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MidNite Solar Classic Owner’s Manual Firmware rev 1933 Standard Classic Classic Lite This Manual covers models Classic 150, 200 & 250 as well as the Classic 150, 200 & 250 LITE Este manual también está disponible en Español. La versión en Español puede encontrarse en nuestra...
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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.
Classic owner’s manual (continued) Contents Scope ..................................... 6 Introduction ................................. 6 Classic Power Curves ..............................8 Unpacking the Classic ..............................9 Removing and installing the front cover on the Classic ..................10 Mounting the Classic ..............................11 Alternative Mounting .............................. 13 Dimensions ................................
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Classic owner’s manual (continued) Adjusting Absorb, Equalize and Float Voltages ..................... 30 Current Limit................................30 LED Modes and the “Blinking Red LED” ......................31 Calibrating Battery and PV Voltage ........................31 Configuring DC Input Source ..........................32 Configuring the Classic for Wind Input Source ...................... 33 Setting the Date and Time ............................
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Classic owner’s manual (continued) Connecting the Classic to the Internet ........................63 Networking................................63 Network Setup through the MNGP ......................... 65 Web Access ................................66 Local Network ................................. 67 Positive Ground systems ............................67 Troubleshooting ................................ 69 Electrical Specifications ............................70 Specifications Mechanical ............................
Classic is designed to regulate DC input from PV, and Approved Hydro and Wind turbines for other DC sources please contact MidNite Solar tech support. The Classic 150, 200 and 250 are designed to work with 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 and 72 volt battery banks.
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Classic owner’s manual (continued) • 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. Please contact your renewable energy dealer/installer for assistance. Incorrect reassembly risks malfunction, electric shock or fire.
Classic owner’s manual (continued) soap and warm water when done. 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.
Classic owner’s manual (continued) Table 3 The graphs above represent the max power output for a given input for each Classic. Using and understanding these power graphs will help maximize 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.
Classic owner’s manual (continued) Figure 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 if this is not the first removal of this cover there is a cable connecting the cover to the electronics.
The Classic is designed to be directly mounted onto the MidNite Solar E-Panel. The Classic can also accommodate other installation methods as well. Mount in an upright position out of direct sunlight when possible. For your convenience the Classic has four one inch knock outs that are pre cast.
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Nipple, locknuts and bushings that come with every E-Panel Figure 4 Figure 5 Classic mounted to the side of a MidNite Solar E-Panel 12 | P a g e 1 0 - 0 0 1 - 1 R E V : E...
Classic owner’s manual (continued) Figure 6 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.
Classic owner’s manual (continued) Sealed or Vented The Classic has the ability to 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.
Classic owner’s manual (continued) “Follow-ME” Charging coordination Follow-Me will allow Classics to share charge stages, as well as Battery temperature info and Ground fault coordination. Follow-Me also allows you to program a single Classic for Equalize charging and it will instruct all the others to Equalize as well. You do need to set the Equalize parameters in each Classic. For the Battery Temp sensor you will need one BTS only and it can be on any of the Classics.
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Classic owner’s manual (continued) Addressing the Classics You can assign unique addresses to each networked Classic. This is not necessary for Follow Me to work but it is necessary if you want to view multiple Classics from a single MNGP. To address a Classic simply use the MNGP that is plugged into that Classic, or plug the MNGP into that classic and hold the Left arrow button down and tap the up or down button.
Classic owner’s manual (continued) Cable Clamp for network cables Battery Temp Sensor included USB connector Ethernet connector Figure 11 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. Other types of batteries may burst, causing personal injury and damage.
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Classic owner’s manual (continued) Figure 12 Insert BTS to the jack labeled BATTERY TEMP on the control board. Figure 13 18 | P a g e 1 0 - 0 0 1 - 1 R E V : E...
