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jfinet · 05-28-2014, 09:53 AM

Quick question on using MSView ... about when to change dip switches to custom setting ... not clear from MSView help files ... is this correct:
Shut down Tristar to connect serial cable ... leave dip switches alone
Start Tristar and start computer and open MSView
Read Tristar to get the current configuration settings (14.4v factory)
(need to know the factory settings before making changes)
Create new configuration file and save
Ensure disconnected from Tristar to free up com port
Program Tristar ... and when finished ... verify summary values ... finish
Close MSView and turn off computer
Shut down Tristar to disconnect serial cable ... and change dip switches now to custom setting (on on on)
Start Tristar ... and new custom configuration should be active

Or ...

Appreciate the help ... John

Gocoffeer · 05-28-2014, 09:57 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2XBguHAK_w

This might be helpful....NOTE: DIP SWITCH # 8 ON for TCP/IP (computer connectivity)

jfinet · 05-28-2014, 10:02 AM

Thanks ... I have seen that video ... it is about networking with Tristar MPPT ... totally different ... my Tristar TS-45 PWM does not stay connected ... has serial cable connection ... John

Gocoffeer · 05-28-2014, 10:06 AM

Here is a second nice training video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5H_B7PmA2wE

jfinet · 05-29-2014, 05:39 PM

Solved! MS Tech got back to me ... confirmed the sequence I detailed is correct ... so the dip switches get changed after the custom config is uploaded ... got to it today ... all worked well ... new custom config loaded and working ... going to monitor for awhile to make sure everything is working as it should ... but looks good ... John

okiejim · 05-31-2014, 04:21 PM

I would really appreciate your sharing this information the was provided by the MS tech. I have the same setup u p as you but if there is a better way I would love to get the best setup. Thank you for your time. I also have a raspberry pi that is hooked up to my TS-45 and logging the data. It is powered by my battery bank and headless, so very little power required.

jfinet · 06-01-2014, 07:19 AM

The MS tech confirmed the programming sequence I listed in the opening post of thread ... basically ... load new custom program before changing dip switches to custom setting ... you mentioned you had a logger connected full time ... if you have the MS TS-45 PWM as I have ... did you make your own serial cable to allow the cc cover to fit with cable connected? John

okiejim · 06-02-2014, 06:39 AM

I used a nine pin ribbon cable to come out of the box with the cover on. There is room on the side of the angle part for it to come out. Then I used a serial to usb cable to plug into the raspberry. I guess I asked my question wrong also. I was interested in the custom setting you are using. I thought the MS tech gave you some advise other than the standard setup. The manual says MS does not cover damage due to custom settings. I am currently just using the 14.6 standard switch settings.

jfinet · 06-02-2014, 07:00 AM

My issues were to reduce unnecessarily long absorption times ... and to protect my TT equipment from excessively high voltages ... so I disabled float cancel and absorption extension functions ... and clamped low temperature compensation at 50 deg F ... the first two changes were suggested by MS Tech ... will see how it performs over time ... absorption 14.4v ... float 13.4v ... equalization 15.1v manually done if required ... John

KJINTF · 06-02-2014, 07:03 AM

"The manual says MS does not cover damage due to custom settings. I am currently just using the 14.6 standard switch settings."

Done a dozen or more installs of the MS solar chargers. Never heard or read mention of the damage due to custom settings. Now if you set the voltages / durations too high it can/will easily boil your batteries dry very quickly. I strongly suggest you always do custom settings as compared to the simple dip switch settings and always connect the temperature sensor and the voltage sense lines.