[RE-wrenches] Outback VFX 2812 charger not working

[William Miller]

Michael:

Sounds like a generator problem, not an inverter problem.

Are you able to measure the voltage and frequency from the generator while
it is connecting to the inverter?  The clicking could indicate the inverter
qualifies the AC as good and the transfer relay clicks, but upon connecting
the AC quickly goes out of spec and the relay opens back up.

If the generator is failing , a different battery charger does not fix the
problem.

I think the Mate2 should tell you an error cause. Have you checked that?
Do you get a flashing AC IN light?  Does it go solid, even briefly?

A blinking error light is a generator problem, if I recall correctly.

I doubt you have an inverter problem but if it turns out to be so I
probably have a working, used 24 VDC VFX I could donate, if you can
convert.

William Miller
Miller Solar.com
805-438-5600
www.millersolar.com


On Wed, Aug 14, 2024 at 3:14 PM Michael Welch via RE-wrenches <
re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> wrote:

> Wrenches. I am hesitant to post here, since I am not really a Wrench. I
> feel like maybe I can get by with it since I'm so involved with running the
> list. So ...
>
> After many years, my VFX 2812 stopped charging my batteries, but continues
> powering my home.
>
> The VFX 2812 is mounted to a Midnite e-panel, with two PV inputs (MX-60
> and an old Heliotrope CC-60), a FlexNet DC, HUB, and a Mate2. A battery
> temp sensor is between two of my Surrette 2-KS-33P batteries.
>
> Some time ago, the red error light behind the clear cover on the inverter
> started blinking, but it continued charging from our 7 kW generator -- so I
> suspect it had nothing to do with my current charging problem. Discussing
> with Bill Battagin, the light was possibly a fan error, apparently a bit
> common.
>
> I tried switching generators, as the first one showed 64 CPS, but that did
> not help.
> When I start the generator, the AC In light on the Mate2 on (and stays
> on), and I hear an inverter relay clicking as if the generator warm-up
> delay feature keeps going through its cycle. The house lights flicker at
> the same time as the click, but charging never happens.
>
> I've re-seated all the Cat-5 cables with Outback contact goop on all ends,
> and I replaced the Mate2 cable with a new Outback one. I've checked and
> tightened all the connections in the e-Panel and batteries.
>
> Question 1:
> So what can I do to further diagnose or even fix this? Buying a new or
> even used VFX inverter is out of the question, financially.
>
> Question 2:
> I still have my old Trace U2512 inverter. I'd like to hook its charger
> into the  e-Panel, as a temporary situation -- for times like last week
> when we were fogged in for a few days, letting my batteries get a lot lower
> than I want.
>
> I would not use the AC output on the Trace, but would continue powering my
> home with the VFX. I figured I would put the Trace battery cables in
> parallel with the VFX so that the Trace charging will also go through the
> shunt so I can see the charge rates and levels on the Mate2.
>
> The generator's wires would be changed from the e-Panel  AC In to the
> Trace AC  In.
>
> The last thing I want to do is further harm my equipment. What say ye to
> this temporary idea?
>
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