Specialty Concepts SC3/15 - Manual (Page 17)

SC3/15 Note 8 - The panel meter showing no current reading with the “CHARGING” light on would be
a result of one of the following:
•
Low levels of light to the panels or small panel array (output less than 1 amp)
•
The battery may not be connected. See BAD CONNECTION: BATTERY (Help Note #10).
•
A system problem or wiring problem
•
The SC3/15 is defective.
TEST: Perform the FUSE REMOVAL TEST (above). If the meter moves to the left, suspect a bad
connection somewhere or other system problem. If the meter does not move, suspect a problem
with the battery connection. If the volt meter moves to the right, then the controller seems to be
working OK and the panels are charging a small amount.
SC3/15 Note 9 - A moderate voltage condition where the charging appears to stop too soon (below
14.1 volts at the battery) would indicate one of the following:
••
The SC3/15 may have a poor battery connection. Somewhere in the battery connection there could
be a voltage drop that would cause the controller to sense a higher battery voltage than what
actually exists. See BAD CONNECTION: BATTERY (Help Note #9)
••
The SC3/15 may be out of calibration or defective
TEST: - Try to monitor the voltage at the SC3/15 wires: battery (+)(red) and battery (-)(black) when the
controller actually stops charging (“CHARGING” light goes OFF). If the voltage at the unit is about 14.4
volts then assume a voltage drop along the battery connection is causing the problem.
SC3/15 Note 10 - The "CHARGING" light can be on very dimly at night if the panels are under even
very low levels of light (moonlight or street lights). If "CHARGING" light is on brightly at night, suspect
one of the following:
•
The controller is miswired
•
A blocking diode exists and is located within the solar panels or in the panel connection. This is not a
serious problem, but should be removed if possible.
•
The SC3/15 is defective.
TEST: Disconnect the panel(+) (yellow) wire, if the light goes off, then suspect that the panel is
receiving enough light for a slight charge or a blocking diode exists in the connection.
SC3/15 Note 11 - The Panel meter and “CHARGING” light moving rapidly would indicate one of the
following:
•
The condition can occur during normal operation. When the battery is fully charged and there is a
load on and the array can provide a lot of charge current, the controller can pulse on and off
rapidly. This is not a problem.
•
A bad battery (one which is unable to maintain a charge) See PROBLEMS WITH THE BATTERIES
(Help Note #8).
•
A poor battery connection exists. See BAD CONNECTION: BATTERY (Help Note #10).
TEST: Take a voltage reading at the battery with an accurate meter. If the voltage reading stays
steady while the meter on the controller is going up and down, then suspect a bad battery
connection. If the voltage here also moves up and down rapidly, this may be a normal condition or
would suggest the battery bank is bad or too small.
SC3/15 Note 12 - A charging current that is too low would indicate a problem with the Solar Panels.
Refer to the SOLAR PANEL PROBLEMS section (below)
SC3/15 Note 13 - It is normal for the “CHARGING” light to change when the fuse is touched. The
charge control circuit will reset when power is removed. Pushing or removing the front panel fuse will
momentarily cause power to be lost to the control circuit, causing it to reset to a charging or a non-
charging condition.
SC3/15 Note 14 - The buzzing sound is caused by the controller rapidly switching on and off and is a
problem relating to a poor battery connection. See BAD CONNECTION: BATTERY (Help Note #10).
SC3/15 Note 15 - The SC3/15 may get warm during normal operation. Make sure the unit is protected
from direct sunlight and external heat sources. If the unit should get too hot to touch, consider it
defective.