Since the use of this manual and the conditions or methods of installation,
operation, use and maintenance of the ME-RC are beyond the control of
Magnum Energy, Inc., the company does not assume responsibility and
expressly disclaims liability for loss, damage or expense, whether direct,
indirect, consequential or incidental, arising out of or in anyway connected
with such installation, operation, use, or maintenance.
Note as well that while every precaution has been taken to ensure the
accuracy of the contents of this manual, the specifi cations and product
functionality may change without notice. Magnum Energy, Inc. assumes no
responsibility for errors or omissions.
Restrictions on Use
The ME-RC remote may only be used in life-support devices or systems
with the express written approval of Magnum Energy. Failure of the ME-RC
remote can reasonably be expected to cause the failure of that life-support
device or system, or to affect the safety or effectiveness of that device or
system. If the ME-RC remote fails, it is reasonable to assume that the health
of the user or other persons may be endangered.
Description – ME-RC Owner’s Manual
Part Number and Revision – 64-0003 Rev G
Date Published – September 2013
This manual is printed without color for cost savings. However, this entire
manual is available for download under the Document Library tab at
http://www.magnumenergy.com —with many of fi gures available in color.
Contact Information
Magnum Energy, Inc.
2211 West Casino Rd.
Everett, WA 98024
Phone: 425-353-8833
Fax: 425-353-8390
Web:
http://www.magnumenergy.com
Statement of Appreciation
From all of us at Magnum Energy –
Thank you for purchasing this ME-RC remote.
We understand that you have many purchasing options in the marketplace,
and are pleased that you have decided on a Magnum Energy product. This
RC remote was proudly assembled and tested in the United States in our
Everett, Washington, facility.
At Magnum we are committed to providing you with quality products and
services, and hope that your experience with us is pleasant and professional.
Magnum Energy® is a registered trademark of Magnum Energy, Inc.
This manual contains safety instructions that must be followed during the
installation and operation of this product. Read all instructions and safety
information contained in this manual before installing or using this product.
Safety Symbols
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, fi re, or other safety hazard, the
following safety symbols have been placed throughout this manual to
indicate dangerous and important safety instructions.
WARNING: Indicates that failure to take a specifi ed action could
result in physical harm to the user.
CAUTION: Indicates that failure to take a specifi ed action could
result in damage to the equipment.
Info: Indicates information that emphasizes or supplements important points of the main text.
Remedy: Provides possible solutions for related issues.
Product Safety Alerts
All electrical work must be performed in accordance with local, state, and
federal electrical codes.
WARNINGS:
• This product is designed for indoor/compartment installation.
It must not be exposed to rain, snow, moisture, or liquids of
any type.
• Use insulated tools to reduce the chance of electrical shock or
accidental short circuits.
• Remove all jewelry such as rings, watches, bracelets, etc., when
installing or performing maintenance on the inverter.
• Always disconnect the batteries or energy source prior to installing or performing maintenance on the inverter. Live power
may be present at more than one point since an inverter utilizes both batteries and AC. Turning off the inverter may not
reduce this risk on some Magnum inverters. As long as AC
power is connected, it will pass thru the inverter regardless
of the power switch on the inverter or the ON/OFF INVERTER
button on the remote.
The ME-RC remote control allows you to monitor and customize the operating
parameters for your Magnum inverter/charger. This remote can be used on
all Magnum inverter/charger models so there is no cross-platform confusion.
The ME-RC50 comes standard with a 50-foot, 4-conductor (twisted-pair)
telephone cable and includes nonvolatile memory (preserves adjustable
settings, even if power to the remote or inverter is removed).
Info: This manual is for the ME-RC with revision 2.8 or higher; see
the TECH: 02 Revisions display on page 30 for information on how
to determine your revision level.
LED
Indicators
Inverting
DC: 12.6V 50A
LCD
Display
ON/OFF
Pushbuttons
Menu Buttons
Rotary SELECT Knob
Figure 1-1, Front Panel Features
The ME-RC is equipped with the following features:
• LED Indicators – The at-a-glance LEDs provide the inverter/charger
status in a straightforward way.
• LCD Display – The LCD display is a 16 x 2 line (32 characters total),
alphanumeric display used for setting up the inverter/charger operation,
as well as viewing current status or fault messages.