Classic owner’s manual (continued) Chassis Grounding In all installations the Classic chassis should be connected to ground. For systems with a battery breaker sized 60 amps and smaller, 10 AWG (6 mm ) copper is generally sufficient. For systems with a battery breaker sized 100 amps and smaller, 8 AWG (10 mm ) copper is required.
Classic owner’s manual (continued) DC GFP (Ground Fault Protection) The Classic has internal ground fault protection (GFP) built in. Since 2008, the NEC requires a DC-GFP on all PV systems in the USA. The built in DC-GFP eliminates the need to purchase and install an external DC-GFP.
Classic owner’s manual (continued) Disabling GFP The GFP feature should only be disabled to operate the Classic in an ungrounded power system or in systems where GFP is not required. Press Main Menu Scroll to the right or left until TWEAKS is highlighted and press ENTER ...
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Classic owner’s manual (continued) Diagram 1 Explanations 10 = Solar Modules (PV) 11 = DC Combiner (Like our MNPV6 or MNPV12 for example) 12 = MNSPD300-DC (Surge protection) 13 = MNSPD300-AC (Surge protection) 14 = MNSPD300-DC (Surge protection) 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) 18 = AC L1 Input Bus Bar.
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Classic owner’s manual (continued) Diagram 1 23 | P a g e 1 0 - 0 0 1 - 1 R E V : E...
Classic owner’s manual (continued) DC Terminal Connector Figure 17 The Classic's DC terminal connector is located on the circuit board as shown in figure 17. The connector will take up to a #4 AWG. #4 AWG THHN when installed in the Classic and MidNite E-Panel is rated for over 100 amps and is therefore suitable for the highest power available from the Classic 150.
If this sounds too complicated use this rule of thumb in selecting the proper 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.
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Classic owner’s manual (continued) -Scroll up or down to find Clipper control and press the right soft key again -On this screen we need to select AC or DC for the Clipper you have (AC is default) CAUTION! CONNECTING A DC CLIPPER WITH THIS SET TO AC CAN DAMAGE THE CLIPPER! -Press the right soft key again, here we need to set the absolute voltage we want the clipper to allow.
Classic owner’s manual (continued) Maximum and Minimum Wire Size The Classic’s Blue DC terminal connector will accept wire from #14-#4 AWG The Classic’s Aux 1 and 2 terminal connector will accept wire up to #18 AWG Equalization Manual and Auto Equalization with the Classic Lite DHCP MODBUS...
Classic owner’s manual (continued) Equalization with the standard Classic Manual EQ To do a manual Equalization charge, go into the Charge menu and highlight “EQ” and press “Enter”. Now “EQ Stopped” will be highlighted. Scroll up to select “Eq Started”. Press the “Status” button to return to the home screen.
Classic owner’s manual (continued) Standard Classic programming Commissioning the Classic (Quick Start) The Classic will enter into the Quick Set screens upon initial power up. If the Classic does not enter into the quick set or you want to restore to Factory Default follow these steps to initiate a Quick Set. ...
Classic owner’s manual (continued) Mode is OFF The Classic is unique in that it has multiple charging algorithms for just about any DC input. Because we support such a wide variety of DC inputs we have also added a software “ON” and “OFF” feature. This software “Switch”...
Classic owner’s manual (continued) LED Modes and the “Blinking Red LED” Below we will explain the different LED Modes. To change the LED Mode press the “Main Menu” button repeatedly until “Charge” is highlighted. Scroll to the right until “Misc” is highlighted and press “Enter”. Now scroll to “LED-Mode”...
Classic owner’s manual (continued) Configuring DC Input Source To select the Mode the Classic will run in, follow the steps below. Push the Main Menu button. Scroll left or right until Mode is highlighted and then push the Enter button. ...
Classic owner’s manual (continued) Legacy P&O Legacy P&O (Perturb and Observe) mode is a slow tracking mode similar to the Micro Hydro mode but with the difference that it is slightly faster and will shut off if the power source goes off. It has two settings that are user adjustable.
