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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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See you then
!!!