• ON/OFF Buttons (x2) – The ON/OFF buttons allow the inverter or
charger to be independently and quickly enabled or disabled.
• Menu Buttons (x5) – The menu buttons allow the inverter or charger
to be confi gured to your specifi c system preferences. These buttons also
allow simple access to menu items that can help with monitoring and
troubleshooting your inverter/charger system.
• Rotary SELECT Knob – The rotary encoder knob is similar to a car
dash radio knob and is used to quickly scroll through and select various
menu items and settings. Pushing this rotary knob allows you to select a
menu item, or to save a setting once it is displayed on the LCD.
Review this section and the Important Product Safety Instructions on page ii
before proceeding with the installation of your remote.
WARNING: Installations should be performed by qualifi ed per-
sonnel, such as a licensed or certifi ed electrician. The installer
determines which safety codes apply and ensures all applicable
installation requirements are followed. Applicable installation codes
vary depending on the specifi c location and application.
CAUTION: When connecting battery power to the inverter, all
battery negative connections must be connected prior to the battery positive connections. When removing battery power from the
inverter, the battery positive should be removed before any battery
negative connections are disconnected. This prevents any communication chips/lines from becoming the DC return path to the
battery—causing permanent damage to all connected accessories.
Summation: Ensure all battery negative circuits are always connected before connecting or disconnecting battery positive.
2.1 Pre-Installation
Before proceeding, read the entire Installation section to determine how best
to install your ME-RC remote. The more thorough you plan in the beginning,
the better your inverter needs will be met.
2.1.1 Installation Guidelines
• Before connecting any wires, determine the remote’s cable route through-
out the home or vehicle/boat, both to and from the inverter.
• Always check for existing electrical, plumbing, or other areas of potential
damage BEFORE drilling or cutting into walls to mount the remote.
• Make sure all wires have a smooth bend radius and do not become kinked.
• If installing this remote in a boat, RV, or truck ensure the conductors
passing through walls, bulkheads, or other structural members are protected. This minimizes insulation damage (such as chafi ng) which can
be caused by vibration or constant rubbing.
2.1.2 Unpacking and Inspection
Carefully remove the ME-RC remote from its shipping container and inspect
all contents. Verify the following items are included:
• The ME-RC remote
• 50’ remote cable
• Four #8 x 3/4 Phillips screws
• ME-RC Owner’s Manual
If items appear to be missing or damaged, contact your authorized Magnum
Energy dealer or Magnum Energy, Inc. Save your proof-of-purchase as a
record of your ownership; it is needed if the unit should require in-warranty
service.
2.1.3 Tools Required
Installing the remote control is simple and requires the following tools:
• Phillips screwdriver • Level • Drill
• Cut-out tool (knife/saw) • Pencil • Drill Bit (7/64”)
The ME-RC comes with a remote cable to enable communication between
the inverter and the remote. The remote cable is a 50-foot, 4-conductor,
round twisted-pair, telephony standard with 6P4C (6-position/4-conductor)
connectors on each end. When the 6P4C connectors are held side by side with
both of the connector tabs facing the same way, the color of the conductors
in each connector is the opposite from top to bottom (see Figure 2-1).
Info: Twisted-pair cabling is a common form of wiring in which two
conductors are wound around each other for the purpose of cancelling out electromagnetic interference (i.e., crosstalk).
Note: The remote cable can be extended up to a length of 200 feet without
data degradation.
4
3
TAB
12
same
color
same color
4
3
12
TAB
Figure 2-1, Remote Cable
2.2.1 Connecting the ME-RC to a Magnum Inverter
One end of the remote cable plugs into the back side of the ME-RC, and the
other plugs into the REMOTE (blue) port on the Magnum inverter/charger
(see Figure 2-2).
Note: Connect the remote cable after mounting the remote as described in
Use the information below (Figures 2-3 and 2-4) in preparation for mounting
the ME-RC remote. Directions for mounting follow in Section 2.4.
