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WARNING: Arc Fault protection is not ON by default.
NOTE: The National Electrical Code article 690.11 requires Arc Fault protection. The Classic has
this built-in as standard equipment and will need to be enabled, if so desired. The Classic SL does
not have Arc Fault built-in.
NOTE: The Arc Fault protection has adjustable sensitivity and may require some tuning for your
particular system to avoid nuisance tripping. Some house loads like table saws and well pumps and
other motor loads can be seen on the PV circuit in the Classic appearing similar to DC arcs. We have
started with a general average we have found to work reliably but in some cases this sensitivity
level is too high causing false Arc Fault alarms. When the Classic goes into Arc Fault, it goes to
Resting and will not charge the batteries. Please consult the Classic Manual for enabling and fine-
tuning of the Arc Fault system.
DANGER OF DEATH TO YOUR CLASSIC!
When the Classic is used with wind or hydro, a Clipper-type device will most likely be needed to
protect against over-voltage. A battery-based diversion load WILL NOT keep the Classic safe from
over-voltage. High input voltage is recorded and over-voltage is not covered under warranty.
Never wire a pump or other load to the input side of the Classic. If a load must be wired to the input
side of the Classic, the load and Classic need to have blocking diodes on them.
Never parallel two Classics onto one PV array.
IMPORTANT – Per UL1741 and NEC 690.12, this device must be located where the PV input
conductors are not required to be controlled.
For larger systems with large inverters and or multiple inverters (i.e., Radian or XW+), it is
important to use appropriately sized cables and bus bars or damage to the inverters or charge
controllers can occur. Take a single XW+ E-Panel, for example, it has a positive bus bar for the
charge controller battery side connections. This bus bar is sufficient for two charge controllers; if
you need three or more, then you need to look at the best way to handle the amperage. A dual
Radian, for example, is actually four separate inverters. Properly sized cables as well as a large
enough battery bank is very important. Most manufacturers of battery-based inverters recommend
100Ah of battery per kW of solar modules. Please consult the inverter manufacturer for assistance
with cable sizing.
Classic SL
This Owner's Manual covers both the Classic and the Classic SL models.
The Classic SL performs the same functions as the regular Classic, but WITHOUT the following
features: 1) No Arc Fault circuit; 2) No AUTO EQ function; 3) No Ethernet port; 4) No wind or hydro
programming; and 5) The Classic SL does not include the Battery Temp Sensor, sold separately.
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Table of Contents
Related Manuals for MidNite Classic
Summary of Contents for MidNite Classic
- Page 1 High input voltage is recorded and over-voltage is not covered under warranty. Never wire a pump or other load to the input side of the Classic. If a load must be wired to the input side of the Classic, the load and Classic need to have blocking diodes on them.
- Page 2 Classic Manual Rev L Classic 150 Classic 200 Classic 250 P a g e 1 0 - 0 0 1 - 1 R E V L...
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
Ground Fault Sharing .............................. 21 Naming the Classic ..............................21 Addressing Classics ..............................21 Connecting the Classic to Two MNGPs/Network Cable ..................22 Connecting the Classic to the Internet ........................22 Network Setup through the MNGP ......................... 23 DHCP..................................24... - Page 4 Current Limit ................................30 LED Modes................................31 Calibrating Classic and PV Voltage .......................... 31 Configuring DC Input Source ........................... 32 Programming the Classic for Wind Input Source ....................33 Equalization ................................35 Setting Date and Time ............................. 36 Arc Fault .................................. 36 Programming for PV Bleed Down ...........................
- Page 5 Classic Manual Rev L Preparing Classic for Update ........................... 52 HyperVoc ............................... 54 Troubleshooting / FAQs ..........................55 Mechanical Specifications ..........................64 Electrical Specifications ..........................65 Default Battery Charge Set Points ........................65 Regulatory Approval ............................66 RS232 Jack Pin Out ............................66 Classic Breaker Sizing ............................
