SPECIALTY CONCEPTS MARK III / 10
SC3
(
Photovoltaic Battery Charge Controller
Installation and Operation Manual
SPECIALTY CONCEPTS, INC.
8954 Mason Ave.
Chatsworth, CA 91311 USA
Copyright 9/1997 Specialty Concepts, Inc.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
10
/
)
The Specialty Concepts Mark III/10 (SC3/10) is a battery charge controller and system
monitoring unit designed for use in mobile or stationary photovoltaic (PV) energy systems.
Lights are included to indicate system status and a front panel fuse provides over-current
protection. The SC3/10 is available for 12 volt systems with charging current up to 10 amps.
This unit uses a solid state pulse type charge controller to safely reach and maintain a full
state of charge for the battery. A blocking diode is provided to eliminate losses through the
solar panels (array) at night. LED lights indicate "Solar Charging", "Battery Up", and "Low
Battery". The fuse provides over-current and reverse polarity protection. This model is
available for 12 volt systems with charging currents up to 10 amps. The SC3/10 can be
mounted flush in the wall or on a standard, double gang electrical switch box.
FEATURES
CHARGE REGULATION
• 10 amp charge current, 12 volt
• Switching shunt, pulse charging
DESIGN FEATURES
• 100% solid-state
• Designed for rugged mobile use
• Over-current protection - battery
fuse
• Reverse leakage protection blocking diode
• Lightning protection
• Input noise suppression
• Low power consumption
MONITORING
• "LOW BATTERY" light
• "SOLAR CHARGING" light
• "BATTERY CHARGED" light
MOUNTING
• Flush mount
• Wall mounting on standard electrical
double switch box
SPECIFICATIONS
PARAMETERS UNITS VALUE
Nominal Voltage (Volts) 12
Short Circuit Current, Continuous (Amps) 10
Short Circuit Current, Max (60 seconds) (Amps) 13
Array Voltage, Max Voc (Volts) 26
Operating Voltage @ Battery, Minimum (Volts) 0
Quiescent Current (Milliamps) 10
Current Consumption, Charging, Typ. (Milliamps) 15
Voltage Drop, Array to Battery, Typ. (Volts) .4
Charge Termination (Volts) 14.3 + .2
Charge Resumption (Volts) 13.5 + .3
Low Battery Warning Light (On) (Volts) 11.5 + .2
Operating Temp. Range (°C) -40 to 50
Storage Temp. Range (°C) -55 to 85
RELATED SYSTEM EQUIPMENT
The SC3/10 is an integral part of a solar electric power system that includes a PV solar array, a
battery and a load. The load is considered the item or equipment that the PV system is powering.
These items should be installed according to the instructions provided by the equipment supplier,
and this manual assumes that the rest of the equipment installation has been properly completed.
PANELS: The SC3/10 is compatible with all makes and models of PV panels, provided the open
circuit voltage (Array Voc, Max) does not exceed 26 volts and the short circuit current of
the array (Current, Short Circuit, Max) does not exceed 10 amps.
BATTERIES: The SC3/10 is calibrated for proper charging of standard batteries that are
normally used in recreational vehicles, boats, and remote stand alone systems. These
include wet cell batteries using lead antimony and/or lead calcium grids and sealed,
maintenance free batteries. For sealed batteries left unattended and charging for
prolonged periods, the SC3/10 may require different charge termination set-points. Contact
your supplier for more information.
LOADS: System loads such as lights, radios, DC/AC inverters, etc. must be rated for 12 volt DC
input. The loads should be fused as recommended and connected directly to the battery or
to a load center/circuit breaker box. See "INSTALLATION" section.
OTHER CHARGING SOURCES: DO NOT use the SC3/10 to regulate a power source other than
a photovoltaic array, such as a hydro or wind generator/alternator or an AC battery
charger. This could result in damage to the SC3/10 and/or the generating equipment.
Other charging sources must have their own charge regulation devices.
