User manual CONTAX MARK-20

[. . . ] 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. [. . . ] For "Bar" readings, place the jumper across both 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". The lights above usually indicate when the unit is charging. 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. Reduce use of loads or use additional source to charge the batteries. If continues, see TROUBLE SHOOTING section. 14 TROUBLE SHOOTING These sections can assist in the troubleshooting of a solar system. · HELP NOTES: - lists some common problems with a solar system. · MARK/(15, 20) Problems: - If a problem is suspected based on the observations of the MARK/(15, 20) controller, find the condition on the MARK/(15, 20) PROBLEMS chart. It will direct you to a "MARK/(15, 20) NOTE" on the next page. · Fuse Removal Test: - provides a simple test to confirm operation. · Battery Problems: - If you feel your batteries are not being adequately charged or are consistently being over-charged, refer to the section BATTERY PROBLEMS. · Solar Panels Problems: - If you feel that the solar panels are not performing adequately, refer to the section SOLAR PANEL PROBLEMS. HELP NOTES: NORMAL CONDITIONS: Normal Conditions and Common Problems 1. "ALWAYS CHARGING" or "NEVER CHARGING" - Depending on your system, it may be normal for the MARK/(15, 20) to go for long periods of constant charging or long periods with no charging. The function of the MARK/(15, 20) is to prevent over-charging of the battery. Therefore, it will charge continuously when the battery voltage is low and stop all charging as long as the battery voltage is high. BATTERY WATER LOSS - It is normal for unsealed batteries to need some water from time to time. Minor water loss is not a problem; just add to the top level when needed. Excessive water loss (a quart or more in a period of a month) may indicate a more serious problem. BATTERY GASSING - In vented batteries, some gassing is good. Gassing stirs up the battery acid and allows the battery to fully charge. [. . . ] Acts of God, including lightning, floods, earthquakes, fire and high winds. Damage in handling, including damage encountered during shipment. This warranty shall be considered void if the warranted product is in anyway opened or altered. The warranty will be void if any eyelet, rivets, or other fasteners used to seal the unit are removed or altered, or if the unit's serial number is in any way removed, altered, replaced, defaced or rendered illegible. [. . . ]