Outback mate & hub question

Re: Outback mate & hub question

You only need the hub if you want the FM & FX to 'talk' to each other. The advantage to this is shared data, such as one remote temp sensor for the batteries being able to adjust the charge parameters on both units.
An 'Internet hub' is not the same thing.
It is essential to have a MATE in order to program the FX to your specific needs.

Re: Outback mate & hub question

Attach the RTS to the unit that will be doing most of the charging - presumably the FM. You'll only be using the FX for charging on cloudy days, so a few tenths of a Volt (usually) difference won't matter on the odd day.

The MATE attaches either ot a hub or to the FX. It isn't needed for the FM, which has its own programming interface through the four buttons and LCD screen.

If you get up to two or more FM/FX units, then you've got to go with a hub and get them all coordinated!

Re: Outback mate & hub question

The MATE doesn't do much for monitoring. Even its AC AMPS reading is pretty flimsy. There's no cumulative recording like the FM has. Its main purpose is programming.

To that end, the most important thing is to make sure the parameters are right for your generator. The default is something like 18 Amps AC in, and unless you have a pretty big gen that will be way over the limit. The next important thing, for the same reason, is the charge Amps. This is also in AC terms, so you have to mentally convert it to the DC Amp equivalent you want. Otherwise you will need to program the various charging Voltage levels to what works best with your batteries. They should match the FM settings as closely as possible, of course. There are parameters for Bulk, Absorb (including time), Float, and Equalization (which is started manually).

I suggest you download the manuals for this equipment and read it over and over so you get some idea what you're getting in to!

Re: Outback mate & hub question

n1st wrote: »

It looks like 48a is the default for generator input. Yeesh! I guess I'll have to buy the Mate.

I plan on using the FX as a backup to my grid-fed system. So I'll have 2 inputs (manual switch):
1) a house 20 amp circuit
2) a 3kwh generator

From reading the programming manual, am I correct in saying that I want to set Grid Input (non-mobile) at 20 amps and Gen Input at 3 amps, and the rest of the settings can pretty much be the same (upper/lower volatage, etc.)? When the house power fails, and I start the gen/flip the input to the generator, I need to remember to change the Input Select from ? to "Master Gen" on the Mate?

What does the FX do if I try to draw more than the AC limits... limit the draw from the AC input circuit and increase the draw from the battery bank?

Working backwards ....

If the generator or generator spec becomes over-loaded the FX will drop the AC input and switch loads to battery. Trouble is, it will then sense the AC input presence and reconnect. Then it will be over-loaded and drop out again. Then .... Get it? Very important to balance the loads/charging with the available AC in.

Are you looking at a grid-tie system here, or just the standard FX? If you're not planning on selling back to the utility there's no reason to go with a GTFX.

I'd try to balance the AC input so that you can use either grid or generator interchangeably. This will largely be dependent on what the 120 VAC current output is limited to. Usually 15 Amps on a 3kW gen. You should actually program the maximum input to be less than this, and set the AC charge Amps so that they are slightly under the max for charging your bank size. If the loads draw too much your going to have that cycling problem I mentioned.

The FX has one AC in, and if you use a manual transfer switch you can power it either from the grid or from the gen. Another option is to use the gen to run a separate battery charger tied directly to the batteries.

There's so many options to this it's hard to give definitive answers. It would all depend on your exact set-up.
I'd suggest you start by determining what you need to run in the event of a power outage, and plan for supplying that. The hours you need to run it will determine your battery bank size, depending on your 'charging window'. Remember that emergency power is usually required during storms when there's not going to be much sun for re-charging. I often recommend that people forgo the panels in such an application, and use the gen to charge during daylight and the batteries for 'quiet power' at night.