Specialty Concepts PPC - Manual (Page 7)

17. OPERATION: - Operation of the charge controller is now fully automatic. If the battery
voltage is below the Full Charge Termination set-point (see SPECIFICATIONS) and power is
available from the array and the Power Connect Sequence (above) was followed, the PPC
should start up in the full-charge mode.
During float charging (12 or 24 volt units) it is normal for the unit to feel warm. This is due to
power dissipation of the voltage regulated float circuit.
18. CHECK FOR VOLTAGE DROP (OPTIONAL): - Once the system is installed and operational,
a check on the battery connection is recommended. A poor battery connection will result in a
voltage loss that will cause the batteries to be under-charged and/or result in excessive heat
generated at the location of poor connection (wire connection or terminal block). A voltage
multi-meter is required and the PPC must be in Full Charge mode with maximum expected
charge current.
First, note the voltage at the battery terminals. Select the positive and negative terminals that
are used for the PPC connection. Then note the voltage at the PPC terminals labeled “BATT
(+)” and “BATT (-)”. The difference in voltage should be no more than
¼ volt (for a 12 volt
system). If the voltage drop is more, suspect crimp connections that have not been soldered
or loose terminals. If no location of voltage drop is found, consider using larger wires for your
run or run a separate wire for the Battery Sense connection. See “BATTERY VOLTAGE
SENSE CONNECTION” (above).
POWER CONNECT SEQUENCE
It is recommended that the power is supplied to the system using this sequence.
Some of the circuits within the PPC must be reset to their "start state" and this is
automatically accomplished if the power is supplied in this order. If the order is not
followed, a period of up to 24 hours may have to elapse before the electronics are
fully reset.
Step 1 Battery (-) (terminal # 7): To Battery (-)
Step 2 Battery (+)( # 2): To Battery (+)
Step 3 Array (-)( # 6): To Solar Panel Array (-)
Step 4 Array (+)( # 3): To Solar Panel Array (+)
Optional (see “COMPLETE LOAD CONNECTION” above)
Step 5
Load Connect (-)( # 5): To Load (-)
Step 6 Load Connect (+)( # 4): To Load (+)
If Needed (see “BATTERY VOLTAGE SENSE CONNECTIONS” above)
Step 7
Battery Sense(-) ( # 8): To Battery (-). (Remove #7-#8 jumper)
Step 8 Battery Sense(+)( # 1): To Battery (+) (Remove #1-#2 jumper)