The SC3/10 and array can remain connected to a battery that is being charged by an
additional source, (alternator, battery charger, etc.) without damage to the controller or solar
panels.
INSTALLATION
WARNINGS / CAUTIONS
WARNINGS: Electricity, even low voltage electricity, can be dangerous. Installation should be
performed by a licensed electrical contractor or other qualified personnel only. The
requirements of the U.S. National Electrical Code should be followed.
WARNING: Follow all safety precautions of the battery manufacturer. 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 maximum current rating (Current, Short Circuit, Continuous) of
10 amps. This is the sum of the short circuit currents of all the modules in parallel.
CAUTION: DO NOT subject the controller to voltages (Array Voltage, Max Voc), greater than 26
volts. This is the open circuit voltage (Voc) of the array, or the sum of the open circuit
voltages of all modules connected in series.
CAUTION: DO NOT reverse battery "PLUS" and "MINUS" connections to the SC3/10. Reverse
polarity or accidental contact to the battery in reverse polarity will cause the fuse to blow,
and may damage the unit.
CAUTION: DO NOT connect the array directly to the battery when the array is connected to the
SC3/10 at the same time. This will cause damage to the SC3/10 when the battery reaches
full charge voltage.
CAUTION: DO NOT wire the SC3/10 in such a way that it can be connected to an alternator (or
other charging source) while the battery is disconnected, even if momentarily.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. LOCATION: - The SC3/10 should be mounted where it can be easily seen and reached to
take the best advantage of the status lights. Carefully consider how the wires are to be run
from the solar panel to the controller, and from the to the battery. The SC3/10 should be
mounted as close to the battery as possible, and should be mounted on a vertical surface to
aid in cooling.
2. PROTECTION: - The unit should be mounted indoors, out of the weather, unless a
weatherproof enclosure is used. Avoid mounting in direct sunlight or in a hot environment.
Basically, do not mount anywhere you would not put a TV or stereo.
3. MOUNTING OPTIONS: - The SC3/10 is designed to be recessed into the side of a cabinet or
wall where the wiring can be accessed from the back. Allow 2 - 3 inches behind the unit.
The SC3/10 can also be mounted onto a standard, double gang electrical switch box
available at any hardware or electrical supply store. Install the switch box as for standard
electrical wiring, run the wires into the box and after connection of the SC3/10, fasten it to
the box as you would an electrical switch.
4. COMPLETE THE INSTALLATION OF PANEL, BATTERIES AND LOAD: - Follow the
manufacturer's instructions for mounting and wiring the solar panel, batteries and the load.
5. WIRE SELECTION: - It is recommended to use stranded wire rather than solid wire whenever
possible, because stranded wire does not fatigue and cause loose connections over time as
easily as solid wire does.
The wiring from the array and to the batteries can be a larger gauge than the wires in the
SC3/10. The wiring in the controller is of sufficient gauge to handle the currents carried, and
the length of these wires is short so it will not reduce the voltage. Larger gauge may be
appropriate for the long runs to the array to minimize voltage losses.
Recommended Wire Size: # Solar Panels Minimum Wire Gauge
1 # 14
2 # 12
3 # 10
6. REMOVE POWER FROM BATTERY / PANELS: - Disconnect power from the batteries and
panels prior to running the wires to the controller.
7. RUN SYSTEM WIRING: - Run the wires from the battery and solar panel to the location
selected for the controller.
8. NOTE WIRE POLARITY: - Make sure to correctly mark the polarity of the wires using colored
wires or tags. Incorrect polarity may blow the front panel fuse or damage the SC3/10.
Some vehicles or solar kits use black and white wires for connection to the battery. These
kits will label the white wire as battery negative and the black wire as battery positive. Black
and red wiring systems will label the black wire as negative and the red wire as positive.
When these systems interconnect, the black wire does not connect to the black wire.
CAREFULLY NOTE BATTERY POLARITY AND WIRE COLORS!