~1 ⅝"
(4.1 cm)
~1"
(2.5 cm)
5 ¼” (13.3 cm)
2 ¾" (7.0 cm)
.9"
(2.3 cm)
1 ⅛"
(2.9 cm)
3 ⅞" (9.8 cm)
5 ⅞" (14.9 cm)
3 ¼” (8.3 cm)
1 ½"
(3.8 cm)
Figure 2-3, ME-RC Remote Dimensions
2.4 Mounting the ME-RC Remote
The ME-RC can be fl ush mounted through an opening in the wall. Find a
location that is clean, dry and protected. Allow room to access the remote’s
SELECT knob and to view the LEDs/display.
CAUTION: Ensure that no AC power is connected to the inverter,
and then according your inverter owner’s manual correctly connect
the inverter to the batteries.
CAUTION: Always check for hidden electrical wires, pipes and
cables BEFORE drilling, cutting, or screwing into walls or cabinets.
Info: The ME-RC can be surface mounted on a wall using the optional ME-BZ (remote bezel).
To fl ush mount, the wall opening must have at least a 2” (5 cm) depth to
allow room for the remote and the cable.
1. Cut an opening in the wall (Figure 2-4). Ensure there are no openings
around the display and enough material for the screws to secure the unit.
2. Drill four pilot holes for the #8 x 3/4 screws that will attach the remote to
the wall (refer to Figure 2-3 for remote hole locations and dimensions).
3. Route one end of the cable through the wall opening to the inverter/
charger, and then plug it into the RJ11 REMOTE port (blue label) on the
inverter/charger—inverter has DC power, but is OFF. See Figure 2-2.
4. Take the other end of the remote cable and while plugging it into the
back of the ME-RC, view the remote’s display to ensure the Power-up
Self Test initiates (see Section 2.5).
5. If the self test is successful, secure the ME-RC to the wall using the
four supplied Phillips screws. If the self test is unsuccessful, refer to the
Troubleshooting section.
Info: All power to operate the remote control is provided by the
inverter/charger through the remote cable.
When the ME-RC is fi rst connected to an inverter, a power-up self test is
initialized. The LCD automatically displays the following screens (Figure 2-5):
PWR
FAULT
No LEDs light
CHG
INV
MAGNUM ENERGY
Self Test
PWR lights green
FAULT lights red
CHG lights green
INV lights green
CHG lights green
INV lights green
All LEDs are off*
PWR
FAULT
CHG
INV
PWR
FAULT
CHG
INV
PWR
FAULT
CHG
INV
(C)2003-2013
Connecting to..
ME-RC R 2.8
INV/CHG R #.#
Off
DC 25.5V - 0A
* If the Power-up Always feature is enabled and DC is reconnected to the
inverter, the inverter will turn on automatically once the self test is complete.
Figure 2-5, Power-up Self Test Screens
After five minutes without a button being pressed, the remote displays the
ME-RC’s home screen (see example below).
PWR
FAULT
CHG
INV
Inverting
DC 25.2V - 10A
Top line: Current status of inverter
Bottom line: Voltage from the batteries connected to the
inverter, and the battery current used by the inverter
When the remote is connected to a Magnum inverter/charger, the settings in
the remote control determine the inverter/charger’s operating parameters.
The default settings in the remote control are adequate for most installations
(see Table 3-5); however, you have the option to change some of the
operating parameters. This section shows you how to navigate the remote
and gives you an understanding of the function of each adjustable setting.
3.1 Navigating the Remote
The ME-RC has menu items and adjustable settings that provide the ability
to confi gure your inverter/charger to your specifi c parameters.
Info: See Figures 4-1 through 4-3 for complete maps of the inverter/
charger’s menu items and adjustable settings.
Familiarize yourself with the display and controls on the remote’s front panel
that are used to fi nd, adjust, and save the desired settings (see Figure 3-1).
• LCD Display – The 2-line LCD display shows status and information for
the inverter/charger and any attached accessories. All setup menus and
faults also appear on the LCD display.
Info: The LCD display returns to the remote home screen to show
DC voltage and current (see Figure 2-6) after 5 minutes—if no buttons have been pressed.
Info: When the (left facing arrow) symbol is shown on the
display, the displayed setting has been selected and will be used.
• Menu Buttons (x5) – These fi ve buttons allow simple access to menu
items that can help with confi guring, monitoring, and troubleshooting
your inverter/charger system.