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Page 6: Introduction
This manual provides safety guidelines, installation instructions, and usage information for the standard and SL models of the Classic 150, 200, and 250 charge controllers. It does not provide brand specific information about photovoltaic panels, batteries, et cetera. Contact the manufacturer of other components in the system for relevant technical data. -
Page 7: Safety Instructions
The following important restrictions apply unless superseded by local or national codes: To use the Classic’s built-in DC GFP, the system's DC negative conductor must not be bonded to earth ground. The Classic does this with its internal Ground Fault Protection circuitry. The battery negative and ground are not bonded together directly, rather battery negative and ground are connected by the Classic’s internal GFP device. -
Page 8: Dc And Battery-Related Installation Requirements
For Lithium battery banks we highly recommend using the Logic input on the Classic which allows the BMS to tell the Classic to stop charging if the BMS detects an issue brewing. We also recommend the use of an independent battery monitor/alarm if you have an expensive battery bank. -
Page 9: Classic Power Curves
You need to verify specific gravity and or verify the charge voltage is being met. Never fully rely on the SOC %; it is just a good, quick reference. Classic Power Curves Table 1 P a g e... - Page 10 Table 2 Table 3 Tables 1 through 3 above represent the max power output for a given input for each Classic. Using and understanding these power graphs will help maximize the Classic’s output power and aid in selecting wire and breaker/disconnects. Notice that lower battery voltages and lower PV input voltages result in higher continuous output power.
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Page 11: Classic Installation
NOTE: You can find the Classic string sizing tool our web page www.midnitesolar.com. Classic Installation 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. Included with the Classic: Classic charge controller ... -
Page 12: Mounting The Classic
To remove the front cover of the Classic in preparation for installation, remove the four Phillip’s head screws with a #2 Phillip’s screwdriver. Lift the front half of the Classic casting off. You will need to unplug the display cable. It works the same as any phone cable. -
Page 13: Alternative Mounting
Figure 6 Alternative Mounting To mount the Classic to a plywood surface, use 1 1/2” wood screws in the top keyhole slot hole and the holes in the wiring compartment, taking care to make sure the Classic is plumb and level. -
Page 14: Sealed Or Vented
The Classic can be sealed for protection from salt air or dust. It comes from the factory vented. If you live in a dusty or salt air environment, you may wish to seal the Classic. Sealing the Classic does not make the unit water resistant. To seal the Classic, install the solid plastic knock-out covers into any unused knock-outs and snap the upper vent cover onto the Classic as seen in Figures 7 and 8. -
Page 15: To Connect Wiring To The Classic
15 - DC breaker for the inverter (Also serves as a disconnect for the Inverter). 16 - DC breaker for the PV into the Classic (Also serves as a disconnect for the Classic). 17 - DC breaker for the battery into the Classic (Also serves as a disconnect for the Classic). - Page 16 Classic Manual Rev L Diagram 1 – Overall System Wiring 15 | P a g e 1 0 - 0 0 1 - 1 R E V L...
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Page 17: Dc Terminal Connector
The Classic must have over-current protection to protect wiring from over-current events. A means of disconnect must be installed on the DC in and DC out of the Classic. Consult your local codes to determine over-current ratings. The breaker between the battery bank and the Classic must conform to UL489. -
Page 18: Long Distance Wire Runs
Classic: PV runs up to 100 feet - use the Classic 150; runs up to 180 feet - use the Classic 200, or above 180 feet - use the Classic 250. -
Page 19: Grounding
Rev L Grounding Chassis Grounding In all installations the Classic chassis should be connected to ground. For systems with a battery breaker sized 60A and smaller, #10 AWG (6 mm ) copper is generally sufficient. For systems with a battery breaker sized 100A and smaller, #8 AWG (10 mm ) copper is required. -
Page 20: Disabling Gfp
Positive Ground Systems When installing the Classic in a positive ground system there are a few extra steps that need to be taken. The ground fault jumper needs to be removed, and ground fault needs to be disabled in the TWEAKS menu. - Page 21 Tech Support for information on modifying the Follow-Me cables. The Follow-Me function basically is just what it is called. The Classic will simply ask the Classic to its right, “What do I do now?” and this propagates around the loop continually. Whichever Classic goes to Float first, for example, will simply tell the other Classics it is time to go to Float.