9. PREPARE THE LOCATION FOR INSTALLATION: FLUSH MOUNT (No junction box): - Mark a cut-out 3½ inches wide and 2¾ inches high,
this should be centered in the area chosen for the controller. Make the cut-out using a
key hole or jig saw. Start by drilling holes in the corners, then saw between the holes.
Mark and drill the four mounting holes.
MOUNTING WITH JUNCTION BOX: - Make any necessary preparations to the surface as
needed for the particular junction box.
10. SC3/10 CONNECTION: - Wire the SC3/10 according to Figure 1. When possible, solder the
wires before installing the wire nuts, then wrap the wire nuts and wires with electrical tape.
11. INSTALL FUSING IF NEEDED: - Add additional circuit protection if needed.
12. SC3/10 MOUNTING: - Mount the SC3/10 to the wall or box front using the four screws
provided or other suitable fasteners. Slip the washers (supplied) over the screws so the
washers are between the back of SC3/10 and the wall (or box). This provides an air gap for
added cooling. INSTALLATION OF THESE WASHERS IS REQUIRED FOR PROPER
COOLING DURING OPERATION.
13. RECONNECT BATTERY AND ARRAY POWER -
14. OPERATION: - Operation of the SC3/10 is now fully automatic. The SC3/10 will now
SC3/10
PANEL
BATTERY
++
Yellow (+)
Red (+)
To
regulate the charging of batteries during conditions of heavy usage, or when left unattended
for long periods of time. If the battery voltage is below the Full Charge Termination set-point
(14.3 volts) and power is available from the array, the SC3/10 should start up in the charge
mode.
NOTE: During operation, it is normal for the SC3/10 to get warm (but not too hot to touch).
Figure 1 : Wiring diagram for the SC3/10
Loads
++
Black (-)
10 Amp fuse
Wire color code
Yellow: Panel (+)
Black: Panel (−) / Battery (−)
Red: Battery (+)
1. Make sure wire nuts are on tight
2. Wires from battery(s) should be less than 15 feet in length.
3. Connect loads directly to the battery and NOT the SC3/10
OPERATION DESCRIPTION
SWITCHING SHUNT, PULSE CHARGE REGULATION: When in the charge mode, the SC3/10
allows maximum available array current to flow into the battery through a blocking diode, lighting
the yellow "Solar Charging" light. As the battery charges, the voltage will rise slowly until it
reaches the "charge termination" set-point. At this point, battery charging stops, the "Solar
Charging" light goes out and the green "Battery Charged" light goes on. When charging stops
the battery voltage will fall, and when the battery voltage drops to the "charge resumption" setpoint, the SC3/10 will resume charging.
MONITORING
"SOLAR CHARGING" LIGHT: The "Solar Charging" light will be on when the array is active
(generating voltage) and the battery needs charging.
When the battery is at a low state of charge, the "Solar Charging" light will be on continuously
during the day. When the battery charges up, the light will go out for a while (until the voltage
drops a little) and then will be on again. When the battery is close to full charge, the light will
be on for short periods of time, and off for longer.
"BATTERY CHARGED" LIGHT: The "Battery Charged" light will be on when the array is active
and the battery has already reached the charge termination voltage.
Systems with a high charge rate (more than 1 panel per battery), or with old batteries may see
the "Battery Charged" light on sooner or more often. In this case batteries may not be fully
charged, but the controller is preventing overcharging by switching off for a brief period.
Systems with a low charge rate (1 panel to 2 or 3 batteries or low output from the panels due
to shading or low sun angle) may not see the "Battery Charged" light on even though the
batteries are actually fully charged. In this case, the batteries are not being overcharged so
the controller does not need to shut the array off.
NOTE: The charging light will be on when there is voltage from the solar panel and the battery
can use more charging. This could result in the "Solar Charging" light being on when the
panels are under lights or a full moon at night.
