Computronic Sentinel 150P series Installation and operating instructions

Sentinel 150P series
Programmable, automatic switch mode battery chargers
Installation, Operation and Maintenance
This Manual Refers to the Following Models
Open
frame
models
SNTL150P1205CD
SNTL150P2405CD
SNTL150P1205CDA
SNTL150P2405CDA
For safe and correct use of these chargers, read and save the safety
information that precedes the installation and operation instructions.
This guide contains 8 pages (including this one). If any pages are missing,
contact the battery charger supplier or manufacturer for replacement
documentation.
In order to consistently bring you the highest quality, full featured products, we reserve the right to change our specifications and designs at any time.
Computronic Controls products and the Computronic Controls logo are registered and/or common law trademarks of Enovation Controls LLC.
This document, including textual matter and illustrations, is copyright protected by Enovation Controls Ltd., with all rights reserved. © 2014 Enovation Controls Ltd.
41 –46 Railway Terrace, Nechells,
Birmingham, B7 5NG, United Kingdom
Web: www.computroniccontrols.com
For sales & support, contact:
ENOVATION CONTROLS LTD.
Church Road, Laverstock,
Salisbury, SP1 1QZ, United Kingdom
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.computroniccontrols.com
www.fwmurphy.eu/computronic
ENOVATION CONTROLS
5311 S 122nd East Avenue,
Tulsa, OK 74146, USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.fwmurphy.com

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Important Safety Information –Read and Save These Instructions
This manual contains important safety and operating instructions for all SNTL150P models.
Do not expose the battery charger to rain, snow or wet environments.
The use of any attachment not recommended or sold by the battery charger manufacturer may result in risk of fire,
electric shock or injury to persons.
Do not operate the charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped, or otherwise damaged in any way: return to
supplier.
Do not disassemble the charger: return to supplier when service or repair is required. Incorrect re-assembly may result
in a risk of electric shock, fire or faulty operation.
WARNING –RISK OF EXPLOSIVE GASES
WORKING IN THE VICINITY OF A LEAD ACID BATTERY IS DANGEROUS. BATTERIES GENERATE EXPLOSIVE
GASES DURING NORMAL BATTERY OPERATION.
To reduce the risk of battery explosion, follow these instructions and those published by battery manufacturers and the
manufacturer of any equipment you intend to use in the vicinity of the battery. Review cautionary marking on these
products and any attached equipment.
PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS.
(i) Someone should be within range of your voice or close enough to come to your aid when you work near a lead-acid
battery.
(ii) Have plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin, eyes or clothing.
(iii) Wear complete eye protection and clothing protection. Avoid touching eyes whilst working near batteries.
(iv) If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If acid enters eyes, immediately
flood eyes with running cold water for at least 10 minutes and get immediate medical attention.
(v) NEVER smoke or allow a spark or flame in vicinity of battery.
(vi) Be extra cautious to reduce risk of dropping a metal tool on to the battery. It may spark or short-circuit the battery or
other electrical part that may cause explosion.
(vii) Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces and watches when working with batteries. High
power batteries can produce a short-circuit current high enough to weld a ring or the like to metal, causing a severe
burns.
(viii) Use the charger only for charging battery types as stated on the charger. Do not use the charger for charging dry-
cell batteries that are commonly used with home appliances. These batteries may burst and cause injury to persons
and damage to property.
(ix) DANGER OF EXPLOSION! NEVER CHARGE A FROZEN BATTERY
PRIOR TO INSTALLATION / COMMISSIONING
Clean battery terminals. Be careful to keep corrosion from coming into contact with eyes.
Add distilled water in each cell until the battery acid reaches a level specified by battery manufacturer. This helps purge
excessive gas from the cell. Do not overfill. For a battery without cell caps, carefully follow manufacturer’s recharging
instructions.
Study all battery manufacturer’s specific precautions, such as removing or not removing cell caps while charging and
recommended rates of charge.
Determine the voltage of battery by referring to engine manual and ensure this matches the charger’s output voltage.
CHARGER LOCATION AND CONNECTION
DANGER OF EXPLOSION! Never place the charger directly above battery being charged: gases from the battery will
corrode and damage the charger.
Never allow battery acid to drip on to the charger when reading specific gravity or filling battery.
Do not operate the charger in a closed-in area or restrict ventilation in any way.
The battery charger should be connected to a grounded, metal, permanent wiring system; or an equipment–grounding
conductor should be run with circuit conductors not connected to equipment-grounding terminal on the battery charger.
Connections to the battery charger should comply with all local codes and ordinances.
