Outback Power Systems FX2024ET, VFX3048E, VFX2612E, VFX3024E, FX2348ET User Manual

International
FX and VFX Series

INVERTER/CHARGER

Programming Manual

WARRANTY SUMMARY

Dear OutBack Customer,

Thank you for your purchase of OutBack products. We make every e ort to assure our power
conversion products will give you long and reliable service for your renewable energy system.

As with any manufactured device, repairs might be needed due to damage, inappropriate use, or
unintentional defect. Please note the following guidelines regarding warranty service of OutBack
products:

• Any and all warranty repairs must conform to the terms of the warranty.

• All OutBack equipment must be installed according to their accompanying instructions and manuals
with speci ed over-current protection in order to maintain their warranties.

• The customer must return the component(s) to OutBack, securely packaged, properly addressed,
and shipping paid. We recommend insuring your package when shipping. Packages that are not
securely packaged can sustain additional damage not covered by the warranty or can void warranty
repairs.

• There is no allowance or reimbursement for an installer’s or user’s labor or travel time required to
disconnect, service, or reinstall the damaged component(s).

• OutBack will ship the repaired or replacement component(s) prepaid to addresses in the continental
United States, where applicable. Shipments outside the U.S. will be sent freight collect.

• In the event of a product malfunction, OutBack cannot bear any responsibility for consequential
losses, expenses, or damage to other components.

• Please read the full warranty at the end of this manual for more information.

About Outback Power Systems

OutBack Power Systems is a leader in advanced energy conversion technology. Our products include
true sine wave inverter/chargers, maximum power point charge controllers, system communication
components, as well as breaker panels, breakers, accessories, and assembled systems.

Notice of Copyright

International FX and VFX Series Inverter/Charger Programming Manual © 2007 All rights reserved.

Disclaimer

UNLESS SPECIFICALLY AGREED TO IN WRITING, OUTBACK POWER SYSTEMS:

(a) MAKES NO WARRANTY AS TO THE ACCURACY, SUFFICIENCY OR SUITABILITY OF ANY TECHNICAL OR
OTHER INFORMATION PROVIDED IN ITS MANUALS OR OTHER DOCUMENTATION.
(b) ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE, WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT,
CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL, WHICH MIGHT ARISE OUT OF THE USE OF SUCH INFORMATION. THE
USE OF ANY SUCH INFORMATION WILL BE ENTIRELY AT THE USER’S RISK.

Contact Information:

OutBack Power Systems
19009 62nd Ave. NE

Arlington, WA 98223 Phone [phone] • Fax [phone] www.outbackpower.com

Date and Revision • July 2008 REV C

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Warranty Summary.....................................................................................................................................................................................1

Declaration of Conformity .....................................................................................................................................................................3

Welcome to the OutBack Power Systems FX Series Inverter/Charger System .....................................................4

Safety .........................................................................................................................................................................................................4

Modes and Properties ..............................................................................................................................................................................5

Set-Up Screens ..............................................................................................................................................................................................5

Search Mode ..................................................................................................................................................................................................6

Input Menu .....................................................................................................................................................................................................7

Advanced Screens ......................................................................................................................................................................................9

Inverter Menu .............................................................................................................................................................................................10

Charger Menu .............................................................................................................................................................................................13

Generator Menu ........................................................................................................................................................................................16

FX Series Inverter/Charger Programming .................................................................................................................................19

Components and Connections .......................................................................................................................................................20

Stacking Options ......................................................................................................................................................................................23

OutBack Parallel ................................................................................................................................................................................23

3-Phase ..................................................................................................................................................................................................24

Stacking And Assigning FX Status .................................................................................................................................................24

1-2ph Master .....................................................................................................................................................................................24

Classic Slave ........................................................................................................................................................................................25

OB Slave L1 ..........................................................................................................................................................................................25

3ph Master.................................................................. .........................................................................................................................25

3ph Slave ..............................................................................................................................................................................................25

Programming the FXs ............................................................................................................................................................................26