"LOW BATTERY" LIGHT: This is a low battery voltage warning light. The "Low Battery" light will
turn on if the battery voltage drops to 11.5 volts. At this point, system usage should be minimized
and an alternative method (alternator, generator, AC battery charger) should be used to bring the
battery voltage up. Once the voltage increases a little bit (by charging or turning off large loads),
the light will go off.
”QUICK” TROUBLESHOOTING
IF THE CONTROLLER IS NEWLY INSTALLED, CHECK THESE THINGS FIRST:
1) Re-check system wiring to insure proper installation and polarity .
2) Check all system fuses and circuit breakers. Before replacing a blown fuse,
locate and correct the cause.
3) Check to see that modules and batteries are in the correct series-parallel
configuration for proper system voltage and current.
4) Review the controller specifications, operation and set-points, particularly the
charge termination and reconnect voltage set-points. If possible, check setpoints while the controller is in operation, monitoring the battery voltage with a
multi-meter.
5) Review controller specifications, array output, load ratings and system sizing to
insure that ratings are not exceeded.
IF THE CONTROLLER HAS BEEN INSTALLED AND WAS PREVIOUSLY
WORKING PROPERLY, CHECK THESE THINGS FIRST:
6) Check all system fuses and circuit breakers. Before replacing a blown fuse,
locate and correct the cause.
7) Confirm that all connections are sound. In particular, check crimp connections
that have been crimped but not soldered as these connections tend to
deteriorate over time.
8) If you have an accurate volt meter, check for a voltage drop between the
controller and the battery when maximum charging is occurring. Drops often
occur through old fuses, fuse holders or circuit breaker boxes and at loose or
corroded connections.
9) High voltage from nearby lightning strikes or unregulated charging sources can
damage the controller, in spite of the built-in lightning protection.
10) Check output from the array, and that the array is not partially shaded or dirty.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
The following section can assist in the troubleshooting of a solar system. Please
review the section below titled “HELP NOTES” which lists some common problems
with a solar system.
• SC3/10 Charge Controller: - If a possible problem is suspected based on the
observations of the SC3/10 controller, refer to the chart titled SC3/10
PROBLEM CHART and the “Case Note” for each condition on the following
pages.
• Battery: - If you feel your batteries are not being adequately charged or are
consistently being over-charged, refer to the section BATTERY PROBLEMS.
• Solar Panels: - If you feel that the solar panels are not performing adequately,
refer to the section SOLAR PANEL PROBLEMS. You may be asked to
perform a test using a voltage multi-meter to assist with the diagnosis.
HELP NOTES: (Normal Conditions and Common Problems)
NORMAL CONDITIONS:
1. NORMAL OPERATION: CHARGING / NOT CHARGING - Depending on your system, the
SC3/10 may go for long periods of constant charging or long periods with no charging. The
SC3/10 is designed to prevent over-charging of the battery. It does this by stopping the
charging at about 14.3 volts. It will then turn the solar panel off. Charging will resume when
the battery voltage drops to about 13.5 volts. If the battery is fully charged, additional
charging may not be needed. If the charge current is not strong enough to over-charge the
battery, the controller may not turn the panel charging off.
2. BATTERY WATER LOSS - Vented batteries will need some water from time to time in the
natural course of events. Minor water loss is not a problem, just top the level up when
needed. Excessive water loss (a quart or more in a period of a month) may indicate a
more serious problem.
3. BATTERY GASSING - In vented batteries, some gassing is good. Gassing stirs up the
battery acid and allows the battery to fully charge. A little bubbling in the batteries is not
necessarily a problem. See BATTERY WATER LOSS above.
4. TEMPERATURE - Temperature can affect the performance of batteries. They will tend to
over-charge easier when hot, and will not have as much capacity when cold.
HELP NOTES: (continued)
PROBLEM CONDITIONS :
5. SYSTEM IS NOT SIZED CORRECTLY - The solar system batteries will tend to be undercharged if the solar panel array is too small, or if the battery bank is too small, or if the
usage is too high.
