Go Power! GPR-25 - Manual (Page 8)

Owner’s Manual | GPR-25 Regulator
8
Carmanah Technologies Corp. Copyright © 2007
Document number: GPR-25_Manual_v4.doc
Last revised: June 21, 2007
9. Before You Read Troubleshooting
Before a problem is suspected with the system, read this section. There are numerous events that may
appear as problems but are in fact perfectly normal.
My regulator has been charging/not charging for quite a while now.
The regulator is designed to keep the batteries state of charge at full while protecting them from
overcharging. This means that when the voltage of the battery falls under approximately 13.0 V, the
regulator starts charging and doesn’t stop until the voltage exceeds approximately 14.1V / 14.4 V. When
the regulator stops charging at 14.1/14.4 volts, the unit will wait until the voltage drops to approximately
13 volts before it starts charging again. If the unit is not charging but shows a voltage between 12.7 and
14.4 volts, the unit is operating normally.
It seems like my flooded batteries are losing water over time.
Flooded batteries may need to have distilled water added periodically to replace fluid loss during charging.
Excessive water loss during a short period of time indicates the possibility of overcharging or aging
batteries.
When charging, my flooded batteries are emitting gas.
During charging, hydrogen gas is generated within the battery. The gas bubbles stir the battery acid
allowing it to receive a more full state of charge.
My voltmeter shows a different reading than the LCD display
The meter value on the LCD display is an approximate reading intended for indication purposes only.
There is an approximate two digit or 0.2 volt inherent error present that may be accentuated when
compared with readings from another voltmeter.
There may be a slight difference between the battery voltage displayed on the LCD screen and the battery
voltage measured at the battery terminals. When troubleshooting using a voltmeter, check both the
battery voltage at the regulator battery terminals and battery voltage at the battery terminals. If a
difference of more than 0.5 Volts is noted, this indicates a large voltage drop possibly caused by long
wiring runs, small wire gauge, faulty wiring, a faulty voltmeter or all the above. Consult the Suggested
Minimum Wire Gauge chart in section five for wiring suggestions and check all connections.
10. Troubleshooting Problems
How to read this section
Troubleshooting Problems is split into six sub-sections, grouped by symptoms involving key components.
Components considered irrelevant in a diagnosis are denoted ‘Not Applicable’ (N/A). A multimeter may be
required for some procedures listed.
It is imperative all electrical precautions stated in the Warning Section and outlined in the Installation
Section are followed. Even if it appears the system is not functioning, it should be treated as a fully
functioning system generating live power.
10.1 Problems with both Voltage & Current
Voltage Reading: Blank Charge Light: N/A
Current Reading: Blank Time of Day: Daytime/Nighttime
Possible Cause:
(1) Battery or fuse connection and/or solar array connection (Daytime only).
(2) Battery or fuse connection (Nighttime only).
(3) Defective GPR-25.
How to tell:
(1) & (2) Check the voltage at the regulator terminals labeled ‘Battery’ with a multimeter and compare
with a reading at the battery terminals.
If there is no reading at the regulator terminals, the problem is in the wiring between the battery and the
regulator. For array, repeat step substituting all battery terminals with array terminals.