Classic 200 jamming up and software

[cybermaus]

Hi all

I have not been active for a while on this forum, so appologies if I am asking well discussed items.

Last winter my classic started to jam. Every so often it was jammed, and I had to make it powerless and restart for it to work. This is worrysome, because even if the firmware is old, it should not start to work worse then before.

Still, before I start to ask about warrenty or repair, it seemed sensible to at least upgrade to the latest firmware, which I have done just now. To the latest version, which seems to be dated early 2017. Before I had one from 2015 or so.

I have the following questions:

= Even though I did a factory reset after upgrade (by keep left/right Arrow button pressed), the WB-Jr capacity and static network IP address remained in the system. It did loose the other settings like operation mode and date/time. Is this normal, or did it not properly reset?

= There used to software for Windows remote control. I cannot find that anymore. Only a 3rd party windows tool, but not the official software of a few years ago, the one that required Adobe Air. Is that dropped, or am I not searching in the correct place.

= That thing where the Classic 200 kept jamming and I needed to disconnect all power to make it work again, is that a known failure mode? Should I be worried? I guess I will know in a week or so if that is still happening.

Thanks

[ClassicCrazy]

What were the exact symptoms when it jammed or locked up ? 

There are two parts of the update - one is the firmware and one is the MNGP - did you update both parts ?

The Local Status windows software is on the Midnite website under Software  Local Application Software - http://www.midnitesolar.com/firmware.php?firmwareProduct_ID=2

Larry

[cybermaus]

Hmm, I was on that local page, but because it mentions "firmware" a lot, I thought it was for some other product.
A bit odd to call it "Download Product Firmware Classic Local Application software" if its a windows app, but it is indeed the software I meant, thanks.

Yes, I did update both classic and MNGP.
So is it correct some values stick around after a factory reset, or should I do it again, using the jumpers this time?

As to behavior: It kept being responsive to buttons, but just would not charge, show 0V solar, and 0A charge, and 24V battery.
This leads me to think it was the classic itself, not the MNGP that was jammed, but it could also be the comms between them of course.

[ClassicCrazy]

Yes I would try the jumper reset - can't hurt if you don't mind doing it.
Usually I save all the Classic settings with Local Status app because it is easy to restore them but you already cleared them.
You should see the  new firmware listed on MNGP and on Local Status app if you have updated them successfully .
If you have not done it already check all your wiring connections carefully from PV to Classic  and make sure all connections at breakers or other points are tight and good.
You can check voltages with digital multimeter too if you have problems again to confirm it is Classic.

Larry

[boB]

Does the MNGP display keep working and give you a "Got Comm?" error ?

boB

[cybermaus]

Yes, the MNGP seems to stay responsive, and I do not remember any "Got Comm" error.

I say "seems" responsive because I can go into menu's and status screens, but as mentioned, it does show incorrect values of 0V and 0A.
The 0A is correct (it is indeed at those moments not charging according to my DMM with DC clamp) but there is voltage on both battery and solar.

Since the last reset and firmware update last Saturday it is still working, but that does not mean much yet, over the last few months it was also working between a few days to a few weeks after restarting by making it powerless.

[boB]

OK, so the MNGP is connecting and talking with the Classic then...

Is the MNGP simply showing  "RESTING"  then ?   Showing the proper battery and PV input voltage ?

If so, then you might just want to check the "Reason for Resting" which can be found in a semi-secret menu
from the main status screen...

Press and hold the LEFT ARROW and then tap the ENTER key as I remember...  A semi-cryptic screen
should show up with a number at top center....  What is that number ?  This RFR number should
give us an indication why the Classic last went to Resting from actively charging.  OR, if the number
shown is above 100, then the Classic had just reset and had not started charging yet.

The battery voltage must be below the set-point charging voltages and PV input voltage
must be greater than the battery voltage by approximately battery voltage plus 1/3 battery voltage
in order to wake up and start.

boB

[cybermaus]

No it does not show RESTING, and at 0V (zero-Volt) it is most definitely not showing correct voltages.

However, next time it happens (hopefully never) I will collect your semi-secret menu stuff.

[Westbranch]

Cybermaus said, Since the last reset and firmware update last Saturday
   
just a thought, did you also do  a VMM or Factory reset after the FW upgrade?

[cybermaus]

yes, as per instruction, updated classic, updated mngp, did a full reset using left-right arrow, in that order.

[boB]

If the MNGP shows 0 battery volts (and everything else), it typically would also eventually show Got Comm ?

Of course, if it is talking with the Classic and the Classic is sending out 0's for status's, that would
be very weird BUT not impossible.

boB

[cybermaus]

Well, I am writing those symptoms from memory, but I really do recall seeing 0V before making it powerless to restart, on several occasions.
Lets wait and see if it happens again. (actually, I am hoping not)