• Before installing or using this device, read all instructions and cautionary markings located in (or on) the TM500A, the manual, the batteries, the inverter, the PV array, etc. • Do not expose this unit to rain, snow or liquids of any type. This product is designed only for indoor mounting.
CHARGED indication parameters, battery capacity, charging efficiency, low-battery warning conditions and a recharge reminder. The TM500A can monitor any battery supply from approximately 8 to 65 volts, track energy consumption and estimate remaining battery life. In addition to its status monitoring features, the unit can act as a remote control, switching the inverter OFF or ON (only on inverters incorporating an RC4/RC8 compatible remote control jack).
1.0 INTRODUCTION Unpacking and Inspection Upon receiving the TM500A, check that the following items are included. TM500A (12/24 Volt) • TM500A (meter panel, adaptor and mounting bracket) • Manual • 50-foot communications cable • Deltec™ 500 amp/50 mV shunt •...
Phillips screw driver • 3/32" and 3/16" drill bits • Hole saw If the TM500A will also function as a remote control (INVERTER ON/OFF), an additional cable must be ordered. Available lengths are: 10 feet–TC/10 50 feet–TC/50 Pre-Installation Before installing the TM500A, read all instructions and cautionary markings located in this manual.
SHUNT ONLY” jack on the TM500A. See Figure 2-3. • If the TM500A is to function as an ON/OFF remote control for the inverter, connect the remote control cable (not supplied) to the “J2 INVERTER ONLY” jack. This connector only functions if the inverter contains a REMOTE jack that allows operation with an RC4 or RC8 remote control.
2.0 INSTALLATION Flush Mounting To flush mount the TM500A , an opening must be cut in the backing material to allow room for the circuit board, wires and connectors. Allow at least one inch depth behind the circuit board for the connectors and wires.
2.0 INSTALLATION Extended Length Installations If the TM500A is mounted in excess of 100 feet from the inverter, an additional wire (with a spade lugs on both ends) must be connected between the TM500A and shunt spade lugs. This wire acts as a ground reference and ensures the meter will read accurately.
2.0 INSTALLATION Mounting Circuit Board to an Existing Shunt Model TM500A - NS is supplied without a shunt and is intended to be wired to an existing shunt. The kit includes two brass 8-32 x 5/8 inch machine screws, two lock-washers and two metal standoffs.
The default values will return to those listed above and are for a 12 VDC system. To restore the factory defaults: 1. Set the TM500A into the power saving mode by repeatedly pressing the SELECT button until the LED display goes blank. 2. Press and hold the RESET button. The display will indicate “ALL”...
Trigger the LED when voltage and time parameters are met Trigger on Voltage Only When the TM500A is setup to trigger on voltage only, the CHARGED LED illuminates when the voltage reaches the level programmed into the TM500A. NOTE: This mode must be setup first before setting the Voltage and Current or Voltage and Time modes.
Page 24
3B. Press the RESET button until the display indicates OFF. 4B. Press SELECT button to accept. The TM500A is now setup to trigger the CHARGED indicator LED ( when the voltage level equals or exceeds the value programmed in Step A.
LED to illuminate when specified conditions are met. However, if a suffi- ciently high amperage is being drawn from DC loads during charging, the meter detects this current, and it prevents the TM500A from illuminating the CHARGED indicator LED. To set the meter to illuminate the CHARGED LED, the amperage trigger level must be increased to account for the additional DC loads.
Page 26
4B. Press SELECT button to accept. The selectable amperage values are from 1 to 99 amps. The TM500A is now setup to trigger the CHARGED indicator LED ( when the voltage level equals or exceeds the value programmed in Step A and the amperage level falls below the value programmed in Step B.
Page 28
4B. Press SELECT button to accept. The selectable amperage values are from 0.2H to 2.0H (12 minutes to 2 hours). The TM500A is now setup to trigger the CHARGED indicator LED ( when the voltage level equals or exceeds the value programmed in Step A and the current remains positive for the time duration programmed in Step B.
Relay Chargers Relay type chargers raise the battery to a set voltage level then shut OFF using only voltage as their parameter. Set the TM500A to the voltage only mode and set the voltage slightly below the charger turnoff setting.
Setting Parameters (continued) Low-Voltage Indicator The TM500A should be set to trigger on a user specified low DC voltage level. When the battery voltage falls below this level, the VOLTAGE indicator ) flashes approximately once every four seconds. This meter is useful to determine if the batteries are being over-discharged.
Indicator Front Panel Controls and Indicators Buttons SELECT Button The SELECT button is used to switch the TM500A between the different meters and modes. One of the LEDs located above the buttons illuminate, indicating the active function. RESET Button The RESET button is used to change the metering parameters and to reset the CHARGED indicator.
Charge Indicator Power Saving Mode The TM500A can be put into a low-power/power-saving mode by repeat- edly pressing the SELECT button until the display goes blank. In this mode, none of the LED indicators illuminate. The power consumption of the unit is reduced from 32 mA maximum to approximately 18 mA.
This function can be used as a battery life indicator. The range is from 00.0 to 999,000. Multiply the displayed value by 1000 when the decimal point flashes. The cumulative value remains in memory even if the TM500A is disconnected. This meter can be manually reset to zero.
4.0 OPERATION Reminders and Indicators The TM500A features a programmable recharge reminder as well as low- voltage and charged indicators. Amp-Hour Reminder The Amp-Hour LED can be configured to flash at a specified interval following recharge as a reminder that it is time to charge the batteries. The range is from 1 to 99 days or it can be turned off.
6.0 SERVICE INFORMATION Xantrex Technology Inc., takes great pride in its products and makes every effort to ensure your unit fully meets your independent powering needs. If your product needs repair, contact our Customer Service department at: (360) 435-8826 to obtain an RMA# and shipping information; or, fax this page with the following information to: (360) 474-0616.
8.0 WARRANTY Xantrex Technology Inc., warrants its power products against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the date of purchase, established by proof of purchase or formal warranty registration, and extends this warranty to all purchasers or owners of the product during the warranty period.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the Trace TM500A and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers