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cj5orion
Nomad
Posts: 336
Registered: 2-6-2010
Location: Pacific Beach/Gonzaga Bay
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Mood: time for a cervaza !!!
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Outback Solar...Charge Controller stuck in "snooze" ?
Outback vfx 3524 with mate 3
Wednesday morn...noticed the battery's were low.
Charge Controller was "snoozing",1st thing I did was
hit the breaker....starts its "wakeup",then goes to bulk,but
only stays for about a minute.Then flashes a "low light" condition,then "snoozes" ?
Panels are clean and like any other day in Baja...clear and sunny ?
Voltmeter verifies controller is receiving power,(20-22 v)
Tried charging up the batts with the gen to see if the controller would respond,no luck.
Checked all connections....clean and tight.
Did several system shutdowns....complete...no luck ?
Anybody got any ideas ?
I'm totally dependent on gen power right now.
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ncampion
Super Nomad
Posts: 1238
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Mood: Retired and Loving it
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Sounds like you have done everything that I would have done. Are you positive you are getting power from the panels/combiner box to the Outback?
Good connections etc. Snooze indicates that the controller is not sensing sufficient voltage from the panels for it to go into Bulk charging. Not
sure where you bought the controller but you can try calling these guys, they are very willing to give info over the phone or email.
http://www.thesolarbiz.com/default.htm
Ask for Tom or his daughter Patty.
Good luck, post the fix when it comes so others can be aware of the problem.
Actually I just noticed that you said the voltage is 20 - 22. But you have a 3524 inverter which is a 24 volt inverter and needs well in excess of 24
volts to charge. How are your panels wired? What is the Vmax of the panels?
[Edited on 6-21-2012 by ncampion]
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BajaGringo
Ultra Nomad
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This is from an outback manual:
MX60 is always SLEEPING
1. Is battery voltage greater than the ABSORB voltage set point (compensated ABSORB voltage)?
If yes, the MX60 will not wake up since the battery voltage is at/above the ABSORB target voltage set point
2. Is the PV voltage greater than the battery voltage by at least 2 volts?
The PV voltage has to be at least 2 volts greater than the battery voltage for the initial wakeup.
3. Check the PV array breaker (or fuse)
Ensure that the PV array breaker (or fuse) is sized appropriately.
4. Which State (in Misc Menu) is it at? Is it transitioning between 00 and 01? Is it in FX-GT mode and connected to a
MATE?
Disconnect MATE for normal operation in FX-GT* mode.
*FX-GT mode is only applicable with a Hub 4 or 10 installation with a Grid-tie compatible MATE.
5. Does the PV array voltage on the display rise with the PV breaker OFF, but reads 000 with the PV breaker on?
If so, the PV array polarity connection on the MX60 maybe reversed or the PV lines could be shorted.
6. Does the PV voltage still read 000 with the PV breaker off after a minute?
Call factory for support
7. Check the short circuit current of the PV array?
Use a multimeter to determine if a short circuit current is detected. The short circuit current test will not harm the array
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cj5orion
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Location: Pacific Beach/Gonzaga Bay
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Mood: time for a cervaza !!!
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| Quote: | Originally posted by BajaGringo
This is from an outback manual:
MX60 is always SLEEPING
1. Is battery voltage greater than the ABSORB voltage set point (compensated ABSORB voltage)?
If yes, the MX60 will not wake up since the battery voltage is at/above the ABSORB target voltage set point
A=NOPE
2. Is the PV voltage greater than the battery voltage by at least 2 volts?
The PV voltage has to be at least 2 volts greater than the battery voltage for the initial wakeup.
A=YES
3. Check the PV array breaker (or fuse)
Ensure that the PV array breaker (or fuse) is sized appropriately.
A= yep,15 amp breakers,been there "for years",no problems
4. Which State (in Misc Menu) is it at? Is it transitioning between 00 and 01? Is it in FX-GT mode and connected to a
MATE?
