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Charge Controllers and Clippers => The "Classic" charge controller => Topic started by: camelback75 on December 19, 2012, 09:01:07 AM

Title: Generator charging and equalization
Post by: camelback75 on December 19, 2012, 09:01:07 AM
Just moved in and panels are covered with snow. 2 questions. My Magnum ME-RC remote is telling me the batteries are going through normal charging routine- bulk, absorb and float, but the Classic stays on resting? Also, Can I equalize with my generator? Thanks!   
Title: Re: Generator charging and equalization
Post by: Halfcrazy on December 19, 2012, 09:48:17 AM
The Classic will say Resting until IT sees enough power to charge from the PV.

You can equalize from the generator. Look in the manual for the ME-RC50 to confirm but my memory tells me that after the Bulk charge on the Magnum you push and hold the Charge button to start an EQ.

Ryan
Title: Re: Generator charging and equalization
Post by: SolarMusher on December 19, 2012, 12:44:20 PM
With your ME-RC you can start EQ only on float mode or if your batteries are already full when you start the gen and it goes to float immediatly => above 26V or 52V.
Erik
Title: Re: Generator charging and equalization
Post by: djohnm on December 19, 2012, 08:13:48 PM
Quote from: SolarMusher on December 19, 2012, 12:44:20 PM
With your ME-RC you can start EQ only on float mode or if your batteries are already full when you start the gen and it goes to float immediatly => above 26V or 52V.
Erik

And I believe that's also only if you have the ME-RC set for a minimal Absorb time. Otherwise, the Magnum may indeed drop out of  Bulk almost immediately but it will still stay in Absorb for however long it has been instructed until it will go into Float (and thus be able to Equalize).

-Dave
Title: Re: Generator charging and equalization
Post by: SolarMusher on December 20, 2012, 07:15:03 AM
If we are talking about the ME-RC50, I believe it doesn't allow a minimum absorb time, there is only a fixed length Absorb time or maybe in a new rev.
The ME-ARC gives more flexibility to end absorb: current, time, etc...  ;)
Erik
Title: Re: Generator charging and equalization
Post by: camelback75 on December 20, 2012, 10:04:59 AM
Thanks everybody! I put in equalize after float and it worked fine.