Installation and
Operation Manual
Digital Monitor Mark III
ALL SPECIALTY CONCEPTS, INC. PRODUCTS, INCLUDING THIS ONE,
CARRY A FIVE (5) YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY.
Specialty Concepts, Inc. 
8954 Mason Avenue, Chatsworth, CA 91311 USA
Phone: (818) 998-5238 Fax: (818) 998-5253
Entire contents and all product names and part numbers Copyright 1995 Specialty Concepts, Inc. Revised 6/96
TABLE OF |
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CONTENTS |
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Product Description...................... |
1 |
Precautions.................................. |
2 |
Quick help.................................... |
2 |
QUICK SETUP............................ |
3 |
Unpacking the DM3..................... |
4 |
Optional accessories.................... |
4 |
Addition items required................ |
4 |
Installation.................................... |
5 |
Terminology/Glossary.................. |
6 |
Selecting wire sizes..................... |
6 |
Operating instructions.................. |
7 |
Specifications.............................. |
8 |
Frequently asked questions......... |
8 |
Trouble shooting.......................... |
9 |
Programming............................... |
10 |
Component locations................... |
11 |
Mounting methods....................... |
12 |
Wiring diagram............................. |
13 |
Warranty...................................... |
14 |
Repair form.................................. |
15 |
Flush-mount template.................. |
16 |
THANK YOU...
....for purchasing this Specialty Concepts product. As the world leader in electronics for the photovoltaic solar industry, we have put much time and effort into bringing you the best possible product at a reasonable price.
We hope that you are extremely pleased with your new DM3, and with all of your Specialty Concepts products.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Specialty Concepts Digital Monitor Mark III (DM3) is a flush-mounted digital meter for monitoring the performance of an alternative energy system. The DM3 uses a large, easy to read, liquid crystal display, a rotary switch for selection of voltage and currents, and indicator lights for "HIGH VOLTAGE ALARM" and "LOW VOLTAGE ALARM". The standard DM3 measures the battery voltage and a single current reading of up to 30 amps. With a separate (optional) remote shunt, an additional 100 or 500 amp current reading is available. The internal 30 amp shunt can be cut and replaced with a remote shunt allowing two current readings to be made using remote shunts. The two current readings allow the DM3 to monitor a charging circuit and a load circuit that may be a power distribution box or an invertor. An auxiliary input allows the monitoring of a second system voltage or a third current.
An optional knock-out box (4x7 BOX) is available for wall mounting, or to protect the DM3 for in-wall flush mounting.
Many of the features of the DM3 are user programmable and can be easily changed in the field.
This unit operates in nominal 12 to 48 volt systems. Electrical connections are easy to make to the back of the unit with bare wire or with terminal lugs.
FEATURES
∙Operates in 12 volt to 48 volt systems
∙Digital display of battery voltage and system current(s)
∙One 30 amp current reading standard
∙Up to three 100 or 500 amp readings with optional remote shunts
∙Adjustable field-programmable highand low-voltage alarms with indicator lights
∙Function select switch with 4 positions to choose display reading:
-BATTERY VOLTAGE -AUX. INPUT -CURRENT 1 -CURRENT 2
∙Low power consumption
∙User installable alarm relay or alarm beeper modules
1
PRECAUTIONS, WARNINGS, AND NOTES
DANGER: Hydrogen gas is VERY explosive. Where there are batteries, there may be hydrogen. Work only in a well vented area. Make sure that no hydrogen is present when making or removing any electrical connections or when equipment is operating normally. Wires should have no power applied to them when making or removing connections to equipment in the presence of batteries.
DANGER: Electricity, even low voltage electricity, can be dangerous. Installation should be performed by a licensed electrical contractor or other qualified personnel only. It is recommended that the requirements of all applicable local electrical codes (or U.S. National Electrical Code in the absence of local codes) be followed.
WARNING: Follow all safety precautions of the battery manufacturer and the National
Electrical Code. Proper ventilation must be provided for vented batteries. Most vented batteries produce hydrogen gas when charging, which is extremely explosive. DO NOT expose the battery to open flame, matches, cigarettes or sparks.
CAUTION: DO NOT exceed the voltage and current ratings of the DM3 as stated in the specifications.
DO NOT cut the internal shunt unless you plan to use a remote shunt for both current readings. Once this shunt is cut, you will not be able to repair it.
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QUICK HELP |
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IF YOU.... |
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∙ Want to perform a quick setup....................................................................... |
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go to page 3 |
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∙ Want to install an external shunt.................................................................... |
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go to page 4, 13 |
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∙ Want to use the internal shunt....................................................................... |
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go to page 13 |
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∙ Do not know what a shunt is.......................................................................... |
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go to page 6 |
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∙ Want to mount your DM3................................................................................ |
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go to page 5, 12 |
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∙ Want to wire your DM3.................................................................................... |
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go to page 5, 13 |
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∙ Want to re-program your DM3........................................................................ |
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go to page 10 |
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∙ Want to re-calibrate the alarms...................................................................... |
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go to page 10 |
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∙ Want to install the Alarm Relay Module................................... |
See instructions with module |
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∙ Are having problems getting the DM3 to work............................................... |
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go to page 9 |
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∙ Need to select wire sizes................................................................................ |
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go to page 6 |
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∙ Need to replace the fuse or remove the back........................... |
See back panel of DM3 |
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∙ Want to learn about options for your DM3....................................................... |
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go to page 4. |
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2 |
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QUICK SETUP
IF YOU READ NO OTHER PAGE IN THIS MANUAL...READ THIS ONE!
Page numbers after headings refer to the location in this manual where further details about the topic can be found.
