When he mentioned the new mate3 he was probably referring to the MATE3s which I think is just different firmware with additional features. I have used it on the older FX series. When I first used it, I didn't realize that the firmware was different until I was looking to see if the mate3 had a firmware upgrade.
John On Sun, Dec 17, 2017 at 2:46 PM, jay <[email protected]> wrote: > A mate 3 will work with any OB model. > I’ve got one on my 14 year old vfx > jay > > > > On Dec 17, 2017, at 11:44 AM, Sindelar Solar <[email protected]> > wrote: > > > > Ron, > > > > I agree with Jerry here, and will add a bit more. I'll venture that > neither generator is being seriously hurt, but neither is what's happening > good for them. > > > > This is a case where more specific info is needed to diagnose the > problem remotely. VFX or VFXR? Which specific Honda generator? What is the > site elevation for deration (looks like you're in BC, so maybe 2,000')? > > > > This points out the importance of including a Mate in such a remote > location, as that's your only diagnostic tool when something goes amiss. In > that region with its short cloudy days the loss of generator charging in > winter could be dangerous or worse. > > > > I'm gonna guess that he has the Honda EM 5000is generator. I haven't > seen or worked with that model, but I'm familiar with the older 3000is. > These are inverter-based generators. The 3000 was a fair choice with the > early Outback FX and VFX series, because the 120V output matched the input > of the Outback. (The primary issue was overly-fast overload response, > faster than the FX could control its surge input while charging batteries. > The gennie would sometimes pop its output breaker if a pump or fridge came > on; if the owner didn't hear the engine speed drop it could run for hours > without doing anything.) The 5000 is 120/240, with a user-accessible > *"120/240V Selector Switch: *Choose between using both 120 and 240 Volts, > or 120 Volts only. This allows for the total generator output to be > available through any of the 120 volt outlets, limited only by the capacity > of the individual outlet." > > > > My guess is the customer has accidentally set the switch on 120/240, so > only one leg is feeding the FX. The FX is set to take the full 120V output, > so is overloading the 1/2-output leg. The inverter can't hold acceptable > voltage and unlatches, then repeats its input sequence. When the load drops > out the gennie drops to idle. Have him check this switch first. > > > > If not this you may have to do a call, bringing a Mate with you. (I > don't know if a modern Mate3 will work with the non-R VFX, but an OB tech > can likely tell you, if you can reach one.) > > > > Good luck diagnosing at a distance - I hope that it's just the switch. > > > > Allan > > > > On 12/16/2017 7:04 PM, Jerry Shafer wrote: > >> Ron > >> A 5 k 120/240 genny pushing a 24 volt 3500 watt sounds way over kill and > >> only pushing one leg only will result in issues, have not seen them with > >> hondas but have with others. No mate means no programming so it might be > >> over throttling the little inverter. You did not say anything about the > >> batteries so we cant do the math but with the miss match it is not > >> surprising that there are issues. Is the a PS-1 type panel or anything > >> besides the inverter. maybe its me but I don't see parts required to > make > >> this a safe system. the Gen set issues also fit if there was no proper > >> programming done. these can be fun to get all fixed up right and doing > what > >> they are designed to do. > >> Jerry > >> 255 *24 = 6120 / 2 = 3060 / (5000/2) => a 20 amp 120 vac is 2400 with > this > >> as an example with not much to go on, with the battery bit IF the > batteries > >> were dead they would be charged in just over an hr. and NO l did not > take > >> any losses into account but this was with D-8 DCFLA not sealed AGM's > >> > >> On Sat, Aug 12, 2017 at 2:32 PM, Ron Young <[email protected]> > >> wrote: > >>> Have a client where I recently installed an Outback VFX3524 inverter in > >>> June. He’s using a Honda generator and has recently started having > issues. > >>> He has been complaining that the inverter seems to be running hot but I > >>> believe this is because he doesn’t have good ventilation around it. He > is > >>> probably also running high on the loads. He doesn’t have a Mate so > can’t > >>> identify the error. He is in a remote location and I am currently > unable to > >>> travel due to fire restrictions in my area (major BC wildfires). > >>> > >>> Here is his recent email: > >>> -Seems the inverter is recognizing the power in as an issue, and > throwing > >>> an error. > >>> -My existing 5000 Honda generator has been online with the unit since > you > >>> installed it. > >>> -The last few days, when there is very little load, or the unit goes to > >>> float, the generator goes into a high rpm. > >>> -My existing 5000 Honda crapped out on me this morning, and holds a low > >>> rpm, not putting out much power. Will run a tool, but still won’t > hold a > >>> higher rpm. > >>> -I borrowed an identical 5000 Honda generator, and it seemed to be > doing > >>> fine for about 1.5 hours. > >>> -Now it’s doing the same thing as the other generator. The inverter > >>> system throws an error, the generator is taken offline, and the > generator > >>> rpm go up. > >>> -If I manually manipulate the throttle not he generator lower, then the > >>> inverter re-engages. > >>> > >>> What the heck could this be? I don’t want to fry the borrowed > generator, > >>> but we can’t systematically bypass the inverter, and the house > requires the > >>> power. > >>> > >>> Ron Young > >>> earthRight - Solareagle > > > > *Allan Sindelar* > > [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> <mailto: > [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>> > > NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional > > New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician > > Founder (Retired), Positive Energy, Inc. > > *505 780-2738 cell* > > > > _______________________________________________ > > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > > > List Address: [email protected] > > > > Change listserver email address & settings: > > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > > > List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]. > org/maillist.html > > > > List rules & etiquette: > > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > > > Check out or update participant bios: > > www.members.re-wrenches.org > > _______________________________________________ > List sponsored by Redwood Alliance > > List Address: [email protected] > > Change listserver email address & settings: > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org > > List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]. > org/maillist.html > > List rules & etiquette: > www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm > > Check out or update participant bios: > www.members.re-wrenches.org > > _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: [email protected] Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
