Outback Power Systems MATE2 User Manual
MATE
System Controller and Display
Installation and User Man ual
for the OutB ack MATE and MATE 2
1
Warranty
Dear OutBack Customer,
ank you for your purchase of OutBack products. We make every eort 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
specied over-current protection in order to maintain their warranties.
• e 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.
• ere 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
MATE System Controller and Display Installation and User Manual REV A © 2007 All rights reserved.
2
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.
Date and Revision
September, 2007 REV A
Contact Information
OutBack Power Systems
19009 62nd Ave. NE
Arlington, WA 98223
Phone (360)435-6030
Fax (360)435-6019
outbackpower.com
3
Contents
INTRODUCTION 6
MATE Specications and Features 7-8
Manual Setup 9
Installation 9-10
1 Basic Operation 12
Power Up 13
MAIN Screen 15
How to Read a MATE Screen 17
Screen Types 19
2 MATE Setup 20
Setup the MATE 21
Setting the Clock 22
Contrast Adjustment 24
Backlight Adjustment 25
3 MATE Communications Options 26
Communications Options 27
Communications Errors 30
Errors and Debugging 30
4 MATE Summary Screens 32
FX Summary Screen 34
Charge Controller Summary Screen 34
Summary Screen Options 34
5 MATE Status Screens 38
FX Status Screens 41
Charge Controller Screens 47
6 MATE Hot Keys 50
INV Hot Key 51
AC In Hot Key 52
7 Advanced MATE Menus 57
MATE Control Codes 58
e Advanced Menus 59
HBX Mode 60
Advanced Generator Mode 66
AGS Setup 67
Quiet Time 72
Weekday Start 73
Weekday Stop 74
Weekend Start 75
Weekend Stop 76
Voltage Start 77
Load Start 78
Must Run 81
Weekday Start 81
Weekday Stop 82
Weekend Start 83
Weekend Stop 84
Generator Exercise 88
Exercise Period 89
4
Grid-Use Mode 91
Weekday Grid-Use Start 93
Weekday Grid-Use Stop 94
Weekend Grid-Use Start 95
Weekend Grid-Use Stop 95
MATE DEFAULTS 96
8 MATE Menu Map 100
Menu Structure 101
MATE Menu Guide 103
MATE Menus 105
MATE Menu Map Overview 119
APPENDIX 121
Troubleshooting 124
User Information and Settings 125
Warranty 126
Product Registration 127
5
Introduction
e OutBack Power Systems MATE serves several functions:
• Displays and congures the system and its components—the FX Series Inverter/Charger,
the FLEXmax 80 Charge Controller*, and the FLEXnet DC
• Coordinates system operation, maximizes performance, and prevents multiple products
from conicting
• Permits exact adjustments of your power system through a series of convenient display
screens, which allow switching among dierent components, viewing the status of each and
changing settings
* MX60 Charge Controller—remote controls the AUX function and displays, but does not
control, all other functions
When connected to an OutBack HUB communications manager, a single
OutBack MATE can:
• Link to as many as ten FX Series Inverters/Chargers, OutBack Charge Controllers and
additional future OutBack Power System products
• Issue a global Bulk or EQ recharging command which includes the Charge Controller’s
charging function.
is manual will show step-by-step use of the OutBack MATE to best run a power system.
MATE At a Glance
Yellow Status Indicator,
AC Input LED
MAIN-------------------------
“Hot Key”
AC Input Button
LCD Display
Included with each MATE are one 50’
and one 6’ length of CAT5 cable.
1:35:04p
SUM STATUS SETUP ADV
Green Status Indicator,
Inverter LED
“Hot Key”
Inverter Button
Four “Soft” Keys
or Buttons to scroll the
menus and change values.
6
MATE Specications
• Communication Protocol: proprietary OutBack multi-drop network
• Interconnecting Cable: CAT 5 (8 IATIA 518B) PC non-crossover network cable
• Maximum Cable Length Successfully Tested: 1000 feet (300 meters) of cable in an oce/
NOTE: Signal degradation can result if cable is run in conduit with AC wiring or in other
electronically “noisy” environments; these can aect the maximum length the cable can run
without incurring transmission errors.
