MX60 wish list [RE-wrenches]

Tue May 2 04:36:30 PDT 2006

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While we are talking about a wish list for the MX-60, and I know this is 
a big leap... but I would love it if somehow we could get an integrated 
(or at least communication between) the charge controller and amp hour 
meter. All too often these two get out of sync in the winter and I (like 
many of us) get panicked calls from customers saying their batteries 
will not charge... because the amp hour says they need it and the charge 
controller says they don't...

Todd

Ray Walters wrote:

> Hi;
>
> Bob Gudgel called to tell me about the fix too. Seems he's very fond 
> of his baby even though he's not with you'all anymore. That's the 
> dedication that makes the solar biz a good biz to be in. Likewise I 
> appreciate your dedication as well. Thanks for the reply.
> I already instituted the secret modification "X", and we have a happy 
> customer again. I'll check the serial # for you, but it was definitely 
> purchased this year. As long as the noise is gone, and we see 
> efficient MPPT in the winter at lower battery voltages, I don't see a 
> need to change it out. Thanks though.
> On a related note, I mentioned to Bob and I'll reiterate for all, that 
> our industry could use  friendlier software interfaces.
> IMHO, the Best software would allow a tech with knowledge of solar to 
> program the controller (or inverter) in minutes without referring to 
> the manual. Only someone who didn't understand Absorption time, system 
> operating voltage, etc. should have to consult the manual.
> Merely adequate software in comparison, would have some learning 
> curve, but at least the tech could refer to the manual briefly and get 
> the job done.
> Now I'm not naming names, but in general, inadequate software does not 
> follow any common orginization, might change before you get the hang 
> of it, and the supporting documents don't match the screens actually 
> on the unit. An otherwise very knowledgable tech may experience  high 
> anxiety levels and spend over an hour of precious field time trying to 
> do what could be done with an analog controller in under a minute.
> I've got a Palm handheld computer that was doing my bidding in minutes 
> right out of the box, with a very intuitve interface and almost no 
> supporting documentation needed. Rather than reinvent computing, why 
> can't we use an interface that is proven people friendly, or at least 
> borrow its features as Microsoft so infamously did with Windows? 
> Imagine using a familiar operating system that integrated  controller, 
> inverter, and metering.......
> I'm sure its much more difficult than that, but couldn't a couple of 
> software engineers from Palm OS or MAC  be lured away with the promise 
> of a lower pay scale and the threat of global warming......
>
> Thanks for all you've already done,
>
> Ray

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