6. PROBLEMS WITH SOLAR PANELS - Solar panel output is dependent upon the amount
of sun-energy reaching the panel. This can be seriously affected by panel angle of
orientation, minor shading, high level haze (barely visible) and dust or dirt on the panel. At
the time of installation, a solar array can have an incorrect series-parallel configuration for
the proper system voltage and current. A panel can also become less productive or
defective over time. TEST: To check array voltage, disconnect the ARRAY(+) connection
on the SC3/10, and measure the voltage at the array using the positive and negative
wires. In sunny conditions, this should be 18-24 volts. A lower value could indicate a
problem with the solar panel array. To check array current, contact a local solar dealer.
7. PROBLEMS WITH BATTERIES - At the time of installation, a battery bank can have an
incorrect series-parallel configuration for the proper system voltage and current. A battery
can also go bad and unable to maintain a charge. TEST: If the battery is going bad, a little
charging or discharging will cause a large change in the battery voltage.
8. BAD CONNECTION: PANEL - The panel connection to the controller may be weak or
completely out. This may include problems with the connections at the SC3/10, both panel
connections (“+” or “-”) or fuses and unsoldered crimp connectors in these lines. Also, wire
that is too small for the length of the run may cause a voltage drop.
9. BAD CONNECTION: BATTERIES - The SC3/10 needs to read an accurate battery
voltage to regulate the charging correctly. The battery connection to the controller may be
weak or completely out. Connection problems can be found with the connections at the
SC3/10, the SC3/10 fuse, both battery terminals (“+” or “-”) or other fuses and unsoldered
crimp connectors in these lines. Also, wire that is too small for the length of the run may
cause a voltage drop
10. CONTROLLER MISWIRED - This may include reversing the polarity from the panels or
batteries, or switching the array and battery connections.
11. CONTROLLER DEFECTIVE - The SC3/10 may no longer be functional. It could have
been exposed to high voltage (such as a lightning strike nearby), too much current from the
panels or reverse polarity from the batteries. Refer to SC3/10 FIELD TEST
PROCEDURE
SC3/10 PROBLEM CHART: - Refer to this chart and the SC3/10
PROBLEM DESCRIPTIONS (next page), to help diagnose potential problems
based on the observations of the SC3/10 and actual battery voltage. The use of a
voltage multi-meter may be helpful.
Problems with charging
CASE BATTERY VOLTAGE
(use multi-meter at
battery terminals)
1 →
2 →
3 →
4 →
5 →
6 →
7 →
Low voltage
(9.0 - 13.2 volts)
Low voltage
(9.0 - 13.2 volts)
Moderate voltage
(13.2 - 14.0 volts)
High voltage
(14.4 - 15.0 volts)
High voltage
(14.4 - 15.0 volts)
CHARGE
OTHER SC3/10
LIGHT
ON Day time
OFF Day time
Turns OFF
(too soon)
ON
OFF
ON - at night
Light going on
and off rapidly
Day time
CASE NOTES
(next page)
See Case 1
(next page)
See Case 2
See Case 3
See Case 4
See Case 5
See Case 6
See Case 7
8 →
9 →
SC3/10
buzzing
SC3/10
hot
See Case 8
See Case 9
SC3/10 PROBLEM DESCRIPTIONS (from the SC3/10 PROBLEM CHART)
SC3/10 Case 1 - A continuous low voltage condition with good charging during the day
would indicate that the controller is functional but a problem exists with one of the
following:
• A problem exists with the system sizing. See SYSTEM IS NOT SIZED CORRECTLY
(Help Note #5)
•• A problem exists with the solar panels. See SOLAR PANEL PROBLEM SECTION
•• A problem exists with the batteries. See BATTERY PROBLEM SECTION
SC3/10 Case 2 - A low voltage condition with no charging during the day would indicate
one of the following:
• The system has no panel input. See BAD CONNECTION: PANEL (Help Note #8)
•• The SC3/10 may be defective. See CONTROLLER DEFECTIVE (Help Note #12)
SC3/10 Case 3 - A moderate voltage condition where the charging appears to stop too
soon (below 14.1 volts) would indicate one of the following:
•• The SC3/10 may have a bad battery connection. Somewhere in the battery
connection there could be a voltage drop that would cause the controller to sense
a higher battery voltage than what actually exists. See BAD CONNECTION:
BATTERY (Help Note #9)
•• The SC3/10 may be defective. See CONTROLLER DEFECTIVE (Help Note #12)
TEST: - Try to monitor the voltage at the SC3/10 battery connection wires (Red and Black)
when the controller actually stops charging (CHARGING light goes OFF). If the
voltage at the SC3/10 terminals is about 14.3 volts then assume a voltage drop along
the battery connection is causing the problem.
