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6.0 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

The ProStar is installed in 10 steps. Follow the procedure in section 6.2 for a proper installation
and best performance.

6.1 GENERAL INSTALLATION NOTES

• The ProStar uses stainless steel fasteners, an anodized heat sink, and conformal

coating to protect from harsh conditions. However, for acceptable service life
extreme temperatures and marine environments should be avoided.

• The ProStar prevents reverse current leakage at night, so a blocking diode is not

required in the system.

• The ProStar is designed to regulate ONLY solar (photovoltaic) power. Do not connect

it to any other type of power generator. Do not attempt to regulate a wind turbine.
However, other power sources can be connected directly to the battery.

• The connector terminals will accept a maximum wire size of AWG #6 / 16 mm2

(solid/multistrand) or AWG #8 / 10 mm2 (fine strand). Use a flathead insulated
screwdriver, and torque tightly up to 35 in-lb.

• Fuses or DC disconnects may be required in the system. These protection devices

are not part of the ProStar controller.

NOTE:

Carefully observe the LEDs at each connection. The LEDs will indicate

proper polarity and a good connection.

6.2 INSTALLATION STEPS

Refer to the wiring connection diagram in section 3.0.

STEP 1: Mounting

Inspect the controller for shipping damage. Mount the ProStar to a vertical surface 
(4 stainless steel #8 self-tapping screws are included). Tighten the mounting screws
using care not to crack the plastic case. Do not install directly over an easily
combustible surface since the heat sink may get hot under certain operating
conditions.

NOTE: 

Heat sink must be in a vertical position (fins up and down).

Allow at least 15 cm (6 inches) space above and below the controller for air flow.
Install in an area protected from direct rain and direct sun.

If the controller is installed in an enclosure, some ventilation is recommended. 
Do not locate in an enclosure where battery gasses can accumulate.

STEP 2: Ratings

Confirm that the solar array and loads will not exceed the current rating of the
ProStar version being installed. 

Multiple ProStar units can be paralleled at the system battery to increase the solar
capacity, but do not parallel loads. 

Summary of Contents for ProStar-15

Page 1: ...Solar Current 15A 30A 15A Rated Load Current 15A 30A 15A System Voltage 12 24V 12 24V 48V Digital Meter Option yes yes standard Positive Ground Option no yes yes PROSTAR VERSIONS INCLUDED IN THIS MAN...

Page 2: ...5 37 136 6 01 153 4 14 105 3 50 89 inches mm 2 17 55 18 4 57 PROSTAR DIMENSIONS...

Page 3: ...CTIONS 8 6 1 General Installation Notes 8 6 2 Installation Steps 8 7 0 OPERATION 10 7 1 Operator s Tasks 10 7 2 Operations Functions 11 7 3 Protections 11 7 4 Inspection Maintenance 12 7 5 Special Fea...

Page 4: ...r the batteries Carefully read the battery manuals and other equipment manuals before installing the solar system Observe ALL precautions when working with batteries and power electronics Fuses or DC...

Page 5: ...e system is 24 volts first confirm that the battery is above 15 5 volts The controller selects 12 or 24 volts at start up 9 Observe the LEDs and digital meter if provided to confirm normal operation 1...

Page 6: ...by the voltage drops in the battery wires 5 2 MANUAL DISCONNECT The push button next to the digital display can disconnect the Load or both Load and Solar A second push of the button will return the...

Page 7: ...error was detected END END display continues if an error has been detected To terminate the self test push the button The self test can be repeated to confirm the result Error List E0I Rotary switch b...

Page 8: ...otection devices are not part of the ProStar controller NOTE Carefully observe the LEDs at each connection The LEDs will indicate proper polarity and a good connection 6 2 INSTALLATION STEPS Refer to...

Page 9: ...ery The Sense connected directly to the battery will improve the battery charging and control Both Sense wires must be connected A small wire size 18 AWG or larger can be used for the Sense because th...

Page 10: ...ee the NOTE below In addition the heat sink can be grounded with a 8 32 UNC or M4 screw 0 136 hole provided The Solar Battery and Load negative terminals are all connected together inside the ProStar...

Page 11: ...other sources of power Noise The ProStar circuit minimizes switching noise and filters noise output A properly grounded system will also minimize noise If noise is present in a telecom or radio load...

Page 12: ...2 probe wires are soldered to the main board assembly between the temperature sensor and the green LED at J12 Instructions are provided with the remote probe The ProStar will automatically select the...

Page 13: ...a smaller boost to bring uneven cells into balance and extend the battery life Gel cells are not equalized 8 2 SELECT BATTERY TYPE The Battery Type rotary switch allows selection of 1 of 3 charging a...

Page 14: ...above V 14 6 Reset 25 day calendar yes The above battery setpoints are 2 times for 24V and 4 times for 48V 9 0 TESTING AND TROUBLESHOOTING 9 1 SELF DIAGNOSTICS If your ProStar includes the optional d...

Page 15: ...ot used there may be excessive voltage drops between the ProStar and the battery This is a common cause of undercharging batteries See section 6 2 to connect the Battery Sense Check the condition of t...

Page 16: ...re voltage drops in the system are not too high a voltage drop to the load will reduce the voltage at the load Check the LED indications on the ProStar If the red status LED is on the load has been di...

Page 17: ...12 1 13 1 Y to G Y to Blink R 11 7 12 6 Blink R to Y Blink R to R 11 4 12 6 R to Y BATTERY SETPOINTS 25 C Gel Sealed Flooded LVD 11 4 11 4 11 4 LVD reconnect 12 6 12 6 12 6 PWM regulation 14 0 14 15 1...

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