DBK34A

UPS / Battery Module

Hardware Setup for 12 Volt (Default) or 24 Volt Operation …… 3
Indicators …… 4Runtime …… 4Charging …… 4
Fuse Replacement …… 5
Environmental Concerns …… 6
DBK34A – Specifications …… 6DBK34A is similar to DBK34 in appearance and operation; but there are differences.
Before proceeding with this document module, verify that your device is a DBK34A. If
your device does not have the “A” suffix, use the DBK34 Document Module instead of thisone.
Reference Notes:o Chapter 2 includes pinouts for P1, P2, P3, and P4. Refer to pinouts applicable to yoursystem, as needed.
o In regard to calculating system power requirements, refer to DBK Basics located near
the front of this manual.

Overview
The DBK34A can power a data acquisition system in portable or in-vehicle UPS applications (both 12 V
and 24 V systems). Power storage capacity is 5 A-hr @ 12 VDC or 2.5 A-hr @ 24 VDC.
For reliable data acquisition in a vehicle, the DBK34A provides clean and consistent operating power:• Prior to engine/generator start• During engine start-up (battery sag due to the high-current demand of starter motor andsolenoid)• After engine turn off.
• Before and after connection to the vehicle

DBK34A Front Panel
The DBK34A contains two sealed-lead rechargeable batteries (Gel-Packs), associated charging circuits andcurrent indicators. Typically, these batteries can last more than 500 full cycles and up to 10 years standby
lifetime at room temperature. Recharging is fast, and extreme temperature performance is good. TheDBK34A can be used with the LogBook, DaqBook, WaveBook, and related DBKs and WBKs. The unit’s
rugged metal package has a compatible 8×11” footprint for convenient stacking with Velcro tabs andoptional splice plates and handles for carrying.

DBK Option Cards and Modules

879795

DBK34A, pg. 1

Main and auxiliary power input comes from 12 or 24 VDC via a terminal block on the unit’s front panel(12 or 24 V modes are set by front-panel jumpers). Automatic, temperature-compensated charging circuits
recharge the internal batteries quickly and safely. For trouble-free operation, you must fully charge thebatteries before use. The charged battery runtime will depend on the load and mode of operation.
During use of the internal batteries, the Charging LED blinks and a beeper sounds when battery life isalmost exhausted. Within a few minutes, internal cutoff circuits disconnect the load from the batteries toprevent the possibility of deep-cycle damage.
Note: Current protection is provided by four fuses: Two 7.5A fuses for the unit’s internal batteries,
one 7.5 A fuse for an auxiliary (external) battery, and a 15 A fuse for the power input.

You can use a CA-172 cable to connect a vehicle battery (via a cigarette lighter) to the DBK34Aterminal board. The cable is six feet long, contains a cigarette lighter adapter at one end, andstripped leads (for terminal connection) at the other.

For trouble-free operation, fully charge the batteries before use.

DBK34A Block Diagram

DBK34A, pg. 2879795

DBK Option Cards and Modules

Hardware Setup for 12 Volt (Default) or 24 Volt Operation
The DBK34A is configured for 12 volt or 24 volt operation via placement of jumpers on the front panel’sscrew-terminal block (TB1). DBK34A’s screw-terminal numbers read as follows, when read from left toright: 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

DBK34A’s Screw Terminal Board, TB1
For 12 Volt Operation:
1. Remove jumper from terminals 8 and 7, if present.
2. Use a jumper to short terminals 9 and 8.
3. Use a jumper to short terminals 7 and 6.
For 24 Volt Operation:
1.

Remove jumpers from terminals 9 and 8, if present.

2.

Remove jumpers from terminals 7 and 6, if present.

3.

Use a jumper to short terminals 8 and 7.

Power In (12 or 24 VDC only).
1. Connect the MAIN POWER INPUT (+) positive to Terminal 3 of TB1.
2.

Connect MAIN POWER INPUT (-) negative to Terminal 5 of TB1.
TB1’s Terminal 4 is reserved for factory use and is not to be connected by the user.
The use of an optional auxiliary battery will extend run-time.

Auxiliary Batteries.
Auxiliary batteries for use with DBK34A, must be: (a) of lead-acid chemistry, (b) in the
2 to 3 A-Hr range, and (c) of the same voltage as that set by the Voltage Select Jumpers. Auxiliarybatteries charge and discharge in the same manner as the internal batteries.
If an auxiliary battery is to be used:1.