Disconnect MATE for normal operation in FX-GT* mode.
*FX-GT mode is only applicable with a Hub 4 or 10 installation with a Grid-tie compatible MATE.
A=connected to mate 3...steady at 00
5. Does the PV array voltage on the display rise with the PV breaker OFF, but reads 000 with the PV breaker on?
If so, the PV array polarity connection on the MX60 maybe reversed or the PV lines could be shorted.
A= nope...steady array voltage at all times
6. Does the PV voltage still read 000 with the PV breaker off after a minute?
Call factory for support
A= ? yea,of course it reads 00 when the breaker is off ?
7. Check the short circuit current of the PV array?
Use a multimeter to determine if a short circuit current is detected. The short circuit current test will not harm the array |
A=did this yesterday,alls good
Man...you got a "diff" manual then what I got...I have no useable info about the controller in my manuals.Only some info about accessing the
controller thru the mate
Sure wish one of these would have been the problem.
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cj5orion
Nomad
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Registered: 2-6-2010
Location: Pacific Beach/Gonzaga Bay
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Mood: time for a cervaza !!!
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| Quote: | Originally posted by ncampion
Sounds like you have done everything that I would have done. Are you positive you are getting power from the panels/combiner box to the Outback?
Good connections etc. Snooze indicates that the controller is not sensing sufficient voltage from the panels for it to go into Bulk charging. Not
sure where you bought the controller but you can try calling these guys, they are very willing to give info over the phone or email.
http://www.thesolarbiz.com/default.htm
Ask for Tom or his daughter Patty.
Good luck, post the fix when it comes so others can be aware of the problem.
Actually I just noticed that you said the voltage is 20 - 22. But you have a 3524 inverter which is a 24 volt inverter and needs well in excess of 24
volts to charge. How are your panels wired? What is the Vmax of the panels?
[Edited on 6-21-2012 by ncampion] |
Sorry,bad communicating on my part.
the array is crankin out ....usually 58-59 v. to the controller
Home Remodels/Builds..Recession!
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larryC
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Posts: 1499
Registered: 8-11-2008
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You can get Outback specific info here: http://www.outbackpower.com/forum/index.php
and you can download charge controller manuals here:
http://www.outbackpower.com/resources/documents/manuals/#cha...
Good luck with it.
Larry
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DavidE
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3814
Registered: 12-1-2003
Location: Baja California México
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Mood: 'At home we demand facts and get them. In Mexico one subsists on rumor and never demands anything.' Charles Flandrau,
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If there is a plug connector, try getting some "DE-OXIT" D100 and clean off the contacts. This stuff is not available in Mexico, so try and get some
when you get back to the states. It is a miracle for removing salt air corrosion and tarnish from electrical contacts. Radio Shack and Fry's sells the
stuff. Be sure to get the D100 and nothing else.
A Lot To See And A Lot To Do
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cj5orion
Nomad
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Registered: 2-6-2010
Location: Pacific Beach/Gonzaga Bay
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not having any luck.
outback support....twice.....has stopped replying to email !
even solarbiz stopped ?
Went thru ALL the outback forums,tried everything they had for
diagnostics and/or repair.....nada
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BajaGringo
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The only thing I could suggest would be to disconnect the controller from all power sources (generator/AC/batteries) and let it sit for 30 minutes
before reconnecting it. Maybe it will reset itself??? I have three Xantrex MPPT controllers and although I could run with just two, I split the panels
between three. I figure the day will come when one will eventually go on the blink...
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
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Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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after a hurricane one of mine fried like that
inside its just a circut board
one little piece fails and the unit is dead
get a new controller
end the pain
you could direct wire to the batteries to charge them for now
when full just disconnect the panels
do this until your new unit arrives
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capt. mike
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or....convert to micro inverters - yes spendy but you can get 110v direct from each panel and then devise a charging system while you are using the
110 during daylight and go to batt power at night.
or...do what Bob says, he most always gets these things right.