• PC computer interface: RS232 Opto-Isolated DB9 serial communication port
NOTE: OutBack Power Systems does not produce or technically support any PC computer
soware programs compatible with its products. e following companies sell compatible
soware:
RightHand Engineering LLC (Winverter soware)
19310 226th Ave NE Woodinville, WA 98077
(425) 844-1291
Info@RightHandEng.com
commercial building
Intellact (WattPlot soware)
57 Mary Street, Alton, Ontario, Canada L7K 0E3
wattplot@intellact.ca
OutBack MATE Functions
Why use a MATE with your OutBack Power System FX Series Inverter/Chargers and Charge
Controllers? What exactly does it do?
A typical power system providing utility-supplied electricity requires very little from a user.
Other than ipping an occasional tripped circuit breaker back on due to an overload and
paying a monthly bill, there is little to monitor or adjust. A renewable energy (RE) system
requires more diligence and attention, including battery maintenance and setting various times
and voltages for the system to act eciently and economically.
Utility-supplied power is generated, monitored, and controlled by systems you neither see nor
maintain. An RE system requires some combination of inverter/chargers, batteries, charge
controllers, and an RE power source, oen including a generator, all of which need monitoring
and adjusting for optimum performance. e OutBack MATE provides a window to your
system and allows setting each OutBack component for its best and most ecient usage
according to your power needs and living conditions.
The MATE’s functions occur in to two general areas:
1. e display of information about or the status of dierent system components and actions
2. Enabling the user to control certain system functions, e.g., the times or the conditions
under which they will occur
7
With the MATE, a user can know the system’s activity and conditions at any given time.
Sometimes, aer careful observations, a user might want to change the conditions or set points
which cause an action to occur.
What is a set point?
A set point is a condition, measurement, or baseline a user establishes in order for
something else to happen. A home thermostat oers a simple example. When predetermined
temperatures and times are set for weekdays and weekends, the thermostat signals to a
heating/cooling system to turn on at one time until a certain temperature is reached, maintain
that temperature, and nally shut o at a later time, usually during sleep hours to conserve
energy. Otherwise, the user would have to manually control the system. An outdoor light
connected to a timer turns on when its set point—a certain time of the night—occurs. You can
set various set points for your power system, such as when a generator turns on and shuts o,
using the MATE.
Among other functions, the OutBack MATE:
• Displays FX Series Inverter/Charger functions and allows the user to establish the
• Shows FX AC current and AC and DC voltage-related information including the source
• Instantly displays any FX or Charge Controller errors as well as the specic component
• Displays Charge Controller modes, programs the FLEXmax 80 Charge Controller and
• Will start a two-wire generator at pre-set times, including dierent settings for weekdays
• Displays all readings of the FLEXnet DC.
conditions—time of day or the voltage of the battery, for instance—that initiate or shut o
these functions.
(AC input, load, or batteries), the voltage levels of the batteries, and recharging voltages.
aected for easier troubleshooting.
allows control over its AUX function.
and weekends, as well as “exercise” periods for generator maintenance.
e MATE allows a user to view, monitor, and establish all the pertinent settings and values
that occur while the system is running. From time to time, these settings and values might be
adjusted as components are added or upgraded, electrical loads increase, or patterns of usage
change. Making these adjustments using the MATE is similar to adjusting any number of
electronic devices we all use every day, such as a clock radio whose wake-up time and stations
are pre-set.
Programming the start and stop times for dierent sources of energy (when to use gridsupplied power, stored battery power, or generator-supplied power) and determining the
frequency and duration of battery recharging are highly recommended with any RE system.
Many settings are based on battery voltage. Certain voltages, for example, will trigger battery
recharging (a low voltage, as recommended by the battery manufacturer) while others stop
recharging (a high voltage value, also recommended by the battery manufacturer). e
OutBack MATE accommodates a wide range of time-based and voltage-level functions and
conditions for maximum control of your power system while working through the FX Series
Inverter/Chargers and OutBack Charge Controllers.
As you go through the manual, start with the simple functions, such as setting the system’s
clock and calendar, to familiarize yourself with the OutBack MATE’s feel and capabilities.
While using your system, you might change settings from time to time depending on the
season of the year and the cost of grid-supplied power during peak and o-peak hours. For
additional information and discussion on the OutBack MATE, please go to
www.outbackpower.com and join our forum discussions.
8
Manual Setup
e MATE is a micro-computing device which means it is less powerful and smaller in size
than a personal computer. A user will oen scroll through a series of MATE screens in order
to view the system status or change system conditions. is manual will show all the MATE
screens and tell what they do.
• Chapters 1-5: setting basic items and display options (when, how, and what you want
to view) with the “so keys,” enabling the user to get around the MATE and change its
settings.
• Chapters 6-7: changing the settings of MATE specic critical functions such as battery
recharging (HBX), generator usage (AGS), and using grid-supplied power (Grid Use
modes).
• Chapter 8 and the Appendix: lists and explains all the MATE menus. Some functions are
not MATE-specic functions and are placed at the end of the manual for easy searching.
Values for MATE specic functions, such as FX or OutBack Charge Controller specic
functions, are covered in their respective manuals.
The MATE displays three kinds of screens:
• Screens pertinent to the MATE’s own functions, such as its clock and the appearance of its
displays
• FX function screens which deal with its inverting and charging processes
• Screens showing Charge Controller modes and status
Installation
Although the MATE displays values and functions for the FX and OutBack Charge Controller
(shown as “CC” on the screens), the values reside within the components themselves.
The OutBack MATE:
• Designed for surface mounting in an indoor location, just below the eye level of a typical
user (the MATE 2 is designed for recessed installation, requiring a 5 1/2” X 4” opening to
be cut in a wall and four drywall screws or other fasteners to secure it)
• Readability of the display is aected by direct sunlight
• Connects to other OutBack devices using standard non-crossover CAT5 or CAT5e cable
• Has voltage less than 30 VDC and is thus considered a “limited energy circuit” normally
requiring no conduit (consult your local inspector for specic installation requirements)
NOTE: e MATE is shipped with (1) OBCAT-50 and (1) OBCAT-6 CAT5 cables with the
correct RJ45 connectors already installed. Longer (up to 1000’) or shorter cables can be
purchased (at home improvement and computer stores) pre-made or custom length cable
can be made on site. Follow the cable manufactures’ instructions when choosing connectors,
punch-down tools, and crimping tools. Incorrect crimping or handling of CAT5 cable can
negatively aect the operation of the MATE. CAT5 cable is not as robust as standard house
wiring and must be handled carefully. Avoid kinking the cable or tearing its outer sheathing.
Use plastic stand-o cable staples, J-hooks, or cable trays to support long runs of CAT-5 cable.
Do not splice cables. Cable runs must be protected and runs must be in approved conduit and
not exposed to the weather.
9
DCfl‡AC ……………….0.0 kW
AC Load …. ……………………..
Buying ………………………….
Battery …………….…14.4V
To Install the MATE:
• Install all other OutBack components rst.
• Run the CAT 5 cable from the source (HUB, FX or Charge Controller) to the MATE’s
• If connecting a computer to the MATE or MATE2, run a serial cable from the computer to
• Unsnap the MATE’s back plate and nd the four screw holes. If a MATE2 version is used,
• e MATE and MATE2 are designed for easy wall mounting using appropriate fasteners
• Power up every OutBack device connected directly or indirectly (through the HUB) to the
• If installing the MATE, snap the MATE onto the back plate and push any excess cable back
MATE2 Dimensions
location. Connect the CAT5 cable to the source but not to the MATE just yet.
the MATE’s location, but do not connect the cable at this time.
the back cover need not be removed.
(molly bolts, screws, etc.).
MATE and then connect the CAT5 cable to the jack and, if used, the computer serial cable
to the RS-232 port, on the back MATE or MATE2.
into the wall. If installing the MATE2 version, secure its four corners to the wall.