Open frame SNTL models –these chargers should be installed so that they are not likely to be contacted by people.
Wiring for the AC supply input, DC charge output and DC control (e.g. alarm output) circuits must be physically
separate, e.g. using separate wire harnesses and cable gland access. For AC input and ground leads, use 1mm²/17
AWG or larger wire conductors rated to 90°C/194°F. For DC (charger to battery) leads, use 2.5mm²/13 AWG or larger.
For safe and correct use of the charger, follow the following steps. Should you have any problems or the unit does not
function as expected, consult our troubleshooting guide at the end of these instructions.
Visually inspect unit for any signs of damage, caused by transport or storage.
Mount the charger as outlined above, paying attention to ambient temperature.
Ensure the mains AC supply is isolated, and ensure the correct rated input voltage before connection.
Ensure the charger is earthed at the marked earth terminal/stud.
Check batteries in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Check that the charger is correct for battery type and voltage.
Connect the charger to the batteries, observing correct polarity and ensuring a secure and tight connection.
Switch on the charger at the mains AC power supply.

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BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION OF THIS PRODUCT
Disconnect all electrical power to the charger
Make sure the charger cannot operate during installation
Follow all safety warnings of the battery manufacturer
Read and follow all installation instructions
W A R N I N G
Sentinel 150P battery chargers provide new levels of DC
power control, monitoring and protection for engine
starting and standby battery applications. Computronic
advanced charger features included as standard:
Switch mode charging technology: high power
efficiency and low heat dissipation, plus wide supply
voltage tolerance, in a compact and lightweight package.
Multistage charging: float, bulk, absorption and
AutoBoost stages ensure no compromise between rapid
charge recovery and long term battery capacity and life.
Low output ripple: <1% ripple, beneficial for vented
lead acid & NiCd cells, essential for VRLA, and
configurable for use as a stand-alone DC power supply.
AutoBoost: triggered automatically on low battery
voltage levels, or by a programmable interval timer,
AutoBoost temporarily increases the charge voltage to
give battery cell charge equalization, without overcharge
and gassing. At the end of the AutoBoost cycle,
Sentinel automatically returns to float mode charging.
AutoBoost maximizes battery power, capacity and
service life.
On SNTL150P..CDA models, a programmable input can
be configured to activate AutoBoost, regardless of
battery voltage. The input is typically triggered using an
operator-initiated panel push-switch.
Temperature compensation: ensures batteries are
charged at the optimal voltage, which varies
significantly with ambient temperature. Sentinel can
measure temperature with a battery mounted sensor,
and adjust output voltage to prevent under or over
charging.
PC software tool: allows flexible, custom
configurations, plus real time monitoring and
diagnostics. See page 6 for details of Sentinel to PC
hardware connection, or separate document ci0052 for
information on software installation, operation and
program options.
All Sentinel 150P chargers are available as an open-
frame module (with protective cover) for surface mounting
in an enclosed panel. Electrical connection of the AC
supply, battery and control circuits is via screw terminal
blocks.
Model options
Model codes with suffix 'A' (SNTL150P.... CDA)
additionally include an input for charger control and an
output for remote signalling of alarm conditions.
Both input and output functions are programmable using
the SNTL150P-PCSUITE software tool. See Configuration
section for a list of programmable input and output
functions.
Specifications
power supply:
SNTL150P
1205CD(A)
SNTL150P
2405CD(A)
operating voltage range:
operating frequency
95 –265 V AC
47 –63 Hz
DC charge output:
nominal voltage
12
24
float / boost voltages
see DC output calibration table
current limit
5
5
voltage ripple
< 1%
line regulation
< 2%
load regulation
< 2%
input/output (SNTL150P...A models only):
input (x1)
digital (switch) input,
close to –DC to activate,
programmable control function
output (x1)
relay switched +DC,
1A max @ 30 VDC,
programmable alarm function
general:
operating temperature
–30 to +60 °C / –22 to +140 °F
storage temperature
–40 to +60 °C / –40 to +140 °F
humidity
20% to 90% RH
dimensions
see Dimensions & Assembly
weights
see Dimensions & Assembly
electrical safety
2006/95/EC (EN 60065)
electromagnetic compatibility
2004/108/EC
(EN 61000-6-2, EN 61000-6-4)
DC output calibration
Standard calibrations / battery types
float volts
(V DC)
boost volts
(V DC)
12V
Vented lead acid (6 cells) *
13.5
14.1
Calcium-Calcium (6 cells)
13.8
15.6
Lead acid antimony(6 cells)
13.5
14.7
VRLA, AGM(6 cells)
13.5
14.4
VRLA, Gel (6 cells)
13.5
13.8
NiCd (10 cells)
14.1
14.5
Power supply
12.0
n/a
24V
Vented Lead acid (12 cells) *
27.0
28.2
Calcium-Calcium (12 cells)
27.6
31.2
Lead acid antimony(12 cells)
27.0
29.4
VRLA, AGM(12 cells)
27.0
28.8
VRLA, Gel (12 cells)
27.0
27.6
NiCd (18 cells)
25.6
26.1
NiCd (20 cells)
28.2
29.0
Power supply
24.0
n/a
* Unless specified otherwise, factory default calibrations are for
vented lead acid
Note: Calibration figures at 20 deg C. Output voltage will vary if
temperature compensation is enabled –see Electrical Connection &
Configuration section.
