Re: [RE-wrenches] wrenches] Magnum Energy 120/240 inverter problem.

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 21:14:12 -0800

Larry,
   We did do the 15 second switch hold down and it sometimes did get it to come on. Today I put one of the inverters outside in 26 degree temp and let it cool a couple of hours and then brought it in to my bench.  Our laser temp sensor said the innards were at 27 F.  It fired right up.  Seems we may have had a combination of not using the remote... first attempt and a ride in the back of the truck at + 10 F the second try.  I will try the test again the next time it gets cold or we get enought food out of the freezer to fit it in. Thanks all for the feedback... I feel better already.  Someone asked about the serial numbers.  They were all in a range of about 15 units. I think the dates were second or third qtr 2009.  I talked to Glenn today at Magnum and he was very helpful working with me to see what was going on. I ran out of time today with some other service calls to follow up with him.

John

-----Original Message-----
From: Starlight Solar <la...@starlightsolar.com>
To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>
Sent: Thu, Dec 24, 2009 4:01 pm
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Magnum Energy 120/240 inverter problem.

Hi John,
 
Magnum support probably had you do this but just in case... Did you press and hold the tiny power button on the inverter for 15+ seconds? This forces the processor to reset. Also try applying AC power to the input. This should force the charger to start. Make sure the DC voltage measured on the inverter bolts is in proper range.
 
We have installed over 80 Magnum inverters in RV's in unheated compartments. No one has ever had a problem powering on. BTW, the product quality and support has been very good.
 
Larry Crutcher
Starlight Solar
(928) 941-1660
 
 
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, December 23, 2009 8:55 PM
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Magnum Energy 120/240 inverter problem.

Wrenches,
    We recently decided to try the relatively new 120/240 VAC inverter from Magnum for an off-grid customer.  The inverter is located in a power shed which shares space with a wood gasifier hot water furnace to heat their house.  Upon completing the hookup using an E-panel, we found that the inverter appeared to be dead on arrival.  No activity when the DC breaker was turned on and the little "on" button pushed.  We requested a replacement from our distributor and when returning to the job site a few days later with the new unit, decided to try the defective inverter one more time.... it turned on.  Then we added another string of batteries and turned it back on again with no luck.. seemed to be intermittent.  We then installed the new one and same result.. would not turn on.  Seemed very unusual and the Magnum technician we talked to agreed. 
 
Our distributor then allowed us to send a person to pick up another inverter and get it to the job site. Same result, would not turn on.  Now we have three inverters.  Magnum suggested we hook one up and call them to troubleshoot over the phone.  We hooked up each one in our shop first to see what would happen.  One begrudgingly started to work after numerous attempts to get it to turn on, one would not turn on at all.  We warmed that one with a heat gun (carefully, of course as to not damage it in any way) and it then fired up.  Number three the same.  Looks like it does not come close to the -4 F low end operating temperature.  Our shop is 55 degrees F and the customers shed was at least 32F or higher with the furnace on.  Outside temperature was near about 10 F. HAS ANYONE HAD GOOD LUCK WITH THIS MODEL IN A COLD ENVIRONMENT OR STARTING PROBLEMS AT ANY TEMPERATURE?  I need some feedback to see if we can make this work.  I like the idea of an off-grid only 120/240 inverter that is reasonably priced but we have COLD weather here.  Our Outback systems routinely work in unheated power sheds.
   I am guessing that once they are turned on, they may have enough self generated heat to stay on.  We reinstalled one late this afternoon and coaxed it alive with some external heat.  We are trusting it to stay on and keep their heat on.
 
John Blittersdorf
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer tm
Central Vermont Solar & Wind, LLC.
104 River Street
Rutland, VT 05701

802-747-0577
802-773-0924 fax
802-770-8625 cell
www.cvsolar.com
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