Changing Charge Settings with RM-1? |
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05.13.2013 |
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Description:
The Remote Meter (RM-1) cannot be used to change charging parameters. The RM-1 only displays data and provides basic user commands, such as resetting Amp-Hour counters.
For further information, please consult the RM-1 manual.
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Common Reasons Why Power Transistors Fail |
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09.28.2011 |
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TriStar, Sun Saver Duo, SunKeeper, SunLight, SunGuard, SHS, ProStar, Sun Saver, Relay Driver, SunSaver MPPT, SureSine, TriStar MPPT, TriStar MPPT 600 V, ProStar MPPT, ProStar (Gen3)
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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
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Do Morningstar controllers use SOC calculations? |
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09.28.2011 |
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TriStar, Sun Saver Duo, SunKeeper, SunLight, SunGuard, SHS, SureSine, ProStar, Sun Saver, SunSaver MPPT, TriStar MPPT, TriStar MPPT 600 V, ProStar MPPT, ProStar (Gen3)
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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.
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Help using the MSView Software |
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05.13.2013 |
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TriStar, Sun Saver Duo, SureSine, PC MeterBus Adapter, SunSaver MPPT, TriStar MPPT, RSC (EIA-485 to serial), TriStar MPPT 600 V, Relay Driver, ProStar MPPT, ProStar (Gen3)
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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.
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Meter Display Buttons Not Working |
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05.13.2013 |
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TriStar, Sun Saver Duo, SureSine, SunSaver MPPT, Remote Meter, TriStar MPPT, TriStar Digital Meter 2, TriStar Remote Meter 2, TriStar MPPT 600 V, TriStar Meter 2-600V, ProStar MPPT, ProStar (Gen3)
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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.
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Paralleling AC outputs of multiple SureSine inverters |
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05.13.2013 |
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SureSine inverters cannot have their AC outputs paralleled with other inverters. Two AC paralleled SureSines would not be able to phase align their AC output waveforms, resulting in a very messy AC signal damaging to AC equipment or the SureSine inverters.
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Red Fault LEDs when adjusting DIP switches |
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12.06.2007 |
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Problem: The SureSine inverter indicates a fault with RED LEDs when one or more DIP settings switches is changed.
Solution: The SureSine will go into a fault state if the DIP switch(s) are changed during operation. Adjust the switch(s) to the desired position and cycle power by removing and reconnecting the battery. The SureSine will restart using the new configuration.
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Serial communication problems |
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10.22.2007 |
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TriStar, Relay Driver, Sun Saver Duo, SureSine, PC MeterBus Adapter, RSC (EIA-485 to serial), SunSaver MPPT, TriStar MPPT, TriStar MPPT 600 V, ProStar MPPT, ProStar (Gen3)
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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.
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Should I add fuses and/or disconnects to my system? |
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12.13.2007 |
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SureSine will not enter Standby mode with loads off |
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09.12.2014 |
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Description:
The loads may be parasitic, drawing more than 8W (anything with a transformer). The first DIP switch may also be set to the ‘down’ position, setting the inverter to the ‘always on’ mode (provides continuous AC output). Ensure there is no power going to the inverter, then move the first DIP switch to the ‘up’ position to put the inverter into ‘standby’ mode. If a DIP switch setting is changed during operation, the inverter will display a fault. Remove and reapply power to clear the DIP switch changed fault.
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What caused my controller terminal to burn/melt? |
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09.12.2014 |
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ProStar, Sun Saver, Sun Saver Duo, SunLight, SunSaver MPPT, SureSine, TriStar MPPT, TriStar, TriStar MPPT 600 V, ProStar MPPT, ProStar (Gen3)
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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.
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What is PWM charging? |
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12.11.2007 |
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What is PWM charging?
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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.
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What is the Modbus protocol? |
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12.13.2007 |
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TriStar, Relay Driver, Sun Saver Duo, SureSine, PC MeterBus Adapter, RSC (EIA-485 to serial), SunSaver MPPT, TriStar MPPT, TriStar MPPT 600 V, ProStar MPPT, ProStar (Gen3), Ethernet Meterbus Converter
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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”.
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Where do I get software to program my controller? |
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12.13.2007 |
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TriStar, Sun Saver Duo, PC MeterBus Adapter, Relay Driver, RSC (EIA-485 to serial), SunSaver MPPT, SureSine, TriStar MPPT, TriStar MPPT 600 V, ProStar MPPT, ProStar (Gen3)
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Description:
We supply PC software free of charge (called MSView). It is available for download on our website. Sorry, Apple Mac is not supported.
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Why is a 100Amp DC fuse recommended for the SureSine? |
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09.12.2014 |
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The recommended 100A DC fuse for the SureSine may seem excessive. However, because the inverter has a large amount of input capacitance, upon startup the unit can potentially draw much higher currents than in steady-state. In order to prevent inadvertent blowing of an undersized fuse, a 100A fuse is recommended. This size provides the necessary protection to the system wiring, while also allowing the inverter to draw it’s large startup surge without tripping. Using a fuse rated less than 100A will risk nuisance tripping when the inverter is powered up.
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Wiring an inverter to controller Load output |
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09.28.2011 |
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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.
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Wiring multiple controllers to one battery bank? |
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12.10.2007 |
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TriStar, Sun Saver Duo, SunKeeper, SunLight, SunGuard, SHS, SureSine, ProStar, Sun Saver, SunSaver MPPT, TriStar MPPT, TriStar MPPT 600 V, ProStar MPPT, ProStar (Gen3)
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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.
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