• Rotary SELECT Knob – This rotary knob allows you to quickly scroll
through and select various menu items and settings. Pressing the knob
selects the menu item to change, or saves the current selection.
Info: Hold down the SELECT button for 10 seconds to refresh the
LCD display.
The ME-RC has many settings and is designed to work with the standard
features in your Magnum inverter—and/or other Magnum devices (i.e., MEAGS-N or ME-BMK). The ME-RC communicates with your inverter to allow
the set up and enabling of these standard features. However, when the MERC is released with new software, some of the features and functionality in
the remote may not be available in an inverter or networked accessory that
has an earlier software level. In this case, the setting is not recognized and
will not function. Use the steps below to help you determine which ME-RC
(Revision 2.8) menus/features are compatible with your inverter.
1. Go to:
determine your inverter’s compatibility level (L1, L2, L3, or L4).
2. Use Table 3-1 to determine which ME-RC features/settings you want to
use, and what inverter compatibility level is required (see the “Inverter
Model/Level Required” column in Table 3-1).
3. If your inverter compatibility level is the same or greater than the level
required, your inverter can support the setting/feature you want.
4. If your inverter does not have the required compatibility level for a feature/setting you want, contact Magnum Energy for a software upgrade.
http://www.magnumenergy.com/Service/Compatibility.htm to
Info: The ME-RC compatibility matrix below is also available online to
download/print as a single page document and to enter user settings.
* 12-volt values shown; for 24v – multiply x2; for 48v – multiply x 4.
** These settings return to factory default when power to remote is removed.
ME-RC Compatibility Matrix Notes:
[1] Not available on MM/MM-E/MM-AE/MMS/MMS-E models.
[2] AC Couple mode can be activated using Battery Type: Custom, only with
MS-PAE Series ≥Rev 4.1 or MS/MS-PE Series ≥5.0.
[3] The AC amps displays are not shown unless connected to MS-PAE, MS-PE
or MSH Series models.
[4] Level 2 and 3 inverters can be used, but Level 2 inverters are limited
from 1.0 hour to 4.5 hours, Level 3 inverters <Rev 4.1 are limited from 1.0
to 6.5 hours; and Level 3 inverters ≥Rev. 4.1 (and MMS Rev 1.5) are limited
from 1.5 to 6.5 hours; any setting outside these limited ranges are not
recognized and reverts to the inverter’s default absorption time (2.0 hours).
[5] BM/SOC features require the ME-BMK (Battery Monitor Kit) to be installed.
The fi ve menu pushbuttons (SHORE, AGS, METER, SETUP, or TECH) allow the
inverter/charger system to be confi gured to your specifi c preferences. These
menus also allow you to access menu items that can help with monitoring
and troubleshooting your system.
This section covers each menu button’s function and its various confi gurable
settings. This helps to optimize the operation of the inverter/charger.
3.3.1 SHORE Menu
This menu button enables you to quickly change your Shore Max setting to
coordinate with the circuit breaker rating from the incoming AC source.
• SHORE: Shore Max – This ensures the inverter AC loads receive the
maximum current available from the utility/generator. Whenever the
utility/generator is connected to the inverter (via AC HOT 1), the current
used to power the AC loads and to charge the batteries is monitored.
When the total current used to power the AC loads and charge the
batteries begins to approach the Shore Max setting, the current that was
used for charging the batteries is automatically reduced. This ensures
the AC loads have the needed current (not available on MM/MM-E/
MM-AE/MMS/MMS-E models).
Default setting: Shore Max = 30A
Range: 5-60A
SHORE
Press
Bottom line shows
current saved setting.
Status...
Shore Max=**A
If this setting is correct,
press another menu
button to access another
menu item.
Range: 5-60 Amps (increments by 5 Amps)
If a different setting
is required:
Rotate to
desired
selection:
Press to save
Figure 3-3, SHORE: Shore Max Selections
Where should I set: Set the Shore Max setting to match the current rating
of the utility power or the generator’s circuit breaker.
the input current differently depending on the inverter/charger model and
the AC input wiring confi guration. Set per your inverter model below.