1-2 ph Master .....................................................................................................................................................................................29

OutBack (OB) Slave .........................................................................................................................................................................29

OutBack (OB) Slave 2 .....................................................................................................................................................................30

3-Phase (3ph) Master ....................................................................................................................................................................30

3-Phase (3-ph) Slave ......................................................................................................................................................................31

Introduction to Power Save Levels ................................................................................................................................................32

Powering Up ................................................................................................................................................................................................34

Stacking System Examples .................................................................................................................................................................36

OutBack Parallel Stacking ...........................................................................................................................................................36

Ranking the Slaves ...............................................................................................................................................................37

3-Phase Stacking ...................................................................................................................................................................39

Auxiliary (AUX) Functions ....................................................................................................................................................................40

List of AUX Functions ....................................................................................................................................................................43

Adjustable AUX Output Functions .......................................................................................................................................43

Battery Charging Function .................................................................................................................................................................46

Maintenance ...............................................................................................................................................................................................46

Battery Charging Instructions ...........................................................................................................................................................47

FX Default Values ......................................................................................................................................................................................50

Warranty .........................................................................................................................................................................................................51

Product Registration ...............................................................................................................................................................................53

2

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

The OutBack Power Systems FX Series Inverter/Chargers export (“E”) models comply with the EU
Declaration of Conformity regarding Electromagnetic Compatibility 89/336/EEC (“Council Directive
of 3 May 1989”) and Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC (“Council Directive of 19 February 1973”) when
installed in o -grid applications only. These inverter/chargers are not to be connected to the mains
under any circumstances.

The AC-IN connection on each E model inverter/charger is only approved for connection to an AC
generator.

FX Series Inverter/Chargers covered by the EU Declaration of Conformity:

• FX2012ET

• FX2024ET

• FX2348ET

• VFX2612E

• VFX3024E

• VFX3048E

3

WELCOME TO THE OUTBACK POWER SYSTEMS FX SERIES
INVERTER/CHARGER SYSTEM

The FX and VFX Series Inverter/Charger o ers a complete power conversion system—DC to AC,
battery charging, and an AC internal transfer relay—for stand-alone applications.

OutBack Power Systems does everything possible to assure the components you purchase will
function properly and safely when installed as instructed according to local and national electrical
codes. Please read all of the following instructions and the instructions that come with any OutBack
components included in your power system. Further instructions on individual FX set-ups as well as
systems assemblies are included with the International FX and VFX Series Inverter/Charger Installation

Manual.

The OutBack Power Systems FX and VFX is ETL listed to UL1741 (Inverters, Converters, Controllers, and
Interconnection System Equipment for Use with Distributed Energy Resources). All Mobile FX Series
Inverter/Chargers are ETL listed to UL 458.

Grounding Instructions

Each FX should be connected to a grounded, permanent wiring system. For most installations, the
negative battery conductor should be bonded to the grounding system at one (and only one) point in
the DC system. All installations must comply with all national and local codes and ordinances.

The equipment ground is marked with this symbol:

The International FX and VFX Series Inverter/Charger Programming Manual covers the following
information:

• Safety

• Programming or “stacking” multiple FXs using the OutBack Power Systems MATE

• Explaining the FX modes and properties.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS

General Precautions

1. Use caution whenever working around electricity, electrical components, and batteries. There is

always a potential for shocks, burns, injury, and even death if an installer or user comes in contact
with electricity.

2. Read all instructions and cautionary markings on the FX, the batteries and all appropriate sections of

this manual as well as other component manuals before using the system.

3. Be sure each system FX is securely installed according to the International FX and VFX Series Inverter/

Charger Installation Manual.

4. Follow all local and national electrical codes when installing OutBack equipment and components.

4

FX MODES AND PROPERTIES

Each OutBack FX and VFX comes with various default values set at the factory. Typically, a single FX in­stallation will retain these values, but multiple FXs will require programming using the OutBack MATE.
Viewing the status of an FX and adjusting its functions also requires a MATE.

