Outback Power Systems MX60 PV MPPT Owner's Manual

MX60 PV MPPT

(Maximum Power Point Tracking)
Charge Controller

Installation, Programming and User’s 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 conti-

nental 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.

2

OutBack Power Systems Inc.

The OutBack Power Systems MX60 PV MPPT Charge Controller is ETL listed to UL1741 (Inverters,

Converters, Controllers, and Interconnection System Equipment for Use with Distributed Energy

Resources). It is also in compliance with European Union standards EN 61000-6-1 and

EN 61000-6-3 (see page 89).

About OutBack Power Systems

OutBack Power Systems is a leader in advanced energy conversion technology. Our products

include true sine wave inverter/chargers, a maximum power point charge controller, system com-

munication components, as well as breaker panels, breakers, accessories, and assembled systems.

Notice of Copyright

MX60 PV MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) Charge Controller: Installation, Programming

and User’s Manual

Copyright © 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.

Date and Revision

January 29, 2007 REV 7.0 Software REV 5.10 and 5.11

Contact Information

OutBack Power Systems

19009 62nd Ave. NE

Arlington, WA 98223

Phone [phone]

Fax [phone]

www.outbackpower.com

OutBack Power Systems Inc.

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 6

INSTALLATION GUIDELINES AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ............................................................................................. 7

Standards and Requirements ................................................................................................................................................. 8

OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE/WIRE AND DISCONNECT SIZING ............................................................................................ 9

BATTERY SYSTEM VOLTAGE ..............................................................................................................................................................14

POWERING UP .........................................................................................................................................................................................15

STATUS SCREEN .......................................................................................................................................................................................18

PREPARING FOR RECHARGING ......................................................................................................................................................19

ACCESSING THE MAIN MENU .........................................................................................................................................................20

CHARGER SETUP ....................................................................................................................................................................................21

AUX MODE .................................................................................................................................................................................................22

AUX MODE Path ............................................................................................................................................................................23

AUX Modes Described ..............................................................................................................................................................24

Programming the AUX MODES ...........................................................................................................................................25

Manual ......................................................................................................................................................................................25

Vent Fan ...................................................................................................................................................................................25

PV Trigger ................................................................................................................................................................................26

Float ............................................................................................................................................................................................27

Error Alarm..............................................................................................................................................................................28

Diversion ..................................................................................................................................................................................28

Low Battery Disconnect .................................................................................................................................................31

Remote .....................................................................................................................................................................................33

BACKLIGHT.................................................................................................................................................................................................34

EQ (Equalize) .............................................................................................................................................................................................34

MISC-MISCELLANEOUS ......................................................................................................................................................................37

WIDE/LMIT Battery Temperature Compensated Limits .................................................................................................38

ADVANCED ................................................................................................................................................................................................43

Snooze Mode..................................................................................................................................................................................43

Park Mpp ...........................................................................................................................................................................................44

Mpp Range Limit % Voc ...........................................................................................................................................................44

Sweep Interval ...............................................................................................................................................................................45

Vbatt Calibration ...........................................................................................................................................................................45

Low Cuto ........................................................................................................................................................................................46

MPPT Mode .....................................................................................................................................................................................46

Absorb Time Limits .....................................................................................................................................................................47

Wakeup Mode ................................................................................................................................................................................48

4

OutBack Power Systems Inc.

(DATA) LOGGING ....................................................................................................................................................................................49

Clearing Total and Daily Stats ...............................................................................................................................................50

LOG2 ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................51

Secondary LOG2 Screen ..........................................................................................................................................................53

MICRO-HYDRO, WIND TURBINE, AND FUEL CELL APPLICATIONS............................................................................54

ADVANCED MENU (Micro-Hydro) ...............................................................................................................................................56

MX60 ABBREVIATED MENU MAP..................................................................................................................................................60

APPLICATION NOTES ...........................................................................................................................................................................61

FACTORY ASSISTANCE ........................................................................................................................................................................62

SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................................................................................................................................63

UNDERSTANDING THE VARIOUS OPERATIONAL MODES ..............................................................................................67

