[RE-wrenches] Outback VFX input voltage cycling

[R Young]

Hi Mick & Jay,
I disconnected the gen. line to the inverter and tested the output  
and got steady voltage. I then re-connected the inverter and tested  
the gen. output from a different outlet and got steady voltage, both  
around 122v. So I've ruled out the generator. It was my first suspicion.

I have also noticed that when the household loads are off the  
inverter output appears stable, doesn't fluctuate except about every  
20 seconds inverter audibly, the voltage drops from around 120 to 110  
then resumes - as if the input was momentarily dropped.

Darryl,
I did play with the AC charge current lowering it to around 5 aac but  
it didn't seem to make a difference. The owner told me, as an  
afterthought that someone had wired a switch incorrectly and when he  
turned it on the system "shut down". He then re-wired it and  
everything appeared ok but I'm wondering if this fried a board. I  
know there is an ac control board in there ... could this be it?

BTW, it's a very small generator, Honda 3800.

Ron

> It sounds like the AC charge current is set to high, with the  
> batteries being low the inverter charge rate is overloading the gen  
> set. The gen set voltage drops and the inverter releases the genny  
> and the voltage returns, the inverter reloads the genny and the  
> cycle repeats.  If this worked before the gen set need attension,  
> if not (changes to settings having occured or batteries just to  
> low) reduce the AC charge current.
> Daryl


On 27-Dec-08, at 8:58 AM, jay peltz wrote:

> Hi Ron,
>
> Almost for sure its the genny.  What type and when was it last  
> serviced and how many hours does it have?
>
> if the voltage is going all over the place really quickly then its  
> not connecting to the inverter at all.
>
> So here is a test that might help.  Turn on a resistive load such  
> as a floor heater ( size depends on the generator) to lock in the  
> voltage.  At this point if the voltage is constant, then the  
> inverter might connect.
>
> If this works, then the problem is most likely the genny, which  
> case its needs some work.
>
> jay
>
> peltz power
>
>
>
>
>
> On Dec 26, 2008, at 8:43 PM, R Young wrote:
>
>> I'm having a problem with an Outback VFX3524 inverter installed on  
>> an E-panel in a remote off-grid location. Voltage at the inverter  
>> input terminals is fluctuating between 110 & 140+ volts  
>> continuously. AC in will not connect so batteries can't charge.  
>> Output voltage measured at the inverter output terminals is steady  
>> at 122v.  When all household loads are turned off the input  
>> terminal voltage stabilizes but AC In still does not connect.
>>
>> Generator does not seem to be at fault as output measured at the  
>> gen. is stable even under load. System was working for about 1 1/2  
>> years but under new ownership has been badly monitored and  
>> batteries have become totally discharged.
>>
>> I'm trying to determine if this is a circuit board problem so I  
>> can perform a rescue mission by pulling some boards from an in- 
>> stock inverter, Outback tech support are on holidays. Anyone had a  
>> similar problem?
>>
>> Ron Young
>>
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