CAUTION: Unless you have an MS hybrid series inverter/charger—
which provides the Load Support feature—the Shore Max setting
only limits current to the battery, it does not limit the current to the
inverter loads. If the current from the loads on the output of the
inverter are greater than the circuit breaker rating on the incoming
AC source, you will experience nuisance tripping on this breaker.
This setting controls
Info: If you are supplying two AC sources (utility and generator)
to the inverter’s single input through an AC transfer switch, adjust
the Shore Max setting to the smaller AC circuit breaker size of the
two AC sources.
ME, MS, and RD Series: These models have two inputs (HOT IN 1 and HOT
IN 2), but the current is only monitored on HOT IN 1. On these models, when
wired as a dual-in confi guration or as a single-in confi guration—with only
the HOT IN 1 connected—the Shore Max setting should be set to the size
of the AC circuit breaker that feeds the HOT IN 1 input. On these models,
when wired as a single-in confi guration with HOT IN 1 and HOT IN 2 jumped
together, set the Shore Max setting to half (x½) the input breaker size—as
half the current will pass through HOT IN 1 and the other half through HOT
IN 2 simultaneously.
MS-AE and MS-PAE Series: These models have two inputs (HOT IN 1 and
HOT IN 2), with the current monitored on each input at the same time. On
these models, since the input is from a single AC source, both of the input
currents are added together and divided in half to determine the Shore Max
setting. Whether the input circuit breaker is a dual-pole (120/240 VAC input)
or a single-pole (120 VAC only), set the Shore Max setting to the value of
only one of the breaker poles (i.e., 30A dual-pole = 30A setting, 30A singlepole = 30A setting).
MS-E, MS-PE, MSH-RE and MSH-M Series: These models may have
one (AC1) or two (AC2) inputs, with the current monitored on each input
separately. On these models, set the Shore Max setting to match the input
AC circuit breaker size.
Note: If the ME-RC is connected to a MSH-RE inverter, the Shore Max setting
applies to both inputs (AC1 and AC2).
Note: The MS Hybrid (MSH) Series inverter/chargers have Load Support Mode,
which allows the inverter power to operate in parallel with the incoming AC
power (Grid or Gen). This feature uses additional power from the inverter’s
battery to run loads greater than what the incoming AC power can run alone,
and prioritizes the power of any external DC source (i.e., solar, wind, etc.,)
over the incoming AC power to run inverter loads.
MM, MM-AE and MMS Series (and any export version of these
models): These models do not monitor current on the input, therefore
cannot benefi t from the Shore Max setting or feature. On these models, the
Shore Max setting may be displayed and allow selection/adjustment, but will
not do anything to reduce the battery charger current.
3.3.2 AGS Menu
The AGS button allows an optional Auto Generator Start – Network (AGS-N)
controller (if installed and networked) to be confi gured to your specifi c
system preferences, and enables you to check the status of the AGS.
Info: Refer to Section 7.0 (in this manual) and to your ME-AGS-N
Owner’s Manual (PN: 64-0039) for detailed information on the AGS.
Pressing the METER button accesses the various meters that assist in
determining the status of the inverter/charger and the battery system.
Info: All displays revert back to the home screen (except for the
displays under the METER button) if no button has been pressed
for approximately fi ve minutes.
METER
Press
Display shows
menu item:
Status...
01 INV/CHG Meter
Press to select
Display shows
DC meter:
Status...
DC: ##.#V #A
Figure 3-5, METER: 01 INV/CHG Meter Display
• METER: 01 INV/CHG Meter – This menu item displays the DC voltage
and current while either inverting or charging.
DC: V (Volts) & A (Amps): First value displays the voltage from the
batteries connected to the inverter. This reading’s accuracy is ±1.5%
with a 0.1 VDC resolution. Second value displays (while inverting) a
negative number to show the battery current used by the inverter. If
charging, the DC: A (Amps) reading displays a positive number to show
the amount of current delivered to the batteries. The accuracy of this
display below 1 amp AC (~10 amps DC @ 12VDC) is not detected. When
the current into or out of the batteries is greater than 1 amp AC, the
display accuracy is ±20%.
VAC Out: Display provides the AC voltage measurement at the inverter’s
output terminals. If inverting, this measures the inverter’s output
voltage. When in Standby mode, this measures the AC voltage that is
passing through the inverter from the source (e.g., grid or generator).
