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Automatic Activation means Lower Deicing Costs
Reliable Rain and Snow Detection
Dual 30A @ 240VAC, Individually Controlled
Field Strap for 100-120/200-240 VAC Operation
Replaceable Precipitation Sensor
Easy Installation, Full Access to Electronics
16 Different Functions, 1 Part Number!
Adjustable Temperature Trigger Point
Adjustable Delay Off Cycle
Selectable Low Temperature Cutoff

The DS-4 is the big brother of the DS-2. It is primarily designed for larger, more complex satellite antenna deicing systems, especially those employing rain diversion. With its dual 30A switching capacity it can also be used for higher power pavement snow melting and tower applications. The unit can be used as a direct replacement for the ASE DS-9B. It can also be used as a direct replacement for sensors used with the multi-heater DDC-400 and DDC-500 hot air deicing controllers.

The unit is housed in a two gang PVC enclosure. The overall dimensions of the DS-4 are 4¾"(120) x 7"(178) x 2¾"(70). The unit weighs 2 pounds. The user may access all electronics by removing the four front cover screws.

Wiring is performed by terminating your existing wiring to the pre-installed pigtails (see below.) It is recommended that users replacing a DS-9B order the companion CS-3 and CS-4 Control & Monitor Cable Sets. See the DS-4 Parts and Price List below for more information. The DS-4 is mounted by either attaching the mounting hub to a rigid ½" or ¾" conduit or by installing screws through the four mounting tabs provided.

The DS-4 can be powered from either a 100-120 VAC or 200-240 VAC 50/60Hz source. Peak power consumption is 18 watts. Voltage selection is performed by installing provided jumpers onto the printed circuit board. The unit provides dual 240VAC @ 30A normally open load contacts. The contacts are paralleled with dual low power monitor contacts to provide remote activation monitoring. Operational temperature range is -40^oC to +85^oC.

The DS-4 provides internal adjustments to enhance operation. One adjustment allows shifting the normally fixed 39^oF low temperature trigger point from 34^oF to 44^oF. Locations that tend to be inundated with very wet lake-effect snow at low temperatures may save energy by adjusting the trigger point lower. Locations in higher altitudes that can receive significant snowfall at relatively high temperatures may find that an upward adjustment is needed to assure accurate activation. Either way, the user has control. An adjustment is also provided for varying the sensor Delay Off time. This delay, executed once the sensor has stopped detecting precipitation, is used to dry the surface of the heated object. In very dry locations it may be found that the water left behind evaporates away closer to the 30 minute minimum Delay Off time. Areas with high humidity may require a delay closer to the maximum 90 minute span. Properly adjusted, the user is assured a dry surface with minimum running costs. The DS-4 does not offer a front panel switch like the DS-2. On larger antennas the DS-4 is normally not within reach. However, turning the Delay Off adjustment fully counter clockwise will provide the equivalent of a "Manual On" command, allowing the installer to test the system at the sensor.

The DS-4 also offers up to 16 operational modes or "profiles". The profile is set at installation and can be easily changed at any time by adjusting a small rotary switch on the DS-4 printed circuit board. Currently, 11 profiles have been allocated to fulfill current customer requirements. The installation manual (available below) provides a full functional description in greater detail. However, the following list gives a general description.

"Delay Off" refers to the internal drying cycle timers of the DS-4. The timers are used to allow the DS-4 to dry the heated surface through evaporation once precipitation has stopped. The drying cycle reduces the chance that moisture left behind by the melting process will refreeze into ice. Timers are restarted by each precipitation detection and function independently or in concert for each relay according to the profile selected. Therefore, the DS-4 will continue to operate as long as precipitation and trigger temperature is detected, then for the "Delay Off" time once rain or snow stops. It is assumed that, when operating in a "sensor" mode, the DS-4 is supplying an activation signal to an external control system. All "sensor" modes provide a minimum 20 second closure to reducing cycling of the external controller. When in a "controller" mode the Delay Off time can be adjusted from 30-93 minutes for "Deice" modes and is internally set at 2 minutes for "Rain" modes. Proper adjustment assures drying without excessive runtime.

Profiles without Low Temp Cutoff (LTC) will trigger the appropriate action at any temperature below the adjusted low temperature trigger point (34^oF to 44^oF.) Profiles with a Low Temp Cutoff will trigger between the low temperature trigger point and the low temperature cutoff of 15^oF. This profile is normally used when sufficient heat is not available for melting in very cold conditions. However, any sensor that is triggered above, then sinks below the low temp cutoff point will continue to operate, ignoring the cutoff. The assumption is that the heated surface is already warm, likely covered with water, and that it makes more sense to continue heating rather than shutdown and allow the water to freeze.

Remote control and monitor up to 1000 feet away is also available when the optional Control and Monitor cables listed are installed. The "Manual On" function activates the controlled equipment for testing and special operational conditions. The "Automatic" position allows the DS-4 to handle all detections and control. The "Standby/Reset" position disables triggering and can also be used to clear the sensor "Delay Off" when testing sensor activation. The DS-4 is also compatible with the DP-7B and the DP-7BEX remote control/status panels. Since the sensor can operate in so many different ways, check the installation manual for specific actions for each C/M input.

Note that, currently, a number of operational profiles are available. If you have a project coming up that doesn't fit an existing profile, please give us a call to see if we can fill a slot with your custom program. Code development is free with any order of 10 or more units.

Download or view the DS-4 Installation Manual in PDF.

DS-4 Sensor Controller Part Numbers
Effective November 20, 2000
To meet UL requirements, all UL listed sensor/controllers must now be shipped with power and load pigtails installed.
This is NOT a price increase but reflects the original price of the units with original cable pricing added.
Please note the change in pricing and part number structure.

Typical leadtime for a DS-4 is stock to 1 week
Click here for a complete price list.

For example:
A DS-4 with a 3/4" conduit hub, European power pigtails, and yellow and red load pigtails would be a DS-4-750-312

Power and load pigtails are MTW UL 1015 105^oC 600V and are 18" in length from base of conduit hub.

Replacement Parts

Need Remote Control/Monitor Capabilities?

Take a look at the affordable remote extension for your DS Series sensors and controllers.
The DP-7 Family of Control/Status Panels

For More Information, Contact
Automated Systems Engineering, Inc.
2519 E Saint Vrain Street
Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA 80909
Phone: 719-599-7477 FAX: 719-599-7482
info@goase.com

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Last Update: 04/11/08