- Welcome to A Forum run by Enthusiasts of MidNite Solar .
News:
To visit MidNite Solar click this link www.midnitesolar.com
Recent posts
#61
The "Classic" charge controller / Re: Generator control with AUX...
Last post by qcda1 - June 30, 2026, 12:23:10 PMOk. So the first test was yesterday morning at the same time I did the setup. But in the evening between 22h40 and 00h20 (the time the SOC was at 93%), the light lit. No this morning, it was cloudy so I lowered the uppper limit to 93% instead of 95%. The light went off at 93%. So it seem to work and the changes seem to be in effect after the auto reboot at midnite...
We'll see in the next few days how it goes. I set the limits from 92% to 96%.
We'll see in the next few days how it goes. I set the limits from 92% to 96%.
#62
The "Classic" charge controller / Generator control with AUX1
Last post by qcda1 - June 29, 2026, 08:50:55 PMHello! I would like to have some inputs from folks that uses the Midnite Classic AUX1 interface to drive a generator based on SOC's levels. I've been using the Magnum Energy MS4448PAE with AGS and BMK to drive my Kohler 14RCA generator without issues when I was using Lead/Acid battery bank. Since I switched to LifePO4, the accuracy/precision of the Magnum modules aren't workable trying to start the generator when the SOC goes below 20% and stop when 30% is reached. It would repeat until the sun takes over. The system is in my cottage and is autonomous.
Up until now, I have developed my own generator manager using a Raspberry Pi (https://github.com/qcda1/MagAGS) and it works like a charm. Now, I'm selling my off-grid cottage and would like to simplify the setup for an non IT/Engineering buyer.
In looking for options, I just learned the Classic can drive a generator on SOC with the WbJR since firmware 2193. I found this in the Menu Map document I inadvertently opened on the page shoing the AUX1. I had an old user manual that didn't covered this feature.
I looked at this forum for any leads. I only found some discussions related to the time this option was in development. I couldn't find any tips in setting this up although it looks quite simple.
I experimented with the option without success. The Classic is at 2193 02/06/2018, the MNGP at 2186 11/29/2017.
The setup is for AUX1: SOC % High, Low%=93, High%=95, Delay=1.0, Hold=1.0. On Aux1, I have a relay that drive a lamp. The lamp will get on and of when the Aux option goest to Manual ON and Manual OFF. It will blink with the Toggle Test.
At night, the SOC will drop under 93% and will go up to 100% in a sunny morning. Unfortunately the state of the lamp does not change and stay off.
Am I missing something? Following are captures of the chapter about Aux1 and the menu option I have set.
Thanks for helping me.
Regards,
Daniel.
Up until now, I have developed my own generator manager using a Raspberry Pi (https://github.com/qcda1/MagAGS) and it works like a charm. Now, I'm selling my off-grid cottage and would like to simplify the setup for an non IT/Engineering buyer.
In looking for options, I just learned the Classic can drive a generator on SOC with the WbJR since firmware 2193. I found this in the Menu Map document I inadvertently opened on the page shoing the AUX1. I had an old user manual that didn't covered this feature.
I looked at this forum for any leads. I only found some discussions related to the time this option was in development. I couldn't find any tips in setting this up although it looks quite simple.
I experimented with the option without success. The Classic is at 2193 02/06/2018, the MNGP at 2186 11/29/2017.
The setup is for AUX1: SOC % High, Low%=93, High%=95, Delay=1.0, Hold=1.0. On Aux1, I have a relay that drive a lamp. The lamp will get on and of when the Aux option goest to Manual ON and Manual OFF. It will blink with the Toggle Test.
At night, the SOC will drop under 93% and will go up to 100% in a sunny morning. Unfortunately the state of the lamp does not change and stay off.
Am I missing something? Following are captures of the chapter about Aux1 and the menu option I have set.
Thanks for helping me.
Regards,
Daniel.
#63
Barcelona / Re: Barcelona ground fault tri...
Last post by aaapilot - June 18, 2026, 11:25:03 PMHad the same issue with a Hawks Bay. It worked fine for a few months, then started randomly throwing ground faults, didn't shut down the system, but the ground fault appeared on the display and the red light remained on until I pressed any button. Was told early boards had an issue where this would happen. Replaced the ground fault board, no joy, same random faults. Solution: Turned OFF ground fault monitoring! Turn it back on every now and then for an hour or two so if a REAL issue is live, it will let me know, then shut it off. Good luck with your Barcelona.
Dave
Dave
#64
Barcelona / Re: Barcelona ground fault tri...
Last post by mahendra - June 18, 2026, 09:22:14 PMQuote from: Wizbandit on June 16, 2026, 12:25:13 PMThe new 600V Midnite MPPT charge controllers don't provide a battery NEG to GND bond. I use a 15A MNEPV breaker and connect between battery NEG and the Ground bar. See if that helps.
Wiz bandit can you send a pic of how you did that? Where did you mount the breaker?
#65
The "Classic" charge controller / Re: Battery Status Meter - Eff...
Last post by ClassicCrazy - June 17, 2026, 10:34:42 PMThe whizbang does not change how the Classic operates or charges. It is mainly informational and the only way to see the SOC. Though you can use the soc to control some things in Aux 1 ( aux 2 is taken by the whizbang). I don't think you will see the whizbang menu if there is no whizbang. If it is there you will see the menu and be able to set it up - battery capacity, efficiency, and some other settings that are needed for the calculation of SOC.
Yes you would set it up via the MNGP or usually local status app works too, or has for me in the past. Many years ago there was the Trimetric which was a shunt based system to calculate SOC . Then the Whizbang came along making the Trimetric not needed ( and it cost a lot less at the time) and it was better since it was integrated into the Classic and only needed one wire to connect it to the classic ( other than mounting on the shunt).
