Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100
Yeah, I was going to say, I don't think a coms failure of any kind could take down an Outback charge controller. Coms failures can certainly impact Outback inverters that are stacked... I always insist on using a Mate3s on Outback jobs where it's a large enough system that it doesn't impact the total cost too much, but on tiny systems, it can be cost-prohibitive. I'm not an Outback only guy, but over the last 9 years of being in the off-grid business, I've used more Outback than all other brands combined. The main reason I always try to use a Mate3s is that from an installer's perspective, a system will be more trouble-free if the customer can understand what's going on (how much they're using, how much solar they're getting, and how full the batteries are), and the Mate3 is the most userfriendly interface I have seen anywhere. Victron has an interface that might be second best, but it makes the Mate3s look cheap. Secondly, a system will be more trouble-free when you can troubleshoot the system over the phone. 3/4 of the service calls I get where the customer has an Outback system can be fixed by the customer over the phone because they all have the Mate 3 or Mate3s, so they can read me the event logged in the events screen, and I can tell them which buttons to push, etc. I can think of all the times where a customer's aging generator doesn't put out as much power as it once did, and the AC Input Amps needs to be reduced, or the generator doesn't run as well when it's super cold out, so it needs to be reduced, or the customer overloaded the inverter and didn't realize it, now they know why it shut off without a service call... and the list goes on. The Mate 3 was a point of failure that caused a few service calls on its own, none of which shut down a system, but it saved me so many trips and service calls that overall, I'm certain that it has saved me hundreds of miles over the last 9 years. Therefore, as far as I'm concerned, this means that it makes the system more reliable. Now, I realize that in this group, I'm still kind of green, only having been working off-grid for 9 years, and I realize that almost none of what I've said would apply to the old mate... that thing was so terribly non-user friendly that I've never met an off-gridder in Utah who actually knew how to use his old Mate, though early on, most had one. -Kienan Maxfield Solar maxfieldso...@hotmail.com<mailto:maxfieldso...@hotmail.com> (801) 631-5584 (Cell) From: RE-wrenches on behalf of Ray Sent: Monday, May 18, 2020 10:45 AM To: re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100 I've had them shut inverters down for both the brands you mentioned. The comm failures that took out controllers were the Midnite "Follow Me" setup. Ray Walters Remote Solar 303 505-8760 On 5/17/20 9:46 PM, Jay wrote: Hi Ray In my experience I’ve had plenty of hub and component/comm failures but I’ve never had it shut down the fndc or charge controllers with OB or Schneider equipment. I’m wondering if you have? Thx Jay Peltz power. On May 17, 2020, at 6:21 PM, Ray <mailto:r...@solarray.com> wrote: I don't connect to the HUB or Mate if I don't have to; both to avoid issues with the customers changing programming, but also to save the customer money. However, the #1 reason is that when all the equipment is interconnected, it is all dependent. A failure in a comm cable or single piece of equipment can cause all the controllers to shut down. I just don't think the benefits of com connection out weigh the loss of redundancy. I have many systems with multiple charge controllers, and I have seen everything from a bad temp sensor to a single failed controller take the other controllers off line too. Without the interconnection, a failed controller will just drop the system to half power, not to zero production. This isn't just with Outback, I follow this reasoning with Midnite and Magnum as well. I often mix equipment (Magnum inverter, Outback Controller) so comm connection isn't a possibility anyway. We might be missing some bells and whistles, but our systems stay operational in more situations. Basically I'm not happy enough with any single manufacturer to give them a monopoly with my designs. I've always built our systems with the best equipment we can get for that particular situation. Ray Walters Remote Solar 303 505-8760 On 5/17/20 7:38 AM, Mac Lewis wrote: Hi Ray, I'm curious, do you avoid have the FM100 on the Hub to avoid clients changing the programming or have you seen some other issues? I have some of them out there and they seem to be solid, all Hub 10.3 connected. On Fri, May 15, 2020 at 3:48 PM Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar mailto:offgridso...@sti.
Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100
I've had them shut inverters down for both the brands you mentioned. The comm failures that took out controllers were the Midnite "Follow Me" setup. Ray Walters Remote Solar 303 505-8760 On 5/17/20 9:46 PM, Jay wrote: Hi Ray In my experience I’ve had plenty of hub and component/comm failures but I’ve never had it shut down the fndc or charge controllers with OB or Schneider equipment. I’m wondering if you have? Thx Jay Peltz power. On May 17, 2020, at 6:21 PM, Ray wrote: I don't connect to the HUB or Mate if I don't have to; both to avoid issues with the customers changing programming, but also to save the customer money. However, the #1 reason is that when all the equipment is interconnected, it is all dependent. A failure in a comm cable or single piece of equipment can cause all the controllers to shut down. I just don't think the benefits of com connection out weigh the loss of redundancy. I have many systems with multiple charge controllers, and I have seen everything from a bad temp sensor to a single failed controller take the other controllers off line too. Without the interconnection, a failed controller will just drop the system to half power, not to zero production. This isn't just with Outback, I follow this reasoning with Midnite and Magnum as well. I often mix equipment (Magnum inverter, Outback Controller) so comm connection isn't a possibility anyway. We might be missing some bells and whistles, but our systems stay operational in more situations. Basically I'm not happy enough with any single manufacturer to give them a monopoly with my designs. I've always built our systems with the best equipment we can get for that particular situation. Ray Walters Remote Solar 303 505-8760 On 5/17/20 7:38 AM, Mac Lewis wrote: Hi Ray, I'm curious, do you avoid have the FM100 on the Hub to avoid clients changing the programming or have you seen some other issues? I have some of them out there and they seem to be solid, all Hub 10.3 connected. On Fri, May 15, 2020 at 3:48 PM Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar mailto:offgridso...@sti.net>> wrote: I have little experience with arc fault detection because I do not use them offgrid. Could it save one from starting a wildfire? My experience is I have never had a ground mount start a wildfire and even a bad panel is pretty contained in a failure. I just know that I make a small fortune replacing grid tie inverter AFD's that failsafe in the no solar mode. Definitely do not want another way to lose power offgrid. There are plenty already:) *Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar "we go where powerlines don't" http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/ e-mail offgridso...@sti.net <mailto:offgridso...@sti.net> text 209 813 0060* On Fri, 15 May 2020 11:03:11 -0700, Jay mailto:jay.pe...@gmail.com>> wrote: Hi William, that warning isn't on the AFCI one, Jay Peltz power. On May 15, 2020, at 10:41 AM, William Miller mailto:will...@millersolar.com>> wrote: Jay: On the FM100 landing page <http://outbackpower.com/products/charge-controllers/flexmax-100>. The warning is pasted below. /Due to the different voltage ratings, OutBack Power does not recommend mixing the FM100-300VDC with the FM60 or FM80-150VDC controllers on the same battery bank./ Interestingly the warning is not seen on the FM100 AFCI landing page <http://outbackpower.com/products/charge-controllers/flexmax-100-afci>. I thought I saw this also in one of the Owner's manuals but I looked today and can't find it there. Interesting... I have a client that wants to add a fourth PV array to a system with three FM80s. This will require a fourth charge controller. Being able to run smaller wire in the existing conduits is an attractive proposition, making the FM100 a desirable approach. I now have to figure out if I can add the FM100-AFCI (which is apparently the only version available) to a system with three FM80s, and if I do, what do I do with the existing GFDI breaker and how do I arrange the DC bond? There is a lot to consider here. BTW, I was told by a tech support person for an on-line sales firm that the original FM100 did not have the AFCI but those units have been discontinued. Now all FM100s have the AFCI capability. I am weighing if I want AFCI if it is not required. My territory includes central California wild lands so I suppose I should take advantage of any fire safety means at my disposal... William *From:*Jay [mailto:jay.pe...@gmail.com <mailto:jay.pe...@gmail.com>] *Sent:* Friday, May 15, 2020 7:34 AM *To:* will...@millersolar.com <mailto:will...@millersolar.com>; RE-wrenches *S
Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100
Hello All 1.I want to avoid AFCI unless mandated. Will this be defeated if I don’t run the leads through the sense coil? (There is an AFCI and non-AFCI version but I can’t seem to find the non-AFCI version anywhere.) * Yes, you can bypass the AFCI by simply not running the PV conductors through the sensor coil 2.I noticed the manual indicates you are not supposed to mix the FM100 with the FM80 or 60 in the same battery system. This negates it for one project I had in mind. I am curious as to why this is. Anyone know? * Here is a link to an App note that covers this situation * http://www.outbackpower.com/downloads/documents/appnotes/fm100_fm80_app_note.pdf * 3.Will the FM100 work with a standard hub? * Yes, both HUB4 and HUB10.3, but firmware updates take almost an hour on the HUB4 because it’s slower. * 4.I suppose this unit requires a 125 amp breaker. If the PV array cannot support that full 100 amps I might down-size the OCPD accordingly. Anyone contemplate this question? * Depends on the application, but all of our prewired load centers and systems come with 125A breakers. I hope this helps take care all. From: William Miller Sent: Thursday, May 14, 2020 10:49 PM To: RE-wrenches Subject: Outback FM100 Friends: I have occasion to try the FM100 charge controller. I am wondering of anyone had found any quirks with implementing this device. I have a few specific questions: 1. I want to avoid AFCI unless mandated. Will this be defeated if I don’t run the leads through the sense coil? (There is an AFCI and non-AFCI version but I can’t seem to find the non-AFCI version anywhere.) 2. I noticed the manual indicates you are not supposed to mix the FM100 with the FM80 or 60 in the same battery system. This negates it for one project I had in mind. I am curious as to why this is. Anyone know? 3. Will the FM100 work with a standard hub? 4. I suppose this unit requires a 125 amp breaker. If the PV array cannot support that full 100 amps I might down-size the OCPD accordingly. Anyone contemplate this question? Thanks in advance. William ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100