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Page 22: Ground Fault Sharing
For example, say you have three solar Classics and one wind Classic, and you do not want the wind Classic to shut down for GFP. Make sure in the Tweaks menu of the wind Classic that GFP is disabled (off). -
Page 23: Connecting The Classic To Two Mngps/Network Cable
The Classic supports standard 10/100-base T Ethernet networks. For Gigabit networks you will need a common network switch that is capable of mixed mode operation. The Classic may also be placed on a, b, g, or n wireless networks by using a wireless network bridge device. Depending on your network you may use one of the topographies detailed in Example 1 through 4 below. -
Page 24: Network Setup Through The Mngp
Classic Manual Rev L 4-Port Switch / Router Example 1 - Local network through switch. We do NOT recommend direct-connect between Classic and computer. Wireless Wireless Router/ Bridge Access Point Example 2 - Local network through wireless bridge Wireless enabled... -
Page 25: Dhcp
Static IP The Classic supports static IP address allocation. In this mode you can assign the Classic a specific IP address. This lets you set up things like port forwarding from your router or for networks with static IP allocations. -
Page 26: Ip Address
“10.0.0.x” depending on your networking equipment. You must be careful when selecting this address. If it does not match your network subnet then the classic will not be able to communicate with the network. If it is the same as another device on the network, then collisions will occur causing both devices to act erratically. -
Page 27: Local Network
You will need the values of MA and DI handy in order to create an account on the My MidNite web site. This unique number pair identifies your particular Classic to our server and helps to prevent malicious users from trying to access your Classic. -
Page 28: Classic Programming
The Classic comes with a BTS which plugs into the jack labeled “Batt Temp” (see Figures 15 and 16). Route the cable through the E-Panel into the battery box. Pick a battery in the middle of the bank and about half-way up the side of the battery;... - Page 29 The Classic has some helpful safety features including GFP (Ground Fault Protection) and AFD (Arc Fault Detector). When one or more faults are detected, the Classic will stop outputting power and display a fault message in the bottom right corner of the home screen.
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Page 30: Battery Charge Stages
ENTER will take you inside the submenu where you will be able to change the parameters of the unit. To get out of the submenus, push MAIN MENU; this will take you out of the submenus one at a time every time you push it. See Pages 69-72 for Classic Menu Maps. -
Page 31: Mode Is Off
Classic safe. If the orange LED comes on the MNGP, it means that the Classic is in current limit mode. If you believe the Classic is not hot and the orange LED is on, most likely the current limit set point is too low. To check this, follow these steps: ... -
Page 32: Led Modes
PV voltage. Using the voltmeter, measure the voltage on the DC terminal connector of the Classic and compare this reading to the reading on the MNGP in the TWEAKS menu (refer to Screenshot 2). To adjust the reading of the Classic to the reading on the voltmeter, follow these steps: ... -
Page 33: Configuring Dc Input Source
Classic will do mini sweeps at user adjustable time intervals. If the time interval is set to 0, the Classic will not do any mini sweeps but will stay on this first found MPP V until the user goes to the mode menu and turns it off and back on again. -
Page 34: Programming The Classic For Wind Input Source
This is a fully manual mode based on a percentage of Voc. The Classic will sweep based on the user set time in minutes and then park at a user set percentage of the Voc the Classic found on that sweep. This mode is useful for testing or constant voltage sources. - Page 35 Step 1 is always the wake-up voltage of the Classic at 0A. Step 2 is the cut-in voltage of the turbine and the expected current at cut-in. Step 16 is the maximum input voltage (less than 150V for the Classic 150;...
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Page 36: Equalization
A manual EQ, when started, will last for that day unless the Classic is in Hydro or Wind and the controller never goes to Resting that night. In this case, it will stay in EQ until it completes, or the controller goes to Resting. -
Page 37: Setting Date And Time
1 hour of a 2-hour EQ cycle, the next day the Classic will re-attempt the EQ cycle. If the Classic does not finish the EQ cycle on the 2nd day of its 3 allotted re-try days, it will have one more day to try to finish the Equalize cycle. After this, if it did not complete the 2 hours of EQ time, it will not continue another day. -
Page 38: Programming For Pv Bleed Down
DOWN ARROW keys to change settings. Programming for PV Bleed Down To enable the Classic to bleed down its PV capacitors in less than 30 seconds, to be used in conjunction with a Rapid Shutdown System (RSS), follow these steps: ... -
Page 39: Charge/Advanced Settings
(RESTING) until Re-bulk voltage is reached. Skip Days – This setting forces the Classic to Float at the start of the charging day instead of to Bulk. Useful if you have an unattended system, say at a remote cabin, one that you do not... -
Page 40: Auxiliary Ports
NOTE: When using AUX 1 it is recommended that you have a relay in line to protect the Classic. AUX 1 is only rated for 12V/200mA; if you use a device that will pull more current, doing so can harm the Classic. Using a relay is also good for isolating the Classic from possible stray voltage sources. -
Page 41: Aux Function Definitions
WIDTH: Is the voltage range (usually 1.0V) above or below the target set point, depending on active high or active low, that the PWM goes from full OFF to full ON. The Classic has a voltage resolution of 0.1V. A WIDTH setting of 1.0V therefore is divided into 10 different PWM possibilities. -
Page 42: Aux 1 Modes
AUX 1 will turn OFF after a 30-second DELAY. Float Low When the Classic is in Float Mode, AUX 1 will turn OFF. AUX 1 will be ON during all other modes (including Float MPPT). AUX 1 will stay OFF until the Classic falls 0.3V below the Float voltage set point. - Page 43 Waste Not Lo This mode will turn AUX 1 OFF when the Classic gets within a certain range of the voltage set point (V HIGH) for each charging stage (Absorb, Float, EQ) and turn AUX 1 ON when it gets to a low set point (V LOW).
