User manual CONTAX MARK-15

[. . . ] MARK/ 15 & MARK/ 20 Photovoltaic (Solar) Charge Controller Installation & Operation Manual SPECIALTY CONCEPTS, INC. 8954 Mason Ave. Chatsworth, CA 91311 USA Web-site: www. specialtyconcepts. com Copyright 12 / 2001 Specialty Concepts, Inc. The Ideal Charge Controller for Home, RV & Marine Solar Systems. The MARK/15 & MARK/20 (MARK/(15, 20)) are highly reliable charge controllers that are ideal for small to mid-sized photovoltaic systems. They will efficiently charge your batteries and provide years of protection from over-charging. This protective care will prolong your battery life and reduce maintenance requirements. FEATURES IDEAL SOLAR CHARGING · Compatible ­ Works with almost all types of batteries and solar panels · Efficient ­ Over 99% efficiency when charging · Full Charging ­ Ensures that the batteries are always topped off · Battery Safe ­ Charging method maximizes battery life · Reduced Maintenance ­ from healthy charging and reliable operation OVER-CHARGE PROTECTION · High Voltage "Shut-off" - shuts off only when battery is full · Robust Circuitry ­ Control function 100% solid state. [. . . ] 3rd POSITION - "CHARGE SET-POINT": This position displays the charge termination voltage set-point that the controller is currently set to. This setting can be used to verify the termination set-point, or for set-point adjustment. 4th POSITION - "BATTERY VOLTAGE (bar-graph off)": This position is identical to the 1st position described above except that the battery bar-graph display is turned off. Use this position if current consumption is a special concern. "CHARGING" LIGHT: The "CHARGING" light will be on when the battery is charging. When charging, virtually all the power available from the solar array will pass through to the battery. "CHARGED" LIGHT: The "CHARGED" light will be on when the battery is fully charged. After the battery has reached the charge termination voltage, the charging will stop and the "CHARGED" light will go on. This light will remain on until the battery voltage drops down to the charge resumption voltage. 13 "BATTERY" CONDITION BAR-GRAPH: This bar-graph provides a general indication of the battery condition. The lights will rise and fall as the battery voltage goes up and down. During the day, the battery voltage can increase and decrease instantly as charging is turned on and off. When the battery is completely charged, the current will begin to pulse into the battery. Bar-graph after modifying set-points - The bar-graph provides a general indication of the battery condition. When charging batteries with modified set-points, the terminology and colors may not be appropriate. Bar-graph "Dot" / Bar-graph "Bar" ­ The visual appearance of the bar-graph can be adjusted to meet your individual preference. The bar-graph can be set to use a single light ("Dot") to represent the battery condition or it can be set so all the lights below the value are on ("Bar"). The bar-graph "Dot" will consume less current but the "Bar" setting will be brighter. To change the "Dot" or "Bar" setting, locate the "BAR-GRAPH MODE" adjustment pins on the backside of the unit. For "Dot" readings, place jumper across only one of the pins. Red light glow -- Occasionally, the very bottom red light may have a slight glow to it. This is not a problem. GOOD - Battery can generally be considered "FULL". Capacity has dropped down but voltage is still adequate to provide power. Use of loads should be conservative. OK - LOW - VERY LOW - Voltage is very low. If continues, see TROUBLE SHOOTING section. 14 TROUBLE SHOOTING These sections can assist in the troubleshooting of a solar system. [. . . ] This warranty is valid against defects in materials and workmanship for the five (5) year warranty period. It is not valid against defects resulting from, but not limited to: A. Improper installation, including, but not limited to, improper environmental protection and improper hook-up. Acts of God, including lightning, floods, earthquakes, fire and high winds. [. . . ]