SC3/10 Case 4 - A high voltage condition with additional charging would indicate one of
the following:
• The battery voltage may be just under the charge termination set-point and not need
to shut off. See NORMAL OPERATION: CHARGING / NOT CHARGING (Help
Note #1)
• The SC3/10 may be defective. See CONTROLLER DEFECTIVE (Help Note #12)
SC3/10 Case 5 - A high voltage condition (over 14.5 volts) with the solar charging
terminated during the day would indicate the controller is functional but the batteries are
being over-charged by a second charging source. Other charging sources should
feature their own charge regulation.
SC3/10 Case 6 - The "CHARGING" light can be on very dimly at night if the panels are
under even very low levels of light (moonlight or street lights). The "CHARGING" light
is on brightly at night would indicate one of the following:
• The controller is miswired. See CONTROLLER MISWIRED (Help Note #10)
•• There is a blocking diode located within the solar panels or in the panel connection.
This is not a serious problem, but should be removed if possible.
•• The SC3/10 may be defective. See CONTROLLER DEFECTIVE (Help Note #12)
TEST: Disconnect the panel (ARRAY (+)), if the light goes off, then it may be possible
that the panel is receiving enough light for a slight charge, or a diode exists in the
connection.
SC3/10 Case 7 - The “CHARGING” light going on and off rapidly can indicate one of the
following:
• This could be a normal condition that results from a high charge rate, a full battery and
a load on.
• The battery could be bad (one that is unable to maintain a charge). See BATTERY
PROBLEM SECTION
• This could indicate a bad battery connection. - See BAD CONNECTION: BATTERY
(Help Note #9).
TEST: Take a voltage reading at the battery with an accurate meter. If the voltage
reading stays steady while the “CHARGING” light on the SC3/10 continues to go
on and off, then suspect a bad battery connection. If the voltage here also moves
up and down rapidly, this may indicate the battery bank is bad or too small. This
may also indicate this normal condition: when the battery is fully charged, and the
array can provide a lot of charge current, the controller can pulse on and off
rapidly, particularly when there is current being used by a load. This is a normal
operating condition and is not a problem.
SC3/10 Case 8 - The buzzing sound is caused by the controller switching on and off very
rapidly and is a problem relating to a bad battery connection. See BAD
CONNECTION: BATTERY (Help Note #9).
SC3/10 Case 9 - The SC3/10 may get warm during normal operation. If the unit should get
too hot to touch, consider it defective. See CONTROLLER DEFECTIVE (Help Note
#12)
BATTERY PROBLEMS: - Refer to this section to help diagnose potential problems
based on battery observations.
CASE BATTERY SEE CASE NOTE(S)
1 →
2 →
Battery Case 1 - BATTERY UNDER-CHARGED: If the batteries are always low and not
able to be charged sufficiently, consider one of the following problems:
•• System not sized correctly - (See Help Note #5). For too much usage, try charging
•• Solar Panels Problem - Panel may be dirty, not aligned or other problem. (See Help
•• SC3/10 Controller Problem - A problem may exist with the charging input from the
•• A Problem with the Batteries - The batteries could be configured incorrectly or be
•• A Cold Battery - Cold temperatures can affect the battery charging. See
Battery voltage low or does not hold a charge
Battery seems to be over-charging
the battery with another charging source (engine alternator, generator or AC battery
charger). If the batteries are OK and hold the charge, an increase in the number
batteries and panels may be needed to support the usage.
