Outback FM80 User Manual

ManualsBrandsOutback Power ManualsCharge ControllerOutback Power FlexMax FM80 Charge Controller

100

900-0009-01-00 Rev D 93

Troubleshooting

IMPORTANT:

Be sure to check out the OutBack customer and user forum at

www.outbackpower.com/forum/ for more FLEXmax information.

Symptom Remedy

FLEXmax does not

boot/power-up

(blank LCD)

 Check the battery connection and polarity. Reverse polarity or an

improper connection will cause power-up issues.

 Check the battery disconnect or circuit breaker. Ensure all circuit

breakers are sized appropriately.

 Check the battery voltage at the FLEXmax terminals. A battery voltage

below 10.5 Vdc may not power up the FLEXmax. A poor connection

may not allow sufficient voltage to reach the FLEXmax.

FLEXmax not

producing expected

power

 Check PV conditions. Clouds, partial shading, or dirty panels can

cause poor performance.

 Check settings. The lower current limit set point in the Charger

menu will yield a loss of power or poor performance symptoms.

If the FLEXmax is in U-Pick mode, it may not track at the maximum

power point.

 Check battery conditions and charging stage. If the batteries are

charged (if the FLEXmax is in the Absorbing or Float stage), the

FLEXmax will produce only enough power to regulate the voltage at

the Absorbing or Float set point voltage. Less power is required during

these stages.

 Determine the specified short-circuit current of the PV array. The MPP

current is related to this number. Use a multimeter to determine if the

short-circuit current is in the expected range. Array or wiring problems

may restrict the available power.

 Check the PV array temperature. At high temperatures, the maximum

power point voltage may be near or or lower than the battery voltage.

FLEXmax not

equalizing

 Make certain the equalization cycle has been started.

~ In the EQ menu, press START to begin the process. When the

equalization cycle has been initiated, MPPT EQ will be displayed.

 The equalization cycle has been initiated, but the battery is

not equalizing.

~ The cycle will begin when the target EQ set point voltage has been

reached. A small array or cloudy weather will delay the EQ cycle.

Running too many battery loads will also delay the cycle.

~ Check the PV array temperature. At high temperatures, the maximum

power point voltage may be near or lower than the battery voltage.

This can delay the cycle.