Hz Out: Displays (while inverting) the output frequency of the inverter.
When in Standby mode, this meter displays the frequency of the
incoming AC source (i.e., grid or generator) that is passing through the
inverter to the inverter’s output terminals. Frequency in Hertz (Hz).
Load Amps: Displays the AC amps as measured on the inverter’s AC
output terminals. The reading is positive (+) if power is being pulled
from the inverter to run an AC load—either using the batteries in
Inverter mode, or from the AC input source in Standby mode. The
reading is negative (–) to indicate power is being returned to the inverter
through the AC output terminals—possible in an AC coupled installation.
(MS-PAE, MS-PE and MSH Series models only)
Input Amp: Displays the total AC amps being used by the inverter
for charging and for powering any connected load at the output of the
inverter. This reading is always displayed as a positive (+) number. (MSPAE, MS-PE and MSH Series models only)
Example: If the charger is using 20A from the AC source and the load
connected to the inverter output is using 10A, the combined load on
the incoming AC source is 30A. So, 30A is displayed as the input amps.
I/C Amps: Displays the inverter or charger amps. A negative (–) amps
reading indicates the inverter is powering the inverter loads and the
batteries are discharging (inverter amps). A positive (+) amps reading
indicates the inverter is using the AC input source to charge the batteries
(charger amps). (MS-PAE, MS-PE and MSH Series models only)
AC Input: Displays the RMS value of the AC voltage at the inverter’s
AC1/HOT IN 1 and NEUTRAL terminals (MSH Models only).
AC2 Input: Displays the RMS value of the AC input voltage applied to
the inverter’s AC2 and NEUTRAL terminals (MSH-RE Models only).
• METER: 02 BM: SOC thru 06 BM: TECH – These menus allow the
optional ME-BMK (Magnum Energy’s Battery Monitor Kit)—if installed—
to be confi gured to your specifi c system preferences, and displays the
status of the battery system.
Info: Refer to Section 8.0 (in this manual) and to your ME-BMK/
BMK-NS Owner’s Manual (PN: 64-0013) for detailed information on
these menus and the Battery Monitor Kit.
3.3.4 SETUP Menu
Pressing the SETUP menu button provides access to menu items and settings
that allow the inverter/charger to be confi gured. Review each menu item to
determine if any setting requires adjustment to meet your requirements.
SETUP
Press
Rotate to
Status...
01 Search Watts
Range: OFF, 5-50 Watts (increments by
Press to select
Rotate to
desired
selection
Press to save
:
5 Watts)
Figure 3-6, SETUP: 01 Search Watts Selections
• SETUP: 01 Search Watts – Allows you to turn off the Search Watts
feature, or to adjust the power level to determine when the inverter
leaves Search mode. If not needed, select OFF. When search is turned
off, the inverter continuously provides full AC voltage to the loads.
Info: When the Search Watts feature is active, “Searching” appears
on the top line of the LCD display and the green INV LED will fl ash.
What is the Search Watts feature? This feature helps save battery
power by reducing the inverter’s output to search pulses when there is no
detectable load. If a load greater than the wattage level setting turns on
while the inverter is searching, the inverter starts inverting to provide full
voltage on its output.
Should I use the Search Watts feature? If the inverter can spend a great
deal of time searching (to reduce the power drain on your batteries) and you
can tolerate small loads (<5 watts) being off, then the Search mode feature
should be used. However, if some small loads (i.e., digital clocks, satellite
receivers, answering machines, etc.,) are required to be on, then this feature
should be turned off (Search = OFF).
Where should I set Search Watts? This setting should be adjusted to the
same power level (or the next lower setting) of the smallest load that you plan
to run. If you don’t know the wattage of the smallest load, turn the load on and
decrease the Search Watts setting until the load comes on and stays on.
Info: Even though the Search feature is on, some connected equipment—even if they are off—may draw enough current to keep the
inverter in the Inverting mode (i.e., not “Searching”).
