Outback Power Systems MATE2 - Manual (Page 8)


With the MATE, a user can know the system’s activity and conditions at any given time.
Sometimes, after careful observations, a user might want to change the conditions or set points
which cause an action to occur.
A set point is a condition, measurement, or baseline a user establishes in order for
something else to happen. A home thermostat offers a simple example. When predetermined
temperatures and times are set for weekdays and weekends, the thermostat signals to a
heating/cooling system to turn on at one time until a certain temperature is reached, maintain
that temperature, and finally shut off at a later time, usually during sleep hours to conserve
energy. Otherwise, the user would have to manually control the system. An outdoor light
connected to a timer turns on when its set point—a certain time of the night—occurs. You can
set various set points for your power system, such as when a generator turns on and shuts off,
using the MATE.
• Displays FX Series Inverter/Charger functions and allows the user to establish the
conditions—time of day or the voltage of the battery, for instance—that initiate or shut off
these functions.
• Shows FX AC current and AC and DC voltage-related information including the source
(AC input, load, or batteries), the voltage levels of the batteries, and recharging voltages.
• Instantly displays any FX or Charge Controller errors as well as the specific component
affected for easier troubleshooting.
• Displays Charge Controller modes, programs the FLEXmax 80 Charge Controller and
allows control over its AUX function.
• Will start a two-wire generator at pre-set times, including different settings for weekdays
and weekends, as well as “exercise” periods for generator maintenance.
• Displays all readings of the FLEXnet DC.
The MATE allows a user to view, monitor, and establish all the pertinent settings and values
that occur while the system is running. From time to time, these settings and values might be
adjusted as components are added or upgraded, electrical loads increase, or patterns of usage
change. Making these adjustments using the MATE is similar to adjusting any number of
electronic devices we all use every day, such as a clock radio whose wake-up time and stations
are pre-set.
Programming the start and stop times for different sources of energy (when to use grid-
supplied power, stored battery power, or generator-supplied power) and determining the
frequency and duration of battery recharging are highly recommended with any RE system.
Many settings are based on battery voltage. Certain voltages, for example, will trigger battery
recharging (a low voltage, as recommended by the battery manufacturer) while others stop
recharging (a high voltage value, also recommended by the battery manufacturer). The
OutBack MATE accommodates a wide range of time-based and voltage-level functions and
conditions for maximum control of your power system while working through the FX Series
Inverter/Chargers and OutBack Charge Controllers.
As you go through the manual, start with the simple functions, such as setting the system’s
clock and calendar, to familiarize yourself with the OutBack MATE’s feel and capabilities.
While using your system, you might change settings from time to time depending on the
season of the year and the cost of grid-supplied power during peak and off-peak hours. For
additional information and discussion on the OutBack MATE, please go to
www.outbackpower.com and join our forum discussions.
What is a set point?
Among other functions, the OutBack MATE: