Xantrex Pathmaker User Guide

PathMaker

Owner's Manual

Xantrex

PathMaker

Automatic Power Switch

2

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

500 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

Xantrex PathMaker Automatic Power Switch © November 2002 Xantrex International. All rights reserved. Xantrex is a registered trademark of Xantrex International.

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: [e-mail]

Phone: [phone] (toll free in North America) 1-604-422-2777 (direct) Fax: [phone]

3

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.

4 Operations

loads or sources are connected.

Disabled Light

The Disabled light is on

High Voltage Disconnect Light

The High Voltage Disconnect not connected due to a higher nect set point. This light flashes minute timed disconnect due to

The Control Module Switch

The switch on the Control position. If it is in the O connected. To test the

tion. While the switch is in the I will be on and the green starting is required, pushing momentarily will lock the power teries are connected to the

the starter. Pushing the switch release the power switch from Remember: The local switch on position for any remote switch to

5

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)

Optional Remote

See Page 14

See Page 13

Factory Installed

*Multiple voltage values times 2 for use on 24 V systems.

6

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.