintenance

Technical Supplement 1.18

Publication date 19th January 2011
Topics:

Analysis of GTT battery state

Safe removal and replacement of batteries

Safe disposal of batteries
GTT batteries are designed to last for many years under ideal conditions. However,
their longevity and efficiency may be affected by the following:

1.

Extremely high ambient heat may lead to degradation of performance,

bloating of the pack and eventual failure
Extremely low ambient temperatures may lead to degradation of
performance
Repeated discharge and charge cycles due to regular failure of the GTT
external DC supply may lead to degradation of performance
Analysis of GTT Battery State

Failed batteries may be reported through an appropriate alarm from the

SiteWatch/GenTrak system. In such cases you should endeavour to replace the
battery as soon as possible.
Reduced performance of either charging or discharging may also be reported by the
system.
If you are uncertain about the state of the battery you may try the following:

2.

Unplug the external power from the GTT and observe the time until the
green LED goes off. If this is less than four hours then the battery
performance is degraded. Anything less than 1 hour and you should probably
replace the battery. If the LED goes off immediately then the battery has
failed.
Discharge the battery until the green LED goes off. Plug in the external power
and observe the time until the system reports that the battery is fully
charged. If this is less than 45 minutes then you should consider replacing the
battery.
Safe Removal and Replacement of Battery

The GTT battery is best removed by removing the REAR panel of the GTT as follows:
WARNING: Wear protective gloves and safety glasses when carrying out this
procedure. Do not attempt to remove batteries unless you are sure that you have
the necessary knowledge and skills. If you are in any doubt, return the GTT to
Telemisis for battery replacement.

GTT Batteries Inspection and Maintenance

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3.

Remove the external power connector

Unscrew the four retaining screws from the REAR panel (antenna
connections end)
Check that there is no sign of the battery package leaking. If there are any
signs of leakage you should NOT attempt to remove the battery. Return the
GTT unit to Telemisis in a secure package under the RMA procedures.
Grip the circuit board assembly between finger and thumb towards the righthand edge. Pull slowly until the entire assembly comes out of the enclosure.
Note that if the battery is bloated (swollen) then you should not apply
excessive force to remove the assembly. If you are in any doubt, return the
GTT to Telemisis for battery replacement under the RMA procedures.
The board to which the battery is affixed will either be an active PCB
(daughter-board) or a blank board. To remove the battery from the board
you will need to use a strong lever such as a long flat-head screwdriver. Take
great care when levering off the old battery not to damage the components
on the circuit board and take particular care not to damage or puncture the
casing of the battery.
Affix the new battery to the base board using double-sided tape.
Connect the battery to the GTT mainboard.
Replace the assembly into the case taking care to ensure that the case is the
right way up (sticker on top of case, battery on top). You may need to
carefully adjust the height of the battery/daughter board so that the top
board locates into the third case slot. Check that the battery cable is routed
behind the battery and is not snagged between the battery and the case.
Replace and secure the rear panel taking care to ensure that the antenna
cables pass through the gap in the main PCB at the right-hand side and do
not get caught between the rear panel and the PCB assembly.
Disposal of Batteries

Old batteries should be disposed of according to the waste disposal laws in your
country. If you are in any doubt, return the batteries to Telemisis in a secure package
marked Batteries for Disposal.

To comply with the requirements of the EC WEEE (Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment)
directive all SiteWatch/GenTrak hardware at the end of their useful life should either be
returned to their supplier or disposed of or recycled in the appropriate manner.

GTT Batteries Inspection and Maintenance