Safety information
Read this first
This page contains important information about the safe use of the Frogwatch Meter. It is important that you read this manual before you start working with the Frogwatch Meter.
Environmental conditions
- Ingress protection: IP65 (12VDC cap closed)
- Temperature: -10 to 50 ℃.
- Humidity: 0-90%
Note: the included power adapter is not intended for outdoor use. Although the connector itself is rated IP-65, the power adapter itself must be well protected against the weather.
You can find detailed specifications of the meter itself in the chapter Hardware - Frogwatch V2.
Meaning of symbols
The Frogwatch carries a number of symbols. They are explained below:
Power adapter specification
The symbol above refers to the 12V connection and shows its specifications: 12V, 3A direct current. Read this manual first before you connect the power supply.
External antenna connection
The symbol above refers to the connection for the (optional) external antenna. Incorrect use can be hazardous. Read this manual first before you use the external antenna option.
Recycling instruction: do not dispose of with household waste!
The symbol above means that this product must not simply be thrown away with household waste. The Frogwatch contains electronics that must be collected separately. The Battery Packs and most other accessories must also be recycled separately. Contact us for recycling or questions about it.
Required accessories
To use the Frogwatch Meter safely and correctly, you need the following accessories:
These accessories are included as standard with the Frogwatch Meter and are also available separately. Use only the official accessories.
Li-ion battery
The Frogwatch Meter uses a Li-ion Battery Pack. Battery Packs can pose a fire risk if they get damaged, for example by an impact or an external heat source. Because the Battery Pack contains a lot of energy, it is important to handle it with care:
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Always close the lid when possible
Unless this is not possible because the system is used in a manned setup, we recommend screwing the lid on tightly. This gives the Battery Pack maximum protection. -
Be extra careful while the lid is open
During a manned measurement the lid is open. In this situation someone must always be present. In addition, extra care must be taken to prevent damage to and/or heating of the Battery Pack. When the lid does not need to be open, it is best to close it again right away. -
Prevent (fire-)hazardous situations
Make sure the Frogwatch is not placed in the immediate vicinity of flammable substances, open fire, heat sources or similar situations. Pay extra attention to this when the lid is open: make sure, for example, that no sharp objects or cigarettes can come near the Battery Packs. If you are in doubt about the risks of a location, carry out a risk analysis. -
Use only official Battery Packs
The Frogwatch Battery Packs are specially designed for the Frogwatch Meter. Using any other Battery Packs can be seriously dangerous and is at your own risk. -
Never try to charge the Battery Pack with an unsuitable charger
The Battery Packs must be charged either through the Frogwatch itself or with the separately available charger. Using other chargers can be dangerous and is at your own risk. -
Never pull on cables
Since V2, no cable is needed when the Battery Pack is used in the Frogwatch itself. If cables are used anyway (for example while charging), be careful when unclipping them. Always hold the connector itself and do not pull on the cable(s)/wires. Little force is needed to connect and disconnect the connector: to disconnect the Battery Pack, press the snap-fit latch so that it comes loose easily. -
Be extra careful while charging
When you charge Battery Packs with the separate li-ion charger, the pack is extra vulnerable because it is not protected by the Frogwatch housing. Choose a safe place that is suitable for the purpose:- do not charge or store in a fire-hazardous environment
- do not charge at high ambient temperatures (+40 ℃)
- minimize the risk of tripping, contact with animals, children, etc.
- minimize the risk of damage to the Battery Packs or charger
- stop immediately at (any doubt about) damage, heat, strange smells, etc.
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Do not do dangerous things with a Battery Pack:
- Do not use it for purposes it is not intended for
- Avoid situations with high temperatures (+60 ℃)
- Avoid contact with sharp objects
- Do not try to repair it
- Do not take it apart
- Never throw Battery Packs
- Do not short-circuit it
- Never set it on fire
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Never use damaged Battery Packs
- If a Battery Pack appears (partly or fully) damaged or worn, or if damage is suspected (for example after it was dropped), the Battery Pack must no longer be used and must be secured immediately to minimize fire risks.
- After an incident a battery may at first still seem harmless, but some time later suddenly become a fire hazard.