Connect AUX BATT (+) positive to Terminal 1 (of TB1).

2.

Connect AUX BATT (-) negative to Terminal 2 (of TB1).

Power Out.
The pinout at the right applies to the two POWER
OUT DIN5 connectors.

DIN5 Power Output Connector (2 per DBK34A)DBK Option Cards and Modules

879795

DBK34A, pg. 3

Indicators
Three front-panel LED indicators provide power and charging status information.
LED Indicators & Descriptions
MAIN POWER

Lights when the DBK34A power input is connected to a source of at least 12.25 VDC

CHARGING

Lights when the internal batteries are being fast-charged at a rate of 0.1 amp/cell or greater.

DISCHARGINGLights when internal batteries (or auxiliary batteries) are discharging at a rate of 0.25A or greater.

RuntimeFor trouble-free operation, you must fully charge the batteries before use.
Charged battery runtime depends on the load and on the mode of operation.

Approximate runtime under various loads can be computed from the storage capacity (5 A-hr in 12 V
mode; 2.5 A-hr in 24 V mode) and the load (main unit and other DBKs). See Power Requirements in theDBK Basics section.
The following Load Wattage vs. Hours graph is for a typical new battery that is fully charged.

Charging
In general, lead-acid batteries [and related Gel-Packs] require charging at 120% of drain energy (e.g.,
the 5 A-hr DBK34A requires a charge equal to or greater than 6 A-hr). Charging times vary; but
4 to 5 hours at 14 V is typical for a completely discharged battery; after which, charging may continue
indefinitely.
Note that 16 to 18 VDC at the power input is required for optimal charging.

CAUTION
Voltage applied to a DBK34A must not exceed 30 VDC.

DBK34A, pg. 4879795

DBK Option Cards and Modules

Fuse Replacement
DBK34A contains four MINI ATO fuses that can be replaced by the user. Note that you should always
check your unit for blown fuses prior to sending it back to the factory for repair. This could save you timeand money.
The following table indicates the probable reason that a particular fuse may have blown, and includes partnumbers and fuse rating.
FuseRating

Probable Cause of Blowing Fuse

Replacement Fuse

F1

7.5 A

Auxiliary Battery overload.

7.5A MINI ATO, LITTLEFUSE# 297-07.5

F2

7.5 A

Output overload.

7.5A MINI ATO, LITTLEFUSE# 297-07.5

F3

7.5 A

Output overload.

7.5A MINI ATO, LITTLEFUSE# 297-07.5

F415 A

Input overload.

15A MINI ATO, LITTLEFUSE# 297-015

DBK34A, Fuse Location Reference

To replace a fuse:

DBK Option Cards and Modules

1.

Disconnect the DBK34A from loads and from supply power.

2.

Remove the DBK34A’s cover plate. This requires the removal of 4
screws (2 per side).

3.

Examine the fuses (F1 through F4) to see which, if any, have blown.
Note that you can usually see the blown element through the fuse’stransparent casing.

4.

Replace the blown fuse with the appropriate replacement fuse (seepreceding table). Note that the fuse value is present on top of the fuse;also, the fuses are color coded as an aid to identification.

5.

Replace the DBK34A cover and secure with screws (removed in step 2).

879795

DBK34A, pg. 5Environmental Concerns
CAUTION
DBK34A Gel-Pack batteries contain toxic materials (Pb and H2SO4). At the end of
the battery life cycle the Gel-Packs must be recycled or properly disposed of.

DBK34A – Specifications
Name/Function: UPS / Battery Module
Battery Type: sealed-lead gel-packNumber of Battery Packs: 2Battery Pack Configuration: 6 series-connected D cells
Output Voltage: 12 V or 24 V (set by jumpers on TB1)
Output Fuses: F2 and F3; one 7.5 A fuse for each internal gel-pack battery
Input Fuses: F1: 7.5 A for auxiliary battery, F4: 15 A for input overload
Battery Capacity (Amp-Hours):
5 A-hr in 12 V mode (parallel)
2.5 A-hr in 24 V mode (series)
Operating Temperature: -20°F to 122°F (-29°C to 50°C)
Size: 8½ × 11 × 1¾ in. ( 216 × 279 × 44 mm)
Weight: 7.2 lb (3.27 kg)

DBK34A, pg. 6879795

DBK Option Cards and Modules