The OutBack MATE is a system controller and display which shows operational
status via a lighted screen. It allows a user to change function settings such
as battery charging and generator usage using a series of buttons (“soft “ keys

MATE

SETUP SCREENS

MAIN--------------------------

and “hot” keys).

From the MAIN screen, press

SETUP

12:12:16A

SUM STATUS SETUP ADV

SETUP-----------------------------­choose product:

FX MATE

SETUP/FX-------------------------­choose category:

SRCH INPUT MAIN

Pressing and holding the  rst two soft keys

NOTE:

at the same time will always bring up the MAIN
Menu screen. The SUM and STATUS screens are
displayed and explained in the MATE Installation

and User Manual.

Press

FX

Two choices are available in the choose category
screen:

• Search (SRCH) which adjusts the search
mode settings

• INPUT which for selecting the AC INPUT
and current limit adjustment

Press to open the search screens.

5

SRCH

SEARCH MODE

An FX consumes a small amount of power when it is not providing AC to loads or recharging
batteries. In SEARCH MODE, the FX is inactive and conserves power until it senses a user-determined
size load. The FX then turns on to provide AC to that load. The SEARCH features are mainly used in o ­grid systems to conserve power.

NOTE: Some loads will require experimenting with the SEARCH settings and other loads, such as
 uorescent lights with magnetic ballasts, might not work well at all.

SETUP/FX/SEARCH--------P00
search 6
sensitivity

DOWN INC DEC PORT

SETUP/FX/SEARCH--------P00
search 8 cycles
pulse length

DOWN INC DEC PORT

Use the search sensitivity screen to determine the
size of an AC load needed for the FX to turn ON
and leave SEARCH mode.

• Pressing decreases sensitivity (a bigger

INC

load is needed to turn the FX on)

• Pressing increases the sensitivity which

DEC

means a smaller load (less wattage) will turn
the FX on

• Decreasing to zero disables SEARCH mode

Press to view the next SEARCH screen.

DOWN

The FX produces pulses to detect AC loads. The
search pulse length screen allows adjusting the
number of pulses (from 2 to 20) or cycles to
more reliably detect AC loads. A setting of 8 or
higher, adjusted using and ,
is recommended. Press to open the

DOWN

DECINC

search pulse spacing screen.

SETUP/FX/SEARCH--------P00
search 60 cycles
pulse spacing

DOWN INC DEC PORT

The search pulse spacing screen adjusts the
amount of time the FX waits before producing
additional AC pulses to sense a load. The higher
the number of cycles, the lower the FX power
consumption, but the longer it takes before the
AC load is powered. The cycles range from 4 to
120 cycles (two seconds). Press the to

DOWN

complete the SEARCH menu.

6

SETUP/FX/SEARCH------------­search setup
completed

TOP SETUP MAIN

Pressing returns you to the SETUP/FX/
SEARCH screen.
Pressing returns the user to the choose
category screen.
Pressing returns to the MAIN Menu.

TOP

SETUP

MAIN

INPUT MENU

The INPUT screens allow the user to choose either grid or generator AC input and the maximum

amperage from either source that can pass through the FX before a warning occurs.

MAIN--------------------------

12:12:16A

SUM STATUS SETUP ADV

SETUP-----------------------------­choose product:

FX MATE

SETUP/FX--------------------------­choose category:

SRCH INPUT MAIN

From the MAIN screen, press .

Press .

FX

SETUP

Two choices are available in the choose category
screen:

• Search (SRCH) adjusts the search
mode settings

• INPUT selects the AC INPUT

and current limit adjustment

Press .

INPUT

7

SETUP/FX/INPUT----------P00
ac transfer Gen
control

DOWN GRID GEN PORT

To choose your AC input source in the ac transfer
control screen, press or .

DOWN

Press to view the next screen.

