How to test newly acquired controler?

[sigp2101]

Hi guys,

just got new Classic 150 and since I have no chance installing it before spring time I was wondering how to simulate functional test in order to verify all is in order with this unit. Want to do this within 30 days warranty provided by dealer so just in case something is wrong.

I do not have access to PV panels and have may have access to car battery. Is there anything that I can use to simulate PV input with and in safe manner not to damage brand new unit.

Any ideas?

[BobWhite]

hi sigp2101,
You must have run into a great deal on a classic. I wouldn't worry, its a great product and MN stands behind it for five years plus two if you wish.
Here is the warranty
http://www.midnitesolar.com/pdfs/MIDNITE_SOLAR_INC_Warranty.pdf
Its not worth trying to see if or how it works until you are ready and prepared with the proper equipment and materials. Spring is just around the corner so start prepping and have fun with setting up your system.

Hi guys,

just got new Classic 150 and since I have no chance installing it before spring time I was wondering how to simulate functional test in order to verify all is in order with this unit. Want to do this within 30 days warranty provided by dealer so just in case something is wrong.

I do not have access to PV panels and have may have access to car battery. Is there anything that I can use to simulate PV input with and in safe manner not to damage brand new unit.

Any ideas?

I'm confident it will work fine, just look for physical damage that may happen in shipping.
Walt

[Resthome]

Yeah not really safe to use anything other that a panel on the PV inputs. You can hook a 12v car battery to the Battery connections but make sure you include a breaker or fuse for safety. Not much you can do except power it up and look at menus if you have the MNGP and not a lite. You could view it with the Local Status App if you connect it to a network but you will not see any charging functions until you get a panel connected

And the Midnite warranty is 5 years and can be extended 2 additional years for a checkup fee. You can

[BobWhite]

Yeah not really safe to use anything other that a panel on the PV inputs. You can hook a 12v car battery to the Battery connections but make sure you include a breaker or fuse for safety. Not much you can do except power it up and look at menus if you have the MNGP and not a lite. You could view it with the Local Status App if you connect it to a network but you will not see any charging functions until you get a panel connected

And the Midnite warranty is 5 years and can be extended 2 additional years for a checkup fee. You can
[/quote


Sorry , RH is correct on the warranty!
I'm getting old!

[sigp2101]

Hi guys,

thanks for all of the input, appreciated. Question, would connecting it on battery side power up unit?

And yes I run into a great deal up her in Canada with local distributor. Just it bugs so much that I can't do anything to check if it is good unit or bad within 30 days. After that I am with manufacture's warranty and costs associated with it in worst case scenario.

[Resthome]

Hi guys,

thanks for all of the input, appreciated. Question, would connecting it on battery side power up unit?

And yes I run into a great deal up her in Canada with local distributor. Just it bugs so much that I can't do anything to check if it is good unit or bad within 30 days. After that I am with manufacture's warranty and costs associated with it in worst case scenario.

Yes, connecting the Battery with fuse or breaker to the BAT terminals on the Classic will power up the Classic. If you have the MNGP (Graphic Panel) you will be able to see the menus. Otherwise connect an Ethernet cable from the classic to a wireless router and access the Classic from a PC with the Local Status App available on the MN web site (requires Adobe Air to be installed on PC first)

[TomW]

Hi guys,

thanks for all of the input, appreciated. Question, would connecting it on battery side power up unit?

And yes I run into a great deal up her in Canada with local distributor. Just it bugs so much that I can't do anything to check if it is good unit or bad within 30 days. After that I am with manufacture's warranty and costs associated with it in worst case scenario.

Yes, connecting the Battery with fuse or breaker to the BAT terminals on the Classic will power up the Classic. If you have the MNGP (Graphic Panel) you will be able to see the menus. Otherwise connect an Ethernet cable from the classic to a wireless router and access the Classic from a PC with the Local Status App available on the MN web site (requires Adobe Air to be installed on PC first)

Actually, I seem to recall firing one up with a common 9 volt battery on the battery terminals to upgrade it at a friends who had windows  some years ago and I had nothing with Winders on it.  Before they had the Linux option available. 

Just from here.

Best of luck with it.

Tom

[BobWhite]

Hi guys,

just got new Classic 150 and since I have no chance installing it before spring time I was wondering how to simulate functional test in order to verify all is in order with this unit. Want to do this within 30 days warranty provided by dealer so just in case something is wrong.

I do not have access to PV panels and have may have access to car battery. Is there anything that I can use to simulate PV input with and in safe manner not to damage brand new unit.

Any ideas?

Do you have the lite or classic with mngp?
Walt

[CDN-VT]

I know it would be nice just to see it , but You should wait till your ready.
You will need to start the programming and the time counter .. So I would wait.
Your excitement will be great later ,

VT

[sigp2101]

Do you have the lite or classic with mngp?
Walt

Classic 150 with detachable display.

[CDN-VT]

Thats just called a classic with a MNGP as in
Midnite Graphic  Panel .

& I know it's killing ya , But I still would wait & get on the other stuff :-)

VT

[sigp2101]

Hooked it up to 12V battery on batt side and unit powered up nicely. Asked me a bunch of questions

[Westbranch]

Asked me a bunch of questions  to paraphrase....  just as it should do....

[CDN-VT]

Hooked it up to 12V battery on batt side and unit powered up nicely. Asked me a bunch of questions

Anymore testing required , send it over !!