Xantrex Pathmaker User Guide

Xantrex PathMaker Automatic Power Switch

PathMaker

Owner's Manual

The Easy-to-Install Automatic Battery Switch

For Marine, RV, Alternative Energy

and Car Audio use.

Pick the unit that’s right for your installation:

100 Amps - 2 Battery Banks 100 Amps - 3 Battery Banks 150 Amps - 2 Battery Banks 150 Amps - 3 Battery Banks 200 Amps - 2 Battery Banks 200 Amps - 3 Battery Banks 250 Amps - 2 Battery Banks

Just mount and connect a negative wire and 2 or 3 battery cables!

Manual Contents

Operations 4 Installation 7 Remotes 13

Notice of Copyright

Disclaimer

UNLESS SPECIFICALLY AGREED TO IN WRITING, XANTREX TECHNOLOGY INC. (“XANTREX”)

(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 November 2002, Revision 1 Part Number 445-0203-01-01

Contact Information Web: www.xantrex.com Email: CustomerService@xantrex.com

Phone: 1-800-670-0707 (toll free in North America) 1-604-422-2777 (direct) Fax: 1-604-420-2145

500 Amps - 2 Battery Banks

Introduction

The PathMaker provides automatic battery switching in a wide range of environments and applications including marine, recreational vehicles, renewable energy, military, and mobile audio. The PathMaker has two primary functions—first, it automatically parallels (connects together) multiple batteries (combining them) when charging sources are available, and secondly, it automatically disconnects the starting battery from the system loads when there are no active charging sources. This ensures that the engine starting battery is always full. Additionally, it can be used to connect loads and sources.

The PathMaker consists of the following major components:

A control module that provides user-adjustable set points, operator indicators, and a local control switch. Additionally, a telephone jack on the right hand side of the module allows the user to plug in the optional remote control panel.

A terminal strip is fitted under the control module. This terminal strip is where the user connects a wire to system negative (system ground), and makes optional connections. All other connections are pre-wired at the factory and require no changes.

The PathMaker Power Switch(es) are mounted below the terminal strip. They provide the connection for the path of battery current flow when enabled by the control module.

Remote Control Panel (optional) that connects to the PathMaker via a telephone cable is available. Use of this optional panel is strongly recommended, as the PathMaker may be mounted where access to the local control switch may not be convenient.

Operations

The PathMaker has power switch(es) that connect the batteries, loads or sources together.

Connected Light

The Connected light is on whenever the power switch(es) is on indicating that the batteries, loads or sources are connected.

Disabled Light

The Disabled light is on whenever the power switch(es) is not on.

High Voltage Disconnect Light

The High Voltage Disconnect light is on whenever the batteries are not connected due to a higher voltage than the High Voltage Disconnect set point. This light flashes when the PathMaker is in a fiveminute timed disconnect due to battery voltage sag.

The Control Module Switch

The switch on the Control Module should normally be in the Auto position. If it is in the O (Disabled) position the batteries will never be connected. To test the PathMaker hold the switch in the I (ON) posi- tion. While the switch is in the I (ON) position the power switch(es) will be on and the green “Connected” light will turn on. If emergency starting is required, pushing the switch to the I (ON) position momentarily will lock the power switch on for five minutes. If two batteries are connected to the PathMaker, this provides a jump start for the starter. Pushing the switch momentarily in the I (ON) position will release the power switch from being held on for five minutes. Remember: The local switch on the PathMaker must be in the “AUTO” position for any remote switch to work.

Setup and Operation

Adjustments

Default settings are at the 12 o’clock position.

Low Voltage Disconnect*

Below this voltage, the PathMaker power switch(es) are disabled (the batteries are not connected together). The default voltage is set at

13.0 V. The yellow “disabled” light will be lit.

Connect Voltage*

Above this voltage the PathMaker power switch(es) are enabled, thus the batteries are in parallel for charging. The default voltage setting is 13.3 V. The green “connected” light is on in this mode. (Light may flicker below 12.6 V.)

High Voltage Disconnect*

Above this voltage, the power switch(es) are disabled. The default voltage setting is 15.0 V. The red “HV Disconnect” light is on when active.

Negative

CONNECT THE SYSTEM

NEGATIVE (ground) TO THIS TERMINAL LAST.

(Use #14 AWG wire or larger)

See Page 14

*Multiple voltage values times

Optional Remote

See Page 13

Factory Installed

2 for use on 24 V systems.

Optional PathMaker Remote or User Remote Switch

You can force the PathMaker to “Connect” for emergency starting by momentarily pressing the “Manual On” switch. You may cancel the forced connection only by pressing the “Manual On” switch a second time (for less than one second).

While in the forced “Connect” mode, placing the switch to the “Disabled” position will break the connection. However, returning the switch to the “Auto” position will allow the forced “Connect” to resume until the five-minute timer expires or until the switch is again placed over to the ON for at least one second to cancel the five-minute timer.

Troubleshooting

The PathMaker is internally protected against most faults. If the Green light does not come on when the switch on the unit is held in the ON position, you must disconnect the wire connected to the system negative terminal, wait one minute and reconnect it.

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