Friends:
We installed XW systems up until a few years ago and had problems similar to those with Outback but subtly different. Here is a short list of some of our complaints: 1. We have problems with the XW system communicating with the outboard/optional Automatic Generator Start modules. At one point we were told that the factory supplied cables were too short and causing “ringing” of the data signals. We changed out the leads to the prescribed 6’ leads and we are still battling intermittent communications problems with the AGS units. When the AGS does not communicate, the generator does not start when needed. The net result is power outages. 2. Schneider created frequent firmware upgrades. To my mind, this is a sign of half-baked code. The firmware update process requires an expensive AC powered dongle and an outboard AC source since the inverters shut down during firmware upgrade. Upgrading firmware on an XW system was usually a multi-hour affair. 3. Navigating the SCP is not at all intuitive, in my view. 4. The Power Distribution Panel is inadequately sized. This is not unique to Schneider, by any means. For system with more than two inverters we outsourced input and output AC distribution to outboard QO load centers. The busing of the AC breakers is via odd, claw-like bus bars. These are a bit awkward to work with and did not fit every scenario. 5. The XW system had no means to bypass more than two inverters. To illustrate these problems, see this web-page <http://www.millersolar.com/MillerSolar/Portfolio/Commercial/KG/KG_System.html> . Due to these problems we decided to concentrate on Outback and learning how to navigate the short-comings of just one brand. Not having worked with XW system for a while, I am curious: Have these problems been resolved? Thanks in advance. William Miller [image: Gradient Cap_mini] Lic 773985 millersolar.com <http://www.millersolar.com/> 805-438-5600 *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *Jay *Sent:* Sunday, November 18, 2018 11:57 AM *To:* RE-wrenches *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] mate 3s locking Does Schneider have videos of how to operate the SCP etc? Jay Peltz power. On Nov 18, 2018, at 7:41 AM, Howie Michaelson <howie.michael...@gmail.com> wrote: Drake, It took me years to try Trace/Xantrex/Schneider products after swearing off Xantrex in 2004, becoming an Outback devotee for a decade. I finally soured on Outback a few years ago after several years of poor customer service and a sense that Outback was not keeping up in general. I had tried Magnum early on and had a bad experience with them and the Sunny Island, while a robust machine, was definitely getting outdated, so I finally decided to give Schneider a try. While there are always things I wish could be better in all the various choices (which is true for the XW as well), I've stuck with Schneider for a few years now and have been happy with them. I did try the SWa couple of times, but the small cost savings doesn't feel worth the lesser capabilities over the XW. And their customer service has been pretty consistently good. Howie Michaelson Sun Catcher On Sat, Nov 17, 2018, 10:43 AM <drake.chamber...@redwoodalliance.org wrote: It seems like Outback has too many problems now, with the Mate 3 and the discontinuation of the original, excellent FX inverters. I had a Mate 3 loose its programming on an AC coupled system so that the batteries had no protective relay until the Mate 3 was reprogrammed. Tech support said that this happens with the Mate 3. That is unacceptable. Fortunately it was a dual FX system, and I had the original Mate to put back on it. How do the Xantrex / Schneider products compare regarding reliability and user friendliness? Are there any downsides to using this equipment. I'm considering going full circle back to this line. Thanks, Drake ----- Original Message ----- *From:* "RE-wrenches" <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> *To:* <will...@millersolar.com>, "RE-wrenches" <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> *Cc:* *Sent:* Fri, 16 Nov 2018 19:39:26 -0800 *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] mate 3s locking Hi william Very tech fix with the relay! Fortunately or unfortunately there is no reliable web at the location but someone who manually checks things. Yes the 3s still has some of the same problems Thx Jay Peltz power. On Nov 16, 2018, at 2:14 PM, William Miller <will...@millersolar.com> wrote: Jay: I have problems with all of my Mate3 and 3s controllers locking up. So much so that I have implemented the following steps: 1. For most installations I leave the hub wire cover off and label the Mate lead. Clients are instructed to unplug and re-plug the Cat5 lead whenever the Mate locks up. 2. On one installation I have a Control By Web unit ping both Mate3 units every 5 minutes. If either fails to respond after 3 attempts, a relay opens and closes the Orange/white leads which power cycles the Mates. Locking up of Mates is a fact of life with Outback equipment. I love the equipment and I hate the equipment. William <image004.jpg> Lic 773985 millersolar.com <http://www.millersolar.com/> 805-438-5600 *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *Lones Tuss *Sent:* Friday, November 16, 2018 12:42 PM *To:* RE-wrenches *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] mate 3s locking Hello All And Hello Jay I just asked the tech support boss on this as I had no idea. He has a test setup that allows him to switch individuals lines on the cat5 cables. We can duplicate Jay’s screen shot below by opening the some of the lines to the cat 5 cable. <image003.jpg> So as a start try replacing the cat5 between the Mate3S and the Hub. Using the silicone grease that comes with a Mate is never a bad idea. If your customer does not have a cable on hand I would try removing the cable several times perhaps that could help to dislodge any corrosion or dust on the connections. I hope this helps. Take Care All -----Original Message----- From: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org> On Behalf Of jay Sent: Friday, November 16, 2018 8:05 AM To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org> Subject: [RE-wrenches] mate 3s locking ** [EXTERNAL EMAIL] - Please report any suspicious attachments, links, or requests for sensitive information to the Help Desk. ** ________________________________ HI All, I’m wondering if anyone else is having mate 3s locking up problems? I’ve got 2 systems that have had this happen. One is a big system ( 2 radians and 5 CC). Of course its a long ways away and no there isn’t internet so no OpticsRE. Its been reprogramed with latest REV firmware. No change. thx jay peltz power _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
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