PLEASE READ ALL CAUTIONS AND WARNINGS ON PAGE 2 BEFORE
PROCEEDING
1.Choose a location for the DM3 (Page 5):
∙This location must be indoors, or outdoors in a suitable enclosure, and protected from dirt, bugs, and moisture.
∙You will be running wires to this location from your solar panels, batteries and (possibly) your loads.
2.Decide on the method for mounting it (Page 5, 12):
∙If you wish to flush mount the DM3, you must cut a hole for it in the mounting surface. Go to page 12 for flush mount instructions. Use the mounting template on page 16.
∙If you wish to mount the DM3 in the optional metal enclosure, first secure the enclosure to the mounting surface with the proper hardware. Then, after connecting the DM3 (see below), you will secure the DM3 to the enclosure.
3.Determine if you will be using the DM3’s internal shunt or if you need to install an external shunt. (Page 5, 13). If you do not know what a shunt is, refer to
page 6.
NOTE: Shunts MUST be installed in the negative legs of the device whose current you wish to measure.
∙For one current of 30 amps or less, use the internal shunt.
∙For one current of more than 30 amps, use an external shunt.
∙For a second current of any value, use an external shunt.
4.Install the optional alarm relay module or the alarm beeper module (Page 4, 11):
∙If installing this option, mount it to the rear of the DM3 per the instructions included with the module.
5.Set the programming jumpers (Page 5, 7, 10):
∙Determine which shunts you will be using. If using the internal 30 amp shunt or any external 100 amp shunts, you do not need to modify the decimal point programming. If using any 500 amp shunts, the programming will have to be altered
∙Determine what the “AUX” input will be used for. Set the two jumpers accordingly.
∙If you wish to alter the factory preset alarm set-points (they are set for a 12 volt system), this must be done after the DM3 has power applied to it (see steps 6 and 7 below) and before it is mounted.
6.Connect wires to the DM3 (Page 5, 6, 13):
CAUTION: FOR SAFETY, REMOVE POWER FROM WIRES BEFORE CONNECTING THEM TO THE DM3.
∙Using the label on the back of the DM3 as a guide, connect the wires to the DM3. Observe polarity.
7.Apply power to and test the DM3 (Page 5, 7):
∙Apply battery power to the DM3.
∙Set the front panel switch to the “BATTERY VOLTS” position. The display should show your normal battery voltage.
If measuring current, set the front panel selector switch to the appropriate position. The display should show the current being produced (or consumed) by the device connected to the shunt .
3
UNPACKING YOUR DM3 
You will find the following items in the package:
∙The DM3 itself
∙This instruction manual
∙A small plastic bag containing the following items:
-4 mounting screws -1 spare fuse
-2 spare programming jumpers
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES 
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE OPTIONAL AND ARE AVAILABLE FROM YOUR DEALER:
Alarm relay module:
This plug-in module allows the connection of equipment that will provide additional “hi” and “lo” alarm warnings. Examples of such warnings are lights, bells or sirens, radio transmitters, etc.
Alarm beeper module:
This plug in module produces a loud tone to indicate that a hi or lo battery voltage condition has occurred.
NOTE: Only one of the above modules may be installed on the DM3.
Metal box (4x7 BOX):
Protects the DM3 electronics. Provides a means for mounting the DM3 to a wall without making a large cutout (such a cutout is required for flush mounting). The enclosure can also be used for flush-mount installations to protect the DM3 and to allow cable clamps to secure wires.
External shunts:
If you wish to measure more than one current, or if you wish to measure a current greater than 30 amps, you will need external shunts. One is required for EACH such current measurement.
The shunts are specified as follows:
∙For currents up to 100 amps: 100A/100mv
∙For currents up to 500 amps: 500A/50mv
ADDITIONAL ITEMS AND TOOLS THAT YOU WILL NEED FOR INSTALLATION OF THE DM3
TO FLUSH MOUNT THE DM3:
∙Wire strippers
∙Drill with 3/8" bit
∙Keyhole saw or saber saw
∙Awl or punch
∙Slotted screwdriver
∙2-conductor wire from DM3 to battery
∙2-conductor wire (16-26 AWG) from remote shunts to DM3 location (optional)
∙Mounting fasteners of appropriate type for the wall material
TO WALL MOUNT THE DM3:
∙Optional wall mount enclosure
∙Wire strippers
∙Awl or punch
∙Slotted screwdriver
∙2-3 each 1/2 inch Romex cable clamps
∙2-conductor wire from DM3 to battery
∙2-conductor wire (16-26 AWG) from the remote shunt to DM3 location (optional)
∙Mounting fasteners of appropriate type for the wall material
TO INSTALL OPTIONAL REMOTE SHUNTS:
∙Wire strippers
∙Heavy duty diagonal cutters (for cutting the internal shunt on the DM3)
∙7/16 end wrench (for 100 amp/100 mv shunt)
∙9/16 end wrench (for 500 amp/50 mv shunt)
∙Slotted screwdriver
∙Remote shunts (100 amp/100 mv or 500 amp/50 mv)
∙Wire lugs, 2 per shunt (1/4" hole for 100 amp, 3/8" hole for 500 amp)
∙Mounting fasteners of appropriate type for the wall material
∙Small gauge wire (16-26) for shunt sense wires
TO INSTALL OPTIONAL ALARM MODULE:
∙Wire strippers
∙5/16 inch nut driver or long nose pliers
∙Appropriate gauge wire (16-20) for connection to alarm device
TO INSTALL OPTIONAL BEEPER MODULE:
∙ 5/16 inch nut driver or long nose pliers
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