Classic owner’s manual (continued) There are also 9 memory spaces for you to save a custom power curve. To build custom power curves select a memory location between 1 and 9 and hit “RECALL”. Use the right and left arrow buttons to scroll through the 16 steps in the custom curve.
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Classic owner’s manual (continued) To configure the Classic's Aux ports: Push the Main Menu button Scroll left or right to highlight “AUX” and push the Enter button. Scroll left or right to highlight the relay you wish to change. Push the right soft key labeled “SETUP”.
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Classic owner’s manual (continued) Vent Fan High This mode will turn Aux 1 on above the voltage set point you program. It allows you to run a vent fan for a battery bank based on battery voltage. There is a voltage set point that you set and Aux 1 will turn on when the battery reaches that set point.
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Classic owner’s manual (continued) Waste Not Lo This mode will turn Aux 1 off when the Classic gets within a certain range of the voltage set points for each charging stage (V High) and turn Aux 1 on when it gets to a low set point (V Low). These set points are user adjustable and will allow the Absorb, Float and EQ timers to continue to run.
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Classic owner’s manual (continued) Float High This mode will turn Aux 2 on whenever the Classic is in Float. Aux 2 will stay on until the Classic falls 3 tenths of a volt below the float voltage set point. Day Light This mode will turn on Aux 2 at sunrise and turn it off at sunset based on the PV input voltage.
Classic owner’s manual (continued) Waste Not Hi This mode is PWM based and will PWM Aux 2 when the Classic gets within a certain range of the voltage set points for each charging stage (V High) and stop when it gets to a low set point (V Low). These set points are user adjustable and will allow the Absorb, Float and EQ timers to continue to run.
Classic owner’s manual (continued) LOW BAT DISC Disc load based on bat volt DIVERSION Slow Diversion control Aux 2 Function. Output/Input OUTPUT = 12V/0V Signal / 500Hz PWM WIZBANG JR Current Shunt Option FORCE FLOAT IN IN > 6V Forces Float LOGIC INPUT 2 IN <...
Classic owner’s manual (continued) Diagram 2 When Aux 1 is used to supply 12v out, JP6 and JP8 have to be in the position shown in Diagram 2. The basic schematic of how this works is shown above. The 12v out is more like 14.5v. The maximum current from Aux 1 should not exceed 200mA.
Classic owner’s manual (continued) Diagram 4 Aux 2 Voltage-Time Relation (PWM) The graph below describes the relation in Aux 2, between voltage and time. The difference in Aux 2 is the use of PWM running at a hundreds of Hz rate and is suitable for use with Solid State Relays (SSRs). The way this works is: user sets a desired threshold and a width voltage;...
Classic owner’s manual (continued) Setting the MNGP features The Classic comes with an integrated “MidNite Graphics Panel” (MNGP), which is the primary interface to the Classic. Setting up contrast, backlight and volume is simple; just follow the steps below. Push the Main Menu button. ...
MNGP. Since the Classic transmits power and data signals through the phone cable to the MNGP the length of the cable is limited to 100ft. MidNite Solar only offers a 3ft as an optional accessory. If you are making your own cable be sure be sure to insert cable end all the way into the phone terminal to get a good contact.
The arc fault module has three adjustable parameters consisting of: MODE, TIME & SENSITVY MODE: Is assigned as a 1 from factory default and it should stay that way unless instructed by MidNite Solar. TIME: This sets the length of the arc the Classic has to monitor before tripping the Arc fault detection.
Classic owner’s manual (continued) To change the parameters of the Arc Fault, follow the steps below: Press Main Menu Scroll to the right or left until TWEAKS is highlighted and press ENTER In TWEAKS press the right soft key to get to the BITS menu ...
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Classic owner’s manual (continued) Screenshot 3 When entering the "LOGS" menu, you will see two items displayed there. The top line is lifetime kW-Hours for the Classic and below that is time spent in float today. (Note: Float, Absorb, Bulk and EQ time is also viewable in the "TIMER VU"...
