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Description:

I sometimes hear a buzzing noise during charging. Is something wrong?

No. The buzzing sound is mechanical resonance created by the switching of current through the circuit board and solid-state devices. This is normal and not indicative of a problem.

Description:

Here’s a brief explanation on how to calculate the temperature compensated adjustments our controllers make to their charging voltages based on the ambient temperature changes.

The charging voltages listed in the controller operator’s manual are specified at a 25C standard test condition ambient temperature with a -.030V (@ 12V battery) adjustment per degree C change in temperature above or below the 25C reference. The (-) in front of the .030V indicates that voltage adjustment is inverse to the change in temperature. In other words, if the temperature increases above 25C, the controller decreases it’s charging voltage by -.030V per degree C rise above 25C and vice versa. An accurate measurement of the ambient temperature is required for calculating the the controller’s temperature compensated adjustment.

Example:

An ambient temperature of 35C = +10C increase above the 25C base temp = 10 x -.030V compensated adjustment = temperature compensated -.300V decrease in charging voltage.
Therefore, a 14.4V charging voltage specified in the manual @ 25C would be reduced to 14.1V @ 35C or increased to 14.7V @ 15C.

The compensation rate is doubled to .060V/C for 24Vnominal battery systems and quadrupled to .120V/C for 48V nominal battery systems.

Description:

How do I calculate the effect of temperature compensation on the regulation voltage?

Refer to the accompanying document download, which includes compensation curves for most Morningstar Controllers, or refer to temperature compensation coefficient in the specifications section of the Operator’s Manual.

Description:

Morningstar controllers have been designed to mount vertically. This is the orientation in which the heatsinks are most effective. Mounting the controller horizontally will reduce its passive cooling efficiency, but the risk of overheating will be determined by the ambient temperature and the power level at which the controller will be operating.

All efforts should be made to mount the controller vertically.

Description:

Multiple TriStar controllers can be networked together over an EIA-485 network via their serial ports using the RSC-1 (RS-232 to EIA-485) converters. Each TriStar on the network will need a unique control address (Modbus ID) that can be programmed using the MSView PC software.  TriStar-MPPT controllers have integrated EIA-485 connections and do not require the use of an RSC-1 adapater.

Morningstar devices connected over an EIA-485 network can also be bridged through a TriStar-MPPT-60 or TriStar MPPT 600V controller for remote monitoring over an Ethernet connection.  Please refer to the Morningstar Communications Document and TriStar/TriStar-MPPT Bridging Redundancy Document for additional information.

Description:

Yes, select Morningstar controllers can accept custom charging setpoints. Using our free MSView software, you can configure many of the setpoints and parameters for charging. Please refer to the controller datasheet and manual for more information

Description:

Wind/gas/or hydro-generators, and other DC charging sources can be regulated using the TriStar in diversion mode. Refer to the TriStar Operation Manual for more details.

Description:

The TriStar Meter family (TS-M, RS-RM, TS-M-2, TS-RM-2) cannot be used to change charging parameters. The TriStar Meters only display system data and provide basic user commands, such as resetting Amp-Hour counters and starting/stopping an Equalize charge.

For more information concerning the TriStar Meter family, please consult the respective TriStar Meter manual.

Description:

Can I charge separate battery banks with one Morningstar charge controller?

Yes.  Refer to the document, “Charging Isolated Battery Banks – 1 Controller”.

Description:

A wiring diagram for charging multiple isolated battery banks using multiple controllers and only one PV array.

Description:

Most Morningstar controllers will take up to 5 minutes to realize that the solar input voltage is no longer present before transitioning into the ‘night’ state. The controller performs periodic day/nigh checks (about once every 5 minutes). Depending upon where the controller is in this cycle when the input is removed, it may take anywhere from 0-5min for the controller to turn off its Charging LED and go into the ‘night’ state.

Description:

Our controllers are designed to charge lead-acid batteries which have different charging requirements than NiMh. Please DO NOT use our products with NiMh batteries, it is dangerous to do so.

Description:

The internal switches of a controller, called MOSFETs or power transistors, switch current on and off to control solar current and load current. Because these components are in the power path, the controller will no longer be able to switch current if they fail.