Hi Ray In my experience I’ve had plenty of hub and component/comm failures but I’ve never had it shut down the fndc or charge controllers with OB or Schneider equipment. I’m wondering if you have? Thx Jay Peltz power. > On May 17, 2020, at 6:21 PM, Ray wrote: > > > I don't connect to the HUB or Mate if I don't have to; both to avoid issues > with the customers changing programming, but also to save the customer money. > However, the #1 reason is that when all the equipment is interconnected, it > is all dependent. A failure in a comm cable or single piece of equipment can > cause all the controllers to shut down. I just don't think the benefits of > com connection out weigh the loss of redundancy. I have many systems with > multiple charge controllers, and I have seen everything from a bad temp > sensor to a single failed controller take the other controllers off line too. > Without the interconnection, a failed controller will just drop the system > to half power, not to zero production. > > This isn't just with Outback, I follow this reasoning with Midnite and Magnum > as well. I often mix equipment (Magnum inverter, Outback Controller) so comm > connection isn't a possibility anyway. We might be missing some bells and > whistles, but our systems stay operational in more situations. Basically > I'm not happy enough with any single manufacturer to give them a monopoly > with my designs. I've always built our systems with the best equipment we > can get for that particular situation. > > Ray Walters > Remote Solar > 303 505-8760 >> On 5/17/20 7:38 AM, Mac Lewis wrote: >> Hi Ray, >> >> I'm curious, do you avoid have the FM100 on the Hub to avoid clients >> changing the programming or have you seen some other issues? I have some of >> them out there and they seem to be solid, all Hub 10.3 connected. >> >> On Fri, May 15, 2020 at 3:48 PM Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar >> wrote: >>> I have little experience with arc fault detection because I do not use them >>> offgrid. Could it save one from starting a wildfire? My experience is I >>> have never had a ground mount start a wildfire and even a bad panel is >>> pretty contained in a failure. >>> >>> I just know that I make a small fortune replacing grid tie inverter AFD's >>> that failsafe in the no solar mode. Definitely do not want another way to >>> lose power offgrid. There are plenty already:) >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar >>> "we go where powerlines don't" >>> http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/ >>> e-mail offgridso...@sti.net >>> text 209 813 0060 >>>> On Fri, 15 May 2020 11:03:11 -0700, Jay wrote: >>>> >>>> Hi William, >>>> >>>> that warning isn't on the AFCI one, >>>> >>>> Jay >>>> >>>> Peltz power. >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>>> On May 15, 2020, at 10:41 AM, William Miller >>>>> wrote: >>>>> >>>>> Jay: >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> On the FM100 landing page. The warning is pasted below. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Due to the different voltage ratings, OutBack Power does not recommend >>>>> mixing the FM100-300VDC with the FM60 or FM80-150VDC controllers on the >>>>> same battery bank. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Interestingly the warning is not seen on the FM100 AFCI landing page. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> I thought I saw this also in one of the Owner's manuals but I looked >>>>> today and can't find it there. Interesting... >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> I have a client that wants to add a fourth PV array to a system with >>>>> three FM80s. This will require a fourth charge controller. Being able >>>>> to run smaller wire in the existing conduits is an attractive >>>>> proposition, making the FM100 a desirable approach. I now have to figure >>>>> out if I can add the FM100-AFCI (which is apparently the only version >>>>> available) to
Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100
I don't connect to the HUB or Mate if I don't have to; both to avoid issues with the customers changing programming, but also to save the customer money. However, the #1 reason is that when all the equipment is interconnected, it is all dependent. A failure in a comm cable or single piece of equipment can cause all the controllers to shut down. I just don't think the benefits of com connection out weigh the loss of redundancy. I have many systems with multiple charge controllers, and I have seen everything from a bad temp sensor to a single failed controller take the other controllers off line too. Without the interconnection, a failed controller will just drop the system to half power, not to zero production. This isn't just with Outback, I follow this reasoning with Midnite and Magnum as well. I often mix equipment (Magnum inverter, Outback Controller) so comm connection isn't a possibility anyway. We might be missing some bells and whistles, but our systems stay operational in more situations. Basically I'm not happy enough with any single manufacturer to give them a monopoly with my designs. I've always built our systems with the best equipment we can get for that particular situation. Ray Walters Remote Solar 303 505-8760 On 5/17/20 7:38 AM, Mac Lewis wrote: Hi Ray, I'm curious, do you avoid have the FM100 on the Hub to avoid clients changing the programming or have you seen some other issues? I have some of them out there and they seem to be solid, all Hub 10.3 connected. On Fri, May 15, 2020 at 3:48 PM Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar mailto:offgridso...