5” between screw holes
4 ½”
3 ½” between screw holes
10
6 1/4”
11
1 Basic Operation
12
Power Up
NOTE: For a viewing of all MATE screens, please see pages 105-118 at the end of this manual.
A soon as the MATE cable is plugged into a powered OutBack product, the MATE itself will
power-up and display several information screens.
G’day Mate
(C) 2007
OutBack
Power
Systems
Version
Code a.aa
Serial #xxxxxxxx
Screen EE b.bb
First Screen
Second Screen
ird Screen
t “Code” dictates the MATE’s operation and
features*
t Serial #” matches the bar code sticker inside
the MATE on its circuit board
t “Screen EE” refers to the MATE’s menu system
13
NOTE: you will need the code and serial number of the MATE if contacting OutBack Power
Systems regarding its operation
*For an explanation of the diering code versions, see the MATE rmware revisions topic under MATE
Release Notes on the OutBack Power Systems User Forum found at: http://www.outbackpower.com/
forum/viewtopic.php?t=211
Searching for Devices
FX Found
Searching for Devices
CC Found
Fourth screen (one of the following):
t e MATE found an FX Series
Inverter/Charger
t e MATE has found a Charge Controller
Searching for Devices
HUB Found
Port Assignment
1> FX 2> FX 3> CC 4> CC
5> 6> 7> 8>
9> 10> 2M>
Searching for Devices
No Devices Found
t e MATE has found the HUB
t Port Assignment screen follows the HUB
Found screen
t Each Port used will show its connected
component.
t e MATE has not found an OutBack
product
14
MAIN Screen
No Device Found
Would you like to Retry?
YES NO
NOTE: If the MATE does not nd the connected device, refer to page 124, Troubleshooting
e MAIN screen appears aer the MATE detects
MAIN---------------------------------
12:17:04P
SUM STATUS SETUP ADV
the HUB (and any devices connected to it) or
detects a single device if a HUB is not in use. e
MAIN screen is always the same with the exception of the time display. At the bottom of the
MAIN screen are the four so key commands.
<SUM>
<STATUS>
<SETUP>
<ADV>
SUMMARY shows the direction and amount of
power ow in regard to inverting, charging, selling, and/or pass through. It also shows the voltage
of the battery.
e STATUS screen is the rst step in viewing
the status of either the OutBack Charge Controller or FX Series Inverter/Charger and any of their
meters and conditions.
e SETUP screen leads to additional screens
showing some common set points and parameters
of either the MATE or an FX Series Inverter/
Charger. ese screens allow adjustments to such
features as the MATE’s clock and background
lighting or whether the power input to the FX is
coming from a grid or a generator.
e ADVANCED screen leads to screens for the
FX Series Inverter/Charger, the OutBack Charge
Controller, and the MATE itself that allow for
changing each component’s advanced settings.
15
Navigation
MATE Buttons
Press the rst two so keys from any
screen to return to the MAIN screen.
MAIN---------------------------------
MAIN---------------------------
12:17:04P
1:35:04p
SUM STATUS SETUP ADV
is section of the manual will cover how to use the buttons on the MATE to navigate the
menus.
SUM STATUS SETUP ADV
Yellow Status Indicator,
AC Input LED
MAIN---------------------------
AC In
Hot Key
Soft Keys
Six buttons or keys navigate the MATE and change its settings:
HOT KEYS
t Two FX dedicated “hot” keys are
labeled AC IN and INV.
t Pushing the INV hot key will
return to its “hot” screen to control
the FX inverting function.
t Pushing AC IN will return to the
rst of four AC input “hot” screens.
Repeated pushing cycles through
the four AC input screens.
t A beeping noise is made every time
a hot key is pushed.
1:35:04p
SUM STATUS SETUP ADV
SOFT KEYS
t Each so key corresponds to the word on the
screen directly above it unless you are on the
Summary screen.
t e so keys navigate the menus (<UP>,
<DOWN>, <NEXT>, <BACK>, or <TOP>).
t ey can change settings (<OFF>, <AUTO>,
<ON>, <INC> to increase values and <DEC>
to decrease values).
t e so keys perform other functions
depending on the individual menu screen.
t As with the hot keys, a beeping noise occurs
every time a so key is pushed.
