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Some of the features of the new CLASSIC MPPT charge controller
include:
Upgradeable firmware - Due to
the nature of wind turbines, we plan on releasing upgraded firmware code on our website each time a
new wind turbine is verified. The process will be as simple as downloading the code into a laptop
and then transferring to the Classic via the RS232 or the USB port. Yes, both are standard on each
Classic. We will also support Mac. This feature is not found on any present day charge
controllers.
Separate modes for Wind, Solar and Hydro - During
set up you select the applicable mode. A set up program prompts the user for information regarding
the system that will be used by the Classic or networked Trimetric later on. At least two different
battery status monitor companies plan on interfacing with the Classic. The set up program already
knows the system voltage but asks you to verify it. It then runs you through a series of questions
that result in battery bank size, PV array size, VOC, area temperature, wind turbine mfr and model
number etc. The set up program will even let you know if the PV string has too high a voltage for
your area and will suggest either adding a Clipper circuit, reducing modules in each string or
changing to a higher voltage version of the Classic. The set up program will also let you know how
many Classics are required to run in parallel for wind turbines or solar arrays if that info
exceeds the power rating of the Classic. Hydro set up is similar to Wind.
Parallel operation - Yes! The Classic will parallel
with other Classics to act as one large controller. This means you can parallel the inputs as well
as the outputs. Parallel operation does not require a Hub.
Remote Control - Each Classic is shipped with a
dummy remote that houses a bulk and float led. The dummy remote looks exactly like the real thing
so when more than one Classic is installed, they will all look the same even though there may be
only one real remote. The real remote has a graphical interface rather than alpha numeric and may
be located as far as 1000 feet away. The graphics will allow for some pretty interesting displays.
Here is an example of one possible screen.
This screen creates the graph shown in ten minute intervals. So,
every ten minutes, it draws one more dot on the screen. Each horizontal dot along the bottom
designates one hour. The 80% full is fed to the remote from a new version of the popular Bogart
Engineering Trimetric, Pentametric or other battery status monitor if installed. The top right is a
running total of KWH or amp hours produced during the day. That number will be updated every ten
minutes also. The date is shown below KWH numbers. The Classic/remote stores many days worth of
these graphs. This information is available for downloading to a PC. The best thing about the
Remote display is that the basic Classic is not saddled with the expense of a display. This feature
is not presently available on any MPPT charge controllers. Inside each Classic are pots for
adjusting Bulk and Float as well as voltage selection like was done on the Trace C-40.
Networking - Multiple Classics can be networked
together using a normal 6 conductor phone cord or possibly Cat3 cable. No Hub required.
Aux outputs - There are two aux outputs. One dry
contact relay with a 1 amp rating (internally protected from over current). The other is a 12V
output that can also be configured as an input; there will be numerous ways to program these inputs
and outputs.
High voltage version - A 200 volt
version (and possibly higher) will be available shortly after the initial 150 volt
versions. 250 volt din rail mount breakers are in development that will go up to at least 100
amps.
Environment - Each Classic comes with snap on
covers that allow the unit to be ether sealed from salt air like in Hawaii or vented for more
boring climates.
Automatic power save mode - at lower power levels
greatly improves low power performance. Relay clicking is minimized also.
Languages - Since the firmware is downloadable, we
will be offering the menus in numerous languages.
Boost or Buck - MPPT controllers take a high
voltage and buck it down to the battery voltage. What if you want to go the other direction and
charge a 24 volt battery from a 12 volt battery? No problem. The Classic can be configured as a
boost converter too.
Battery voltage range - The battery voltage
supported on the basic Classic is from a 12V to possibly 72V battery bank. 72 volts is becoming a
standard for basically golf carts on steroids. 72 volts is not supported by any present day MPPT
charge controllers.
Instructions - We have heard the industry loud and
clear to make the menu structure simple. Every attempt will be made to do so. Most users make an
attempt to read the instructions, however we realize that sometimes this stuff is just too hard to
digest. We will be making a DVD video that walks you through each and every detail of the Classic,
the setup, operation hook up etc.
Cosmetics - The Classic is just about the coolest
looking product in the industry. The use of solid model technology makes fancy castings and
injection molded parts possible at no more cost than simple sheet metal ones. In fact, the Classic
would have been much larger, more costly and with lesser performance had it been done with sheet
metal and extruded aluminum heat sinks. The COOLNESS factor of the Classic just leaves all other
present day charge controllers in the dust.
Click here to
read an update article on the new Classic MPPT Charge Controller!!!
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