What is "lite"

[Guda]

I found a 250 classic "lite" on ebay. I can not find a lite anywhere else. Is it the SP?

[ClassicCrazy]

There used to be a  Classic Lite model that didn't come with the MNGP display but had an led light panel instead and it also had some dip switches in it to make settings. I think it would work with Local Status app though so you could program it that way. I am just going by memory - but if you go to the first page of the forum and do a search for Classic Lite you will find past discussions and info. Midnite may also have some youtube videos about it if you search there.

Larry

[Guda]

Thank you! I feel like a dummy head tho. I had not found the video page (didn't come up in my search also..). GREAT videos! Yup, the lite just doesn't have a display. Got a 250 for $450. So excited to play with it. 

[ClassicCrazy]

You may want to double check your model Classic.
There was a place that Midnite had made some stripped down Classics for - for specific application.  They didn't have all the features a regular Classic did. The place went bankrupt and all their stock was auctioned off and a lot of those Cassic 250's are on ebay. Some of them may have been mis-identified as the Lite model but they are not .
Does your Classic have the MNGP graphic display on it ?
Because Lite models did not.

Larry

[ClassicCrazy]

Take a look at this post because this may be the model Classic you got - if they mislabled it  on ebay you may  take it up with them if you want to .
http://midniteftp.com/forum/index.php?topic=4730.0

I just found an Ebay listing that calls the Classic 250 CP model a Lite which it is not
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Midnite-Solar-Classic-250-Lite-MPPT-Charge-Controller-Regulator-250V-63A/273886819054?epid=1312232252&hash=item3fc4ed32ee:g:emAAAOSwSQRdAV~8


Larry

[Vic]

Hi Larry,

You have a great observation.  That Classic 250 is NOT a Lite,   as it says in the listing,

"Disabled Arc Fault Protection
• Buck Only MPPT
• No Internal Speaker
• No "Follow Me" Mode
• No AUX 1 & 2"

This is the definition of the Classic 250 CP,   and,  as you said,   the Lite has NO MNGP,   but the CP does,   and so on.

There must be better deals on fully-functional Classic,  or for the Classic Lite.

Seems that the Garage Sale Topic on this Forum has been removed.   There,  one could,  on occasion,  find a Refurbed Classic at a great price (one Classic in use here,   is a refurb,  which has been in service for six or seven years,   still going strong.

Thanks Larry!!   Vic

[ClassicCrazy]

Vic ,
I think Midnite sells their odds and end on ebay now but forget what seller name they are using.

Larry

[Guda]

Oh great...

Yup, thats the one I got. I should send it back huh? I should have realized that when I kept asking what a lite was & they said nothing there was issues coming.

[ClassicCrazy]

Oh great...

Yup, thats the one I got. I should send it back huh? I should have realized that when I kept asking what a lite was & they said nothing there was issues coming.

My opinion is if you can get your money back for that one you are better off spending extra to get a new full version Classic that has all the networking and aux ports and other features ( and warranty ) - they are worth the extra money.  You can't use a Whizbang without the Aux2  and that is really worth having. Plus  you may not really need a Classic 250 - the Classic 150 is capable of handling more watts of power.  Do you really need the extra voltage input capability ?
Run the Midnite Classic String sizing tool for your PV to help you decide.

Larry

[Vic]

Hi Guda,

The seller of this Classic has incorrectly represented the its model number,  either by mistake,  or possibly to mislead buyers (we all hope  that  this  is not the case).

In either case,  I hope that that seller will refund their Shipping/handling charges,   AND your return shipping cost,   at the least.

Assume that you DO need a 250 volt Classic   â€¦.

Good Luck,   Vic