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Page 44: Aux 2 Modes
(Bulk, Absorb, or Float), a PWM signal will turn ON. Float Low When the Classic is in Float mode, AUX 2 will be OFF. AUX 2 will be ON in all other modes. 43 | P a g e... - Page 45 Rev L Float High When the Classic is in Float Mode, AUX 2 will be ON. AUX 2 will be OFF in all other modes. Day Light When the Classic notices DAWN, AUX 2 will turn ON; when the Classic notices DUSK, AUX 2 will turn OFF.
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Page 46: Aux 1 And 2 Jumpers
52.1V, AUX 2 will turn OFF. Waste Not Hi This mode will turn AUX 2 OFF when the Classic reaches a certain voltage set point (V Low) for each charging stage (Absorb, Float, EQ) and turn AUX 2 ON when battery voltage exceeds the set point. - Page 47 Classic Manual Rev L When AUX 1 is used to supply 12V out, JP6 and JP8 must be in the position shown in Figure 20. The basic schematic of how this works is shown above in Diagram 6. The 12V out is more like 14.5V.
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Page 48: Logged Data
Diagram 9 – AUX 2 Function Graph Logged Data The Classic logs 380 days of data in its memory. The data logging in the Classic has two modes and frequency of data capture: Daily and Hourly. Figure 22... - Page 49 1 day) and displays the captured date above the word "DAY." There are 380 days of information stored in the Classic. After 380 days are captured and stored, the oldest data stored will be overwritten as new daily data fills in as the most recent data.
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Page 50: Graphical Logging Display Modes
If the data is all zeros and the year is shown as 2000, the data is most likely invalid and not correct or the logging memory has not been filled yet. This is why the Classic powers up with the year 05/04/2003. - Page 51 Daily History will take many days to fill in, where the Recent Hourly (minutes really) data will fill in after a few hours or maybe a day or two depending on how long the Classic is on and running for that day.
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Page 52: Classic Voice
Press the RIGHT ARROW key twice to highlight AUDIO; depress ENTER. o Use UP/DOWN ARROW keys to select voice mode. NOTE: After choosing the level you want to use, you must reboot the Classic for it to work. Audio Reports (Only in VERBOSE or CHATTY CATHY mode): o While in the Audio menu, press ADVANCED. -
Page 53: Updating New Firmware To The Classic
Due to the various different Windows configurations, we will not go into detail in the Classic Manual. The firmware upgrade is fail-safe, so if the wrong code is installed the Classic simply says, “Wrong code,” prompting you to load the correct code. Also, if the upload is interrupted for whatever reason, simply start over. - Page 54 Use any Standard-to-Mini B USB cable to connect the Classic to the PC. The smaller terminal connects to the USB port on the Classic. The USB port is located on the right side of the Ethernet jack in the lower part of the Classic (see Figure 30).
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Page 55: Hypervoc
44.1V. The industry has limited us to two of these panels in series making it hard to charge a 48V battery on hot summer days. With the Classic we designed in Hyper VOC to allow you to run three of these in series. -
Page 56: Troubleshooting / Faqs
JP1 and JP4 and stow them back on a single pin like they were. Step 6- Put the front cover on and power up the Classic. If you have custom settings you will need to use your MNGP or Local App and reset the battery voltage, set points, and any AUX functions that were in use will need to be re-selected and programmed. - Page 57 Watch the input voltage; if it drops down close to battery voltage Bulk MPPT repeatedly and then the Classic goes to Resting, this is usually a sign of a bad but produces 0 watts connection. If it is rock solid call Tech Support.
