VanBelkumHelp VB4-MST Security Trailer

Set up on site

The order matters. Level the trailer first, deploy the panels second, and only then power the system. The mast comes after all of this, on the next page.

Line drawing of the trailer showing the mast, stabilizers, jockey wheel, and wheel chocks
Mast, stabilizer outriggers, jockey wheel, and wheel chocks.

1. Position and chock

  1. Place the trailer on firm, relatively flat ground with open sky above it.
  2. Set the hand brake and put the wheel chocks against the tires so the trailer cannot roll.
  3. Pull the locking pin on the jockey wheel, rotate the wheel down 90° until the spring pin snaps back in, then wind the jack handle counter-clockwise to lift the drawbar off the tow vehicle. Unhitch, and move the vehicle clear.

The mast extends up to about 24 feet (7.5 m). Before you go any further, look up. The area above the trailer must be open and clear of overhead wires and obstructions.

2. Extend the outriggers and level

Four line drawings: pulling the outrigger locking pin, setting the pin in the third hole, winding the jack down, and the bubble level
A: pull the pin and extend the arm. B: set the pin in the third hole. C: wind the jack to the ground. D: the bubble level.
  1. Pull the locking pin on an outrigger and slide the arm out until the pin snaps back into place (A).
  2. Pull the pin at the bottom of the outrigger and refit it in the third hole up (B).
  3. Repeat for the other three outriggers.
  4. Wind each jack handle clockwise until the foot is firmly on the ground (C). Work around all four, a little at a time, until the bubble level on the trailer reads centered (D).
Stabilizer outriggers with cable locks
Outrigger arms with their tamper-resistant cable locks. The outriggers stay extended the whole time the mast is up.

The trailer must be level with the outriggers extended before the mast is raised, and the outriggers must stay extended while it is up. Skipping this severely reduces stability and can let the mast tip and fall.

3. Slide the panels out

Three line drawings: the panel lock pin, one panel pulled out, both panels pulled out
A: release the lock pin. B: pull the panel out until the pin snaps in. C: both sides fully out.
  1. Release the lock pin (A) and pull the panel rack out to its outermost position, until the lock snaps back in (B).
  2. Do the same on the other side. Both racks must be fully out and locked (C).
  3. Set the tilt for the season: steeper in winter, flatter in summer. Pull the tilt pin, swing the rack, and pin it again.
Panel rack tilt hinge with its pin
The tilt hinge. Pin it in the hole that suits the season.

While charging, keep the panels facing the sun, unshaded, and clean. Never unplug a panel or a solar connector while the system is charging; it can injure you and damage the equipment.

4. Power up

  1. Unlock the equipment cabinet.
  2. Turn on the breakers for the solar panels and the batteries, then the load breakers for the cameras and network. Indicator lights flash as each circuit comes up.
  3. Check the touch display shows solar input and battery voltage. The Power system page explains what you are looking at.
  4. Close and lock the cabinet.

The trailer is now live on the ground. Next: raise the mast.