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Classic owner’s manual (continued) The HOURLY log menu (actually captured every 5 minutes), works very similar to the DAILY log menu, except that the time stamp above the word TIME is the time, shown in 24 hour format, that the data was captured that day. The category of data captured is of course more suited for minute by minute capture rather than the maximum data statistics captured on a day by day basis in the DAILY log screen.
Classic owner’s manual (continued) Graphical Logging Display modes Both DAILY and HOURLY logging can also be viewed in a graphical manner. While in the text viewing log screen, pressing the Soft Right key labeled "GRAPH" will bring up this view screen. The HOURLY view is also available in the main status cycle of screens, changed by repeatedly pressing the STATUS key, just after STATUS TWO screen.
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Classic owner’s manual (continued) Screenshot 6 The Date of the particular selected cursor positioned data point is shown on the bottom middle of the graphic screen. Moving the cursor left or right using the Left and Right arrow keys, selects the next data points to the left or to the right of the present cursor position.
It can be used in all of the same applications. For the advanced features to be accessed and programmed, you will need to use the Local Application software (available at www.midnitesolar.com) and a PC or a MidNite Solar MNGP Graphics Panel, or the Graphics panel of another Standard Classic in the system. If desired, the Classic Lite can be used with an MNGP instead of the supplied MNLP controller.
Classic owner’s manual (continued) Programming There are four separate ways to program a Classic Lite. 1-The programming is done using Dip Switches under the front cover of the MNLP. 2-The Classic Lite can be programmed with an independent MNGP. 3-The Lite can be Networked with a standard Classic and programmed using the standard Classic’s MNGP 4-The Classic Lite can be programmed using the Local App (Through the Ethernet connection) software available at www.midnitesolar.com...
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Classic owner’s manual (continued) Now you will need to use the supplied tool (Toothpick) to place all 15 switches in the correct position. All the information on the switches can be found on the labels on the MNLP as well as in the tables below. Keep in mind if any of the switches are set to Custom the Lite display becomes a LED display only and you will need to use the included PC software or a MNGP to program the Classic.
Classic owner’s manual (continued) Section 1 Switch settings explained Mode: Switches 1 and 2 (Section 1) On Section 1, the first 2 Switches are used to select which Solar Mode will be used. For “Solar” Mode: set switches 1 and 2 to OFF . This is the optimum setting for virtually all solar installations. For “Legacy “...
Classic owner’s manual (continued) Section 2 Switch settings explained DHCP or Static IP address Switch 1 (Section 2) On Section 2, Switch 1 when on will enable DHCP. This will allow the Router on the network to assign the Classic Lite an IP address.
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Classic owner’s manual (continued) Section 1 Switches 1through 8 Section 2 Section 1 DHCP IP Address MODBUS Mode System Battery port Voltage Type Section 1 Mode Mode Switch 1 Switch 2 Solar Legacy Reserved Custom* System Voltage System Voltage Switch 3 Switch 4 Custom* Battery Type...
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Classic owner’s manual (continued) Section 2 Switches 1 through 7 Section 2 Section 1 DHCP IP Address MODBUS Mode System Battery port Voltage Type Section 2 DHCP or Static IP address Switch 1 Static IP DHCP IP Address (only if DHCP is set to Static IP) Switch 2 Switch 3 Switch 4...
Classic owner’s manual (continued) Battery voltage and time settings Battery Absorb Float Equalize Absorb Absorb Equalize Time Equalize Type Voltage Voltage Voltage Minimum Maximum (minutes) Interval Time Time (days) (minutes) (minutes) 12 Volt battery 14.0 13.7 Sealed 1 14.2 13.7 14.4 Sealed 2 14.3...
