Author Topic: Tristar + Xantrex Charge Controllers  (Read 3570 times)

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SparWeb

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Tristar + Xantrex Charge Controllers
« on: August 07, 2010, 01:45:23 PM »
This weekend I installed a new Tristar TS-60 charge controller.  The Tristar was a very easy switch from the Xantrex C40 - all the wire terminals match up and so do all the mounting holes.  Seems Morningstar knows who their competition is!  I've planned an upgrade from the 40-amp Xantrex for a while - considering either the Xantrex C60 or the Tristar TS-60.  Since the "60-amp" Xantrex is de-rated to only 48 amps in diversion control mode, the decision swung in the Tristar's favour.  It will better handle the incoming wattage from the next turbine I put up.  No wind since putting it on, so I can't report it working or not.



After installing the new Tristar (which went smoothly) I noticed the other C40 (for my solar panels) going a little crazy.  At first I didn't know if I was seeing the famous "edge-of-cloud" effect which magnifies sunlight intensity and gives you a few percent more power.  Once the C40's display crept up from 9 amps (the short circuit current rating of my panels) to 12 amps, I knew something fishy was going on.  I unplugged the C40, and after resetting it, the readings went back to normal.



Has anyone else seen this kind of weird thing happen?
No one believes the theory except the one who developed it. Everyone believes the experiment except the one who ran it.
System spec: 135w BP multicrystalline panels, Xantrex C40, DIY 10ft (3m) diameter wind turbine, Tri-Star TS60, 800AH x 24V AGM Battery, Xantrex SW4024
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