Note #6)
controller. This would delete or reduce the daily re-charging of the battery. A
problem with the SC3/10 would not cause the battery to be drained of voltage. See
the SC3/10 PROBLEM section.
going bad. (See Help Note #7)
TEMPERATURE (Help Note #4). If the battery is cold much of the time, the battery’s
long-term performance and life may suffer.
See Battery Case 1
See Battery Case 2
Battery Case 2 - BATTERY OVER-CHARGING: If there is evidence that the batteries
have been over-charging, consider these points:
• Normal Battery Condition: The batteries may not be over-charging but only be
experiencing normal water loss and normal levels of gassing. (See Help Notes #2
and #3)
• Controller Problem: The SC3/10 could be defective. If the charging light is on and
the actual battery voltage (measured at the battery) is over 14.5 volts, the controller
is likely to be defective.
•• A Problem with the Batteries - The batteries could be configured incorrectly. (See
Help Note #7)
• Non-compatible Batteries: The batteries may be a type that are not compatible with
this system and require a lower full-charge voltage. Check battery specifications.
• Other Charging Sources: Another charging source could be the cause. Some 110
volt battery chargers are not well regulated and could over-charge batteries if left
unattended.
•• A Hot Battery - See TEMPERATURE (Help Note #4)
SOLAR PANEL PROBLEMS: - Refer to this section to help diagnose potential
problems based on panel performance.
CASE PANELS SEE CASE NOTE(S)
1 →
Panel Case 1 - The panels should generate a charge current close to their max. power
current as presented in their specifications. To reach this level assumes that all
conditions are ideal. If the panel performance as measured at the panel inputs on the
SC3/10 controller is much lower, consider the following potential problems.
•• Solar Panel Problem - Panels may be dirty, not aligned or other problem. Panel
•• Bad Panel Connection to the Controller - See BAD CONNECTION: PANEL (Help
Less charge than expected
may have shadows crossing it. The panels could be configured incorrectly or be
defective. See Problem with the Solar Panels (Help Note #6)
Note #8).
See Panel Case 1
SC3/10 - FIELD TEST PROCEDURE
The following is a field test procedure for the standard SC3/10 charge controller. For
BENCH TESTING, substitute a properly current-limiting power supply for the array.
TEST 1: Alternate A ( Active solar array required )
This will test the basic operation of the SC3/10 by testing the FET’s (not shorted or open).
Requirements: digital multi-meter (dmm)
active solar array, Voc at least 17 volts
1) Connect the array plus and minus wires (yelow and black) to the appropriate
wires on the SC3/10 (no battery connection).
2) Measure voltage at the battery connections (red and black wires) on the SC3/10.
The reading should be between 14.0 and 15.0 volts. If this reading is very
high, 16-20 volts, or very low, 2-5 volts, the unit is defective.
TEST 1: Alternate B ( If no active solar array is available )
Tests for the most common failure condition: shorted FET’s. This problem would cause a
“no charging” condition.
Requirements: digital multi-meter (dmm)
1) Remove all connections from the SC3/10
2) Set multi-meter to the 200Ω resistance scale
3) Take measurements from SC3/10 wires. Contact positive lead of the meter to
ARRAY (+) (yellow) and negative lead of meter to ARRAY (-) (black).
Reading should be open (>200Ω). A short (<10Ω) indicates unit is
defective.
TEST 2
This procedure tests the condition of the blocking diode.
Requirements: digital multi-meter (dmm)
1) Remove all connections from the SC3/10
2) Set multi-meter to the 2KΩ resistance scale
3) Take measurements from SC3/10 wires. Contact positive lead of the meter to
ARRAY (+) (yellow) and negative lead of the meter to BATT (+) (red). Reading
should be less than 2KΩ. Above 2KΩ would indicate a defective unit.
