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TriStar MPPT 600V Operator’s Manual
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Operation
Battery Voltage Sense Failure (R / Y - G / Y)
If a fault in the battery sense connection (such as a short circuit, open-circuit or loose terminal)
occurs after the battery sense has been working, the LEDs will indicate a failure. If the control-
ler is restarted with the failure still present, the controller may not detect that the battery sense is
connected and the LEDs will not indicate a fault. A TriStar meter or the PC software can be used
to determine if the battery sense is working properly.
Settings (DIP) Switch Changed (R - Y - G sequencing)
If a settings switch is changed while there is power to the controller, the LEDs will begin
sequencing and the solar input will be disconnected. The controller must be restarted to clear
the fault and begin operation with the new settings.
Battery Low Voltage Disconnect (R -Y - G sequencing)
If the battery voltage is too low, the unit will stop operation. The LED indication alerts the user
that the battery is below a safe voltage. When battery voltage rises to the Battery Low Voltage
Reconnect threshold, the fault will automatically clear.
Battery High Voltage Disconnect (G- R sequencing)
This fault is occurs when battery voltage is above normal operating limits. The controller
will disconnect the solar input, and indicate a High Voltage Disconnect fault. This fault is
commonly caused by other charging sources in the system charging the battery above the
TriStar MPPT 600V regulation voltage. When the battery voltage returns to normal levels, the
fault will automatically clear.
Custom Settings Edit (R - Y - G sequencing)
A value has been modified in custom settings memory. The controller will stop charging and
indicate a fault condition. After all settings have been modified, the controller must be reset by
removing and then restoring power to the controller. The new programmed settings will be used
after the power reset.
Firmware Update Failure (start-up interrupted - stops on Y)
The firmware update was not successfully programmed. The controller will not indicate the full
power-up LED sequence of G / Y / R when power to the controller is reset. Instead, the controller
will display green and then stop on yellow. The yellow LED will continue to be lit and the control-
ler will not complete start up or begin charging. Retry the firmware update. The firmware must be
successfully loaded before the controller will start up. Note: The second indication of firmware
update failure is that the other processor is not responding.
Solar Over-Current (Y / R - G)
While rare, if battery charging current exceeds approximately 130% of the controller’s output
current rating, this fault can occur. The fault is generally related to fast, large battery voltage
transients (connecting a very heavy or capacitive load like an inverter) that are faster than the
controller can regulate and it shuts off to protect the circuitry. The controller will automatically
re-start in 10 seconds.
Alarms
High Temperature Current Limit
The TriStar MPPT 600V will limit the solar input current if the heatsink temperature exceeds safe
limits. Solar charge current will be tapered back (to 0 amps if needed) to reduce the heatsink
temperature. The TriStar MPPT 600V is designed to operate at full rated current at the maximum
ambient temperature. This alarm indicates that there is insufficient airflow and that the heatsink
temperature is approaching unsafe limits. If the controller frequently reports this alarm condition,
corrective action must be taken to provide better air flow or to relocate the controller to a cooler
spot.
High Input Voltage Current Limit
As the power source's Voc approaches the maximum input voltage rating, the
TriStar MPPT 600V will limit battery charging current. The array Voc should never exceed the
600 Volt maximum input voltage.
Charging Current Limit
The array power exceeds the rating of the controller. This alarm indicates that the
TriStar MPPT 600V is limiting battery current to the maximum rating.
RTS Open
The Remote Temperature Sensor is not connected to the controller. Use of the RTS is
recommended for proper battery charging.
Heatsink Temperature Sensor Open / Shorted
The heatsink temperature sensor is damaged. Return the controller to an authorized Morningstar
dealer for service.
Battery Sense Out of Range / Disconnected
A battery sense wire is disconnected. Inspect the battery sense connections. This alarm is set
when the voltage at the battery sense voltage differs by more than 5 volts from the voltage at the
battery terminals.
Uncalibrated
The controller was not factory calibrated. Return the controller to an authorized Morningstar
dealer for service.
