How do I get RID of the Gremlin in my KID?

[Westbranch]

This started with updating a Beta KID...!!!

After getting the KID FW updated, I set the charge parameters for AGM and have been working my way through the various charge options.

This morning  I thought  I had finally found the solution when I found in the TECH section, a factor that makes one wonder about
as it is not  listed in the Manual.... This morning, after setting the PRE-MATCHING (?) factor to 0.0 and saving settings, the MORSE CODE message STOPPED till this evening....

Min LowWatts  =  25W
HighLight on PV = Pattern 1
HjghLite VoC%
  32 C  90%
It is now 20:20 and the CODE has been on for almost an hour....  it has stopped a few times only to return after a few minutes.

It is silent when RESTING and goes back into CODE mode when 1W  is registered on the screen at about 36.7V , Batt is 25.7.
I will observe again in the morning for clues...

I am thinking I might have to go to FW update to 1820 Beta..

Comments?

[Westbranch]

UPDATE:

I sent an email to RYAN and he calls it WOODPECKER-ing as it clatters so fast...KIDs had this problem and it required the unit to return for a new board or 2???

Ryan sent me a replacement KID and I have had it in place, working away with low input for 2 days and no clattering Woodpecker in the basement so far.... 3 more days of testing .... then to town.


As usual GREAT SERVICE from the shop in Seattle!!!

[mosolarfan]

is this a problem that occurs in low light ie morning and evening at first power on and going into rest mode? I have something similar and am wondering if my kid is dieing. 

[Vic]

is this a problem that occurs in low light ie morning and evening at first power on and going into rest mode? I have something similar and am wondering if my kid is dieing.

Hi mosolarfan,

IMO,  this is very common with good MPPT CCs.   The KID (and Classic) CCs are just trying to produce as much useful power as possible.   The CC cannot know just what are the reasons that there is fairly low PV power available.

When the PV power available is so low,  that  the CC cannot produce any meaningful power,  above the amount of power that is needed to run its Buck Converter,   the CC Rests.   In a few minutes,  the CC again tries to make some power from the PVs,  and if there is not sufficient power to do some actual work,  it again,  Rests.

In the Classic.  there is a LoMax setting that allows the user to set the threshold of this wake-up/rest behavior,   IIRC.   In later Firmware versions,  this setting may also be available in the KID (have not Updated my KID for some time).

If possible,  it is often a good idea to place Power Electronics,  like CCs, some distance away from Human Habitation.  IMO,    FWIW,   Vic

[IDprepper]

Mine wood peckered and burned up. ITS NOT NORMAL!

[Highflyer]

I will bet dollar to donuts it is a calibration issue within the setups.  There have been several including myself who have seen this issue and fixed it with proper calibration. 

If you will list your batt voltage, input voltage, and all the other settings asked for by the experts, this problem is fixable for most. 

Your milage may vary.  Especially if you don't listen to the experts.

[Westbranch]

Yup, and that includes the setting that has instructions not to change  'unless you know what you are changing'...  It lessened the frequency but did not get rid of Woody