MATE-DISPLAYED MX60 STATUS MODE Screens ...............................................................................................................71

MATE-DISPLAYED MX60 STATUS METER Screens ...............................................................................................................72

MATE-DISPLAYED MX60 STATUS SETP(OINT) Screens ....................................................................................................73

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ............................................................................................................................................................74

TYPICAL ARRAY SIZING GUIDE ......................................................................................................................................................78

STANDARD vs. AUSTRALIAN DEFAULT SETTINGS ...............................................................................................................79

WIRE DISTANCE CHART ......................................................................................................................................................................80

WIRE AND DISCONNECT SIZING ..................................................................................................................................................82

MULTI-STAGE BATTERY CHARGING .............................................................................................................................................83

BATTERY TEMPERATURE COMPENSATED VOLTAGE SET POINT .................................................................................85

SUGGESTED BATTERY CHARGER SET POINTS ......................................................................................................................86

WARRANTY INFORMATION ..............................................................................................................................................................87

OWNER’S SYSTEM INFORMATION ............................................................................................................................................. 90

PRODUCT REGISTRATION AND OPTIONAL EXTENDED WARRANTY ......................................................................91

OutBack Power Systems Inc.

5

SCOPE

The manual provides safety guidelines and installation information for the MX60 PV MPPT Charge

Controller. It does not provide information about speci c brands of solar panels and supplies

limited information on batteries. Contact the supplier or manufacturer of the solar panels or

batteries for further information.

INTRODUCTION

MX60 PV MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) Charge Controller

The OutBack MX60 PV MPPT Charge Controller o ers an e cient, safe, multi-stage recharging

process that prolongs battery life and assures peak performance from a solar array. This

component allows customized battery recharging. The MX60 features include:

• 60 amps maximum continuous output current

• Engineered to work with 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 VDC battery voltages

• Backlit LCD display screen with 80 characters (4 lines, 20 characters per line)

• Last 64 days of operational data are logged for review

• Voltage step-down capability allowing a higher PV array voltage con guration

• Manual and auto-equalize cycle

The following are the maximum recommended wattage for the most common solar arrays under

Standard Test Conditions (1000 watts per square meter of solar panel at 25° C or 77° F):

• 12 VDC battery systems—up to 800 watts of solar panels

• 24 VDC battery systems—up to 1600 watts of solar panels

• 48 VDC battery systems—up to 3200 watts of solar panels

The MX60 also features Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), which seeks out the maximum

power available from a solar array and uses it to recharge the batteries. Without this feature, the

solar array does not operate at the ideal operating voltage and can only recharge at the level of

the battery voltage itself. The MX60 “sweeps” the array’s operating voltage at user-determined

sweep intervals to track the Maximum Power Point (MPP) of the PV array.

This manual covers the wiring, installation, and use of the MX60, including explanations of all the

Menus displayed on the LCD screen. The MX60 is designed to seamlessly integrate with other

OutBack components and can be remotely monitored (up to 1000 feet) by the optional OutBack

Power Systems MATE display.

6

OutBack Power Systems Inc.

OUTBACK MX60 CHARGE CONTROLLER
INSTALLATION GUIDELINES AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

This product is intended to be installed as part of a permanently grounded electrical system

as shown in the system con guration sections of this manual with the following important

restrictions:

• The negative battery conductor should be bonded to the grounding system at only one point in

the system. If a GFP is present, the battery negative and ground are not bonded.

• With the exception of certain telcom applications, the MX60 should never be positive grounded

(see page 61, Applications Notes).

• The equipment ground on the MX60 is marked with this symbol:

• If damaged or malfunctioning, the MX60 should only be disassembled and repaired by a

quali ed service center. Please contact your renewable energy dealer/installer for assistance.

Incorrect reassembly risks malfunction, electric shock or  re.

• The MX60 is designed for indoor installation or installation inside a weatherproof enclosure. It must

not be exposed to rain and should be installed out of direct sunlight.

• For routine, user-approved maintenance:

Disconnect all circuit breakers and related electrical connections before doing any cleaning

or adjustments.

