A Forum run by Enthusiasts of MidNite Solar

Charge Controllers and Clippers => The "Classic" charge controller => Topic started by: ecovolt on May 18, 2016, 02:57:31 AM

Title: Classic 250 message GOT COMM
Post by: ecovolt on May 18, 2016, 02:57:31 AM
Dear guys ...I need your help. I have two CL250 installed on remote area of the Holly Mountain of Athos. They had a storm there with heavy weather. They called me in this morning that both CL's are showing "GOT COMM"  on display and doesn't work as normal. What should I do in this case ? I was checking to see if the address on the display are set to 10 as described into a topic that I found here and it is ok so far. I did the right arrow pushing button trick to verify  and looks ok. Please advice  :'(   
Title: Re: Classic 250 message GOT COMM
Post by: TomW on May 18, 2016, 12:10:13 PM
Have you tried a power down / restart on both?

Shut off PV in and battery breakers, let it sit a few minutes, turn all back on.

Sky sparks can temporarily scramble electronics, so a reboot is usually a good first step.

Tom
Title: Re: Classic 250 message GOT COMM
Post by: ecovolt on May 18, 2016, 01:04:32 PM
Of course I did.  :) ... that is why I'm asking everyone now.
I did the "restore to factory defaults"  trick as well... trying to solve the issue.
Now after I select the screens for hydro ...voltage ... when I pushed Enter I've got the following screen:

=========================
            Sending Data

4136                                  502

                   255
=========================

This is how my screen looks now ...and stay like that forever !... nothing happens from here


I guess my CL 250 is stuck somehow and I don't know what should I do ! ...any advice please?




Title: Re: Classic 250 message GOT COMM
Post by: Westbranch on May 18, 2016, 03:58:20 PM
Do you know what version of Firmware it has?  Possibly do an up grade or reinstall if up to date...??
Title: Re: Classic 250 message GOT COMM
Post by: boB on May 19, 2016, 12:06:38 AM
If it is stuck in VMM, trying to send data, there is a way out of that.  BUT, it looks like it has stopped talking to the Classic.
Rather than trying to bypass VMM, which will work if the communications is working, try this...

The MNGP is normally plugged into the Classic in the top of 3 phone jacks.  Try connecting
it to the middle/center jack and see if that works.  If so, then something happened to the top communications port.

If that does not help, then it may be the MNGP itself.  As long as the Classic did not send any data to the Classic, and
by your diagram, it doesn't look like it did, then the Classic ~should~ charge normally without the MNGP plugged in.

You can also try connecting to the Classic using a laptop over TCP/IP and the Ethernet jack and the "Local App" software
tool from our web site.  This is most easiest done by plugging the Classic's Ethernet into a router to connect up
to a local LAN and then by Ethernet or Wi-Fi, connecting to your computer.

You can also call into our number, 360-403-7207  or go to our website for help.  There is a place on our website where
you can type in your problem and someone can get back to you pronto.  Might be tomorrow morning though at this time
of night.  It is late evening here where I am.

boB