• SETUP: 02 LowBattCutOut – This setting sets the DC voltage level
that turns off the inverter to protect the batteries from over-discharge
damage. If battery voltage drops below the LBCO selected set-point
continuously for more than one minute, the FAULT LED comes on, the
inverter turns off, and the display shows a Low Battery status. If the
battery voltage falls below 8.5 volts (12-volt models), 17.0 (24-volt
models) or 34.0 volts (48-volt models), the FAULT LED and Low Battery
status display will be immediate.
Range: 9.0-12.2 VDC (12v inverter), 18.0-24.4 VDC (24v inverter), or
36.0-48.8 VDC (48v inverter)
Info: The inverter automatically begins inverting when the DC voltage increases to ≥ 12.5 VDC (12-volt models), ≥ 25.0 VDC (24-volt
models), or ≥ 50.0 VDC (48-volt models). If AC power is available
and connected to the inverter’s input, the inverter automatically
clears the low battery fault, passes the input AC power to the output,
and begins charging the batteries.
Where do I set the LBCO setting? If you want to cycle the batteries
slightly—but don’t want to discharge them more than 20%*—then the LBCO
setting should be set from 11.5-12.2 VDC (12-volt models), 23.0-24.4 VDC
(24-volt models), or 46.0-48.8 (48-volt models). In some applications, such
as those installed in an off-grid home or when doing a lot of dry-camping
in your RV, you may want to cycle down to 50%* by setting the LBCO from
10.0-11.4 VDC (12-volt models), 20.0-22.8 VDC (24-volt models), or 40.0-
45.6 VDC (48-volt models). In extreme circumstances, you have the ability
to discharge the batteries to 80%* by setting the LBCO to 9.0-9.5 VDC (12volt models), 18.0-19.0 VDC (24-volt models), or 36.0-38.0 VDC (48-volt
models) before recharging.
* These are rough estimates. For accurate battery monitoring, a battery
monitor such as Magnum’s ME-BMK/ME-BMK-NS is required.
Info: The higher the LBCO setting, the less the inverter discharges
the batteries; which allows the batteries to have a longer life. The
down side to a higher LBCO setting is the need to charge more often
to prevent the inverter from shutting off in Fault mode.
Info: If there is an AGS-N installed, it should be set to start ≥1.0
volts higher than the LBCO setting—this is to prevent the inverter
from shutting down before the generator comes on.
• SETUP: 03 Absorb Time – Used to determine when the charger
completes the Absorption stage and transitions to the Float stage.
Absorption is the second stage of the battery charging process and the
batteries will be almost fully charged. Refer to Table 3-2 to correlate the
battery capacity to the absorption time.
Note: If “CC/CV Controlled” displays on this menu’s screen, you will not be
able to adjust the settings as “CC/CV” has been selected as the battery type
from the 04 Battery Type menu.
Info: If the Absorption stage is short or terminated, the batteries
may not receive a full charge. In contrast, if the Absorption stage
is too long the batteries may be overcharged. Either scenario may
cause damage to the batteries. Contact the battery manufacturer
for the best charge settings for your type of batteries.
Info: The range of the Absorb Time setting is dependent on the
revision of your inverter. With inverters having a revision 5.0 or
greater, the available range to use is 0.5-25.5 hrs. However, if your
inverter revision is less than 5.0, the actual range is only from 1.0
to 6.5 hrs. Any setting less than 1.0 hr or greater than 6.5 hrs is
not recognized and will cause the charger to revert to the default
setting of 1.5 hrs.
SETUP
Press
Rotate to
Status...
03 Absorb Time
Press to select
Range: 0.1-25.5 Hrs (increments by 0.1 Hrs)
Rotate to
desired
selection:
Press to save
Figure 3-8, SETUP: 03 Absorb Time Selections
Where do I set the Absorb Time setting? Select the setting based on the
20-hour amp-hour (AH) capacity of your battery bank.
Table 3-2, Battery AmpHrs Capacity to Suggested Absorb Time
Battery
AmpHrs
Capacity
Suggested
Absorb Time
Battery
AmpHrs
Capacity
Suggested
Absorb Time
200-30060 minutes1310-1500240 minutes
310-50090 minutes1510-1700270 minutes
510-700120 minutes1710-1900300 minutes
710-900150 minutes1910-2100330 minutes
910-1100180 minutes2110-2300360 minutes
1110-1300210 minutes2310-2500390 minutes
How do I determine my Battery Amp-Hour capacity? The inverter
requires deep cycle batteries, which are specifi cally made for continuous
use. The batteries are rated either by AHrs or reserve capacity in minutes.
