Charge Controllers

Re: Charge Controllers

For me ... hands down the Midnite Solar 150. Their customer service is stellar and the thing is built like a tank. But like everything, it is matter of opinion and I am sure there are as many people that swear by Outback.

Re: Charge Controllers

I have an Outback MX-60. It's been awesome. But now it's outdated technology is causing problems with my system so it needs to be replaced. Much research by me, for myself, convinced me that the new Outbacks were just updated Mx-60s so I should go either with a second Morningstar, or a Midnight 150. The Midnight had important features the Morningstar did not, including 96 amp capability. So I'm now waiting delivery of a Midnight 150.
The more I read, the more I leaned toward the Midnight. Hindsight will be 20-20.

Re: Charge Controllers

Niel
You can always go into the Misc menu and turn LED Mode to Blinky mode for the holidays

Re: Charge Controllers

If you have the means, add on their WhizBang Jr. with the Classic charge controller. You will not be disappointed.

Re: Charge Controllers

Outback CCs have been good, but are a bit dated now. And, there is essentially no extension or improvement in the FM CCs, as it is IMPOSSIBLE to update the firmware in the field -- it is necessary to send the CC back to Arlington, WA (or perhaps to an international distributor, for CCs outside of NA), or perhaps, do surgery to swap a PC Board for one with revised FW installed.

The MidNite Classics can easily be updated when there are FW revisions. These FW revisions improve and extend the functionality of the Classic. As noted, the advent of the WBjr shunt monitor board extends, further the functionality of the Classic, and adds battery current monitoring and allows termination of the Absorption stage based on actual battery charge current, a giant step forward.

As alluded to, the founders of Outback are the founders of MidNite Solar. They have decades and decades of experience in the RE industry, and have a long track record of actually LISTENING to their customers, and rapidly improving their products, based on this feedback. Their Tech Support is by far the best in the industry, and they have an active Forum that frequented, daily, by the Founders and Engineering personnel, as well as Tech Support. See the MN Forum here:
http://midniteforum.com/index.php

I have been delighted with every MidNite product that I have seen, or used.

Just based on my personal experience with the OB MX-60 and MidNite Classics. The MX-60 is a great box, still, but it just lacks some of the communication capabilities of the Classic, as well as some things learned more recently, as well as the availability of better semiconductors and later programming WhizBangieness ... and so on.

Vic

Re: Charge Controllers

Absolutely true Vic .I would also like to add that Midnite solar has surpassed any customer service quality for any product/service that i have ever came across. Additionally i don't think there is anything that can top (from my point of view) recommendations and suggestions and occasionally commands:D:D from the actually founders/designers/engineers,etc. Midnite has done this exceedingly well.Not only do they offer great customer service but also They are not biased ,which i admire .They have never condemned another company's product.They simply tell you what can be done to improve your system.Bottom line great product.

Re: Charge Controllers

I am just being Frank.

Re: Charge Controllers

from the standpoint of midnite solar many of us you would say that we should be their reps as well. in fact halfcrazy, as well as boB with robin posting only upon occasion, are with midnite solar and have posted here long before midnite solar was formed. some of us always had given our moral support and that's a fact.

ryan,
classic is now festive with blinky mode on as we finally got some sun today.:D

Re: Charge Controllers

Lesmar wrote: »

Prices is going down on everything.

Except Batteries

Re: Charge Controllers

I love my Morningstar Tristar MPPT 60, reliable with an excellent energy harvest. If I am doing another build, I would give the midnite classic a try though .. looks awesome.