- If a liquid or other substance gets into the Battery Pack, leaks out of it or is visible, the Battery Pack must no longer be used and must be secured immediately to minimize fire risks.
External connections
USB connection (inside the lid)
The USB-C connection is currently not supported. A future software update may make it possible to use it to exchange data with a computer. Use a suitable USB 2.0 full-speed cable for this.
- Isolation: not isolated
- USB power: max 500mA (charging the internal battery)
- Signal: USB 2.0 full-speed
- Voltage: 5V
DC jack: 12V power supply
Specifications
The Frogwatch needs a power adapter rated 12V, 3A. The included power adapter is suitable for this. Using the 12V connection is explained further on the Hardware page.
Safety features:
- Protected against reverse polarity
- Protected against short circuit (fuse 3.5 A)
- Protected against overvoltage
Despite these safety features, we still strongly recommend using the Frogwatch 12V adapter. Using a different power supply is at your own risk.
Ingress protection
The DC jack only meets ingress protection class IP-65 in the following situations:
- The rubber cap is closed
- An IP65-rated connector is connected. Note that although the connector of the Frogwatch power supply meets this rating, the power supply itself is not IP65 rated and must therefore be adequately protected against the weather.
SMA connector: external antenna
Specifications
- Impedance: 50 Ohm
- For passive antennas only
Using an (optional) external antenna cable can create hazards. Study these safety instructions carefully and use the external antenna only when you are sure that it is necessary and that you can install it safely.
Safety instructions
- Use the extension cable only when necessary
In by far most cases the network coverage at the measurement location will be fine and the extension cable is not needed. - Place the antenna inside the building where possible
In most cases the antenna will be extended from, for example, a basement to a location that does have network coverage, for example just outside the basement (but still inside the same building). - Use the shortest extension cable that is sufficient
The longer the cable, the greater the risk that it picks up unwanted and even dangerous voltages from, for example, (industrial) equipment nearby. - Take into account the risks of thunderstorms and similar situations
A lightning strike on or near the cable can put a dangerously high voltage on the cable. Besides damage to the equipment itself, this can be dangerous for people who are near the cable or near equipment (directly or indirectly) connected to it, or who happen to touch it. - Do not place the antenna in unnecessarily dangerous places
Placing the antenna in a dangerous place (such as on top of a building) increases the risk in case of, for example, a lightning strike. If in doubt, call in an expert. - Keep the antenna and cabling out of reach of people as much as possible
By routing the cables neatly out of the way, you minimize the risk of tripping and/or damage to the cabling.
Using the external antenna option is explained further on the Hardware page.
Placing the Frogwatch Meter
The Frogwatch Meter is intended for use by qualified personnel. The measurement system must be installed professionally at a suitable location. When selecting a measurement location, a number of safety factors must be taken into account:
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Do not place the meter at locations with a high risk of damage
Vehicles and heavy objects or objects falling from a great height can damage the meter to such an extent that a fire risk arises in the Battery Pack. Avoid these kinds of risks wherever possible. -
Transport the meter properly
The risk of damage must also be kept low during transport. Make sure that no heavy objects can fall on the meter and that the meters cannot get clamped with great force. -
Prevent hard shocks / high accelerations
The Frogwatch is a sensitive measuring instrument. Prevent hard impacts and prolonged accelerations outside the measuring range. Besides the risk of visible damage, hard accelerations can adversely affect the sensor elements. If in doubt, have the equipment recalibrated. -
Do not drop the Battery Pack(s)
Make sure you click the Battery Pack firmly into the Frogwatch Meter when installing it. Always hold the Battery Pack while swapping it so that it does not fall on the ground. If a Battery Pack does fall on the ground, keep it separate in a fire-safe place. To be sure that it does not become a fire hazard later on, it is best not to use it anymore. -
Do not place the meter until you have read this manual
It is important that all safety information has been read and understood before anyone works with the system.
Contact details
For technical support, information and service, the Frogwatch B.V. team is ready to help you.
Frogwatch B.V.
Schieweg 93
2627 AT Delft
015 455 05 74