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MidNite Solar Classic Owner’s Manual This Manual covers models Classic 150, 200 and 250 P a g e...
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Copyright 2010 all rights reserved. MidNite Solar Inc. reserves the right to revise this document and to periodically make changes to the content hereof without obligation or organization of such revisions or changes unless required to do so by prior arrangement.
Contents Scope----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Introduction--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Installation guidelines and safety instructions------------------------------------------------------------------- Battery safety----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Installing the Classic------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Classic power curves-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Classic labels----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Unpacking the Classic----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Removing and installing the front cover------------------------------------------------------------- Mounting the Classic-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alternative Mounting-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sealed or Vented------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Network cables and network layout--------------------------------------------------------------------- Battery temperature sensor installation----------------------------------------------------------------- Grounding------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Internal Ground Fault Protection------------------------------------------------------------------------...
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Aux 1 Function------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Auxiliary 2 (OUTPUT)-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Auxiliary 2 (INPUT)----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Back light--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Restore factory default settings-------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating the Classic----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Display and buttons---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Navigating the display menus------------------------------------------------------------------ Viewing other Midnite products---------------------------------------------------------------- Charge stages and meanings------------------------------------------------------------------------------ View active faults and warnings-------------------------------------------------------------------------- View logged data-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 33 Equalization mode------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 71 Uploading firmware to the Classic and Display------------------------------------------------------- Retrieving firmware level------------------------------------------------------------------------...
The Classic is designed to regulate DC input from PV, Hydro, Wind and other DC sources.. The Classic 150, 200 and 250 are designed to work with 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 volt battery banks. The Classic can be installed stand alone or as a multi-unit networked installation.
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connected to Earth Ground for the internal DC-GFP to work. • With the exception of certain telecom applications, the Charge Controller should never be positive grounded. • The Charge Controller equipment ground is marked with this symbol: • If damaged or malfunctioning, the Charge Controller should only be disassembled and repaired by a qualified service center.
• If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If acid enters an eye, flood the eye with running cool water at once for at least 15 minutes and get medical attention immediately following. • Baking soda neutralizes lead acid battery electrolyte. Keep a supply on hand in the area of the batteries. •...
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figure 2.3 The graphs above represent the max power output for a given input for each Classic. Using and understanding these power graphs will help maximizing Classic’s output power and aid in selecting wire and breaker/disconnects. The built in set up wizard also helps select breakers and wire sizes. Notice that lower battery voltages and lower PV input voltages result in higher continuous output power.
Unpacking the Classic When you receive your Classic you will want to unpack it and make sure everything is there and in good shape. Refer to Figure 1.1. Included in the Classic package should be: *Classic charge controller *Battery temperature sensor *Snap on upper vent cover *Knock out covers 4 screened and 4 solid P a g e...
*User’s manual CD, printed installation instructions *1 ten foot custom USB cable If anything is missing or damaged please refer to Page 2 for details on contacting us. Figure 1.1 Removing and installing the front cover on the Classic Removing the front art deco cover is required to gain access to the wiring compartment. Be aware there is a cable connecting the cover to the electronics.
The following section covers typical mounting arrangements. If you require additional details that are not covered here please contact us at technical support. The Classic is designed to be directly mounted onto the MidNite Solar E-Panel as well as other installation methods. Mount in an upright position out P a g e...
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E-Panel Figure 1.3B Classic Mounted to side of E-Panel Figure 1.3C Nipple, locknuts and bushings that come with every E-Panel Figure 1.3D Classic mounted to the side of a MidNite Solar E-Panel P a g e 12 |...
Install locknut here to act as a spacer. Alternative Mounting To mount the Classic to a plywood surface use 1 1/2” wood screws in the top key hole slot hole and the holes in the wiring compartment. Taking care to make sure the Classic is Plumb and Level. Dimensions See page 40 for more details.
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seen in the photo below. Note that the Classic will be slightly derated (puts out less power) by sealing it. Refer to the owner’s manual for the specifications of the Classic in the sealed mode. Refer to Figure 1.4 and 1.5 figure 1.4 figure 1.5 Figure 1.6 Power wire hook up between the Classic and E-Panel...
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Figure 1.7A Master / Slave methods of hook up P a g e 15 |...
Cable Clamp for network cables Battery Temp Sensor USB connector 10 foot USB cable is included Ethernet connector figure 1.7B Battery Temperature Sensor installation CAUTION - To reduce risk of injury, charge only deep-cycle lead acid, lead antimony, lead calcium, gel cell or absorbed glass mat type rechargeable batteries.
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Figure 1.8 Insert BTS to the jack labeled BATTERY TEMP on the control board. Figure 1.9 Before placing the Battery Temperature Sensor make sure battery surface is clean from any dust or acids. Placement is not very critical. P a g e 17 |...
Grounding The Classic charge controller is designed to work with negatively grounded or ungrounded systems. For grounding conductor requirements on your specific installation please consult your local electrical code. The chassis grounding terminal is in the upper right corner of the electrical connection compartment see figure 2.0 Figure 2.0 Internal Ground Fault Protection...
Wiring the Classic Shock hazard. Disconnect the batteries and input power before opening the Classic WARNING front cover The Classic should be wired by a qualified professional and needs to meet all applicable electrical codes. Always make sure all source and battery circuits are de energized and wait 5 minutes before working on the wiring in the Classic.
