Howie:
I second your frustration with complex menu structures. We have combatted
that problem with concise, laminated instruction cards for fundamental
operations (Inverter On/Off, Generator Remote Start, Equalization, etc).
More critical is the location in the menu structure of the Charger Mode and
AC Drop functions. The screens under the AC In function are way too
similar and considerable damage can be done when the wrong button is
pressed. For example, we inherited a client that had been in the "Drop"
mode for over a year and did not know it. Their batteries became
chronically undercharged and it cost them thousands of dollars for a new set.
I have to review my notes on the Mate3, having installed only one, as far
as the operator interface. The main advantage to the Mate 3, however may
be this: Many of my remote clients do not have phone service but they have
satellite internet. If I can plug a Mate3 into the internet and diagnose
problems remotely, I can save a lot of travel time and provide a valuable
service.
I was just at a remote ranch (the one with the Drop condition) and I
installed a data acquisition system to confirm a diagnosis that phantom
loads were eating up their PV kWh. The drive time one way is two hours
(not counting clearing fallen limbs, etc.). If I could have logged on to
a full function, integral monitor and control system, I could diagnose this
problem, start the generator and initialize an equalization, all from my
desk or smart phone. (The one missing function is checking battery
water. A ranch hand can do that.)
Can the Mate 3 do all of this? I am not certain, but if it can, I am going
to start selling them to select clients.
William Miller
PS: I have had conversations with Outback about this issue and about
providing better manuals. They seem to be very interested in improving.
wm
At 11:09 AM 10/20/2012, you wrote:
Thanks Daryl for the feedback.
Have you or anyone else used the Mate3 on a VFX or GVFX, and is that an
improvement over using the Mate2?
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