VARICURVE
14
TM
S Y S T E M
Quick Reference
Connect the umbilical between the remote and
interface so that the charger can keep the battery
charged. Any flashing LEDs on the interface indicate
charge to go. All four LEDs light when fully charged.
Keep the display brightness lower when working
remotely via FSK, and always re-charge immediately
after.
The battery in the FPC-900r remote is a lead-acid type designed for long
life, when subjected to proper charge cycling. Unlike Nickel-cadmium
cells, lead-acid batteries will tolerate frequent light discharges. The
shallower the discharge, the more the life will be improved. The battery
charger in the FPC-900i interface is an intelligent processor controlled
charger which takes care of the battery charge management transpar-
ently to the user. Leave the umbilical connected to the energised Inter-
face all the time the remote is in use if possible. Only disconnect it
when FSK communication is essential, and then only for as long as
necessary. As soon as FSK is finished with, put the remote back on
charge. You cannot overcharge the battery since the interface stops
charging when the battery is fully charged. The CHARGE LEDs on the
interface show the charge progress. On an exhausted battery, all four
will flash.
As the battery charges, the CHARGE bargraph will ‘fill-up’ with lit LEDs,
while the top ones flash to show charge to go. When the battery is fully
charged, all four LEDs will be on and none will flash. Whilst connected
to the interface, the battery bargraph meter on the remote will show the
same charge progress as the interface. When the remote is working on
battery power, the battery meter shows life remaining, which are not
the same. If the FAULT LED should light on the interface, then this
could indicate either a battery malfunction, or that the fuse inside the
remote has ruptured.
When working remotely via FSK, the battery is the only source of
power. The main consumer of power in the remote is the display
backlight, so to preserve life, the display brightness should be kept as
low as is acceptable. Typically, a freshly charged battery will give
approximately 40 minutes of use when the display is at full brightness,
whereas at minimum brightness, up to 3 hours can be expected. When
the remote is powered from the interface via the umbilical, it is ener-
gised continuously, and does not switch off. Under battery power
however, the remote is energised by pressing the ON button momentar-
2.9 Internal Battery
Internal Battery