GRID

GEN

SETUP/FX/INPUT----------P00
ac1/grid 24.5 aac
limit

DOWN INC DEC PORT

SETUP/FX/INPUT----------P00
ac2/gen 30.0 aac
limit

DOWN INC DEC PORT

By using and , the ac1/grid menu

INC

DEC

sets the maximum current the FX will allow to be
drawn from the grid by either AC loads and/or
the batteries (during recharging). When this limit
is exceeded, an AC input limit warning appears
and the FX will reduce the almount of charging so
that the total current draw does not exceed the
maximum setting (between 2.5AAC and 30.0AAC).

DOWN

Press to view the next INPUT screen.

The ac2/gen limit screen sets the maximum
current the FX will allow to be drawn from a
generator by either AC loads or the batteries
(during recharging). When this limit is exceeded,
the FX will reduce the amount of charging cur­rent so the total current draw does not exceed
the maximum setting (between 1.0AAC and 30.0
AAC) to avoid damage to the generator. Press the
to view the  nal INPUT screen.

DOWN

SETUP/FX/INPUT---------------­ input setup
completed

TOP SETUP MAIN

Pressing returns you to the SETUP/FX/

TOP

SEARCH screen.
Pressing returns the user to the choose

SETUP

category screen.
Pressing returns to the MAIN Menu.

MAIN

.

8

ADVANCED SCREENS

All the FX operation settings can be adjusted in the MATE’s ADVANCED screens, including some
previously discussed in the INPUT and SETUP menus. Changing the settings under any menu will a ect
the values in all menus. The ADVANCED screens are accessed via the password

MAIN--------------------------

12:12:16A

SUM STATUS SETUP ADV

ADV/SETTINGS/WARNING

changes made could adversely a ect
system performance

141.

ADV/PASSWORD----------------

enter the password

132

ENTER INC DEC EXIT

Push any soft key on the ADV/
SETTINGS/WARNING screen and go
to the ADV/PASSWORD screen.

ADV/PASSWORD----------------

enter the password

141

ENTER INC DEC EXIT

ADV/FX/PG2---------------------

choose category:

PG1 GRID GEN PG3

ADV

choose device:

FX CC DC MATE

ADV/FX/PAGE3------------------

choose category:

PG2 AUX STACK PG4

The FX settings and their adjustments include:

The screen displays <132>. Press the
<INC> button until it scrolls to the
password 141.

ADV/FX/PAGE 1-----------------

choose category:

ADV INV CHGR PG2

ADV/FX/PAGE4------------------

choose category:

PG3 SELL CAL MAIN

Pressing the <MAIN> soft
key will display the MAIN
screen.

• INV—INVERTER

• CHGR—CHARGER

• GRID—AC input if the FX input is set to GRID

• GEN—AC input if the FX input is set to GEN

• AUX—AUX OUTPUT

• STACK—Master and Slave designations when multiple FXs are in use

• SELL—Grid-Interactive FX operations

• CAL—Adjusts voltage calibration measurements for improved operation

9

INVERTER MENU

The INVERTER screens allow adjusting the inverter’s operations to match the AC load and battery
recharging requirements, including the search functions, low-battery cut-out, the FX’s output voltage,
and resetting the FX to its factory default values.

ADV

choose device:

FX CC DC MATE

ADV/FX/PAGE 1-----------------

choose category:

ADV INV CHGR PG2

ADV/FX/INVERTER-------P00

search 6
sensitivity

DOWN INC DEC PORT

After entering the ADVANCED screens,
press on the choose device screen.

Press .

FX

INV

Use the search sensitivity screen to determine the
size of an AC load needed for the FX to turn ON
and leave SEARCH mode.

• Pressing decreases sensitivity (a bigger

INC

load is needed to turn the FX on)

• Pressing increases the sensitivity

DEC

which means a smaller load (less wattage) will
turn the FX on

• Decreasing to zero disables SEARCH mode
Press to view the search pulse length

DOWN

screen.

ADV/FX/INVERTER-------P00

search 8 cycles
pulse length

DOWN INC DEC PORT

The FX produces pulses to detect AC loads. The
search pulse length screen allows adjusting the
number of pulses (from 2 to 20) or cycles to
more reliably detect AC loads. A setting of 8 or
higher, adjusted using and ,
is recommended. Press to open the

INC DEC

DOWN

search pulse spacing screen.

