I have always steered away from Xantrex controllers, primarily because of the pathetic temperature specification: 32F to 104F. I have a remote cabin in Ontario, Canada that has to survive on its own during the winter with temperatures well outside that range. I suspect many remote mountaintops would be outside this range as well. I have never understood why a Canadian company would design such a beast....go figure...
73, John WØDP Ames, Iowa ----- Original Message ----- From: skipp025 To: Repeater-Builder@yahoogroups.com Sent: Thursday, February 15, 2007 2:33 PM Subject: [Repeater-Builder] Solar Power Charge Controller Report Re: Solar Power Charge Controller Report I just put in another solar power system using a Trace Xantrex C-60 aka C60 Controller. My first time using this (specific) newer generation Trace controller model, which appears to have an onboard pic processor. When compared to earlier C35 and C40 controllers the mechanical relay also goes away for 100% electronic switching/control. Lots to say about the C60... most of the current model features being well received. Of interest is the ability to configure the controller as a charge controller or a load diverter (but not at the same time). The only major downside is no true load LVD in the charge controller mode. ... but few small or moderate capacity quality solar charge controllers seem to include load LVD. But it's not a problem if you simply include a Load LVD such as the Newmar LVD units previously mentioned here in the group. Construction quality is pretty good and the manual is pretty darn good. Sad to see the unit now being made in China but that's the way of the world global economy. I needed the 60 amp capacity... otherwise I would probably spec the C40 controller for the higher input voltage range. The C60 input range is very good but the C40 input range is very impressive. System install and startup went without a hitch so onward we go... cheers, skipp