• Amp-hour (AH) capacity is a measurement of how many amps a battery
can deliver for a specifi ed length of time (usually 20 hours) until the
voltage achieves 1.75 VDC/cell at 80° F.
• Reserve Capacity (RC) is a measure of how many minutes a battery can
deliver a certain amount of current (usually 25A) and maintain a voltage
above 1.75 VDC/cell at 80° F.
Info: If using the Reserve Capacity (25A), the 20-hour AH capacity
can be estimated by multiplying ‘minutes reserve capacity’ by 50%.
Table 3-3 provides an estimated 20-hour amp-hour capacity based on the
group/code size, physical size, and voltage of the battery. If you are not
sure of your battery’s 20-hour AH rating, consult your battery manufacturer/
dealer or use the table below to obtain an estimate.
Table 3-3, Battery Size to Battery AmpHrs (estimated)
Group/Code
Size
GC-2 (Golf cart)10
L-1611
Group 229
Group 2410
Group 2712
Group 3113 x 6
4D20
8D20
Physical Size
(L” x W” x H”)
3/8 x 7 13/16 x 10 5/86V220 AHrs
11/16 x 7 x 16 11/166V375 AHRs
1/2 x 6 7/8 x 8 5/1612V55 AHRs
1/4x 6 13/16 x 8 7/812V70 AHRs
1/16x 6 13/16 x 8 7/812V95 AHRs
13/16 x 9 7/1612V110 AHRs
3/4 x 8 3/4 x 9 7/812V200 AHRs
3/4 x 11 1/8 x 9 7/812V250 AHRs
Battery
Voltage
Battery AHrs
(20-hr rate)
Once you’ve determined the amp-hour capacity of each battery, review how
your batteries are connected (parallel or series) to determine the total amphour capacity of the battery bank:
Parallel connection – batteries connected in parallel (positive to positive,
negative to negative) increase the AHr capacity of the battery bank, but
the voltage remains the same.
Example: A 12-volt battery bank with three 12-volt batteries that are rated
at 125 AHrs each. Each of the positive terminals are connected together and
each of the negative terminals are connected together (i.e., connected in
parallel). The AHrs of each battery connected in parallel are added together
(125 AH + 125 AH + 125 AH = 375 AH), but the voltage of the battery bank
stays the same (12 VDC).
Series connection – batteries connected in series (pos. to neg.) increase
the voltage of the battery bank, but the AHr rate remains the same.
Example: A 12-volt battery bank with two 6-volt batteries that are rated
at 220 AHrs. The positive terminal of the fi rst battery is connected to the
negative terminal of the second battery (i.e., connected in series). Since the
two 6-volt batteries are connected in series, the voltage of the batteries are
added together to produce 12-volts (6 VDC + 6 VDC = 12 VDC), but the
amp-hour capacity of the battery bank does not change (220 AH).
In battery banks where you have batteries connected in series and in parallel,
the rules are the same. The batteries connected in series are referred to as a
‘series string’ and the amp-hour capacity doesn’t change. Each series string
is connected together in parallel to increase the amp-hour capacity. Add the
amp-hour capacity of each series string connected in parallel to determine
the total amp-hour capacity of the battery bank.
• SETUP: 04 Battery Type – This setting selects the battery type, which
determines the battery charge profi le and ensures the batteries are
receiving the proper charge voltage. The fi xed voltage settings are: fi xed when using the GEL, Flooded, AGM1, or AGM2 selections, but can
be adjusted if using the CC/CV or Custom selections.
◊Battery Type (GEL, Flooded, AGM1, or AGM2) – When the battery type selection is GEL (for Gel batteries), Flooded (for liquid lead acid
batteries), AGM1 (for Lifeline AGM batteries), or AGM2 (for East Penn/
Deka/Discover/Trojan AGM batteries), the charge voltage level for the
Absorption, Float, and EQ Charge modes are fi xed and shown in Table
3-1—depending on the battery type selected and the nominal inverter
battery voltage