The DS-6 Deicing System Controller

The DS-6 Deicing System Controller

Reliable Snow Detection
Three 30A @ 277VAC Contacts
Field Strap for 100-120/200-240 VAC Operation
Replaceable Precipitation Sensor
CE EMC Approval for Overseas Use
Easy Installation, Full Access to Electronics
Free Code Development and Configuration Assistance

The DS-6 is a combined deicing sensor and system controller. It is primarily designed for direct control of small to medium (10kW) electric satellite antenna deicing systems. Properly configured, it could also be used for electric pavement snow melting control. The DS-6 provides four individual circuits for load control. One circuit controls the connected load and also supplies controller power. Though rated to handle up to 30A (5A standard) this contact set is normally used for feed/sub-reflector heating or pilot duty. The remaining three contacts are dedicated to load control and are rated up to 30A @ 277VAC (25A standard). The controller power circuit requires a 100-120 VAC or 200-240 VAC 50/60 Hz source. Controlled power for the remaining load contacts is 208/380/480 3-phase Wye.

The unit is housed in a sturdy UL 508 NEMA 6/CSA 6/IEC 529 IP68-11 approved fiberglass enclosure. The overall dimensions of the DS-6 are 8¾"(223) x 11½"(292) x 5½"(140). The unit weighs 9 pounds. The user may access all electronics by removing the four front cover screws. The printed circuit board is protected from finger touch by a polycarbonate cover. All terminal blocks and circuit breakers are UL, CSA, and VDE approved.

Unlike the smaller DS sensor/controllers the DS-6 provides remote

precipitation sensor mounting. This allows mounting the DS-6 close to the controlled load but placing the sensor in the proper location for reliable snow detection. The sensor is built into a ¾" conduit hub with 12" leads protruding from the threaded base. It is typically mounted onto a single-gang junction box or type "C" fitting. The installer can then mount a flexible conduit to the base of the enclosure and run it to the desired mounting location for the sensor. A shielded four-conductor cable (#22 or larger) is then pulled through the conduit and terminated to the sensor . The cable can be connected to the sensor using wire nuts or spade terminals.

The DS-6 contains more terminal blocks than needed to simply wire 4 loads to the controller. Many antennas are manufactured with 8 to 12 panels. Since panels tend to be symmetrical, the deicing system for the main reflector can usually be designed using matched heater pad sizes. If pad voltage can be designed for 120VAC the DS-6 can operate from either a 120/208 VAC or 220/380 VAC supply without rewiring. The supplied jumpers for the terminal blocks may be installed to either place a pair of heater pads in parallel or series. Parallel meets the 208 VAC requirement. Series meets the 380 VAC requirement. This means that the antenna deicing system may be fully installed and terminated at your factory without operating voltage concerns. Jumpers can then be installed as a part of the field wiring. Each terminal block offers two #10 termination points, cleaning up wiring for 8-12 pads.

As stated, the DS-6 electronics can be powered from either a 100-120 VAC or 200-240 VAC 50/60Hz source. Peak power consumption is 21 watts. Voltage selection is performed by installing the provided jumpers on the printed circuit board. Operational temperature range is -40^oC to +85^oC.

The DS-6 features internal adjustments to enhance operation. One adjustment allows shifting the 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.

An environmentally sealed side panel control switch is provided. The "Manual On" function activates the controlled equipment for testing and special operational conditions. The "Automatic" position allows the DS-6 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. A bright yellow indicator lights to advise that the deicing system has been activated. Turning the Delay Off adjustment fully counter clockwise will also provide the equivalent of a "Manual On" command, allowing the installer to test the system while working inside the controller.

Remote control and monitor up to 1000 feet away is also available when the optional Control and Monitor cables listed are installed. A low power relay provides a dry contact closure when the deicing system is activated. Connecting the remote "Manual On" or "Standby/Reset" control leads to the "Return" lead will activate the respective override function. The DS-6 is also compatible with the DP-7B and DP-7BEX remote control/status panels.

Currently the DS-6 is configured to operate as a deicing controller only. The three main contacts close in 15 second steps to limit heater in-rush. Drying Delay Off is adjustable in the range of 30-90 minutes. Give us a call to see what we can do to make the DS-6 your next deicing system controller.

DS-6 Sensor Controller Part Numbers
Prices Effective January 1, 2000
Typical leadtime for a DS-6 is stock to 3 weeks
Click here for a complete price list.

Part Num	Description	Unit Price
DS-6-0	DS-6 with customer specified knockouts ( 1½" load, ½" line, ½" C/M, and ½" precip sensor knockouts standard)	$465.00

Part Num	Description	Unit Price
CS-2	Control/Monitor Cable, 24", #22 5 Conductor 300V	$2.50
NOTE: Pigtails come installed with terminals attached. Length is measured from base of conduit hub.

Part Num	Description	Unit Price
MG-2	Replacement Precipitation Grid, 12" leads	$15.00
RP-2	Thermal Probe Assembly with 14" leads	$7.00
RP-3	Fuse, ½ A 250 Vac 2AG (5)	$2.50
RP-4	Override Switch w\Boot,Cable	$7.50
RP-8	Voltage Selection Shunts (2)	$1.50
RP-9	Enclosure with Cover (Specify Knockouts A/R)	$65.00
RP-10-6	Activation Lamp	$7.00

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