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Knowlage Base Renewable, Off Grid, Hybrid

You can locally monitor (and configure) your inverter using the WatchPower software that came in a CD with you inverter. For that you will need one RS-232 port in your PC and the RS-232 adapter cable. Please note that none of the RJ45 ports of the SPC are for Ethernet connections. If required, you can use USB-to-RS232 adapter to locally monitor your inverter. To monitor the SPC via the internet you can use the Wifi Box, the GRPS Box or the SNMP box. Click Here for SPC Reference Documentation
When binding one inverter to a site, make sure you’re using the inverter’s serial number, not the Wifi box serial number. Click Here for SPC Reference Documentation
123456. Please make sure to initiate the pairing from the WatchPower App. Click Here for SPC Reference Documentation
A tripped GFDI breaker is an indication of a ground fault or over current issue between the solar charge controller and your batteries. The most common cause for a tripped GFDI is an over current condition. For more information on your GFDI, please refer to this document on how to avoid nuisance tripping or go to your Owner’s Manual.
GFDI stands for “Ground Fault Detector Interrupter”. The GFDI exists between the solar charge controller and the batteries and indicates when either a ground fault condition or an overcurrent condition occurs. For more information on your GFDI, please refer to this document on how to avoid nuisance tripping or go to your Owner’s Manual. Click Here for Charge Controller Reference Documentation
Firmware updates for OutBack equipment are available here. For more information, view this tutorial video on how to update the Mate3.
The OpticsRE login page can be accessed here. For more information about OpticsRE, view these tutorial videos on how to install OpticsRE and how to share your OpticsRE profile.
OpticsRE is a monitoring and control program available with OutBack systems. For more information, view these tutorial videos on how to install OpticsRE and how to share your OpticsRE profile.
“HBX” stands for “High Battery Transfer” and is a programming feature available on the Mate/Mate3. If enabled, it allows an OutBack system to utilize charged batteries and transfer to the grid when the batteries become depleted. HBX mode has similar priorities to the Mini Grid input mode contained within the FXR inverter. Either mode may achieve similar results, but they are not identical. View this tutorial video to learn more about HBX and how to program it. For more information, review the Mate/Mate3 User Manual (the Operator’s Manual for your inverter should also briefly describe HBX). Click Here for MATE3 Reference Documentation
“AUX” stands for “auxiliary”. On Outback equipment, the AUX port is a low-current, 12-volt supply or relay used to perform various tasks. It can be (but is not always) used to control an external device such as a vent fan or external relay. When considering AUX applications, plan for both connection requirements and programming with the Mate/Mate3 system display. For more information on your AUX port, review your product’s Programming Guide and Overview Guide. Click Here for MATE3 Reference Documentation
Yes, the Dry Contact Signal contact available on the rear panel may be used to deliver a signal to an external device when battery voltage reaches certain level. Please check the User Manual for the contact rating and how to set the Dry Contact activation and deactivation thresholds.
“AGS” stands for “Advanced Generator Start” and is a programming feature available on Mate/Mate3. It allows an OutBack system to control the start/stop conditions of a generator. To learn about AGS basic, please refer to these tech notes or view this tutorial video. For further information, review your product’s Programming Guide or Overview Guide. Click Here for MATE3 Reference Documentation
The FAULT status indicator warns you about a condition impairing or preventing your inverter to operate. A Blinking red light indicates a Warning mode; a solid red light indicates a Fault mode. In Warning mode the inverter may be able to operate with some limitations while in Fault mode there is a condition preventing operation. Be aware that some Warning and Fault conditions have the same numerical code. Warning conditions are indicated by a Blinking red light in the FAULT Status indicator and the Warning sign besides the warning code. Fault conditions are indicated by a Solid red Light in the FAULT Status indicator and the letter “F” at the left of the fault code. For further information please consult your product’s User Manual. Click Here for SPC Reference Documentation
Event lights (red) indicate a change in the system status. A flashing Event light indicates a system warning; a solid Event light indicates a system error. View the Event History screen for a log of all events to aid in troubleshooting. For more information on Event lights or Event History, refer to your Mate/Mate3 Programming Manual or Overview Guide. Click Here for MATE3 Reference Documentation
Stacking is the method that OutBack uses to allow the inverters to act as a single system and work together to charge batteries and provide power loads. For further specifications on how and what can be stacked, refer to these tech notes or this tutorial video on stacking FXR and Radian inverters. For more information specific to your set-up, refer to your inverter’s Operator’s Manual, Installation Manual, or Quick Start Guide. Click Here for Inverter / Charger Reference Documentation
SOC stands for “State Of Charge” and is an indication of the amount of charge in a battery, ranging from 100% full to empty. The Mate displays the SOC value that is derived from the FLEXnet DC (FN-DC) battery monitor. The FN-DC gathers its data from the DC shunts that are installed between the DC loads. Typical reasons for incorrect SOC readings include mis-wired shunts or wrong programming set-points in the FN-DC setup. For more information about the SOC, view the FN-DC battery monitor User Guide and Application Notes. To learn more about the FN-DC, view Part 1 and Part 2 tutorial videos on how to install the product or learn how to program the advanced controls in this tutorial. Click Here for FLEXnet DC Reference Documentation
If your charge controller shows “Sleeping”, it is not charging your batteries and there is no solar production. This normally appears at night, when no PV energy is available. Abnormal periods of sleeping could result from the PV voltage input being is less than the battery voltage or controller failure. To troubleshoot:
  • Examine the main screen and verify the “IN” voltage is higher than the “OUT” voltage
  • Verify that there is enough power available for the controller to operate (clear skies)
For further troubleshooting, see your charge controller’s Owner’s Manual for more information on Sleeping. Click Here for Charge Controller Reference Documentation
If your charge controller shows “Snooze”, that means it is not charging the batteries and there is no solar production. This is because there is likely because there is not enough light to allow charging. This is normal in the morning, evening, or in heavy clouds (low light). In other cases, it may be that your VMP is too low (see manual). The threshold for Snooze mode is configurable. See your charge controller’s Owner’s Manual for information on Snooze. Click Here for Charge Controller Reference Documentation
If your charge controller shows “EX-Absorb,” this indicates that there is an additional external source holding the batteries above the charge controller’s absorb voltage. See your charge controller’s Owner’s Manual for information on EX-Absorb. Click Here for Charge Controller Reference Documentation
Many OutBack devices are equipped with an internal fan which aids in air circulation and cooling. A failure indicates a faulty cooling fan. For an Internal Fan Failure, please contact an OutBack Service department. Click Here for Inverter / Charger Reference Documentation