10

ADV/FX/INVERTER-------P00

search 60
cycles
pulse spacing

DOWN INC DEC PORT

ADV/FX/INVERTER-------P00

low battery 10.5 vdc
cut-out set point

DOWN INC DEC PORT

The search pulse spacing screen adjusts the
amount of time the FX waits before producing
additional AC pulses to sense a load. The higher
the number of cycles, the lower the FX power
consumption, but the longer it takes before AC
loads are powered. The cycles range from 4 to
120 cycles (two seconds). Press to view

DOWN

the low battery cut-out screen.

low battery cut-out establishes when the FX turns

o to avoid draining the battery. If an AC source
is available and AC INPUT is set to DROP, the FX
will transfer the AC loads on the FX to the AC
source. A built-in  ve-minute delay reduces
nuisance FX shutdowns. This setting’s range is
between 9.0VDC and 12.0VDC. Press

DOWN

to view the next INVERTER screen.

ADV/FX/INVERTER-------P00

low battery 12.5 vdc
cut-in set point

DOWN INC DEC PORT

ADV/FX/INVERTER-------P00

adjust 230 vac
output voltage

DOWN INC DEC PORT

The low battery cut-in set point determines when
the FX will turn on after shutting o due to a low
battery voltage. A 10-minute  xed delay reduces
on and o system cycling. This setting’s range is
between 10.0VDC and 14.0VDC. Press

DOWN

to view the adjust output voltage screen.

A user can adjust the inverter function’s output
voltage using this screen. Adjustments might be
necessary if some loads are far away from the FX
or if some are sensitive to higher voltages. This
setting’s range is between 220VAC and 250VAC.

DOWN

Press to view the next INVERTER screen.

11

ADV/FX/INVERTER-------------

reset FX to factory
defaults

DOWN MORE

Use this screen to reset the FX to its factory
default set points. This will cause all previous
programming changes to be lost. Press to

MORE

choose the HUB port whose FX is to be reset and
then press or, if no HUB is in use, press

NEXT

. Press to skip resetting to factory

PORT

DOWN

defaults.

ADV/FX/INVERTER--P00

choose fx port
then press next

EXIT PORT NEXT

ADV/FX/INVERTER----P00

p r e s s b u t t o n
Ready

EXIT 1 2

ADV/FX/INVERTER--P00

press button 2
Ready

EXIT 1 2

ADV/FX/INVERTER--P00

press button 2
Done

EXIT 1 2

To reset to factory defaults, press

PORT

if a HUB is used until the
chosen port number appears or
press if this is a single FX

NEXT

system.

To complete the reset, press the
<1> soft key and then the <2> soft
key.

Press to exit the INVERTER

EXIT

screens.

ADV/FX/INVERTER-------------

inverter programming
completed

TOP ADV MAIN

Pressing returns to the beginning of the

TOP

ADV/FX/INVERTER menu.

ADV

returns to the ADVANCED screens and

displays the MAIN screen.

MAIN

12

CHARGER MENU

Each battery manufacturer has speci c recharging directions and guidelines. OutBack’s default values
work for many batteries, but might not be the ideal settings. The CHARGER Menu allows these settings
to be adjusted. Please refer to your manufacturer’s recommendations.

ADV

choose device:

FX CC DC MATE

ADV/FX/PAGE 1-----------------

choose category:

ADV INV CHGR PG2

ADV/FX/CHARGER---------P00

charger 7.0 aac
limit

DOWN INC DEC PORT

From the ADVANCED menu, press .

Press .

CHGR

FX

The charger limit is the maximum AC current the
FX uses to charge the batteries. Depending on
the FX model, the setting range is as low as

0.0 AAC to between 6.0AAC and 10.0AAC
using and . Press

INC

D E C

DOWN

to continue in the CHARGER Menu.