- Page 58 Go to the Main Menu and then into the TEMPS Menu and verify all Follow-Me is working Classics are seeing the same battery temp from the Classic with properly? the BTS plugged in. You should see a blue LED flashing inside the top vent. There are ...
- Page 59 10 degree C difference: -10 x 24 = -240 x 0.005 = -1200mV (or -1.2V), so the Classic will charge to 60V. Classic goes to Float Ensure End Amps is not set too high causing the Classic to go to too early...
- Page 60 together (Follow-Me). If one of the Classics goes to Float it can show this and will go away as soon as the other Classic goes to Float. If this is a new install, the wrong nominal voltage may be selected ...
- Page 61 SOC% is not showing screen and verifying the values are correct. on the main status The SOC% will not show up until the Classic with the WBjr goes screen to Float once so it can calibrate. If there are multiple Classics in Follow-Me, ensure the one with ...
- Page 62 To do a direct connection we recommend a crossover Ethernet cable. Set the Classic to a static IP, say 192.168.1.5, then you need to go into the IPV4 properties on the PC and set it for a static IP of 192.168.1.2, for example.
- Page 63 NOTE: If the PV array is really low voltage and its max power point is close to the battery voltage, disabling LoMax will cause a slight loss in power as the Classic will not be able to track all the way to the battery voltage looking for the MPPT voltage.
- Page 64 I have for 100W panel becomes an 80W panel). solar panels Does the Classic say Absorb, Float, or EQ? If so, that means the battery is nearly full and the Classic is throttling back to prevent over charging the battery.
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Page 65: Mechanical Specifications
Classic Manual Rev L example, set to 3 will start Bulk charging on the 4 day. Mechanical Specifications Diagram 10 64 | P a g e 1 0 - 0 0 1 - 1 R E V L... -
Page 66: Electrical Specifications
The table below describes the default preset voltages for the different nominal battery voltages. This means that if you set the Classic from the QUICK START to a different battery voltage, the Classic will take the default voltage set points. If you manually adjust the Absorb, Float, or Equalization voltage set points, and then nominal battery voltage is changed to a different nominal voltage, (i.e., from 24V to 12V), manual adjustments may be required. -
Page 67: Regulatory Approval
Classic Manual Rev L Regulatory Approval The MidNite Solar Classic charge controller conforms to UL 1741, Safety for Inverters, Converters, Controllers and Interconnection System Equipment for Use with Distributed Energy Resources, Second Edition, May 7, 1999 with revisions through January 28, 2010 and CAN/CSA C22.2 No. - Page 68 Classic Manual Rev L Table 8 67 | P a g e 1 0 - 0 0 1 - 1 R E V L...
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Page 69: Classic Menu Maps
Classic Manual Rev L 68 | P a g e 1 0 - 0 0 1 - 1 R E V L... - Page 70 Classic Manual Rev L 69 | P a g e 1 0 - 0 0 1 - 1 R E V L...
- Page 71 Classic Manual Rev L 70 | P a g e 1 0 - 0 0 1 - 1 R E V L...
- Page 72 Classic Manual Rev L 71 | P a g e 1 0 - 0 0 1 - 1 R E V L...
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Page 73: Classic Label Set
Classic Manual Rev L Classic Label Set 72 | P a g e 1 0 - 0 0 1 - 1 R E V L... -
Page 74: Glossary Of Terms
This is useful for remote sites where a loss of Internet capability would be a hardship. Aux – Auxiliary relays. The Classic has 2 relays: AUX 1 can be configured as a 12V signal or a dry relay; AUX 2 can be used as a PWM signal output. - Page 75 Insomnia – When enabled, will keep the Classic from going to Resting. This is intended for hydro mode only where you may need time to open water valves and do not want to wait for the Classic to wake up.
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Page 76: Warranty
MidNite Solar offers an extended warranty for all the Classic MPPT charge controllers. Six months prior to the end of the warranty period customers can ship their Classic back to MidNite Solar with a check for $147 dollars plus shipping and we will replace any wearable parts and do a general tune-up. -
Page 77: New Turbo Fan Assembly
Step 1: Remove front cover to the Classic. Step 2: Remove turbo fan wire harness from power board. Step 3: Turn Classic over, remove two screws on the back of the Classic that secures the fan assembly to the Classic’s chassis. - Page 78 Tighten the screws. Step 6: Pop the top vent into place. Step 7: Use the screws to mount the base back on the Classic: 77 | P a g e...
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