A Forum run by Enthusiasts of MidNite Solar

Charge Controllers and Clippers => The "Classic" charge controller => Topic started by: cmascote on November 08, 2014, 11:55:54 PM

Title: Troubleshooting Classic 250 and Excel 1 [SOLVED]
Post by: cmascote on November 08, 2014, 11:55:54 PM
We have everything all wired up but it seems like the midnite is holding back the excel 1. The input VDC only reads 0.1 volts but when i disconnect the bergey the volts shoot up. As soon as I reconnected the bergey and the midnite the blades come to crawl. Wind speed is north of 15 mph.

This is 24v off-grid system. Midnite is set to wind, 24v system, and i selected the bergey excel 1 curve.

Where can i go to try and trouble shoot this issue? I have checked and rechecked all of the MidNite's setting and checked for a short circuit.

Any suggestions?
Title: Re: Just Set up Classic 250 and Excel 1
Post by: Westbranch on November 09, 2014, 12:11:22 AM
What does a DMM give you for a resting battery voltage, without any input from the classic?
Sounds like the batteries may be fully charged.  Do you have a dump / diversion load?
Title: Re: Just Set up Classic 250 and Excel 1
Post by: cmascote on November 09, 2014, 05:46:57 AM
The batteries are reading 24.6. I don't think the batteries are fully charged. No dump / diversion load. However, I do have a solar array and I hooked into the same bus bar to send the charge to the batteries. I shut that off to see if it was a feedback issue but no change.
Title: Re: Troubleshooting Classic 250 and Excel 1
Post by: Halfcrazy on November 09, 2014, 08:33:34 AM
So if you disconnect the XL1 from the Classic does the Classic still read 0 volts? Or does it drift up a few volts?

I would check the polarity real close as reverse polarity into the Classic can have this effect but also the voltage when nothing is connected is important

Ryan
Title: Re: Troubleshooting Classic 250 and Excel 1
Post by: cmascote on November 09, 2014, 08:44:56 AM
It drifts way up to like 14/15 volts when i disconnect the XL1.
Title: Re: Troubleshooting Classic 250 and Excel 1
Post by: TomW on November 09, 2014, 11:06:43 AM
It is normal for the input to show a portion of the battery volts when disconnected.

I am leaning towards the reversed polarity theory.

Not familiar with the XL1 but if you can let it free wheel long enough to verify the polarity is correct at the cable end at The Classic that is where I would start. I have been working with electrons for decades and still occasionally have a Senior Moment on polarity.  :-[

I ain't no expert so just a thought.

Tom
Title: Re: Troubleshooting Classic 250 and Excel 1
Post by: Westbranch on November 09, 2014, 11:29:28 AM
24.6 V is an almost dead battery, you needd to check your CC settings and change them after you have verified the polarity..

hth
Title: Re: Troubleshooting Classic 250 and Excel 1
Post by: cmascote on November 09, 2014, 11:58:23 AM
Thanks all! It was reversed polarity!
Title: Re: Troubleshooting Classic 250 and Excel 1 [SOLVED]
Post by: TomW on November 09, 2014, 01:53:05 PM
Great news!

I marked this [SOLVED].

Wish all remote troubleshooting was this easy.

Tom