Green Status Indicator,
Inverter LED
INV
Hot Key
16
NOTE: Pressing and holding the two lower le keys at the same time will always bring up the
MAIN screen. Pressing one key sooner than the other may lead to a dierent screen.
How To Read a MATE Screen
MATE screens will either show values that can be changed or navigate to value screens. e
information on the MATE’s screen is segregated by type or task and distinguished by location
on the screen and the choice of lowercase or uppercase letters. Occasionally it can be misread
by a user. e following example is shown for clarication.
Top line: where you are in the system
and what HUB Port you’re viewing
HUB Port
Left side: shows a
condition, value label,
system feature, or
measurable event
STATUS/FX/METERS----------P01
output 122 VAC
voltage
DOWN UP TOP PORT
Bottom line: soft key commands allowing the
user to change screens or alter a condition,
feature, or event or change ports if using a HUB.
Right side: status,
setting, or measure
of value for whatever
appears on the left side
Soft Key Related Abbreviations
ADV - Advanced INC - Increase
AGS – Advanced Generator Start INV - Inverter
AUX – Auxiliary Output MIN - Minutes
BATT – Battery PG1, PG2, PG3, PG4 - Page One, Page Two, etc.
CAL – Calibration RSET – Reset
CHGR – Charger SETP – Setup
CNT - Contrast SRCH – Search
COMM – Communication STAT – Status
DEC - Decrease SUM or SUMRY - Summary
DISCON – Disconnect TMRS - Timers
EQ – Equalize WARN – Warning
GEN – Generator P01—Master FX
HBX – High Battery Transfer PO2, PO3, etc. - Slave FXs
17
t LOCATION—the top line, STATUS/FX/METER-----P01 (the HUB’s rst Port) indicates
STATUS then FX then METER have been selected from the MAIN screen. Pressing the
<DOWN> or <UP> so keys displays the dierent METER screens. Pressing the <PORT>
so key advances the Port number if there are other devices connected to the HUB. If no
HUB is present, this will read “P00”.
t LABEL—the screen’s le side shows a condition, system feature, or measurable event. If the
text forms too long a statement across the screen, the words will be stacked one above the
other such as “output voltage” above. When misread, it’s viewed as “output…122 vac…
voltage” when in fact this screen is stating the output voltage is 122 VAC.
t VALUE SETTING—the right side of this screen states the output voltage at 122 VAC. Some
screens allow adjustment of this value setting when appropriate.
t SOFT KEYS—the bottom line, DOWN UP TOP PORT, are the so key commands which
facilitate either a change of screens in the METER menu using <DOWN>, <UP> or
<TOP> so keys or a change of HUB ports using the <PORT> so key.
In other cases, a MATE navigation screen leads to a screen that can require a user’s action.
e screen below, for instance, asks you to choose a category—HBX, GRIDUSE, AGS, or
ADV. Once chosen, you oen are given the choice to change or alter part of your system’s
functioning, such as the voltage level the batteries must drop to before automatically
recharging or the times the generator runs.
ADV/MATE/PG1-------------------choose category:
On All Screens:
t Lowercase letters normally show a condition or system item that can be altered or
otherwise adjusted.
t Uppercase letters identify a screen’s name or indicate a step to follow to arrive at a screen
with these values.
Key to the Example Diagrams
DOWN
HBX GRIDUSE AGS PG2
So keys
Solid black indicates key can be pressed
Down arrow will lead to the next screen
Up arrow points to one or more keys that will
change a value
Pressing <DOWN> leads to the next menu
18
UP
Pressing <UP> leads to the previous menu
Although the OutBack MATE menu display screens vary depending on the unit’s soware
version, the menu structures and navigation are the same for all versions. e MATE uses a
branching menu structure to display various OutBack products’ operation modes and statuses.
e menus are divided by product type and are categorized by either type of settings or the
information being displayed as shown in the following example.