Classic owner’s manual (continued) Using MNGP Remote to Program a Classic Lite The Classic Lite can be programmed using an MNGP remote. This is an easy way to get into and program not only the basic functions, but the advanced features as well. In Dip Switch Section 1set DIP Switches 1, 2, 3, and 4 to ON. This will tell the Classic Lite's MNLP display to allow custom programming, Next, remove the plug from the back of the MNLP and plug it into the MNGP.
Classic's USB port is either isolated from ground and the Classic's negative or that the computer's USB negative is common with the Classic's negative and ground. WARNING ! You cannot turn a Classic 150 into a Classic 200 for example using new software the internal components are also different.
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Classic owner’s manual (continued) Figure 26 Prepare Classic charge controller for update. 1. Go to your electrical panel and identify the input and output breakers for the Classic. Turn them off. Wait 3 minutes for the Classic to de-energize. Figure 27 61 | P a g e 1 0 - 0 0 1 - 1...
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Classic owner’s manual (continued) 2. Remove the four screws holding the front cover of the Classic charge controller. Do not let the front cover hang by the cable. Figure 28 3. Holding the front cover with one hand, place a screw in the top left hole of the front cover and screw it into the top right hole of the back casting.
Classic owner’s manual (continued) 4. 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.
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Classic owner’s manual (continued) 4-Port Switch / Router Example 1 Local network through switch. In some cases you may be able to connect Classic directly to your PC; however, this is not a recommended topography. Wireless Wireless Router/ Bridge Access Point Example 2 Local network through wireless bridge.
Access MAC Address The hardware or Ethernet address of the Classic Device ID The unique MidNite Solar address of the Classic Table 9 DHCP The Classic supports Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) in which all networking settings are derived from a DHCP-enabled router. This is the simplest configuration method and recommended unless you explicitly need a statically allocated IP address for your Classic.
DNS server addresses of 11.22.33.44 and 11.22.33.55, respectively. Set the D1 address to 11.22.33.44 and the Web Access MidNite Solar will be offering a free web service with which you can access your Classic from a web page from anywhere in the world simply by pointing your favorite web browser to https://www.mymidnite.com...
Instructions on setting up your My MidNite account can be found on the above webpage. All communications between the Classic and MidNite Solar’s server are encrypted using a strong session- based algorithm. To respect your privacy, however, it is required that you manually enable this feature if you’d like to use it.
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Classic owner’s manual (continued) HyperVOC ™ HyperVOC is a unique feature the Classic has built in. HyperVOC refers to when the DC Input Voltage raises above the maximum operating voltage (150V, 200V, 250V, depending on the Classic model). HyperVOC gives you the flexibility to go up to the maximum operating voltage PLUS the nominal battery voltage.
Classic owner’s manual (continued) Troubleshooting Classic will not power on. *Check for voltage between the Battery + and the common – on the blue terminal block inside the Classic. If voltage is present and above 10vdc contact “No self test on power up” customer service.
MidNite network cable 3ft in Length. 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.
Classic owner’s manual (continued) 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 Appendix 73 | P a g e...
Classic owner’s manual (continued) RS232 Jack Pin Out Figure 1. Classic RS-232 MODBUS RJ-11 PHONE JACK PINOUTS 77 | P a g e 1 0 - 0 0 1 - 1 R E V : E...
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Classic owner’s manual (continued) Glossary of Terms Absorb – Constant voltage charge stage to fill the batteries. The controller is regulating so maximum power will not be seen at this time. The Absorb timer is also counting down to the switch to Float. A-EQ-R –...
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Classic owner’s manual (continued) LMX – LoMax. This enables the Classic to track the input voltage all the way down to Battery voltage. When disabled the Classic will stop tracking the input around 5 volts above the battery voltage. When the input voltage is within a couple volts of the battery voltage the inductors can “Sing”...
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Can't I get a manual that is for the 200 only? I don't want all the variables of other models or other sizes. It leaves to much room for confusion.