Solar modules may produce hazardous voltages when exposed to light; unless

servicing them at night, cover the modules with opaque material before servicing any

connected equipment.

Standards and Requirements

All installations must comply with national (NEC) and local electrical codes; professional installation

is recommended.

DC and Battery-Related Installation Requirements:

• All DC cables must meet NEC standards.

• Shut o all DC breakers before connecting any wiring.

• Torque the four-position terminal block and ground terminals to 30 inch pounds/4Nm.

• All wiring must be rated at 75° C or higher.

• Use up to 2 AWG to reduce losses and ensure high performance of MX60 (smaller cables can

reduce performance and possibly damage the unit).

• Keep cables together (e.g., using a tie-wrap) as much as possible.

• Ensure both cables pass through the same knockout and conduit  ttings to allow the inductive

currents to cancel.

• DC battery over-current protection must be provided as part of the installation. OutBack o ers

both breakers and fuses for over-current protection.

OutBack Power Systems Inc.

7

WARNING - WORKING IN THE VICINITY OF A LEAD ACID BATTERY IS DANGEROUS.

BATTERIES GENERATE EXPLOSIVE GASES DURING NORMAL OPERATION. Design the

battery enclosure to prevent accumulation and concentration of hydrogen gas in “pockets”

at the top of the enclosure. Vent the battery compartment from the highest point to the

outside. A sloped lid can also be used to direct the  ow of hydrogen to the vent opening.

CAUTION - To reduce risk of injury, charge only deep-cycle lead acid, lead antimony, lead

calcium, gel cell or absorbed glass mat type rechargeable batteries. Other types of batteries

may burst, causing personal injury and damage. Never charge a frozen battery.

PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS

• Someone should be within range of your voice to come to your aid if needed.

• Keep plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin, clothing,
or eyes.

• Wear complete eye protection. Avoid touching eyes while working near batteries. Wash
your hands with soap and warm water when done.

• If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If acid
enters an eye,  ood the eye with running cool water at once for at least 15 minutes and
get medical attention immediately following.

• Baking soda neutralizes lead acid battery electrolyte. Keep a supply on hand in the area of
the batteries.

• NEVER smoke or allow a spark or  ame in vicinity of a battery or generator.

• Be extra cautious to reduce the risk of dropping a metal tool onto batteries. It could short­circuit the batteries or other electrical parts that can result in  re or explosion.

• Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches when work­ing with a battery or other electrical current. A battery can produce a short circuit current
high enough to weld a ring or the like to metal, causing severe burns.

8

OutBack Power Systems Inc.

OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE/WIRE AND DISCONNECT SIZING

Maximum Open Circuit Voltage (Voc)

• Voc is the unloaded voltage generated by the solar array.

 141 VDC  MX60 suspends operation to protect components

 150 VDC  max open circuit voltage with the coldest environment (although the MX60

shuts down at 141 VDC, it can absorb up to 150 VDC from the array; anything higher than 150

VDC will damage the MX60)

• As every brand of panel is di erent, be sure to know the manufacturer’s speci cations.

• Local temperatures vary seasonally and will a ect panel voltage.

 Hot weather: lower open circuit voltage/lower maximum power point voltage

 Cold weather: higher open circuit voltage/higher power point voltage

 Allow for ambient temperature correction using the following table:

25° to 10° C (77° to 50° F) multiply by 1.06

9° to 0° C (49° to 32° F) multiply by 1.10

-1° to -10° C (31° to 14° F) multiply by 1.13

-11° to -20° C (13° to -4° F) multiply by 1.17

-21° to -40° C (-5° to -40° F) multiply by 1.25

 Check the PV array voltage before connecting it to the MX60.

Wire and Disconnect Sizing

• The output current limit of the MX60 is 60 amps.

• Use a minimum of 6 AWG wire for the output between the MX60 and the batterry bus bar con-

ductors; a larger size might be required due to temperature and/or conduit  ll corrections.

• Install OutBack OBDC-60 or OBDC-80 amp breakers for disconnect and over current protection.