Power transistors can fail for the following reasons:

• Over-voltage: lightning or other high voltage transients on the PV power cables.
• Over-current: too much PV for the controller or a short in the PV line pulls too much currentout of the battery through the controller.
• Extreme temperatures during charging.
• A premature failure of the component. The transistors are solid state devices that are manufactured in huge volumes with extremely low failure rates. However, no electrical components are 100% defect free and can pass test and then fail after a short period of time.
• Old age

Description:

This Tech Tip discusses the use of today’s 60 cell PV modules with Morningstar’s solar controllers. It explains why 60 cell modules are not well adapted for meeting the nominal array voltage requirements of PWM controllers. It also shows how Morningstar’s MPPT controllers can be used with great success at higher input voltages.

Description:

If one or more DIP switches are changed while the controller/inverter is powered, the controller/inverter will display a DIP Switch Changed Fault (and the LEDs will begin to sequence). Changing DIP switches while the unit is operating will cause the unit to stop charging until the unit is reset. A reset can be performed by removing power from the device (so that all the LEDs go off) and then re-starting the unit. This procedure prevents the inadvertent changing of operational settings while the controller/inverter is active.

After the controller/inverter has been re-started, it will operate with the new DIP switch settings.

Description:

Yes, we recommend grounding the controller chassis per NEC requirements.

Description:

Do Morningstar Controllers regulate according to SOC (State of Charge) calculations?

No. Morningstar Controllers regulate according to battery voltage setpoints. Because battery health and other factors affect charging over time, using voltage setpoints is a way to naturally track these changes and affords the user a complete understanding of the controllers operation. SOC calculations and algorithms may not be precise under all conditions and may leave the user with a “fuzzy” understanding of the workings of the unit.

Description:

There are no internal fuses in the TriStar. Short-circuit and over-current protections are electronic.

Description:

The TriStar provides one 9-pin RS-232 serial connection. Communication is possible using the MSView PC software (free from our website) Alternatively, application-specific software can be written that communicates with the TriStar using the MODBUS industry standard protocol.

Description:

The following is a link to DigiKey, a retailer of flat (ribbon) type DB9 serial cables that can be used with the TriStar RS-232 connection in place of the standard type of serial cables.  The stand-off height of the connectors on standard serial cables obstructs the re-installation of the TriStar face plate while connected.  The low-profile type of DB9 connectors used on these flat serial cables allows the TriStar face plate to be reinstalled without being obstructed by the RS-232 connection.  This is useful in applications that require a continuous RS-232 connection to the TriStar for remote monitoring/communications purposes.

http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/H7MFH-0906G/H7MFH-0906G-ND/998943

Description:

Indicates a High Voltage Disconnect fault.

Possible causes:
1) wired past controller switches (bypassed the controller, system wiring error)
2) Sense connection problem
3) RTS connection problem
4) DIP Switch system Voltage wrong
5) Custom settings: setpoints too low (in load control mode, HVD only enabled in custom)
6) Other charging sources in the system. Other charging sources in the system may be charging the battery above the controller’s regulation set-point, causing the high voltage indication. The indication will clear when battery voltage has returned to normal.

Use the troubleshooting flow diagram for system diagnosis.

Description:

If no input source (solar) is connected to the charge controller, but there are other charging sources connected to the batteries, charge controller may still show a Green Flashing LED (indicating that the controller is in the absorption charging stage). The Green Flashing LED may appear on the Morningstar controller if the battery voltage is at or above the controller’s Absorption charging voltage setting. Although the controller is not delivering power to the batteries (because there is no input source present), the indication still appears. This is not an indication of controller malfunction.

Description:

MSView contains a built-in Help File (accessible from the Help menu -> Help Topics) which provides detailed information about using the software to connect to Morningstar devices, program custom settings, view and/or log real-time data, and evaluate system performance.

Description:

A higher voltage solar array (e.g. 24V nominal) can only be used with a lower voltage battery bank (e.g. 12V nominal) if the controller used is an MPPT controller.

PWM controllers CANNOT be used to charge a lower-voltage battery bank with a higher-voltage solar array. Please use an MPPT style controller if this is required.

Description:

The TriStar Operation Manual (pp 37-42) provides guidelines for diversion load sizing and addresses installation issues as well.

Description:

The TriStar carries a 5 year manufacturers warranty.

Description:

We allow up to 2 digital meters to be connected to a single TriStar. Any combination of local and remote meters is acceptable.

Note: due to power limitations on the bus, only one meter can have an illuminated backlight at any given time. A meter will turn off the other meter’s backlight if necessary before turning on its own backlight.

Description:

The TriStar should be mounted on a vertical surface out of direct sun with the TriStar heatsink fins oriented vertically. Allow at least 3 inches above the heatsink for airflow.