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
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larryC
Super Nomad
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Yeah, do what Bob says, throw that Outback charge controller away and get a new one. Can I have your old one?
Larry
PS Sometimes they just have to sent back for repair. Outbacks warranty is one of the best in the business. Stuff happens.
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captkw
Ultra Nomad
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Location: el charro b.c.s.
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baja electrical
A "FLUKE DVM & DEOXIT" should be in every off the grid baja pad !! K&T
[Edited on 6-22-2012 by captkw]
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
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the old one is gone...guarantee hahahahha
just try to collect
as for repairs ...you can order a new board but its cheaper to just get a new one
the newer ones are better too...the "bugs" ironed out...
i would open the dead one to see if mud wasps didnt build a nest inside
i was watching a solar tech do a repair on mine and he showed me a couple of bad units...mud wasps...they get into everything
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BigWooo
Senior Nomad
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I'm a little late to this conversation, but I had the same problem with one of my older Outback charge controllers. The "snooze" problem was common
for a certain run of controllers. I doubt you will be able to fix it. When it happened to mine, they sent me a new board and I replaced it. I
wouldn't try to replace it yourself if you're not much of a hands on person, but it's definitely less expensive than replacing the charge controller.
I have since replaced my controllers for the newer Flexmate version. Definitely worth the investment. I'd suggest replacing it if you have the $$.
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cj5orion
Nomad
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Havent tested this yet but thought I'd post it anyhow.
Yesterday...talkin to a "neighbor" down here,mentioned my "snooze"
problem.
Without hesitation,his reply..."ya got a dead short in a battery...seen it many times,find the bad battery"
Now....by coincidence...I've already taken the opportunity to completely
disconnect the batts from the system.
Starting from fully charged,I've been doing hourly voltmeter test.
We have 28 sealed AGM batts in banks of 4
EVERY... bank had a bad battery in it !
Now I'm gonna move some batts around....giving me 2-3 good banks
and try firing up and see what happens ?
I'll keep ya posted !
Home Remodels/Builds..Recession!
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larryC
Super Nomad
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bob and Susan
the old one is gone...guarantee hahahahha
just try to collect
as for repairs ...you can order a new board but its cheaper to just get a new one
the newer ones are better too...the "bugs" ironed out...
i would open the dead one to see if mud wasps didnt build a nest inside
i was watching a solar tech do a repair on mine and he showed me a couple of bad units...mud wasps...they get into everything |
I don't know what type equipment you use at your place, but I use all Outback stuff and with the few problems I have had, they have repaired it no
charge. Even when the equipment is out of the 5 year warranty. For me they have been excellent. cj didn't say if his controller was an MX 60 or the
newer FM series, but I have no doubt that Outback will fix it, probably at no charge other than what it costs to send it back.
Larry
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captkw
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CJ5ORION
YEP,THE GUY IS RIGHT !! "seen it many times" is a understatment..and makes the regulator go bad and they (reg) can go bad from heat,bugs,rats and bad
install !! K&T
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cj5orion
Nomad
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well...I rearranged some batts...
got 2 banks hooked back up with all good batts
repowered....no luck.
Home Remodels/Builds..Recession!
Gone BAJA BUILDIN/FISHIN !
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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| Quote: | Originally posted by larryC
I don't know what type equipment you use at your place, but I use all Outback stuff and with the few problems I have had, they have repaired it no
charge. Even when the equipment is out of the 5 year warranty. For me they have been excellent. cj didn't say if his controller was an MX 60 or the
newer FM series, but I have no doubt that Outback will fix it, probably at no charge other than what it costs to send it back.
Larry |
so what is the phone number and address i send it
i just looked at mine today in the garage
i can have it in the usa in a week or two for shipping
ill go to town and call outback if its that easy
i really dont think they will assist
they havent assisted any of my neighbors
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