@sti.net>> wrote: I have little experience with arc fault detection because I do not use them offgrid. Could it save one from starting a wildfire? My experience is I have never had a ground mount start a wildfire and even a bad panel is pretty contained in a failure. I just know that I make a small fortune replacing grid tie inverter AFD's that failsafe in the no solar mode. Definitely do not want another way to lose power offgrid. There are plenty already:) *Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar "we go where powerlines don't" http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/ e-mail offgridso...@sti.net <mailto:offgridso...@sti.net> text 209 813 0060* On Fri, 15 May 2020 11:03:11 -0700, Jay mailto:jay.pe...@gmail.com>> wrote: Hi William, that warning isn't on the AFCI one, Jay Peltz power. On May 15, 2020, at 10:41 AM, William Miller mailto:will...@millersolar.com>> wrote: Jay: On the FM100 landing page <http://outbackpower.com/products/charge-controllers/flexmax-100>. The warning is pasted below. /Due to the different voltage ratings, OutBack Power does not recommend mixing the FM100-300VDC with the FM60 or FM80-150VDC controllers on the same battery bank./ Interestingly the warning is not seen on the FM100 AFCI landing page <http://outbackpower.com/products/charge-controllers/flexmax-100-afci>. I thought I saw this also in one of the Owner's manuals but I looked today and can't find it there. Interesting... I have a client that wants to add a fourth PV array to a system with three FM80s. This will require a fourth charge controller. Being able to run smaller wire in the existing conduits is an attractive proposition, making the FM100 a desirable approach. I now have to figure out if I can add the FM100-AFCI (which is apparently the only version available) to a system with three FM80s, and if I do, what do I do with the existing GFDI breaker and how do I arrange the DC bond? There is a lot to consider here. BTW, I was told by a tech support person for an on-line sales firm that the original FM100 did not have the AFCI but those units have been discontinued. Now all FM100s have the AFCI capability. I am weighing if I want AFCI if it is not required. My territory includes central California wild lands so I suppose I should take advantage of any fire safety means at my disposal... William *From:*Jay [mailto:jay.pe...@gmail.com <mailto:jay.pe...@gmail.com>] *Sent:* Friday, May 15, 2020 7:34 AM *To:* will...@millersolar.com <mailto:will...@millersolar.com>; RE-wrenches *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100 Hi William Yes downsizing breaker to meet load is no problem. And getting wire that big into it with 1" KO is a pain. I'm pretty sure any hub will work, needs 3S mate Where in the manual did you find the "don't mix with other 60/80 controllers? Jay Peltz power On May 15, 2020, at 12:46 AM, William Miller mailto:will...@millersolar.com>> wrote: Friends: I have occasion to try the FM
Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100
Hi Ray, I'm curious, do you avoid have the FM100 on the Hub to avoid clients changing the programming or have you seen some other issues? I have some of them out there and they seem to be solid, all Hub 10.3 connected. On Fri, May 15, 2020 at 3:48 PM Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar < offgridso...@sti.net> wrote: > I have little experience with arc fault detection because I do not use > them offgrid. Could it save one from starting a wildfire? My experience is > I have never had a ground mount start a wildfire and even a bad panel is > pretty contained in a failure. > > I just know that I make a small fortune replacing grid tie inverter AFD's > that failsafe in the no solar mode. Definitely do not want another way to > lose power offgrid. There are plenty already:) > > > > > > *Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar > "we go where powerlines don't" > http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/ <http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/> > e-mail offgridso...@sti.net > text 209 813 0060* > > On Fri, 15 May 2020 11:03:11 -0700, Jay wrote: > > Hi William, > > that warning isn't on the AFCI one, > > Jay > > Peltz power. > > > > > > > > > > > > On May 15, 2020, at 10:41 AM, William Miller > wrote: > > Jay: > > > > On the FM100 landing page > <http://outbackpower.com/products/charge-controllers/flexmax-100>. The > warning is pasted below. > > > > *Due to the different voltage ratings, OutBack Power does not recommend > mixing the FM100-300VDC with the FM60 or FM80-150VDC controllers on the > same battery bank.* > > > > Interestingly the warning is not seen on the FM100 AFCI landing page > <http://outbackpower.com/products/charge-controllers/flexmax-100-afci>. > > > > I thought I saw this also in one of the Owner's manuals but I looked today > and can't find it there. Interesting... > > > > I have a client that wants to add a fourth PV array to a system with three > FM80s. This will require a fourth charge controller. Being able to run > smaller wire in the existing conduits is an attractive proposition, making > the FM100 a desirable approach. I now have to figure out if I can add the > FM100-AFCI (which is apparently the only version available) to a system > with three FM80s, and if I do, what do I do with the existing GFDI breaker > and how do I arrange the DC bond? There is a lot to consider here. > > > > BTW, I was told by a tech support person for an on-line sales firm that > the original FM100 did not have the AFCI but those units have been > discontinued. Now all FM100s have the AFCI capability. I am weighing if I > want AFCI if it is not required. My territory includes central California > wild lands so I suppose I should take advantage of any fire safety means at > my disposal... > > > > William > > > > > > *From:* Jay [mailto:jay.pe...@gmail.com] > *Sent:* Friday, May 15, 2020 7:34 AM > *To:* will...@millersolar.com; RE-wrenches > *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100 > > > > Hi William > > > > Yes downsizing breaker to meet load is no problem. And getting wire that > big into it with 1" KO is a pain. > > > > I'm pretty sure any hub will work, needs 3S mate > > > > Where in the manual did you find the "don't mix with other 60/80 > controllers? > > > > Jay > > > > Peltz power > > > > On May 15, 2020, at 12:46 AM, William Miller > wrote: > > Friends: > > > > I have occasion to try the FM100 charge controller. I am wondering of > anyone had found any quirks with implementing this device. I have a few > specific questions: > > > > 1. I want to avoid AFCI unless mandated. Will this be defeated if > I don't run the leads through the sense coil? (There is an AFCI and > non-AFCI version but I can't seem to find the non-AFCI version anywhere.) > > 2. I noticed the manual indicates you are not supposed to mix the > FM100 with the FM80 or 60 in the same battery system. This negates it for > one project I had in mind. I am curious as to why this is. Anyone know? > > 3. Will the FM100 work with a standard hub? > > 4. I suppose this unit requires a 125 amp breaker. If the PV array > cannot support that full 100 amps I might down-size the OCPD accordingly. > Anyone contemplate this question? > > > > Thanks in advance. > > William > > > > > > ___ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org > > Change listser
Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100
I have little experience with arc fault detection because I do not use them offgrid. Could it save one from starting a wildfire? My experience is I have never had a ground mount start a wildfire and even a bad panel is pretty contained in a failure. I just know that I make a small fortune replacing grid tie inverter AFD's that failsafe in the no solar mode. Definitely do not want another way to lose power offgrid. There are plenty already:) Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar "we go where powerlines don't" http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/ [1] e-mail offgridso...@sti.net [2] text 209 813 0060 On Fri, 15 May 2020 11:03:11 -0700, Jay wrote: Hi William, that warning isn't on the AFCI one, Jay Peltz power. On May 15, 2020, at 10:41 AM, William Miller wrote: Jay: On the FM100 landing page [3]. The warning is pasted below. _Due to the different voltage ratings, OutBack Power does not recommend mixing the FM100-300VDC with the FM60 or FM80-150VDC controllers on the same battery bank._ Interestingly the warning is not seen on the FM100 AFCI landing page [4]. I thought I saw this also in one of the Owner's manuals but I looked today and can't find it there. Interesting... I have a client that wants to add a fourth PV array to a system with three FM80s. This will require a fourth charge controller. Being able to run smaller wire in the existing conduits is an attractive proposition, making the FM100 a desirable approach. I now have to figure out if I can add the FM100-AFCI (which is apparently the only version available) to a system with three FM80s, and if I do, what do I do with the existing GFDI breaker and how do I arrange the DC bond? There is a lot to consider here. BTW, I was told by a tech support person for an on-line sales firm that the original FM100 did not have the AFCI but those units have been discontinued. Now all FM100s have the AFCI capability. I am weighing if I want AFCI if it is not required. My territory includes central California wild lands so I suppose I should take advantage of any fire safety means at my disposal... William FROM: Jay [mailto:jay.pe...@gmail.com [5]] SENT: Friday, May 15, 2020 7:34 AM TO: will...@millersolar.com [6]; RE-wrenches SUBJECT: Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100 Hi William Yes downsizing breaker to meet load is no problem. And getting wire that big into it with 1" KO is a pain. I'm pretty sure any hub will work, needs 3S mate Where in the manual did you find the "don't mix with other 60/80 controllers? Jay Peltz power On May 15, 2020, at 12:46 AM, William Miller wrote: Friends: I have occasion to try the FM100 charge controller. I am wondering of anyone had found any quirks with implementing this device. I have a few specific questions: 1. I want to avoid AFCI unless mandated. Will this be defeated if I don't run the leads through the sense coil? (There is an AFCI and non-AFCI version but I can't seem to find the non-AFCI version anywhere.) 2. I noticed the manual indicates you are not supposed to mix the FM100 with the FM80 or 60 in the same battery system. This negates it for one project I had in mind. I am curious as to why this is. Anyone know? 3. Will the FM100 work with a standard hub? 4. I suppose this unit requires a 125 amp breaker. If the PV array cannot support that full 100 amps I might down-size the OCPD accordingly. Anyone contemplate this question? Thanks in advance. William ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org [8] Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org [9] List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html [10] List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm [11] Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org [12] ___ 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 Links: -- [1] http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/ [2] mailto:offgridso...@sti.net [3] http://outbackpower.com/products/charge-controllers/flexmax-100 [4] http://outbackpower.com/products/charge-controllers/flexmax-100-afci [5] mailto:jay.pe...@gmail.com [6] mailto:will...@millersolar.com [7] mailto:will...@millersolar.com [8] mailto:RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org [9] http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org [10] http://www.ma
Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100
