Product Manual

6
TRISTAR INSTALLATION
7
MORNINGSTAR CORPORATION
2.0
2.0 TriStar Installation
The installation instructions describe solar battery charging. Specific
instructions for the load control and diversion modes are provided as notes.
2.1 General Information
The mounting location is important to the performance and operating life of
the controller. The environment must be dry and protected as noted below.
The controller may be installed in a ventilated enclosure with sealed
batteries, but never in a sealed battery enclosure or with vented batteries.
If the solar array exceeds the current rating of the controller, multiple TriStars
can be installed in parallel. Additional parallel controllers can also be added
in the future. The load controllers cannot be used in parallel. To parallel
diversion controllers, refer to Morningstar’s website.
If solar charging and load control are both required, two separate controllers
must be used.
2.2 Installation Overview
The installation is straightforward, but it is important that each step is done
correctly and safely. A mistake can lead to dangerous voltage and current
levels. Be sure to carefully follow each instruction in Section 2.3 and observe
all cautions and warnings.
The following diagrams provide an overview of the connections and the
proper order.
Battery
+
Battery –
Solar + / Load +
Solar
Array
Load
or
Battery
Sense
(Not for
Load)
RTS
Solar – / Load –
+
+
+
+
+
–
+
–
+–
–
Figure 2.2a Installation Wiring for Solar Charging and Load Control
Step Solar Charging and Load Control
1. Remove the access cover
2. Mount the TriStar using the enclosed template.
3. Adjust the 8 switches in the DIP switch. Each switch must be in the
correct position.
4. Attach the RTS if battery charging will be temperature compensated
(not for load control).
5. Connect battery voltage sense wires (recommended).
6. Connect the battery power wires to the TriStar. Then connect the
solar array wires (or load).
7. Connect a computer to the TriStar if making adjustments with
PC software.
8. Replace the cover.
NOTE: TriStar negative terminals are common negative.
Steps #3 and #6 are required for all installations.
Steps #4, #5, and #7 are optional.
Battery +
Battery –
Load +
Solar
Array
Load
Battery
Sense
Load –
+
+
–
+
–
+–
–
R
R
Solar –
Solar +
To Solar Input
of other controller
Figure 2.2b Installation Wiring for Lighting Control
Step Lighting Control
1. Remove the access cover
2. Mount the TriStar using the enclosed template.
3. Adjust the 8 switches in the DIP switch. Each switch must be in the correct
position.
4. Battery Sense wires are used in Lighting mode to measure array voltage for
day/night detection. 12 V and 24 Volt arrays can be connected directly to
the Sense input. 48 Volt array voltage must be divided in half with resistors
(shown).
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