• The largest PV array that can connect to an MX60 should have a rated short-circuit current of 48

amps STC (Standard Test Conditions).

• Input conductors and circuit breakers must be rated at 1.56 times the short-circuit current of the

PV array. OutBack OBDC 100% duty continuous breakers only need to be rated at 1.25 times the

short-circuit current.

• Please see the wire Distance Chart and complete Wire and Disconnect Sizing on pages 80-82 for

other suitable conductor/wire sizing.

OutBack Power Systems Inc.

9

Figure 1 Field Wiring Connections and Surge Protection

Use up to 2 AWG
wire and torque to
30-inch pounds at
terminals.

MATE/HUB
RJ45 jack

If attaching to
plywood, use a 1
5/8” wood screw to
secure the MX60 at
the top slotted hole
and other screws as
needed at interior
bottom holes.

PV+ PV- BAT- BAT+

Four-Position Terminal Block

Battery Remote Temp
Sensor (RTS) RJ11 jack

Programmable AUX
Output Jack (supplies
up to 200mA @ 12 VDC

Chassis/Equipment
Ground Lug

The PV (-) and BAT (-) terminals are connected internally. Only one negative wire may be needed

to connect to the Four-Position Terminal Block if the PV - and BAT- conductors are bonded at the

negative bus bar. See Figures 2 and 3 for sample wiring diagrams.

10

OutBack Power Systems Inc.

NOTES

• An optional battery Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS) is recommended for accurate

battery recharging (only one RTS is needed for multiple OutBack Series Inverter/Chargers

and MX60 units when an OutBack HUB and a MATE are parts of the system). When one RTS

is used, it must be connected to the component plugged into the Port 1 of the HUB.

• AUX modes include powering a relay, LED indicator, and Piezo-buzzer or brushless fan.

• The OutBack MATE can display a single MX60 or multiple MX60s if connected to a HUB.

• Surge protection on the input (PV) side of the MX60 and on the battery side is required for

extended warranty protection. A dwelling rooftop array requires ground fault protection

(OutBack OBDC-GFP/2 recommended).

• Always install the MX60 in an upright position. The MX60 must be secured for a safe

installation and to retain warranty protection. Use a 1 5/8” wood screw through the slotted

hole at the top of the MX60 and at least two screws in the internally located holes at the

bottom of the MX60’s enclosure.

OutBack Power Systems Inc.

11

Figure 2 MX60 WIRING DIAGRAM WITHOUT A GFP/2, the ground conductors tie into the negative

terminal bus bar.

12

OutBack Power Systems Inc.

Figure 3 MX60 WITH GFP/2 WIRING DIAGRAM The GFP/2 requires a separate ground bus bar.

OutBack Power Systems Inc.

13

BATTERY SYSTEM VOLTAGE

• The MX60’s default setting is for a 12 VDC battery.

• Change the setting after powering up the MX60 if a di erent battery voltage is used.

• The PV array voltage—which must not exceed 150 VDC open circuit—is automatically detected.

 KEY TO THE EXAMPLE DIAGRAMS 

Soft keys:

(#1) (#2) (#3) (#4)

Solid black indicates key is to be pressed:

Down arrow will lead to the next screen:

Up arrow points to one or more keys that will change a value:

The keys correspond to any text immediately above them.

14

OutBack Power Systems Inc.

POWERING UP

The MX60 power-up sequence  rst activates the unit and brings up a series of screens; some

screens allow the user to change the battery voltage.

Note: Be sure the PV input and battery breakers are o before starting the power-up sequence.

OFF SCREEN (this screen is initially blank at power up)

With the PV array and battery breakers o , press and

hold soft keys #1 and #3 and then turn on the battery

breaker (see Figure 4).

Battery Breaker

Figure 4

Note: The battery voltage must be at least 10.5 V or higher to power up the MX60. If the screen

reads “Got Battery?” please see the Troubleshooting Guide on page 74.

OutBack Power Systems Inc.