Larry
Yes you would set it up via the MNGP or usually local status app works too, or has for me in the past. Many years ago there was the Trimetric which was a shunt based system to calculate SOC . Then the Whizbang came along making the Trimetric not needed ( and it cost a lot less at the time) and it was better since it was integrated into the Classic and only needed one wire to connect it to the classic ( other than mounting on the shunt).
Larry
#66
The "Classic" charge controller / Re: Battery Status Meter - Eff...
Last post by SDman - June 17, 2026, 12:11:08 PMCC,
Will take a look and see if a whizbang is in there, but from recollection of running the wire for the new LFP's, I don't recall it being there. And there is no menu on the Classic for a whizbang.
I know there are shunts for the FNDC which are wired for sure.
To that, and somewhat reading between the lines, the settings in question are only related if a whizbang is installed? And if it is there, how do you change the settings? Through the Classic menu? Is this setting critical to general operation?
SDman
Will take a look and see if a whizbang is in there, but from recollection of running the wire for the new LFP's, I don't recall it being there. And there is no menu on the Classic for a whizbang.
I know there are shunts for the FNDC which are wired for sure.
To that, and somewhat reading between the lines, the settings in question are only related if a whizbang is installed? And if it is there, how do you change the settings? Through the Classic menu? Is this setting critical to general operation?
SDman
#67
The "Classic" charge controller / Re: Battery Status Meter - Eff...
Last post by ClassicCrazy - June 17, 2026, 11:14:12 AMeasy to find if there is a whizbang on your system. Follow the negative battery cable and the first thing it would go to would be a shunt with a whizbang module mounted on top of it , I think they have a purple wire that goes from that to to Aux 2 of the Classic.
If you have the whizbang there should be a menu in the mngp when you scroll through status button on the mngp. It is called Whizbang Junior Shunt. At bottom of that screen is Setup . Also make sure that in Main Menu / Aux that Aux 2 is set up to Whizbang.
Larry
If you have the whizbang there should be a menu in the mngp when you scroll through status button on the mngp. It is called Whizbang Junior Shunt. At bottom of that screen is Setup . Also make sure that in Main Menu / Aux that Aux 2 is set up to Whizbang.
Larry
#68
The "Classic" charge controller / Re: Battery Status Meter - Eff...
Last post by SDman - June 17, 2026, 10:57:31 AMCC,
Honestly, I don't know if I have a whizbang on my system or not and would have zero idea where it would be installed (likely inverter cabinet?). I do know I have a FNDC from outback, thus likely taking place of the whizbang?
I did look through the menu's on the Classic 150 MNGP display and could not locate where to change the settings. Also looked in the Classic_Manual_Rev1933.pdf I have (pg 75) and did not see where I could change those settings.
Any thoughts or guideance?
Input is appreciated.
SDman
Honestly, I don't know if I have a whizbang on my system or not and would have zero idea where it would be installed (likely inverter cabinet?). I do know I have a FNDC from outback, thus likely taking place of the whizbang?
I did look through the menu's on the Classic 150 MNGP display and could not locate where to change the settings. Also looked in the Classic_Manual_Rev1933.pdf I have (pg 75) and did not see where I could change those settings.
Any thoughts or guideance?
Input is appreciated.
SDman
#69
The "Classic" charge controller / Re: Battery Status Meter - Eff...
Last post by ClassicCrazy - June 16, 2026, 08:25:33 PMHave you tried setting it on the mngp ? I never had the problem you did but havent' set a classic whizbang settings for awhile. You do have whizbang on your system right ? I know there were bugs for the Local app in the past, but don't remember that being one of them , though maybe ?
Larry
Larry
#70
The "Classic" charge controller / Battery Status Meter - Efficie...
Last post by SDman - June 16, 2026, 05:03:35 PMHello and have a question for you all.
Recently switched over from LA to LFP batteries and loving the change so far.
My system is a bit old (8.8kW array, GS8048 inverter/Mate3, Classic & Lite 150's with 600Ah EG4-LL-S batteries.
All settings were easily adjusted without issue. However, noted when working within the Local Status Panel app (where I like to do changes vs. at Classic 150), I noted that on the
Config/Advanced Tab/Battery Status Meter - Efficiency (%) (adjusted to 99)/Capacity (Ah) (adjusted to 600), when I press the write limits to the Classic - it does says that it writes.
However, if back out to the Status tab, then work back in and check, it is back to 10% efficiency and 5 Ah. I can adjust it again, but same deal when back out and back in.
All other settings (Basic/Advanced/Tech tabs) hold what has been input. Only the Efficiency/Capacity won't hold.
Thoughts or solutions?
Regards,
SDman
Recently switched over from LA to LFP batteries and loving the change so far.
My system is a bit old (8.8kW array, GS8048 inverter/Mate3, Classic & Lite 150's with 600Ah EG4-LL-S batteries.
All settings were easily adjusted without issue. However, noted when working within the Local Status Panel app (where I like to do changes vs. at Classic 150), I noted that on the
Config/Advanced Tab/Battery Status Meter - Efficiency (%) (adjusted to 99)/Capacity (Ah) (adjusted to 600), when I press the write limits to the Classic - it does says that it writes.
However, if back out to the Status tab, then work back in and check, it is back to 10% efficiency and 5 Ah. I can adjust it again, but same deal when back out and back in.
All other settings (Basic/Advanced/Tech tabs) hold what has been input. Only the Efficiency/Capacity won't hold.
Thoughts or solutions?
Regards,
SDman