General Information
Please read the following before installing. A visual inspection of this product for damage during shipping is
recommended before installation. It is your responsibility to ensure that qualified mechanical and electrical
technicians install this product. If in doubt, please contact your local Computronic representative.

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Dimensions and Assembly
CAUTION: Sentinel 150P chargers should be handled by the circuit board cover. Care should be taken not to
handle static sensitive components through exposed circuit boards and terminals.
SNTL150P
12V models
24V models
Overall:
W
108.6 mm / 4.28 in.
H
135 mm / 5.31 in.
D
45 mm / 1.77 in.
55 mm / 2.17 in.
Fixing holes:
X
99 mm / 3.90 in.
F
Ø 5.65 mm / 0.22 in.
Weight:
0.65 kg / 1.43 lb.
0.75 kg / 1.65 lb.
These chargers are designed for mounting in a vertical plane inside an enclosed control panel or housing.
Mounting orientation should be as shown above, with electrical connection terminals uppermost.
For safe heat dissipation, mount Sentinel in the orientation shown, with a minimum air-gap clearance of 40mm/1.5 in.
above/below and 25mm/1 in. at the sides. Consideration must be given to ventilation for proper heat dissipation.
For surface mounting, use the 2 centre fixing holes (Ø 5.65mm/0.22 in.). Ensure that the mounting studs/bolts/nuts/screws
adequately support the charger, and are tightened sufficiently to not to become loose during normal use, e.g. due to
engine/equipment vibration..
Electrical Connection & Configuration
DANGER !
HIGH VOLTS
WARNING: DANGER OF INJURY OR DEATH. During normal operation, Sentinel is
connected to high voltage AC circuits. Before connection, disconnection or handling of
these chargers, ensure isolation of all AC power supplies. Connection or disconnection with
live wiring can also cause hazardous sparking and component damage.
Connection terminals (general)
The Sentinel 150P uses a pair of two-part connectors with
removable screw terminal blocks:
CN1: a 7-way block for connection of the DC charge
output, temperature compensation remote sensor, relay
output and configurable input. Use a 5 mm/0.2 in. flat-
head screwdriver to tighten/loosen the terminals. For the
DC output, use 2.5mm/13AWG or larger connecting
wire.
CN3: a 3-way block for connection of the mains AC power
supply live, neutral and ground. Use a 5mm/0.2in flat-
head screwdriver to tighten/loosen the terminals.
For all AC supply/ground wiring, use 1mm/17AWG or
larger wire conductors rated for temperature 90°C/194°F.
For external fuse details, see the AC Input (power
supply) section following.
3 LEDs (coloured blue, green, red) provide indication of AC
supply, DC charge output and fault status.
For all models, wire connections for the DC charge output
(connector block CN1) and AC input supply (CN3) must be
physically separated, e.g. separate wire harnesses,
separately routed through the panels/ducting.
DC Charge Output
Before DC connection or disconnection:-
Ensure AC supply input is isolated.
Disconnecting the batteries while the
AC supply is live can result in sparking at
the battery terminals, ignition of battery
gasses and serious personal injury.
Check that the charger model and output
ratings are compatible with battery type &
voltage (see table below). Incompatibility
may result in damage to the charger,
batteries and serious personal injury.
Connect the Sentinel DC charge output to the battery terminals,
observing the warnings above and the correct
DC polarity:
CN1
pin
Function
1
2
+ DC charge output
–DC charge output
All SNTL150P models include an electronic, self-resetting DC
output fuse for protection of reverse polarity and short-circuit
faults. In the event of such faults, remove the cause of fault: the
charger will then attempt to automatically reset its fuse and re-
initialise the output. If the fuse fails to reset, contact your supplier
for further advice.