MAIN---------------------------------
12:17:04P
SUM STATUS SETUP ADV
STATUS SCREEN-----------------choose device:
FX CC DC MAIN
STATUS/FX/PAGE 1---------------choose category:
MODES METER BATT PG2
P00
inv kw zer kw
chg kw buys kw
DOWN STATUS PORT
STATUS/FX/METER–----------P00
output vac
voltage
DOWN UP TOP PORT
All the screens showing the FX’s AC meters are
grouped together in one menu branch allowing
the user to nd the required meter with a minimum of key presses.
19
2 MATE Setup
20
Setup the MATE
MAIN---------------------------------
9:57:32A
SUM STATUS SETUP ADV
SETUP------------------------------choose device:
FX MATE
SETUP/MATE/PAGE 1-------------mate code rev: 402
choose category:
CLOCK CNT GLOW PG2
Start with the <MAIN> screen, which appears
aer the power-up screens, and press the
<SETUP> so key.
Press the <MATE> so key.
is screen displays the MATE’s code version and
some SETUP choices. Press the <PG2> so key
for a second screen of SETUP choices.
21
SETUP/MATE/PAGE2-------------choose category:
PG1 SUMRY COMM PG3
SETUP/MATE/PAGE3-------------choose category:
PG2 BEEP MAIN
Note: To return the MATE to its factory default settings, please see page 96
Press the <PG1> so key to return to the previous
screen, SETUP/MATE/PAGE1.
Setting the Clock
Why you want to do it: Certain functions—such as when to use grid-supplied power (Grid-Use
Mode) or generator (Advanced Generator Start Mode)—are dependent on accurate time and
date settings. Otherwise, the system will never work optimally.
SETUP/MATE/PAGE1-------------mate code rev: 402
choose category:
CLOCK CNT GLOW PG2
Choose <CLOCK> from the SETUP/MATE/
PAGE1 SETUP choices screen.
SETUP/MATE/CLOCK--------------
Tu 1/01/03
12:00:00P
BACK DATE TIME
<DATE> and <TIME> adjust the MATE’s clock
and calendar functions. e correct time and date
are required for some MATE Control Modes to
operate correctly. Pushing the <BACK> so key
returns you to the previous screen.
NOTE: e MATE clock does not automatically adjust for daylight savings time or leap year.
To adjust the date, press the <DATE> so key to
Current Day
bring up the Current Day menu.
Tu 9/26/07
INC SET
DAY MONTH
<INC DAY> changes the day (Monday-Sunday).
Press the <SET MONTH> so key aer
changing the day. e next screen, which shows
automatically aer hitting <SET MONTH>,
ADJUST DAY AND THEN
MONTH
adjusts the month.
22
Current Month
Mo 9/26/07
INC SET
MONTH DATE
ADJUST MONTH AND
THEN DATE
<INC MONTH> changes the month.
Press the <SET DATE> so key aer changing
the month. e next screen adjusts the date.
Current Day
Mo 9/26/07
INC SET
DATE YEAR
ADJUST DATE AND THEN YEAR
<INC DATE> changes the day of the month. Press
the <SET YEAR> so key aer changing the date.
e next screen adjusts the year
Current Year
Mo 9/26/07
INC DEC
YEAR YEAR DONE
EITHER
SETUP/MATE/CLOCK------------- Mo 1/01/07
12:00:00P
BACK DATE TIME
Current Hour
12:00:00P
INC SET
HOUR MIN
<INC YEAR> or <DEC YEAR> changes the year
setting. Press the <DONE> so key aer the date
change is nal. is returns the MATE to the
SETUP/MATE/CLOCK screen.
<TIME> sets the MATE’s time. Pressing the
<TIME> so key leads to the Current Hour
screen.
<INC HOUR> sets the correct hour. Press the
<SET MIN> so key when nished to return to
the Current Minute screen.
