[RE-wrenches] Computer Interfaces (was: morning star ts-mppt-60-600)

[Ray Walters]

The Midnite Classic can be set with the onboard screen, and the Classic 
Lite can be set with dip switches, but I actually prefer to pull both up 
on the router in Windows. The software finds any Classics connected in a 
few seconds, and its much easier to navigate and check all the settings 
in a Windows interface.
It sounds like the Morningstar is similar, or doesn't even need the 
router.  This is the future, not an inconvenience.

This was what I had always wished Outback had done with the Mate; its so 
damned hard to navigate, where a Windows screen with tabs for each 
category is simple to move around in.  The sign of a good interface is 
not even needing to look at the manual, because its so intuitive.  As 
our industry grows, there's just no longer an excuse for clunky 
software, or costly additional interface equipment.
Outback now has the AXS interface;  but its not clear whether there is 
an on board app or monitoring website that works with it.  Anyone up to 
date on working with Outback equipment with a computer?

R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760

On 2/12/2014 4:58 PM, James Jefferson Jarvis wrote:
> On 02/12/2014 05:52 PM, Larry Crutcher, Starlight Solar Power Systems 
> wrote:
>> OK, so you need a PC, an internet connection, a router, download and 
>> install software, network PC to router, plug in CC, connect PC to the 
>> controller, then you can change parameters. Got it…..still say hassle.
>
> I can tell you have made up your mind about them. But to work with the 
> facts:
> a) you don't need an internet connection.
> b) you don't need a router.
> c) you don't need a network PC to router.
>
> You do need:
> a) an ethernet cable that you plug into your laptop and into the 
> TS-MPPT-60.
> b) the MSView software from their website. One software for their 
> whole product line. It is natively windows software, however it runs 
> just fine under Wine on my Linux computers and I suspect the Macintosh 
> has something similar.
>
>
> There is no part of the Morningstar product line that requires, or 
> even uses the Internet.
>
>