I have a system with 3 FM 80s running in parallel with an FM 100 added later. Works fine, just not connected via the HUB. I don't quite understand the voltage ratings. You would just have a 300 v rated breaker on the PV side of the FM 100, so I totally don't see what having 150 vdc rated breakers for other circuits in the same box is an issue. All the wiring is THHN rated at 600 vdc. This sounds like a solution looking for a problem. Ray Walters Remote Solar 303 505-8760 On 5/15/20 12:48 PM, William Miller wrote: Jay: On the FM100 landing page <http://outbackpower.com/products/charge-controllers/flexmax-100>. The warning is pasted below. /Due to the different voltage ratings, OutBack Power does not recommend mixing the FM100-300VDC with the FM60 or FM80-150VDC controllers on the same battery bank./// Interestingly the warning is not seen on the FM100 AFCI landing page <http://outbackpower.com/products/charge-controllers/flexmax-100-afci>. I thought I saw this also in one of the Owner’s manuals but I looked today and can’t find it there. Interesting… I have a client that wants to add a fourth PV array to a system with three FM80s. This will require a fourth charge controller. Being able to run smaller wire in the existing conduits is an attractive proposition, making the FM100 a desirable approach. I now have to figure out if I can add the FM100-AFCI (which is apparently the only version available) to a system with three FM80s, and if I do, what do I do with the existing GFDI breaker and how do I arrange the DC bond? There is a lot to consider here. BTW, I was told by a tech support person for an on-line sales firm that the original FM100 did not have the AFCI but those units have been discontinued. Now all FM100s have the AFCI capability. I am weighing if I want AFCI if it is not required. My territory includes central California wild lands so I suppose I should take advantage of any fire safety means at my disposal… William *From:*Jay [mailto:jay.pe...@gmail.com <mailto:jay.pe...@gmail.com>] *Sent:* Friday, May 15, 2020 7:34 AM *To:* will...@millersolar.com <mailto:will...@millersolar.com>; RE-wrenches *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100 Hi William Yes downsizing breaker to meet load is no problem. And getting wire that big into it with 1” KO is a pain. I’m pretty sure any hub will work, needs 3S mate Where in the manual did you find the “don’t mix with other 60/80 controllers? Jay Peltz power On May 15, 2020, at 12:46 AM, William Miller <mailto:will...@millersolar.com>> wrote: Friends: I have occasion to try the FM100 charge controller. I am wondering of anyone had found any quirks with implementing this device. I have a few specific questions: 1.I want to avoid AFCI unless mandated. Will this be defeated if I don’t run the leads through the sense coil? (There is an AFCI and non-AFCI version but I can’t seem to find the non-AFCI version anywhere.) 2.I noticed the manual indicates you are not supposed to mix the FM100 with the FM80 or 60 in the same battery system. This negates it for one project I had in mind. I am curious as to why this is. Anyone know? 3.Will the FM100 work with a standard hub? 4.I suppose this unit requires a 125 amp breaker. If the PV array cannot support that full 100 amps I might down-size the OCPD accordingly. Anyone contemplate this question? Thanks in advance. William ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org <mailto: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 <http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm> Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org <http://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:/
Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100
I've installed a few FM 100s. Seem to work fine, and nice to wire arrays 6 in series, but we do have to use the higher voltage rated breakers on the PV side. We have had them mixed with other controllers and haven't had problems, but we do Not use the HUB or ever interconnect them. We've found by not interconnecting the controllers that we have redundancy, and any single controller (or Comm) failure is not going to take the entire charging system down. It has no onboard screen, so you need the Mate 3 to program them. We pull the Mate 3 after programming and just keep it on the truck to save customers the $600.00. They can buy one later, if they decide they want to tweak settings all the time. (not happened yet.) We always use 100 amp DC breakers that are 100% duty cycle rated. ON the battery side, the regular Midnite or Outback type 150 vdc work fine. On AFCI, I believe it can be set to "off" in the programming, but I'm not in front of one right now, so that's just based on my failing memory bank. However, I too do not like GFCI and AFCI for ground mounts unless mandated. I've seen all sorts of weird issues even on the AC side of the system end up tripping the charge controller off. In the case of the FM100, the GFCI is accomplished with a fuse, which are hard to come by locally. Ray Walters Remote Solar 303 505-8760 On 5/15/20 1:48 AM, William Miller wrote: Friends: I have occasion to try the FM100 charge controller. I am wondering of anyone had found any quirks with implementing this device. I have a few specific questions: 1.I want to avoid AFCI unless mandated. Will this be defeated if I don’t run the leads through the sense coil? (There is an AFCI and non-AFCI version but I can’t seem to find the non-AFCI version anywhere.) 2.I noticed the manual indicates you are not supposed to mix the FM100 with the FM80 or 60 in the same battery system. This negates it for one project I had in mind. I am curious as to why this is. Anyone know? 3.Will the FM100 work with a standard hub? 4.I suppose this unit requires a 125 amp breaker. If the PV array cannot support that full 100 amps I might down-size the OCPD accordingly. Anyone contemplate this question? Thanks in advance. William ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100