Description:

Yes, on select Morningstar controllers. The MSView PC software will provide logging capability through the serial or Ethernet port. Additionally, a number of commercial dataloggers and PLCs support the Modbus protocol.

Description:

The electrical negative is isolated from chassis ground.

Description:

The note below assumes the meter is powered and displaying text on the screen.

If a button(s) for any one of the following display models appears to stop working:

– TS-M / TS-RM
– TS-M-2 / TS-RM-2
– RM-1

there may be several explanations:

1) You have reached the end of a menu, and there are no more screens to display in that direction (e.g. if you go to the bottom of a menu and continue to push the DOWN arrow, nothing will happen)

2) If the backlight is OFF, the first button press will turn the backlight ON, but will not change the meter screen. E.g. if the backlight is OFF and you would like to move LEFT in the display, you must press LEFT twice – the first to turn the backlight ON, the second to move LEFT in the display). In brightly lit rooms or sunny conditions, it may be difficult to detect whether the backlight is ON or OFF.

3) The button contacts have become dirty. To clean the button contacts:

– Disconnect the meter cable from the back of the meter
– Remove the two screws on the back of the meter, holding the meter circuit board to the faceplate
– Wet a Q-tip or small paper towel with a small amount of alcohol
– Clean the 4 contact points on the circuit board and the contact point on each of the buttons

If the meter button(s) still do not function correctly after checking the points above, contact your Morningstar re-seller / dealer for warranty replacement.

Description:

Problem: When power is applied to the controller, the SOC LEDs do not perform the full start-up G-Y-R sequence, and stop on yellow (solid ON). The controller is not working.

Solution: This indicates that firmware is not properly loaded into the controller. Download the MSLoad firmware utility and the latest firmware. Follow the instructions to load new firmware into the controller. If unsuccessful, contact your authorized Morningstar dealer for service.

Description:

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) charging may cause interference in sensitive loads in the system during charging. The SunSaver switches current at 300 Hz. PWM switching noise can sometimes be heard in the controller itself, the wiring or wiring connections, or the system loads. AM radios and CB radios are especially prone to PWM interference. Noise in the controller or wiring is caused by mechanical resonance when current is switched through the circuits. There is little that can be done to remedy this issue. However, noise/interference in the system loads can usually be reduced or eliminated by the following:

1) Minimize cable runs between components

2) Twist power pairs(+/-) to reduce radiated noise

3) Good system grounding

4) Add capacitance across load power(at load input, 22000uf or more)

5) Add a line filter. some have had success with car audio filters that eliminate alternator whine. If these measures do not eliminate or reduce interference to acceptable levels, the controller can be modified to reduce the switching frequency. The 3rd generation SunSaver has a wire loop under the faceplate. If this loop is cut, the controller will reduce the switching frequency to ~1 Hz. Refer to the SunSaver Operator’s Manual for more information.

6) Some Morningstar controllers allow for operation in a ‘low-noise’ state. Check your controller documentation for details.

Description:

The load outputs of multiple charge controllers can be wired together in parallel provided the following is true:

• The total load draw does not exceed the current rating of the LOWEST RATED CONTROLLER
• Isolating diodes are installed on each of the controller’s load outputs (if the controllers to not share a battery bank)

Description:

When large currents flow through the battery power cables, a voltage drop results due to resistance in the cables. Since the controller regulates the batteries according to battery voltage, it is important that the controller measure the voltage directly at the battery. The Battery Sense connection allows battery voltage measurement directly at the terminals because the sense lines carry very little current (hence, small-gauge wire) enabling accurate regulation.   Without the sense lines, the controller must use the battery power connections, which may be different than actual battery voltage. The Battery Sense connection is optional and is only needed when significant voltage drops exist on the battery power cables.

Description:

Red & Yellow – Green & Yellow sequencing LEDs indicate one of the following faults:

• Remote Temp Sensor Fault
• Battery Sense Fault

Description:

Yes, the optional RTS is required for the temperature compensation feature. If an RTS in not used, the TriStar or TriStar MPPt will not compensate charging setpoints for temperature.

Description:

All Morningstar controllers will automatically prevent reverse discharge of the battery back through the solar array during the night. No external diodes on the input of the controller are required.

