SIMARINE CARAVAN SPDU-52 User manual

S I M A R I N E ®
CARAVAN SPDU-52
USERS MANUAL
V1.0
EN
USER MANUAL- V 1.0

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Table of contents
1. Introduction .......................................................................... 3
2. Safety .................................................................................... 3
3. Overview .............................................................................. 4
4. Installation ............................................................................ 4
4.1 Mounting ........................................................................................................... 4
4.2 Cables ................................................................................................................. 5
4.3 SICOM Panels ..................................................................................................... 5
4.4 Resistance & Voltage Inputs ............................................................................. 6
4.5 4 Stage Level 1 & 2 ............................................................................................. 6
4.6 Batteries, Chargers, Ground, Main Switch ....................................................... 7
4.7 Relays, Inputs ..................................................................................................... 8
5. Connecting ............................................................................ 8
5.1 Diagram .............................................................................................................. 9
6. Technical specifications ...................................................... 10
7. Troubleshooting ................................................................. 11
7.1 Shunt Sensors not visible ................................................................................ 11

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1. Introduction
Simarine SPDU-52 power distribution unit is a very versatile module. It's purpose is to
power other modules and shunts, which are used by the Caravan Panel.
The SPDU-52 has 3 SICOM ports, two for additional power outputs input/outputs
(SICOM 1, SICOM 2) and one for the Caravan Panel (SiCOM PANEL).
The SPDU-52 has two batteries (main and starter Battery), the voltage output is 8–22
VDC, and the temperature range is from –10 to +70°C (from +10 to +160°F).
SPDU-52 also has 4 channels (Solar, Charger, Main battery, Starter battery) that
measure current. The accuracy is ± 2%.
The voltage measuring on any of these channels is 0–35 VDC with an accuracy of
±0,5%.
The resistance measuring on any of these channels is 0–65kohm with an accuracy of
±3%.
The SPDU-52 with additional modules can connect up to 6 batteries, 24 shunts, 10
temperature sensors, 14 tank level sensors, 2 inclinometer sensors.
2. Safety
Only qualified electricians with proper safety equipment should make
installation of Simarine electronics. When working with batteries, you should
wear protective clothing and eye protection.
CAUTION: Batteries contain acid, a corrosive, colorless liquid that can burn
your eyes, skin, and clothing. Should the acid come in contact with eyes,
skin, or clothing, wash it immediately under fresh water for at least 15
minutes and seek medical support immediately.
CAUTION: Do NOT connect anything to a damaged battery. It could heat
up, catch fire, or explode.
CAUTION: Lead-acid batteries can generate explosive gases during
operation. Never smoke, allow flames, or sparks near the battery. Make sure
to keep sufficient ventilation around the battery.
CAUTION: When working with a battery, remove all personal metal items
like watches, rings, necklaces, and bracelets. Metal items in contact with the
battery terminals might cause a short circuit with a very high electric
current, which may heat up and melt nearby objects and cause severe burns.

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3. Overview
A - 2 SiCom, 1 SiCOM Panel B - resistance inputs
C - voltage inputs D - 4 stage level 2
E - 4 stage level 1 F - main and starter battery
G - manual main switch H - solar charger
I - charger J - inputs and outputs
K - common ground
4. Installation
4.1 Mounting
CAUTION: Install the power unit in a clean and dry place protected from
accidental spilling of liquids.
Remove the shunt cover by unscrewing two screws on top of the power unit
cover.
To install the power unit using supplied voltage cables find a place no further
than 3 m away from the battery/battery bank.
You can fix the power unit with the supplied screws using four holes (two on
each side) on bottom of the casing.

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4.2 Cables
CAUTION: Failure to observe the required cable cross-sections can damage
the shunt, wiring, or cause a fire.
SiCOM data cable:
· For the SiCOM connection use the supplied cable.
Cable length C
Cable length
Cable type
< 5m
No limitations
>= 5m
2x2x0.25 mm2 twisted pair
(recommended)
4.3 SICOM Panels
A - SiCOM1 port, used for an optional power input (e.g. extra port to
connect a SIMARINE module).
B - SiCOM2 port, used for an optional power input.
C - SiCOM PANEL port, used to connect the Caravan Panel.