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TC: Temperature Compensation
CN1
pin
Function
3
4
RTC (remote temperature compensation) sensor+
Ground (for RTC sensor return)
These terminals allow optional connection of a Computronic
RTC temperature sensor. With the RTC sensor connected,
and the sensor head positioned to give the most accurate/
representative measurement of battery temperature, the
SNTL150P will automatically vary DC output voltage for
optimal charging.
Temperature compensation is enabled automatically
when a remote RTC sensor is connected. For each 1°C
change in ambient temperature above or below 20°C
(within the range -10 to +50°C), output voltage
automatically varies by 3mV per cell. Increasing ambient
temperatures causes decreasing output voltages;
decreasing ambient temperatures causes increasing
output voltages.
CN1 terminals 3 and 4 are designed for connection to a
Computronic RTC sensor only. DO NOT connect other
types of temperature sensor, such as thermocouples,
thermistors or resistance probes. The standard
Computronic RTC sensor (part code 42.70.3619) includes
a 3 metre lead assembly. Non-standard lead lengths are
available to special order.
An RTC sensor short-circuit fault is indicated by a fast-
flashing red LED in the Sentinel's protective cover.
If no RTC sensor is connected, temperature
compensation is automatically disabled and the output
voltage does not vary with ambient temperature.
Programmable input and output
CN1
pin
Function
5
6
7
Relay output (switched +ve DC)
Output/input common return (–ve DC)
Input (–ve DC to activate)
Model codes with suffix 'A' (models SNTL150P...CDA)
additionally include one relay output and one digital
(switch) input. The functions of input and output can be
configured using the SNTL150P-PCSUITE software tool.
Output
The switched +DC relay output allows the signalling of
battery and charger faults to remote alarms, annunciators
or other equipment. Maximum output load is 1A @
30VDC.
The software tool allows configuration of the output to
activate on one or more fault conditions:
mains fail *
DC connection error *
battery missing
remote temp sensor short
high voltage alarm
low voltage alarm
charge fail alarm *
* enabled as factory default
For most combinations of the above faults, the output
relay operates as follows:
Charger conditions
Pin 5 relay output state
Normal operation, no faults
+ DC
(relay energised)
Any fault
Open circuit
(relay de-energised)
The exception to the rule above is when the output is
configured to signal ONLY high battery voltage, in which
case relay operation is:
Charger conditions
Pin 5 relay output state
Normal operation, no faults
Open circuit
(relay de-energised)
High battery voltage fault
+ DC
(relay energised)
See software tool document ci0052 for full information on
programmable alarm output options.
Input –optional charger control
Input pin 7 is activated by connection to battery negative
DC (e.g. connection to pin 6 via external relay/switch
contacts).
The input can be used for optional control of several
charger functions, depending on the application and
levels of control needed. Programmable input functions
include:
return to float mode
ramp to boost
boost extension
perform battery check
reduce to nominal voltage
turn output off
For full details of all programmable input functions, please
refer to SNTL150P-PCSUITE installation manual,
document reference ci0052.
Electrical Connection & Configuration (cont.)

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AC Input (power supply)
DANGER!
HIGHVOLTS
Before AC connection, disconnection or
fuse replacement:
Isolate the AC supply
Ensure a good ground/earth connection
to the charger (CN3 screw terminal).
Ensure the AC supply voltage is
compatible with the charger’s supply
rating. Exceeding the rated voltage
may result in damage to the charger
and connected equipment, and cause
serious personal injury.
Fit external supply fuses in accordance
with the charger's labelled types/ratings.
WARNING: Sentinel should be fused
separately from other equipment.
This will prevent Sentinel being isolated,
and ensure batteries remain on charge,
in the event that other equipment fails.
Connect the AC input supply (live, neutral and ground)
wires to Sentinel connector CN3:
CN3
pin
Function
1
2
3
AC supply live, 95 to 265 VAC, 47 to 63 Hz
AC supply neutral
AC supply ground/earth
AC supply and ground connections require 1mm²/17
AWG or larger wire conductors, rated for temperature
90°C/194°F. The AC live wiring must incorporate fuse
ratings/types as indicated on the charger labelling.
Sentinel –PC connection
SNTL150P-PCCON configuration software kit
To allow the full range of programmable functions and
options, Sentinel must be connected to a Windows®-
based PC or laptop running Computronic SNTL150P-
PCSUITE software.
Configuration kit model SNTL150P-PCCON provides all
the necessary hardware for communication between PC
and Sentinel 150P charger.