23
Current Minute
12:00:00P
INC DEC RESET
MIN MIN SEC DONE
Adjust the minutes by pressing the <INC MIN>
or <DEC MIN> so keys as needed. Pressing the
<RESET SEC> so key begins the seconds count
at zero. Pressing the <DONE> so key returns the
MATE to the SETUP/MATE/CLOCK screen.
Contrast Adjustment
Why you want to do it: Everyone has dierent eyesight and ambient lighting varies with every
location of a MATE. Like any other monitor, you may want to adjust the lighting and contrast
for easier reading.
PATH
MAIN------------------------------------
9:57:32A
SUM STATUS SETUP ADV
SETUP/MATE/PAGE1-------------mate code rev: 402
choose category:
CLOCK CNT GLOW PG2
SETUP/MATE/CNT-----------------contrast: 30%
BACK INC DEC
SETUP------------------------------choose device:
FX MATE
Press the <CNT> (CONTRAST) so key from the
<SETUP/MATE/PAGE > Setup choices screen.
<CNT> sets the desired contrast level.
<INC> increases the contrast level and <DEC>
decreases the contrast level. Aer adjusting the
contrast, press the <BACK> so key to return to
the previous SETUP/MATE/PAGE 1 screen.
SETUP/MATE/PAGE1---------------mate code rev: 402
choose category:
CLOCK CNT GLOW PG2
24
Backlight Adjustment
PATH
MAIN------------------------------------
9:57:32A
SUM STATUS SETUP ADV
Choose <GLOW> from the SETUP/MATE/PAGE 1 Setup choices screen:
SETUP/MATE/PAGE1-------------mate code rev: 402
Choose Category
CLOCK CNT GLOW PG2
SETUP/MATE/GLOW-------------backlight controls
BACK LEVEL MODE TIME
SETUP------------------------------choose device:
FX MATE
On the SETUP/MATE/GLOW screen, pressing
the <GLOW> so key brings up three backlight
settings:
t LEVEL
t MODE
t TIME
<LEVEL> controls the backlight brightness and
is adjustable from 0% to 100% using <INC> and
<DEC> so keys.
<MODE> allows user to set the backlight to al-
ways o, auto-o aer a time, or always on by selecting <OFF>, <AUTO>, or <ON>, respectively.
SETUP/MATE/PAGE1-------------mate code rev: 402
choose category:
CLOCK CNT GLOW PG2
25
<TIME> sets the auto-o time limit from 1 to 60
minutes using <INC> and <DEC> so keys. is
is how long the MATE waits aer the last button
press to turn o the backlight. Once the backlight
has turned o, any button press on the MATE will
turn it back on.
<BACK> returns to the previous screen(s) and
back to the SETUP/MATE/PAGE 1 screen.
3 MATE Communications Options
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Communications Options
Why you want them: e MATE communicates commands to dierent components. It needs
to be aware of any newly added or moved devices so it can recognize them. An error reading
doesn’t mean the system is failing, but that the MATE is looking for a component that has been
moved from one HUB Port to another or has been disconnected completely. e MATE is
trying to account for the system components.
PATH
MA IN- --- --- -- --- --- --- --- --- ---- 9:57: 32 A
SUM STATUS SETUP ADV
PATH
SE TUP /MATE/ PAGE2- --- --- --- -ch oos e c ate go ry:
PG1 SUMRY COMM MAIN
Press the <COMM> so key from the <PAGE 2> Setup choices screen for MATE
communications options:
t <REPOLL> forces the MATE to “rediscover” all the OutBack devices it is connected to.
SE TUP --- --- -- --- --- --- --- --- --Ch oos e p rod uct:
FX MATE
SETUP/MATE/PAGE2---------------choose category:
BACK REPOLL PC DEBUG
SE TUP /MATE/ PAGE1- --- --- --- ma te cod e r ev: 402
ch oos e c ate go ry:
CLOCK CNT GLOW PG2
is must be used any time an OutBack device is moved or added to a HUB.
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t <PC> will allow you to enable or disable the MATE’s RS232 communications port. is
setting must be enabled if you use any third party logging or control soware.
t <DEBUG> tracks communication errors involving the OutBack HUB.