15

Power-Up Screen

OutBack 12V

Power
Systems
MX60

BATTERY VOLTAGE
12 24 36 48 60
^^
EXIT  ENTER

Release both soft keys when the OutBack Power

Systems screen appears. The selected battery voltage

appears in the upper righthand corner. The BATTERY

VOLTAGE screen will appear next.

Note: The MX60 designation in the lower left corner

will read MX60AU for Australian versions and MX60ES

for Spanish versions.

“^^” indicates the selected battery voltage. Press

the “” or <ENTER> soft keys to proceed to the

PASSWORD screen, which prevents unauthorized

changes to the system.

Press Either Key

Password Screen

PASSWORD

***150***

ENTER - +

Press the “ – “ soft key until the password 141 shows

on the screen. Press the <ENTER> soft key to return

to the BATTERY VOLTAGE.

Note: 141 is the password for all OutBack products

displayed on a screen.

16

OutBack Power Systems Inc.

Battery Voltage Screen

BATTERY VOLTAGE
12 24 36 48 60
^^
EXIT  ENTER

Veri cation Screen

Are you sure?
12 24 36 48 60
^^
NO Yes

Press the “” soft key to select a battery voltage. The

MX60’s default values are based on a 12 VDC system.

Selecting a higher voltage system will change all the

default values (e.g., the values will double with a 24

VDC system, triple with a 36 VDC system, etc.). “^^”

indicates the chosen voltage. The MX60 will automat-

ically accept the selected battery voltage if left unat-

tended for 5 minutes in this screen. After choosing

the voltage, press the <ENTER> soft key to proceed.

Press the <YES> soft key to proceed if the selected

battery voltage is correct. If incorrect, press <NO> to

re-enter the correct voltage.

Power-Up Screen

OutBack 12V

Power
Systems
MX60

The MX60 brie y returns to the Power-Up screen and

then automatically opens the STATUS screen which

displays information regarding the recharging status.

Con rm the battery voltage displayed in the upper

right corner is correct.

Note: Repeating the Powering Up sequence resets
the MX Charge Controller to its factory default
settings.

OutBack Power Systems Inc.

17

STATUS SCREEN

The STATUS Screen displays system information. See page 67 for detailed information of the dif-

ferent Operational Modes. The optional OutBack MATE displays MX STATUS screens for convenient

distant viewing from the installation location of the MX60. Please see page 71 to view the MX

screens displayed on the MATE.

The PV voltage will slowly rise to the battery

voltage level even when the PV breaker

is o – this is normal as the PV capacitor

charges up.

PV Input Voltage

PV Input Current

PV 005 V Bat 12.5 V

00.0 A 00.0 A

Instantaneous Watts

Daily accumulated

kiloWatt Hours

NOTES

• Pressing the  rst soft key opens the MAIN Menu screen.

• Pressing soft key #2 toggles between Amp Hours and kW Hours displays.

Watts 0000 Aux Off
kWHrs 00.0 Sleeping

Battery voltage

Output current

Aux. Status (ON or OFF)

Operational Mode

18

OutBack Power Systems Inc.

PREPARING FOR RECHARGING

PV 113 V Bat 12.5 V

00.0 A 00.0 A
Watts 0000 Aux Off
kWHrs 00.0 Sleeping

PV 087 V Bat 12.5 V

05.0 A 32.9 A
Watts 0412 Aux Off
kWHrs 00.0 B-MPPT

Turn the PV input breaker on. The MX60

automatically detects the PV input voltage.

(Note: If PV voltage registers “000V” when the breaker

is on, please check the polarity of the PV wires.)

After 5 seconds of stable input voltage, the MX60

enters a “Wakeup” stage, transitions to “Sweeping”

and prepares to charge the batteries by tracking the

MPP of the solar array.

OutBack Power Systems Inc.

19

ACCESSING THE MAIN MENU

The MAIN Menu allows the user to adjust and calibrate the MX60 for maximum performance.

From the STATUS screen, press soft key #1 to open the MAIN Menu screen.

*Charger Aux Light
EQ Misc Advanced

Press the <GO> soft key after aligning the asterisk

in front of the selected menu choice.

Logging Log2
EXIT 

Press  or  to move the asterisk “*”
to the left of the desired screen. The
asterisk allows access to any screen to
its right.

From the MAIN Menu, a user can choose among the following MX60 functions by aligning the

asterisk:

• Charger—CHARGER SETUP

Adjusts the Current Limit, Absorb, and Float recharging voltage set points

• Aux—AUX OUTPUT CONTROL

Secondary control circuit for a vent fan, error alarm, and other system-related additions

• Light—BACKLIGHT CONTROL

 GO

Pressing the <EXIT> soft key in the MAIN Menu

returns to the STATUS Menu. Press the <EXIT> soft

key in your chosen menu to return to the STATUS

screen.

Adjusts the backlighting of LCD screen and soft key buttons

• EQ—BATTERY EQUALIZE

Activates battery equalization recharging (manually or automatically)

• Misc—MISCELLANEOUS

Additional settings and service information

• Advanced —ADVANCE MENU

Optimizing/ ne-tuning the MX60 (these are advanced Menus that should be left alone until

the user has a good working knowledge of the MX60 and its operations)

• Logging—DATA LOGGING

Displays recorded power production information

• Log2—LOG 2

Displays recorded peak system information

20

OutBack Power Systems Inc.

CHARGER SETUP

This screen allows changes to the MX60’s recharging voltage set points (Current Limit,

Absorb, Float):

• The presently selected numerical value will have an asterisk “ * ” to the left of it.

• Pressing “” selects the value to be changed.

• You may need to re-enter the password to change these settings.

• The default charger output current limit setting is 60 amps and is adjustable up to 70 amps. At

70 amps, a 70A or 80A breaker must be used between the battery and the MX60.

• Change Absorb and Float set points using this screen if the battery manufacturer’s recommen-

dations are di erent than the default values. Otherwise, see page 79 for suggested recharging

voltage set points.

• If a battery remote temperature sensor (RTS) is used, its compensated voltage values can be

viewed in the MISCELLANEOUS (Misc) screen under the Tmp Comp heading.

Please Note: If an RTS is used, set the ABSORB

LIMIT ABSORB FLOAT
Amps Volts Volts
*60.0 14.4 13.6
EXIT  - +

and FLOAT setting voltage based on a 25°C / 77°F

setting. These are typically the manufacturer’s set

points (always consult the battery manufacturer’s

recommendations). If an RTS is not in use, please

see the Non-Battery Temperature Compensated

System values (page 85) and adjust the ABSORB/

FLOAT values accordingly.

OutBack Power Systems Inc.

21

AUX MODE

The AUX is a secondary control circuit—essentially, a small power supply that provides a 12 VDC

(up to 200 milliamps) output current. It is either active (12 VDC on) or inactive (12 VDC o ).

• To access the AUX MODE from the MAIN Menu, press the <>soft key until the asterisk is in

front of the Aux selection.

• A 200 milliamps or less, 12 VDC device can be wired directly to the AUX terminal; higher out-

put DC loads require a 12 VDC coil relay—also rated up to 200 milliamps or less for the DC

coil—which itself is connected to the AUX output. An internal, re-settable Positive Temperature

Coe cient (PTC) fuse protects the AUX internal components.

• For certain AUX control applications the use of a solid state relay is preferred. This is particularly

bene cial with applications such as the Diversion mode where fast switching (often called PWM

control) allows a more constant battery voltage to be maintained. Both DC and AC load

switching solid state relays are widely available from many sources. Eurotherm and Power-IO

are two suggested solid state relay manufacturers.

• Most AUX modes or functions are designed for specialized applications and are

infrequently used.

• Only one AUX MODE can operate at a time (even if other modes have been preset).

• Press the <EXIT> soft key to initiate the chosen AUX MODE.

• See Figure 5, page 30, for an Aux set-up wiring diagram.

In this Menu, ON and

OFF indicators show the

present state of the Aux

terminals. Pressing the

Off
EXIT NEXT ON OFF

AUX MODE

Manual

<ON> or <OFF> soft key

changes this value.