#4 AWG. 4AWG THHN wire when installed in the Classic and MidNite E-Panel is rated for over 100 amps and is therefore suitable for the highest power Classic 150. Over Current Protection and Wire size requirements The over current devices, wiring, and installation methods used must conform to all electrical codes applicable to the location of installation.
1.56 times short circuit current for PV over current protection. This is reduced to 1.25 times when using a breaker rated for continuous duty. All MidNite Solar breakers are hydraulic/magnetic and are rated for continuous duty. No de-rating is required for the output breaker when using MidNite Solar breakers.
Connecting the Classic to the Clipper The Classic will work in conjunction with either of the MidNite Solar Clipper's. To connect the Classic to a Clipper you need to plug a MidNite network cable (standard 6 conductor phone cable) into the jack...
Sets the password On Classic Settings ENABLED? PASWORD WILL BE 142 CONNECTED TO Tells you which classic model it is CLASSIC 150 IS THIS A This menu will determine how to treat batteries GRID TIED SYSTEM differently. sealed batteries lower voltage for...
DO YOU KNOW THE BATTERY BANK AMP HR This is necessary for not damaging Batteries CAPACITY when in equalizing mode WHAT IS THE VOLTAGE This is necessary for the set up software to help OF AN INDIVIDUAL figure out battery capacity BATTERY SET CURRENT LIMIT Sets classic’s max output current...
Battery temperature compensation The Classic comes with a battery temperature sensor (BTS) included, this sensor helps optimize battery overall life time. Connect BTS to BATT TEMP jack. (Refer to fig 1.7B and 1.9) Battery temperature menu appears as T-Comp in the BATTERY MENU. In this menu you can change the voltage compensation as needed.
Scroll left or right until “Mode” is highlighted and push the Enter button. Set the status to OFF and then use the right soft key to select “Graph”. Using the left soft key select “MEM”. Now you can scroll up and down through the menu and select from the curve that was designed for your turbine.
•AUX 2 could be set to become an INPUT or OUTPUT. One at a time this port could be reading the state of a device connected and takes an action from there. For example: when the batteries have reached float voltage it could start a diversion load to keep the batteries loaded and keep producing pow- Main Aux Screen shows both Aux1 and Aux2 functions Off - Places output to Low state (0 Volts)
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Aux2 Function (OUTPUT) DIVERT DGTL F+ This mode is great when there is power on the input but the batteries are full a load will be activated but in contrast of using AUX 1 this mode will keep the batteries at a more smooth voltage level and the harvest of energy can be optimized, we like to call it use it or lose it.
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Aux1 and aux2 volts (high and low voltage thresholds) V LOW 8 volts V HIGH Max rated input voltage of the connected Classic (150, 200, 250V) To set/ change threshold voltage as well as time do the following: When in the function you wish to use press the right soft button This will take you to the VOLTS menu here is where you set your threshold voltage Use the left and right arrow keys to navigate through the options Use the up and down arrow keys to raise or lower the threshold voltage...
Operating the Classic Once the parameters have been set via the set up wizard or from manual set up, there are no further requirements to make the Classic function. It is all automatic. Navigating the menu's Push MAIN MENU Push right and left buttons to see the different menus Back to status screen push STATUS button * To navigate from one end of the main menus to the other end push the top right and left buttons When the Classic first turns on it will take you through the WIZARD setup.
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Absorb: This stage means that the Classic will maintain the absorb set point voltage until the batteries are charged or it reach Float stage. At this stage the classic is not putting out maximum current as that would increase the battery voltage over the Absorb set point. This is also referred to as constant voltage mode. The absorb time is proportional to the bulk time.
SENSITIVITY: This parameter determines how sensitive the Arc fault detector will be 1 being the most sensitive and 15 the least. This parameter is set to 10 from the factory. If you experience nuisance tripping you can raise the sensitivity one digit at a time. Follow the instructions below to make adjustments or disable Arc fault.
Connecting the Classic to the Internet The Classic has the ability to connect to the internet. The Classic has a standard Ethernet jack inside and can simply be plugged into the home network. If the Classic is in a location where direct cabling is inconvenient you can use a wireless access point.
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Here is a list of Wireless access points MidNite supports at this time: Dealer Information Screen For dealers’ convenience the Classic has a display screen that can be modified to publicize the dealers’ business information. This is helpful because the customer will know who to contact in case they want to report any problems regarding the product.
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The Classic comes set for a default charging voltage of: Battery Voltage Bulk MPPT 14.3v 28.6v 42.9v 57.2v 71.5v 85.8v Float 13.6v 27.2v 40.8v 54.4v 68.0v 81.6v Equalize 14.3 28.6v 42.9v 57.2v 71.5v 85.8v To adjust these voltage set point see page of this manual.
Regulatory Approvals Warranty MidNite Solar's Classic comes with a standard 5 year warranty we will repair or replace the Classic at no charge to the consumer during this 5 year period End of Warranty tune up MidNite Solar offers a industry first Tune up / Extended Warranty. 6 months prior to the end of the warranty period Customers can ship there Classic back to MidNite Solar with a check for $125 dollars and we will replace any wearable items like the fans and the capacitors and in general tune the Classic up.
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