Description:

If you are having problems communicating with a Morningstar product using a serial connection, try the following:

1. Make sure that the unit is powered with a battery or power supply. The unit cannot communicate without power.

2. Verify that the serial cable is not a Null Modem or cross-over cable.

3. Verify that no other programs or managers are using the same serial port.

4. Check the serial cable for continuity using a multimeter. The cable should have continuity from Pin1<->Pin1, Pin2<->Pin2,… If possible, try another cable.

5. Shut down and restart the PC. Reattempt connection.

6. Try another PC

For products that require the PC MeterBus Serial Adapter (Model: MSC), check the RJ-11 telephone cable. If possible, try another cable. It has been reported that some USB to Serial cables will not work with the MSC because the RS-232 output signal voltages are below the RS-232 electrical specification.

Description:

Fuses, circuit breakers and disconnects should be included in your system. Refer to your local/national codes concerning requirements. The controller’s Operation Manual outlines NEC requirements for installations in the United States.

Description:

Morningstar controllers and inverters are very often installed within an outdoor enclosure. Many of these installations are located in warm climates where overheating of equipment inside the enclosure can become a concern. Since power electronic components will produce heat that can accumulate inside the enclosure, it is important to determine the effect of this heating on the temperature inside that enclosure. This tech tip discusses how to calculate the heat dissipation for Morningstars TriStar (PWM) and TriStar MPPT solar charge controllers and then determine how that heat dissipation will affect the temperature inside a sealed enclosure. Using this information, system designers can start to make better decisions regarding heat management inside the enclosure.

Description:

For 36V systems, you will need to use the custom settings. The TriStar assumes that 12V nominal values are programmed into custom memory. When the user changes the DIP switches for 24V or 48V operation, the TriStar automatically doubles(or quadruples) the programmed values. In the case of a 36V system: 1. divide your desired regulation setpoints by 4
2. Program these values into the TriStar using the PC software
3. Set the TriStar in 48V mode with the DIP switches (DIPS 2,3 = ON)
4. Set the TriStar battery type to custom (DIPS 4,5,6 = ON)  In 48V mode, the TriStar will multiply your setpoints by 4, attaining the correct regulation voltages you require.  Use the 48V setting because the TriStar will more accurately measure 36V system voltages in the 48V setting.

Description:

Electrical negative is isolated from chassis ground in the TriStar and TriStar MPPT family of controllers. Morningstar recommends earth grounding the chassis per NEC guidelines. See the installation section in the Owner’s Manual for more details.

Description:

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If voltage and/or current measurements do not match the values reported on the TriStar meter (or values reported to MSView) check the following:

• Measure the voltages directly at the TriStar terminals. Voltage drops due to line resistances can be significant.

Description:

Measure the voltages directly at the TriStar terminals. Voltage drops due to line resistances can be significant.

Be sure the Battery Sense wires are not wired to the RTS(remote temperature sensor) terminals. Both terminals look similar and are easy to mix up.

Check for correct polarity at the Battery Sense connection.

Confirm your measurements with another multimeter.

Description:

Refer to the troubleshooting flow diagram to diagnose the TriStar R-Y-G fault LED indication.
The R-Y-G flashing sequence indicates one of the following faults(no alarms):

• MOSFET shorted (“FET short”)
• software bug (“software”)
• Changed DIP switch while running (“DIP sw Changed”)
• EEPROM changed (“Settings Edit”)
• Interrupted fault due to reset – clears after 10 sec (“reset?”)
• system miswiring detected [load mode only]

Description:

TriStar state of charge (SOC) LED transitions are based on battery voltage setpoints, and provide only an approximation of the true SOC of the battery. A true SOC calculation is not performed because the TriStar does not have load current information (current drawn out of the battery). A TriStar in charge control mode (or a TriStar MPPT) can only measure current into the battery from the solar panels.

The LEDs will however provide a relative indication of how your system is performing. e.g.:

“Each day I charge to Green. At dusk it settles to Grn-Yel, by morning I’m at Yel-Red”

which may help detect problems if the LED behavior changes drastically. (charge all day and it doesn’t get out of red)

Description:

Can I use a power source other than a PV panel to charge my batteries?

We do not recommend using a DC power supply with any of our PWM controllers. While they appear to be similar to PV modules in function, DC power supplies have considerably more output capacitance. Connecting a DC power supply to our PWM controllers may cause excessive heating and premature failure. MPPT controllers can be used for this purpose without issue. In addition, AC powered battery chargers are often the best option for systems requiring AC battery charging.

Description:

Can I wire multiple controllers in parallel off the same PV array to charge different batteries?