ON indicates 12 VDC is

present at the Aux output

terminals. OFF indicates

Pressing the <NEXT> soft key
changes to the next mode.

0 VDC.

The second line indicates

the present mode for the

Aux Output.

When the preferred mode

is displayed, press the

<EXIT> soft key to select

it.

Terms

• AUX MODE: what is displayed on the Menu

• Aux Output: 12 VDC is either available or unavailable at the Aux Terminal

• Aux Terminal: the jack to which a relay is wired

22

OutBack Power Systems Inc.

AUX MODE Path

*Charger Aux Light
EQ Misc Advance
Logging Log2
EXIT   GO

Charger *Aux Light
EQ Misc Advance
Logging Log2
EXIT   GO

AUX MODE

Manual
On
EXIT NEXT ON OFF



PASSWORD

***150***

ENTER - +

Off
EXIT NEXT ON OFF

AUX MODE

Manual



• Press the #1 soft key once from the STATUS Menu to open the MAIN Menu.

• Press either of the arrow soft keys until the “*” is to the left of “Aux.”

• Press the <GO> soft key. If more than ten minutes have passed since any activity, the PASSWORD

screen becomes active, requiring the user to input the 141 PASSWORD and press< ENTER>. This

screen will also appear after  rst booting up the MX60 even though the password was entered

when setting the battery voltage.

AUX MODE

Vent Fan
Off
EXIT NEXT VOLT

AUX MODE

ERROR ALARM
On
EXIT NEXT

AUX MODE

Remote
Off
EXIT NEXT

AUX MODE

PV Trigger
Off
EXIT NEXT TIME VOLT

Off
EXIT NEXT

AUX MODE

Float



AUX MODE

Diversion
Off
EXIT NEXT TIME VOLT



PV 005 V Bat 12.5 V

00.0 A 00.0 A
Watts 0000 Aux Off
kWHrs 00.0 Sleeping

On
EXIT NEXT TIME VOLT



AUX MODE

Low Batt Disconnect



OutBack Power Systems Inc.

23

AUX modes in order of appearance on the MX60 display:

• Manual

• Vent Fan

• PV Trigger

• Float

• Error Alarm

• Diversion

• Low Battery Disconnect

• Remote

The most commonly used AUX modes:

• Vent Fan

• Diversion

• Low Battery Disconnect

When an AUX MODE is ON, 12 VDC is available at the AUX terminals and a condition, such as a

voltage set point, is met. Other modes can be programmed in lieu of the speci c ones listed here,

but the Vent Fan mode is most easily changed (e.g., to activate an alarm instead of a fan). Here are

the default AUX modes:

• Manual—pressing either the < ON> or <OFF> soft key manually activates or deactivates AUX.

• Vent Fan— when the Vent Fan voltage set point is exceeded, the vent fan will run for at least

15 seconds (the fan helps remove hydrogen from battery enclosure), even if the set point is

exceeded for only a few seconds due to a surge. If the set point is exceeded for longer than 15

seconds, the fan will stay on until the voltage drops below the set point. It then takes 15 seconds

before the fan shuts o . This is an external fan and not to be confused with the MX60’s internal,

thermally activated fan which cools the unit.

• PV Trigger—activates an alarm or relay (that disconnects the array); when the PV input is too

high and exceeds the user-determined voltage set point (should not go over 150 VDC), the PV

Trigger disconnects after a minimal adjustable amount of “Hold Time.”

• Float—powers a load if the MX60 is producing power in the Float stage.

• Error Alarm—useful for monitoring remote sites, switches to the “O ” state if the MX60 has not

charged the batteries for 26 hours or more (not an audible alarm, only displayed as a printed

message on MX60 AUX Menu).

• Diversion—diverts excess power away from batteries when a wind or hydro generator is con-

nected directly to the batteries.

• Low Batt Disconnect—activates/deactivates the AUX load(s) when a user-determined voltage

and time levels are reached.

• Remote—allows OutBack MATE to control the operation of the AUX MODE (see MATE manual

for details).

24

OutBack Power Systems Inc.