13

ADV/FX/CHARGER---------P00

absorb 14.4 vdc
set point

DOWN INC DEC PORT

The absorb set point is the  rst stage (BULK)
recharging voltage for the batteries. This set point
ranges from 13.0VDC to 16.0VDC as determined
using and . Press to view

INC

DEC

DOWN

the absorb time limit screen.

ADV/FX/CHARGER---------P00

absorb 01.0 hrs
time limit

DOWN INC DEC PORT

The absorb time limit must be long enough for
the batteries to regain 95-100% of their charge.
This time limit can be set between 0 hours and 24
hours using and . The FX auto-

INC

DEC

matically reduces this limit when it’s connected to
a partially charged battery. Press to con-

DOWN

tinue in the CHARGER Menu.

ADV/FX/CHARGER---------P00

 oat 13.6 vdc
set point

DOWN INC DEC PORT

ADV/FX/CHARGER---------P00

 oat 01.0 hrs
time period

DOWN INC DEC PORT

ADV/FX/CHARGER---------P00

re oat 12.2vdc
set point

DOWN INC DEC PORT

The  oat set point is the batteries’  nishing charge
which completes the recharging process. This
setting ranges from 12.0VDC to 15.0VDC. Press

DOWN

to continue.

The  oat time period is the amount of time—from
0 to 24 hours— the recharging process maintains
the  oat set point. Larger batteries will probably
require more time than smaller batteries. The
recharging stops when the  oat time period is
satis ed. Press to view the next screen.

DOWN

When the battery voltage falls below the re oat
set point, a  oat cycle recharging starts. This can

act as a maintenance recharging or a recharging
when intermittent DC loads are running and an
AC source is available for recharging. This setting
ranges between 12.0VDC and 13.0VDC. Press
to view the next CHARGER screen.

DOWN

14

ADV/FX/CHARGER---------P00

equalize 14.6 vdc
set point

DOWN INC DEC PORT

An occasional equalize charge helps destratify
the batteries for a longer working life. Pressing

AC IN

the hot key leads to screens that begin the
equalize charge. The equalize set point determines
the recharging voltage, which can range between

14.0VDC and 17.0VDC (consult your battery
manufacturer for a speci c voltage) using
and . An equalize recharging should be

DEC

supervised until completed. Press to

DOWN

INC

continue.

ADV/FX/CHARGER---------P00

equalize 01.0 hrs
time period

DOWN INC DEC PORT

ADV/FX/CHARGER-----------­charger programming
competed

TOP ADV MAIN

The equalize time period limits the equalizing
recharge time. The timer begins advancing once
the battery voltage exceeds the absorb voltage set
point. When the equalize time period is met, the
recharging stops. It is adjustable between 0 hours
and 24 hours using and . Press

DOWN

to view the last CHARGER screen.

Pressing returns to the  rst ADV/FX/

TOP

INC

CHARGER screen. Pressing returns to the
ADVANCED screen. Pressing brings up

DEC

ADV

MAIN

the MAIN screen.

15

GENERATOR MENU

OutBack FX and VFX Inverter/Chargers are programmed to use an AC generator as their default source
of AC input. The CHARGER GEN screens allow a user to adjust the input voltage window and time

delay of the AC input.

ADV

choose device:

FX CC DC MATE

ADV/FX/PAGE 1-----------------

choose category:

ADV INV CHGR PG2

ADV/FX/PAGE 2-----------------

choose category:

From the ADVANCED screen, press .

Press .

Press to adjust the AC input set points

PG2

GEN

FX

and operation.

PG1 GRID GEN PG3

ADV/FX/GEN---------------P00

gen input 0.5 min
connect delay

DOWN INC DEC PORT

The gen input connect delay is the time period be-
tween the FX’s recognizing an acceptable genera­tor source of AC and connecting that source to
AC loads. This delay allows the generator to warm
up and has a range between 0.2 minutes and 15
minutes which are adjusted with and

DEC

. . Press to view the next GEN

DOWN

INC

screen.

16