4) Reverse contacts (positive lead to BATT (+) (red) and negative lead to ARRAY (+)
(yellow)). Reading should be greater than 2KΩ. Below 2KΩ would indicate a
defective unit.
LIMITED FIVE YEAR WARRANTY
SPECIALTY CONCEPTS, INC.
1. Specialty Concepts, Inc. warrants all its products for a period of five (5) years from the date of shipment from its factory. This
warranty is valid against defects in materials and workmanship for the five (5) year warranty period. It is not valid against
defects resulting from, but not limited to:
A. Misuse and/or abuse, neglect or accident.
B. Exceeding the unit's design limits.
C. Improper installation, including, but not limited to, improper environmental protection and improper hook-up.
D. Acts of God, including lightning, floods, earthquakes, fire and high winds.
E. Damage in handling, including damage encountered during shipment.
2. This warranty shall be considered void if the warranted product is in anyway opened or altered. The warranty will be void if any
eyelets, rivets, or other fasteners used to seal the unit are removed or altered, or if the unit's serial number is in any way
removed, altered, replaced, defaced or rendered illegible.
3. The five (5) year term of this warranty does not apply to equipment where another manufacturers' warranty is available. An
example of such equipment may be, but is not limited to, an electronic enclosure. The time limit for this warranty may be for
less than the Specialty Concepts limited warranty. Specialty Concepts will assist the claimant in attempts to seek warranty
claims for such equipment, where appropriate.
4. Specialty Concepts cannot assume responsibility for any damages to any system components used in conjunction with
Specialty Concepts products nor for claims for personal injury or property damage resulting from the use of Specialty
Concepts' products or the improper operation thereof or consequential damages arising from the products or use of the
products.
5. Specialty Concepts cannot guaranty compatibility of its products with other components used in conjunction with Specialty
Concepts products, including, but not limited to, solar modules, batteries, and system interconnects, and such loads as
inverters, transmitters, and other loads which produce "noise" or electromagnetic interference, in excess of the levels to which
Specialty Concepts products are compatible.
6. Warranty repair and/or evaluation will be provided only at Chatsworth, California facility of Specialty Concepts. Units for such
repair and/or evaluation must be returned freight prepaid to Specialty Concepts with a written description of any apparent
defects. Specialty Concepts will not be required at any time to visit the installation site wherein Specialty Concepts' products
are subject to warranty repair and/or evaluation.
7. Only Specialty Concepts is authorized to repair any of its products, and they reserve the right to repair or replace any unit
returned for warranty repair. The party returning a unit for repair is responsible for proper packaging and for shipping and
insurance charges, as well as any other charges encountered, in shipping to and from Specialty Concepts.
8. This warranty supersedes all other warranties and may only be modified by statement in writing, signed by Specialty
Concepts.
Warranty terms effective as of April 1, 1993
REPAIR INFORMATION
Directions for returning units needing repair.
1. Write up a note with the following information:
Name / Company Name
Return Address : (For USA/Canada: UPS Deliverable. Avoid PO Boxes)
Daytime Phone
Description the failure
Specify amount of repair charges preapproved (we will contact you if repair charges are larger than
this amount.)
2. Box up unit with copy of sales receipt (if available).
3. Send by UPS or Parcel Post to :
Specialty Concepts, Inc.
Attn : Repair Dept.
8954 Mason Ave
Chatsworth, CA 91311 USA
If the Repair is not covered under warranty, the repair charges will not exceed 30% of the value of a new unit.
(shipping and handling not included) Domestic charges are collected via UPS-COD .
For non-warranty repairs, repaired portion features an additional one-year warranty.
SPECIALTY CONCEPTS, INC.
8954 MASON AVE., CHATSWORTH, CA 91311 USA PH: (818) 998-5238, FAX: (818) 998-5253
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