SETUP/MATE/PAGE2-------------choose category:
From the SETUP/MATE/PAGE2 screen, press the
<COMM> so key.
PG1 SUMRY COMM MAIN
SETUP/MATE/PAGE2-------------choose category:
BACK REPOLL PC DEBUG
To debug the system, press the <DEBUG> so
key.
SETUP/MATE/COMM-------------comm errors:
BACK VIEW RSET
00:000 01:000 02:000
03:000 04:025 05:001
06:001 07:001 08:001
09:001 10:001 2M:001
SETUP/MATE/COMM-------------comm errors:
BACK VIEW RSET
On the DEBUG screen, rst press the <VIEW>
so key to bring up a list of HUB ports with a
count of communications errors for each port;
<RESET> allows you to reset the error counting
display (see next screen).
is is a typical VIEW screen showing the HUB
Ports and any communication errors in the
system. e numbered port with more than one
error will need correcting. Aer the errors are
corrected, all the used ports will return to 000
or 001 values aer pushing the <RSET> so key.
Press any so key to return to the SETUP/MATE/
COMM screen. To correct errors, please see “Errors and Debugging” in the section that follows. If
no errors are present, pressing any so key returns
to the previous SETUP/MATE/COMM screen.
Press the <RSET> so key to clear the errorcounting display. Press the <BACK> so key
to return to the “choose category” screen. Press
<VIEW> to return to the previous screen.
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SETUP/MATE/PAGE2-------------choose category:
BACK REPOLL PC DEBUG
Press the <PC> so key to enable or disable the
MATE’s RS232 communications port.
SETUP/MATE/PAGE2-------------PC communications: OFF
BACK OFF ON
In the PC communications screen, choose ON or
OFF by pressing the respective so key. Press the
<BACK> so key to return to the choose category
screen.
SETUP/MATE/PAGE2-------------choose category:
Press the <REPOLL> so key aer a device is
added to, moved, or removed from the HUB.
BACK REPOLL PC DEBUG
NOTE: Disconnecting the MATE’s CAT5 cable and then reconnecting it also performs the
re-poll task, but the cable can be inconvenient to remove from a mounted MATE.
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Searching for Devices
HUB Found
Port Assignment
1> FX 2> FX 3> CC 4> CC
5> 6> 7> 8>
9> 10> 2M>
e MATE has found the HUB and will automatically go to the Port Assignment screen.
Aer displaying the devices connected to each
Port, the MATE returns to the choose category
screen on its own.
Communication Errors
--A COMM ERROR HAS
OCCURED
VIEW
DEBUG
Errors and Debugging
Communication errors (COMM ERR) that occur with OutBack Power Systems components
are oen the result of loose, damaged, or unplugged cables. ey can also occur if AGS (Advanced Generator Start) Mode is used and the wrong port is designated for the generator or if
the system is damaged by a lightning strike. When a communication error occurs, the COMM
ERR message will appear on any MATE screen in view.
A sample DEBUG screen looks like this:
00:000 01:000 02:000
03:000 04:025 05:001
06:001 07:001 08:001
09:001 10:001 2M:001
NOTE:
t Port 00 is a MATE connected directly to
an FX, no HUB is used.
t Port 2M is the “2nd MATE” Port and is
inoperable.
MORE
INFO
e A COMM (communication) ERROR
HAS OCCURRED screen appears when a
communication error among the components
occurs.
Explanation of Ports
01:000 Port Status
Port Number
• Port 00 is the MATE Port
• Port 2M is inoperable.
• 01—10: FX or CC Ports
• 000: a device is present.
• 001: no device present.
• Any other status number means a
device was previously present and lost
contact, resulting in errors.
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Here’s how to read the DEBUG screen:
01:000 Number of errors (zero in this case) present at this port.
Port 01
An unused port will show one error:
09:001 Port 09 has no component; the single error is the system default.
A port with a large number of errors requires action. In this example, Port 4 needs attention.
04:025 Port 04 shows 25 errors.
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