Specialty Concepts DM3 - Manual (Page 8)

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1. TURNING ON THE DM3: Once connected to a source of power (the batteries), the DM3 will
always be on. Power consumption is very low , so no impact will be experienced to the capacity of
the system. To turn off the DM3, you must remove battery power or remove the fuse.
2. SELECTING A FUNCTION: Set the FUNCTION SELECT knob to the item you wish to measure.
Currents 1 and 2 will measure whatever current is generated (by the solar panels) or consumed
(by the loads) depending on how you have installed the shunts. You may write the item being
measured in the box above the switch position.
3. RESPONDING TO AN ALARM: If you notice an alarm indication from the DM3 (Hi Alarm Light or
Lo Alarm Light on) this indicates that your battery voltage is either too high or too low. For a high
alarm, this may indicate that the batteries are overcharging due to a regulator failure or the need
to install a regulator if none is being used, or that the Hi Alarm Setting is too low and should be
re-adjusted. For a low alarm, this may indicate a discharged battery (perhaps due to inclement
weather, a faulty regulator or solar panel, or too much power consumption for the size of the
system), or that the Lo Alarm Setting is too high.
If you believe that there is a problem with your solar system, you may use the DM3 to verify
operating parameters, such as actual battery voltage, and charging or load currents. If you
believe that the alarm settings are in error, please refer to Page 10 for alarm programming
instructions.
THE NEXT ITEM IS NECESSARY ONLY IF YOU WISH TO RESET THE ALARM SET-POINTS.
4. RE-PROGRAMMING THE ALARMS: Page 10. You do not need any additional equipment to re-
program the alarms. Proceed as follows:
a. Disconnect any wires to the CURRENT 2 inputs.
b. Put the DM3 into Program Mode by installing the Programming Jumper across PROG MODE pins.
c. Set the Measurement Selection Knob to the CURRENT 2 position.
d. Place a Programming Jumper across LO ALARM (to set the Lo Alarm) or HI ALARM (to set the Hi
Alarm). Only one alarm can be adjusted at a time.
e. Adjust the appropriate “trimpot”. Read the alarm setting on the DM3’s display.
f. When finished, place the Programming Jumpers back into their storage positions and reconnect
Current 2.
THE NEXT STEP IS NECESSARY ONLY IF YOU WILL BE USING SHUNTS THAT ARE FOR
CURRENTS GREATER THAN 100 AMPS. YOU DO NOT NEED TO RE-PROGRAM THE
DECIMAL POINTS IF YOU ARE USING THE INTERNAL 30 AMP SHUNT OR EXTERNAL 100
AMP SHUNTS.
5. RE-PROGRAMMING THE DECIMAL POINTS: Page 10. If you will be measuring currents greater
than 100 amps (using external shunts), the decimal point must be turned off for each such
current. Proceed as follows:
a. If CURRENT 1 will be measuring currents greater than 100 amps, place the Programming Jumper
that is across CURR 1 into the storage position.
b. If CURRENT 2 will be measuring currents greater than 100 amps, place the Programming Jumper
that is across CURR 2 into the storage position.
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