Yes. Refer to the document, “Charging Isolated Battery Banks”. This can ONLY be done with PWM controllers. MPPT controllers cannot be used in this configuration.

Description:

The TriStar can function as a solar charge controller, a load controller, OR a diversion controller. It can be configured to perform ONLY ONE function at a time.

Description:

When two conductors (a wire and screw terminal for instance) are mated, there is a resistance at that connection. Usually this contact resistance is very low and poses no threat. However, when connections become loose, oxidation builds on the surfaces, or corrosion accumulates, the resistance at the connection can increase to a dangerous level.

When current passes through resistance, power is dissipated in the form of heat. If the value of the resistance goes up, so does the power dissipated (for the same amount of current). When a connection has high resistance, the heat generated at the connection can melt surrounding material such as plastics and actually catch fire.

Resistive connections can occur on any electronic device that carries significant amounts of power. It is important to periodically check the tightness of the connections and inspect for corrosion as suggested in the Maintenance section of the Operator’s Manual. Along with periodically checking the connections, dielectric grease can be applied to the terminals to avoid corrosion build-up on the conductor surfaces. Mobile installations tend to be the most susceptible to developing resisitve connections because motion works cables loose from their terminals, however, resistive connections can occur on stationary installations as well.

Description:

The TriStar has over-current protections built in, and will set an alarm and/or fault if the condition persists. The controller will limit input/load current to prevent damage and in severe cases, will switch off the current. Never design a system where the current will exceed the controller’s rating under normal system conditions. Systems designed to NEC standards must follow the current de-rating guidelines (as outlined in the user manual).

Description:

PWM is an acronym for Pulse Width Modulation. When the battery is recharged to regulation voltage, the controller will begin limiting the amount of current into the battery so that the regulation voltage is maintained but not surpassed. The method of regulating the current, referred to as PWM, pulses current into the battery with pulses of a varying width. Wider pulses allow a greater percentage of the input current to flow into the battery, narrower pulses restrict current to a lower percentage. Refer to the accompanying download,  “Why PWM?”, for more technical and detailed information concerning PWM charging.

Description:

Direct from the FAQ at http://www.modbus.org :

MODBUS® Protocol is a messaging structure developed by Modicon in 1979, used to establish master-slave/client-server communication between intelligent devices. It is a de facto standard, truly open and the most widely used network protocol in the industrial manufacturing environment. It is literally implemented by hundreds of vendors on thousands of different devices in order to transfer discrete/analog I/O and register data between control devices. It’s really a lingua franca or common denominator between different manufacturers. One report called it the “de facto standard in multi-vendor integration”.

Description:

All Morningstar PWM type controllers have a PWM switching frequency of ~300Hz.

Some Morningstar PWM controllers have a feature which will reduce the switching frequency to ~1Hz (called on/off charging). This on/off charging virtually eliminates switching noise (both radiated and conducted) and can be used when experiencing noise problems with 300Hz switching operation.

Current models with this on/off charging option are:

– SunSaver Generation 3

– SunSaver Duo

– ProStar PWM

– TriStar PWM

Description:

The TriStar will consume less than 20mA. The digital meter and other options may increase consumption.

Description:

I want to make my own serial cable. What pins do I need (at a minimum)?
The serial port on the TriStar is opto-isolated per UL requirements. For this reason, the TriStar serial port is “port powered”, which means it requires a small amount of power from the host (PC or other device). In addition to pins 2,3,& 5, pin 4 and/or 7 should be connected. For more information, refer to the document, “TriStar RS-232 Wiring”.

Description:

Minimum Sizes:
TS-45 6mm2 (10 AWG)
TS-60 10mm2 (8 AWG)

Description:

The TriStar uses PWM (pulse width modulation) regulation. There is a DIP switch option to change the regulation method to On-Off to reduce noise in telecom applications. This method switches at 1Hz and is less efficient than PWM. We recommend the PWM setting unless there are issues with noise.

Description:

RS-232 serial cables can be found at just about any computer retail store. In most cases, such as mating the TriStar or SunSaver Duo to a PC, you will require a cable with one male and one female connection. Linking a PC with the controller will require a straight-through serial cable (NOT a NULL Modem cable).

Description:

The TriStar an TriStar MPPT Operation Manuals provide detailed explanations concerning the flashing LED sequences that occur when a fault is present. The TriStar Digital Meter Installation and Operation Manual provides definitions for each of the faults and alarms displayed in the Diagnostics menu.

Description:

We supply PC software free of charge (called MSView). It is available for download on our website. Sorry, Apple Mac is not supported.

Description:

Frequently Asked Questions about PWM battery charging are addressed.

Description:

Other charging sources can be used in parallel with the Morningstar charge controller; you do not need to isolate the controller from the battery. For best performance when using other charging sources, ensure the charging source and Morningstar controller are set to charge to the same (or close) voltage. If the supplemental charging source is set to a higher charging voltage than the Morningstar controller, the Morningstar controller may go into a fault state temporarily when the battery voltage rises higher than the controller’s setpoint. The controller will automatically recover from this state when the battery voltage drops to a lower level.

Description:

Yes. While it is not documented in the user manual, the TriStar is capable of lighting control. Lighting control must be configured in the custom settings. For more information, download the TriStar Lighting Control document.

Description:

We do not recommend wiring inverters to the load terminals of our products because of current in-rush on start up. Inverters typically have large amounts of input capacitance (for input filtering). When power is first applied, these capacitors can draw very large currents in the 100’s of amps, albeit for a short period of time. These current surges can stress our power transistors and will trip our short circuit protections. The inverter may start eventually after several attempts to reconnect from the short circuit condition, but this mode of operation is not normal. For this reason, we do not recommend wiring inverters directly. Many inverters have their own LVD circuitry and will not allow the battery to discharge too low. However, if the customer requires load control and LVD functionality, they can switch the inverter through a relay wired in series between the battery and inverter.

Description:

Yes. There can be as many Morningstar controllers as required in parallel on the same battery bank. For best performance, set each controller to as close a charge setting as possible. Since the controllers will not have direct communication with each other, it is not unusual to see the controllers transition between charging stages at different times. This is generally not a concern.

Description:

MSLoad is a PC software utility used to program new product firmware into Morningstar products that support firmware updates.

Instructions

• Download MSLoad
• Download the latest product firmware
• Unzip MSLoad
• View MSLoad README

Products supported

• Relay Driver
• SunSaver MPPT
• ProStar MPPT
• TriStar
• TriStar MPPT
• TriStar MPPT 600V
• TriStar Digital Meter
• TriStar Remote Meter
• TriStar Digital Meter 2
• TriStar Remote Meter 2

System Requirements

• Windows 95 or later
• x386 or later PC

Description:

MSView is a PC software utility that allows a PC to connect to supported Morningstar products. It provides real-time data display, customizable data logging, historical graph display of logged data, and an easy to use interface with integrated help menus. MSView also features several setup and configuration wizards for the Prostar-MPPT, TriStar, TriStar-MPPT, TriStar-MPPT 600V, SunSaver MPPT, SunSaver Duo, and Relay Driver.
NOTE: The latest firmware updates for all applicable products are also included in this MSView download.SunSaver-MPPTs MUST be updated to firmware version v09 or later to enable lighting control functionality.

Version: 1.6.34.0

• – Includes support for EMC-1 & PSPWM Gen3.
• – Minor scaling fixes for other controllers

Version: 1.6.44.0

• – PSPWM / PSPPT Summary Screen Swap
• – Connection Sharing between Real-Time Data & Setup Wizards

Description:

This is the latest firmware update for the TriStar charge controller. To update the TriStar firmware, download this file and the MSLoad PC software utility found in the related documents. This firmware update contains all fixes to date. Only the latest firmware update needs to be programmed into the TriStar.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
For firmware releases v13 and older, the TriStar internal boot-loader must be updated. The boot updater file is included in the .zip file along with instructions. This update only needs to be performed once. Thereafter, firmware updates can be loaded normally.

v12b

•  modified default custom settings float enter value to 30% (factory default value)
•  fixed a MODBUS timing issue

v13

•  added data logging feature. TriStar now records ~90 days of data internally. Access data with MSView or TriStar Meter 2 (logging display not supported in original TriStar meter)
•  added new Alarm: “Controller Reset” has been added to the daily alarms. If power is removed, the event is recorded in memory
•  real-time kWh value now accessible via Modbus

v14

•  factory firmware release with bootloader update (TriStars with older firmware versions will need to perform the bootloader update procedure before updating to v14 and newer code)

v15

•  added support for advanced settings menu, ability to adjust controller Meterbus ID from the digital meter (TS-M-2, TS-RM-2)

v16

• Improved RTS detection to reduce false-positives at cold temperatures

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