Hi William, that warning isn't on the AFCI one, Jay Peltz power. > On May 15, 2020, at 10:41 AM, William Miller wrote: > > > Jay: > > On the FM100 landing page. The warning is pasted below. > > Due to the different voltage ratings, OutBack Power does not recommend mixing > the FM100-300VDC with the FM60 or FM80-150VDC controllers on the same battery > bank. > > Interestingly the warning is not seen on the FM100 AFCI landing page. > > I thought I saw this also in one of the Owner’s manuals but I looked today > and can’t find it there. Interesting… > > I have a client that wants to add a fourth PV array to a system with three > FM80s. This will require a fourth charge controller. Being able to run > smaller wire in the existing conduits is an attractive proposition, making > the FM100 a desirable approach. I now have to figure out if I can add the > FM100-AFCI (which is apparently the only version available) to a system with > three FM80s, and if I do, what do I do with the existing GFDI breaker and how > do I arrange the DC bond? There is a lot to consider here. > > BTW, I was told by a tech support person for an on-line sales firm that the > original FM100 did not have the AFCI but those units have been discontinued. > Now all FM100s have the AFCI capability. I am weighing if I want AFCI if it > is not required. My territory includes central California wild lands so I > suppose I should take advantage of any fire safety means at my disposal… > > William > > > From: Jay [mailto:jay.pe...@gmail.com] > Sent: Friday, May 15, 2020 7:34 AM > To: will...@millersolar.com; RE-wrenches > Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100 > > Hi William > > Yes downsizing breaker to meet load is no problem. And getting wire that big > into it with 1” KO is a pain. > > I’m pretty sure any hub will work, needs 3S mate > > Where in the manual did you find the “don’t mix with other 60/80 controllers? > > > Jay > > Peltz power > > > On May 15, 2020, at 12:46 AM, William Miller wrote: > > > Friends: > > I have occasion to try the FM100 charge controller. I am wondering of anyone > had found any quirks with implementing this device. I have a few specific > questions: > > 1. I want to avoid AFCI unless mandated. Will this be defeated if I > don’t run the leads through the sense coil? (There is an AFCI and non-AFCI > version but I can’t seem to find the non-AFCI version anywhere.) > 2. I noticed the manual indicates you are not supposed to mix the FM100 > with the FM80 or 60 in the same battery system. This negates it for one > project I had in mind. I am curious as to why this is. Anyone know? > 3. Will the FM100 work with a standard hub? > 4. I suppose this unit requires a 125 amp breaker. If the PV array > cannot support that full 100 amps I might down-size the OCPD accordingly. > Anyone contemplate this question? > > Thanks in advance. > > William > > > ___ > 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100
Jay: On the FM100 landing page <http://outbackpower.com/products/charge-controllers/flexmax-100>. The warning is pasted below. *Due to the different voltage ratings, OutBack Power does not recommend mixing the FM100-300VDC with the FM60 or FM80-150VDC controllers on the same battery bank.* Interestingly the warning is not seen on the FM100 AFCI landing page <http://outbackpower.com/products/charge-controllers/flexmax-100-afci>. I thought I saw this also in one of the Owner’s manuals but I looked today and can’t find it there. Interesting… I have a client that wants to add a fourth PV array to a system with three FM80s. This will require a fourth charge controller. Being able to run smaller wire in the existing conduits is an attractive proposition, making the FM100 a desirable approach. I now have to figure out if I can add the FM100-AFCI (which is apparently the only version available) to a system with three FM80s, and if I do, what do I do with the existing GFDI breaker and how do I arrange the DC bond? There is a lot to consider here. BTW, I was told by a tech support person for an on-line sales firm that the original FM100 did not have the AFCI but those units have been discontinued. Now all FM100s have the AFCI capability. I am weighing if I want AFCI if it is not required. My territory includes central California wild lands so I suppose I should take advantage of any fire safety means at my disposal… William *From:* Jay [mailto:jay.pe...@gmail.com] *Sent:* Friday, May 15, 2020 7:34 AM *To:* will...@millersolar.com; RE-wrenches *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100 Hi William Yes downsizing breaker to meet load is no problem. And getting wire that big into it with 1” KO is a pain. I’m pretty sure any hub will work, needs 3S mate Where in the manual did you find the “don’t mix with other 60/80 controllers? Jay Peltz power On May 15, 2020, at 12:46 AM, William Miller wrote: Friends: I have occasion to try the FM100 charge controller. I am wondering of anyone had found any quirks with implementing this device. I have a few specific questions: 1. I want to avoid AFCI unless mandated. Will this be defeated if I don’t run the leads through the sense coil? (There is an AFCI and non-AFCI version but I can’t seem to find the non-AFCI version anywhere.) 2. I noticed the manual indicates you are not supposed to mix the FM100 with the FM80 or 60 in the same battery system. This negates it for one project I had in mind. I am curious as to why this is. Anyone know? 3. Will the FM100 work with a standard hub? 4. I suppose this unit requires a 125 amp breaker. If the PV array cannot support that full 100 amps I might down-size the OCPD accordingly. Anyone contemplate this question? Thanks in advance. William ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100
Hi William Yes downsizing breaker to meet load is no problem. And getting wire that big into it with 1” KO is a pain. I’m pretty sure any hub will work, needs 3S mate Where in the manual did you find the “don’t mix with other 60/80 controllers? Jay Peltz power > On May 15, 2020, at 12:46 AM, William Miller wrote: > > > Friends: > > I have occasion to try the FM100 charge controller. I am wondering of anyone > had found any quirks with implementing this device. I have a few specific > questions: > > 1. I want to avoid AFCI unless mandated. Will this be defeated if I don’t > run the leads through the sense coil? (There is an AFCI and non-AFCI version > but I can’t seem to find the non-AFCI version anywhere.) > 2. I noticed the manual indicates you are not supposed to mix the FM100 > with the FM80 or 60 in the same battery system. This negates it for one > project I had in mind. I am curious as to why this is. Anyone know? > 3. Will the FM100 work with a standard hub? > 4. I suppose this unit requires a 125 amp breaker. If the PV array cannot > support that full 100 amps I might down-size the OCPD accordingly. Anyone > contemplate this question? > > Thanks in advance. > > William > > > ___ > 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100