The kit includes a communication lead with a 7-way pin
header, which connects to the Sentinel 150P circuit
board. Sentinel back view:
7 way pin header H1
Connection:
Ensure correct polarity when mating with USB to
Serial TTL converter cable (as supplied with 42.70.3825):
Electrical Connection & Configuration (cont.)
Typical Connection
Notes:
1) External AC fusing (F1):
see AC Input (power supply) section
2) DC self-resetting fuse (F2):
see DC Output section
3) Battery output is isolated from chassis.
4) Alarm output relay shown in de-energised
state. Output function is configurable.
5) Input (pin 7) shown with momentary
action switch. Input function is software
configurable.

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Operation
LED indication
3 LEDs, positioned in the middle of the Sentinel's protective
cover (with the product label), provide user indication of AC
power, DC charge and fault conditions:
LED
colour
LED
state
charger condition
blue
AC power condition:
solid on
AC power on
green
DC output and charge condition:
solid on
Float charging
slow flash
Ramp to Boost (bulk charge)
fast flash
Boost extension (absorption charge)
solid off
battery check/missing, with output
programmed to be off
red
Faults/warnings:
solid on
AC mains fail and/or charge fail
slow flash
DC connection error
fast flash
High volts alarm, low volts alarm, RTC
sensor short or battery missing
solid off
No fault detected
On models with a programmable input, an active input is
indicated by rapid flashing green and red LEDs.
Initial Power-Up –Commissioning Charge
When powered up for the first time, with both AC and DC
connected, the Sentinel 150P performs an AutoBoost charge
with the boost extension timer is set to 6 hours (regardless
of the profile configuration). This ensures the connected
batteries receive a full commissioning charge.
After completion of this commissioning charge, Sentinel's
boost extension time reverts to the profile's set level (factory
default time is 2 hours).
Float charge operation
Sentinel operates an intelligent, multi-stage battery charge
regime. In normal charging mode, the charger maintains
the battery at a pre-calibrated float voltage (see page 3 -
DC Output Calibration table), while supplying any additional
DC load up to the specified current limit. The Sentinel 150P
has a maximum default current limit of 5A, but the software
configurator allows this to be reduced if required.
When fully charged, a battery will only accept the charge
required to replace internal losses (approx. 1mA per AH of
battery). E.g. for a system with a 1 Amp standing load and a
fully charged 50 AH lead acid battery, Sentinel will typically
supply 1.05 Amps.
AutoBoost operation
AutoBoost mode provides a temporary increase in output
voltage. It may be initiated:
automatically on battery low voltage (programmable level,
factory default 12.0V / 24.0V)
automatically on expiry of a time interval since the last
AutoBoost (programmable level, factory default 28 days)
by an operator-controlled, panel-mounted momentary
push switch, if the Sentinel has a switch input configured
for "AutoBoost initiate".
Sentinel charges the batteries in AutoBoost mode for a
preset time (also programmable), after which it automatically
returns to float mode.
AutoBoost provides charge equalisation between cells,
without overcharge, maximising battery capacity, power and
service life.
Battery check
As part of its diagnostic process, Sentinel can periodically
check for a 'battery missing' condition by reducing its charge
output and measuring battery voltage.
Sentinel performs a Battery Check:
at power up
at the end of an AutoBoost cycle
periodically, while in float mode (programmable time,
default is every 60 minutes)
On detection of a battery missing fault (voltage below a
programmed threshold, factory default 12V), Sentinel
can be configured to operate the alarm output and/or
maintain/reduce the charge output. It will also carry out
further battery checks every minute until the fault clears.
Time/voltage parameters and responses can be changed
or disabled using the software configurator tool.
The Battery Check feature does not operate during
AutoBoost cycles, and a battery missing condition will inhibit
initialisation of AutoBoost.
Fault Finding, Warranty and Maintenance
Warranty and servicing
Sentinel chargers are supplied with a 2 year warranty on parts
and workmanship.
Maintenance is limited to keeping the charger free from
ingress of dust, dirt or moisture, and ensuring clear air-flow for
ventilation.
In the event of an operating query or suspected fault, please
consult the sections in this manual, including the trouble-
shooting flowchart on page 8, or contact your supplier for
further advice before returning the charger.
WARNING: Sentinel battery chargers and
internal components are not user-serviceable.
No attempt should be made to repair the
charger. Any attempt to do so may invalidate
warranties, cause permanent damage to the
charger and connected equipment, and result
in serious personal injury.

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Fault Finding, Warranty and Maintenance
Troubleshooting Flowchart: