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Low Battery

Troubleshooting a low battery reading on your valve

Updated over 2 months ago

Locating your battery level

You may discover a low battery reading on your Lumo valve. You can find the current battery reading in the Ops Center->Blocks. Select the vertical ellipses on the right of each block, and select View Block Details. You can also view the specific details of the Lumo valve(s) assigned to the block, including the current battery level.

On the Device Detail page, you can also view the Battery Level.

Troubleshooting Steps

If your battery level continues to decrease, even after a day of sun for solar charging, follow these steps to troubleshoot the issue.

Step 1: Verify that the valve or relay is plugged into the solar panel or 12v power supply and check for damaged cables

  • If the device is plugged in, continue to following next steps (note: if the device is using a 12v power supply, ensure the power supply is properly plugged into an AC outlet and is receiving voltage from the outlet)

  • If the device is not plugged in, connect the device and power source, then verify that the battery level increases via the Ops Center. The battery level should begin to increase within 30 minutes (if charged by solar, the battery level will only increase with sun exposure).

  • If cable is damaged, replace the cable

Step 2: Observe the orientation of the solar panel

  • The ideal orientation is south-southwest. Correct orientation, if necessary.

Step 3: Ensure the solar panel isn't obstructed

  • Check if the panel is shaded by objects like trees, hillsides, buildings, vines, or bird droppings and other debris

  • Clear any temporary obstructions from the solar panel

  • If sunlight is obstructed by an immovable object, relocate the solar panel

Step 4: Check the voltage supplied by the solar panel (or 12v power supply) using a multimeter

  • Test via the connector pins at the device-end of the charging cable. Solar panels should provide 18-22v, while 12v power supplies should provide about 12v

  • If an extension cable has been used and the measured voltage is lower than expected, remove the extension and test again at the end of the cable hardwired to the power supply. Replace the extension cable if the hardwired cable provides the expected voltage

  • If the solar panel or power supply is not providing the expected voltage, it may need to be replaced

  • If the solar panel or power supply is providing the expected voltage, the dome may need to be replaced. Contact Lumo Support.

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