Programming the AUX MODES

AUX MODE

Manual
On
EXIT NEXT ON OFF

AUX MODE

Vent Fan
On
EXIT NEXT VOLT

Press the <ON> or <OFF> soft keys to manually

activate or deactivate AUX MODE. Press the <NEXT>

soft key to view the Vent Fan screen. To view other

screens, continue to press the <NEXT> soft key.

The Vent Fan helps remove hydrogen from the bat-

tery room. The ventilation fan referred to here is not

the same as the MX60 cooling fan. Press the <VOLT>

soft key to determine the battery voltage that will

activate the AUX MODE and start the fan.

VENT FAN VOLTS

> 14.4

BACK - +

Adjust the voltage level using the < - > and < + >

soft keys. Press the <BACK> soft key to return to the

Vent Fan screen.

OutBack Power Systems Inc.

25

AUX MODE

Vent Fan
On
EXIT NEXT VOLT

AUX MODE

PV Trigger
Off
EXIT NEXT TIME VOLT

PV VOLTS

> 140

Press the <NEXT> soft key to advance to the PV

Trigger soft screen.

When the PV input is too high and exceeds the

user-determined VOLT set point, the AUX MODE PV

Trigger activates. Press the <VOLT> soft key to adjust

the voltage.

Adjust the voltage within a range of 20V - 150V

by pressing the < - > or < + > soft key. Press the

<BACK> soft key when  nished to return to the PV

BACK - +

Trigger screen

26

OutBack Power Systems Inc.

AUX MODE

PV Trigger
On
EXIT NEXT TIME VOLT

Hold Time Sec

01.1

To adjust the minimum amount of time the PV volt-

age must remain high before deactivating the AUX

MODE, press the <TIME> soft key.

Press the < - > or the < + > soft key to adjust the

Hold Time, then press the <BACK> soft key to return

to the PV Trigger screen. In this example, the AUX

BACK - +

AUX MODE

PV Trigger
Off
EXIT NEXT TIME VOLT

AUX MODE

Float
Off
EXIT NEXT

MODE will remain active for 1.1 sec after the PV volt-

age is below the PV Trigger voltage before deactivat-

ing the PV Trigger and reconnecting to the array.

Press the <NEXT> soft key to view the Float screen.

The AUX MODE is active when the MX60 is in Float

and producing power. Press the <NEXT> soft key to

advance to the ERROR ALARM screen.

OutBack Power Systems Inc.

27

AUX MODE

ERROR ALARM
On
EXIT NEXT

AUX MODE

Diversion
Off
EXIT NEXT TIME VOLT

The default state of the ERROR ALARM is On,

meaning 12 VDC is present at the AUX terminal. If

the MX60 has not charged the batteries for 26 hours

or more continuously, the inaudible ERROR ALARM

goes into an O state. The ERROR ALARM is intended

for remote locations to signal (e.g., a telecommunica-

tion signal to a computer) when the MX60 has not

recharged for 26 hrs or more. See MISCELLANEOUS

Screen 3 Err for a display of the hourly countdown.

Press the <NEXT> soft key to advance to the

Diversion screen.

When external DC sources (wind, hydro) are directly

connected to a battery bank, any excess power

should be sent to a diversion load, such as a heating

element. In Diversion, the user programs set points—

from -5.0 volts to 5.0 volts relative to the Absorb,

Absorb—Float—EQ

Relative Volts

00.0 00.2
BACK - + HYST+

Float and EQ voltages—to activate the AUX MODE.

This is primarily an o -grid function. Pressing the

<VOLT> soft key advances to the Absorb-Float-EQ

screen to adjust the voltage set points.

Use this screen to establish the set points for starting

and ending the AUX MODE relative to the Absorb,

Float, and EQ voltages. The < - > and < + > soft keys

set the Diversion set points. The <HYST> (Hysteresis)

set point establishes when the AUX MODE becomes

inactive after the battery voltage falls below the

Relative Volts voltage minus the HYST value. After

establishing these values, press the <BACK> soft key

to return to the Diversion screen (see example on

next page).

28

OutBack Power Systems Inc.