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4.4 Resistance & Voltage Inputs
A - Resistance inputs, the cable arrangement doesn't matter, because the
cable used here is black (the black cable goes to R and GND).
The resistance inputs are for potential connections that are resistance based
(e.g. tanks, freezer, etc.).
B - Voltage inputs, used for user sensors. Voltage range is from 0 to 75V
(the red cable goes to U4 and U3, the black cable goes to GND).
4.5 4 Stage Level 1 & 2
A – 4 stage level 1, all sensors are connected to base and individual sensors
to the

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25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% input. The NC stands for "not connected", meaning
it doesn't require an input.
B – 4 stage level 2, the same as the 4 stage level 1 sensor, sensors
connected to base and individual sensors to the 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%
input.
Cables: Red goes to the base input, black goes to the rest of the inputs
(25%, 50%, 75%, 100%).
4.6 Batteries, Chargers, Ground, Main Switch
A - starter battery, (current: 50A).
B – main battery, (current: 50 A) – has the same current as the solar panel,
charger.
C – charger, (current: 40 A) – connect to the main battery and main ground
(GND). The charger has the same current as the solar panel and the main
battery.
D – solar charger, (current: 16A).
E – ground – connect each module that requires to be grounded to the
GND.
F - Manual main switch, turn the power of the SPDU-52 ON or OFF.
Note: Charger, solar panel and main battery all have the same current.

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4.7 Relays, Inputs
A - Relays K1-K6
The configuration for the functionality of the K1–K6 buttons can be changed
in the program. The default settings however, are the following:
· K1 - Fridge
· K2 - Heating
· K3 - AC
· K4 - Aux
· K5 - Water pump
· K6 - Lighting
B - Connections
C - Connection inputs and outputs
5. Connecting
The Caravan Panel must be connected to the third port on the SPDU-52
(SICOM PANEL) or it will not work.
If you have an Inclinometer module you can connect it directly to the
second port of the Caravan Panel or you can connect the module to SiCOM
port 1 or SiCOM port 2.
Resistance inputs can be used to connect the temperature sensor,
resistance tank sensor, the 4 stage level tank, any resistance based
sensor, etc.
Auxiliary voltage input, can be used to connect any sensor that outputs
voltage.

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4 stage level 1 & 2, each pin is connected to a percentage mark (25%, 50%,
75%) and one is connected to base input for power. The NC in the 4 stage
level 1 stands for "not connected" and does not require an input.
Starter & main battery must be connected to the ground on the SPDU-52
(black cable connected to GND).
Charger and solar charger both have to be connected to the main battery
and common ground (GND on SPDU-52).
F1–F12 are connected to any external devices.
· For example, F1 and F2 ports are connected to the main battery.F3
connects to the heating and so on.
(You can find the information of all relay connections on the physical cover
of the SPDU-52 or under the Diagram section)
5.1 Diagram

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6. Technical specifications
SPDU-52
Operating
Voltage range
Main battery
8–22VDC
Starter battery
8–22VDC
Temperature range
F)
Power consumption at 12V
Operating
15mA
Power off
0,25mA
Current measuring
Channel 1 (solar)
0–25A
Channel 2 (charger)
0–50A
Channel 3 (main battery)
0–100A
Channel 4 (starter battery)
0–50A
Accuracy
±2%
Resolution
±0.1 A
Sample rate
100ms
Voltage measuring on any channel
Range
0–35VDC
Accuracy
±0,5%
Resolution
10mV
Resistance measuring on any channel
Range
0–65kohm
Accuracy
±3%
Resolution
1ohm
Temperature measuring (on resistance
inputs)
Temperature sensor
NTC 5K
Range
From -15 to +80 °C (from +10 to +160°
F)
Resolution
3%
Maximum continuous current for output
channels
K1
20A
K2
20A
K3
15A
K4
15A
K5
10A
K6
10A
All channels simultaneously
50A
Contact continuous current rating
Outputs F1–F12
20A
Charger
40A
Solar
20A
Dimensions (without connector)
SPDU-52
200 x 160 x 42 mm
7,87 x 6,3 x 1,65in
Caravan Panel
157 x 82 x 25 mm
6.18 x 3.23 x 0.22in
System capabilities (with additional modules)
Up to

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Batteries
6
Shunts
24
Temperature sensors
10
Tank level sensors
14
Inclinometer sensors
2
Smartphone application
1
Logger capacity
up to 3 years
7. Troubleshooting
If the Caravan Panel is showing wrong sign for current value. Check if the
shunts are correctly installed. This means the consumers/generators minus
(optionally plus) terminal is connected to the IN terminals on the shunts. If
this is not the case, you can reinstall the shunts or simply switch the IN and
OUT terminal via the shunt configuration on the Caravan Panel.
7.1 Shunt Sensors not visible
If the shunt sensor is not visible in the Caravan Panel menu, check the
following:
· Is the Caravan Panel properly connected to the SiCOM PANEL port (Third
port on SPDU-52)?
If you are using your own SiCOM cable, make sure it has the right square and
is twisted.
· Is the Inclinometer module connected properly to SiCOM port 1 or 2 on the
SPDU-52 or directly to the Caravan Panel?