On the #4 question, if you downsize the breaker you can also downsize the cc output wiring as long as the breaker is still protecting the wiring, as you know. One of the advantages of this controller (or any HVcc) is the higher input voltage is great down the line for adding more solar easily. In that case you might as well wire and over current protect to what Outback requires. DAVE ANGELINI OFFGRID SOLAR "we go where powerlines don't" http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/ [1] e-mail offgridso...@sti.net [2] text 209 813 0060 On Thu, 14 May 2020 22:48:36 -0700, William Miller wrote: Friends: I have occasion to try the FM100 charge controller. I am wondering of anyone had found any quirks with implementing this device. I have a few specific questions: 1. I want to avoid AFCI unless mandated. Will this be defeated if I don't run the leads through the sense coil? (There is an AFCI and non-AFCI version but I can't seem to find the non-AFCI version anywhere.) 2. I noticed the manual indicates you are not supposed to mix the FM100 with the FM80 or 60 in the same battery system. This negates it for one project I had in mind. I am curious as to why this is. Anyone know? 3. Will the FM100 work with a standard hub? 4. I suppose this unit requires a 125 amp breaker. If the PV array cannot support that full 100 amps I might down-size the OCPD accordingly. Anyone contemplate this question? Thanks in advance. William Links: -- [1] http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/ [2] mailto:offgridso...@sti.net ___ 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100
Howie, We just installed our first two FM100's. We had already added the MATE3 earlier to get OpticRE. They work great and we accidentally tested the 3/4 amp ground fault fuses white switching out the breakers to high voltage. Just a tiny spark from the pv wire to ground and bingo two ground fault lights. Since they talk to each other through the hub, both the fuses blew. The manual says with more than one controller, take the fuse out of the other one. It will shut off anyway and we wasted a fuse. Could have used that fuse to get the system back if we had done that. We ended up having to go back to the shop to get a fuse. John B On Tue, Aug 14, 2018 at 10:38 PM, Jay wrote: > Hi Howie > > Yes you need a Mate 3 to program and view data for the FM100 > > Jay > Peltz power. > > > On Aug 14, 2018, at 5:48 PM, Howie Michaelson < > howie.michael...@gmail.com> wrote: > > > > I am changing out an off-grid AC coupled SMA SB3000TL inverter tied to a > dual stack VFX3648 system with a Mate (original - not Mate3) and an FNDC, > making into a DC coupled array. It was set up as AC coupled originally > because of the distance the array was from the system (about 500 feet) and > high voltagecharge controllers were not available at the time. Now that > there are several options, we want to change it because the charging setup > is less than adequate. My first choice is to use an Outback FM100, only > because it keeps all the equipment tied together, although I'm not a big > fan of Outback these days. What are folks experience with the FM100? And > apparently it needs a Mate3 (not the Mate) in order to program and read it, > true? Otherwise I will probably go with either a Midnite 250 SL or a > Schneider XW80-600. > > TIA, > > Howie Michaelson > > Sun Catcher > > ___ > > 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100
Hi Howie Yes you need a Mate 3 to program and view data for the FM100 Jay Peltz power. > On Aug 14, 2018, at 5:48 PM, Howie Michaelson > wrote: > > I am changing out an off-grid AC coupled SMA SB3000TL inverter tied to a dual > stack VFX3648 system with a Mate (original - not Mate3) and an FNDC, making > into a DC coupled array. It was set up as AC coupled originally because of > the distance the array was from the system (about 500 feet) and high > voltagecharge controllers were not available at the time. Now that there are > several options, we want to change it because the charging setup is less than > adequate. My first choice is to use an Outback FM100, only because it keeps > all the equipment tied together, although I'm not a big fan of Outback these > days. What are folks experience with the FM100? And apparently it needs a > Mate3 (not the Mate) in order to program and read it, true? Otherwise I will > probably go with either a Midnite 250 SL or a Schneider XW80-600. > TIA, > Howie Michaelson > Sun Catcher > ___ > 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
Re: [RE-wrenches] Outback FM100
I think you would make a huge mistake to not use an all Outback or Schneider system! No mixing because the web portals are excellent from a monitoring sense. Much of my income is from monitoring so as they say, I'm a fan! Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar "we go where powerlines don't" http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/ e-mail offgridso...@sti.net text 209 813 0060 Dave Howie MichaelsonDave > I am changing out an off-grid AC coupled SMA SB3000TL inverter tied to a > dual stack VFX3648 system with a Mate (original - not Mate3) and an FNDC, > making into a DC coupled array. It was set up as AC coupled originally > because of the distance the array was from the system (about 500 feet) and > high voltagecharge controllers were not available at the time. Now that > there are several options, we want to change it because the charging setup > is less than adequate. My first choice is to use an Outback FM100, only > because it keeps all the equipment tied together, although I'm not a big > fan of Outback these days. What are folks experience with the FM100? And > apparently it needs a Mate3 (not the Mate) in order to program and read > it, > true? Otherwise I will probably go with either a Midnite 250 SL or a > Schneider XW80-600. > TIA, > Howie Michaelson > Sun Catcher > ___ > 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 > > Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar "we go where powerlines don't" http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/ e-mail offgridso...@sti.net text 209 813 0060 ___ 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
