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<p>I had so many problems with the backwards compatibility issues,
FXR firmware issues, and inconsistent tech support that we have
dropped Outback from our lineup except for their charge
controllers. The controllers seem to still be reliable.</p>
<p>Ray Walters</p>
<p>Remote Solar<br>
</p>
<br>
<div class="moz-cite-prefix">On 3/16/18 6:18 PM,
<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:dan@foxfire-energy.com">dan@foxfire-energy.com</a> wrote:<br>
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cite="mid:20180316171847.720a661d8db719b1f2ad39509c9edaa3.f3aa06e314.wbe@email04.godaddy.com"><span
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<div>I recently went thru a very similar ordeal.. cost me three
extra days on site.. and got three different opinions from
Tech support (one suggested I fried coms in all equipment and
might need to replace the entire system).. only to conclude
there was a software glitch that permanently took out the
Mate3s local control when connected to Flexnet DC.. we did
eventually get everything straightened out, but then
discovered we couldn't update software on the FXRs from the
Mate3s thru the Hub 10.3.. we had to physically connect the
Mate3 to each inverter directly.. I figure it cost me an extra
$2,500.00 anyway.<br>
</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>Be warned, you will also need a new huB 10.3 as well to
stack FXRs.. and the master goes in port 1 and the slave is
now in port 7. I'm also told all Mates now are Mate3s and all
Hub 10s are now Hub10.3.<br>
</div>
<div><br>
</div>
<div>Condolences Dude.</div>
<div><br>
Dan Brown<br>
Foxfire Energy Corp.<br>
Renewable Energy Systems<br>
(802)-483-2564<br>
<a href="http://www.Foxfire-Energy.com" moz-do-not-send="true">www.Foxfire-Energy.com</a><br>
<br>
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-------- Original Message --------<br>
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Outback: Vicious compatibility circle<br>
From: William Miller <<a
href="mailto:william@millersolar.com"
moz-do-not-send="true">william@millersolar.com</a>><br>
Date: Fri, March 16, 2018 5:23 pm<br>
To: RE-wrenches <<a
href="mailto:re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org"
moz-do-not-send="true">re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org</a>><br>
<br>
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<div class="WordSection1">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Dear
Colleagues:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Here
is a cautionary tale and a bit of a rant. I hope by
relating this experience may help others avoid it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">I
have an off-grid installation that needed some
updating. I first installed this system in about 1984
with three Heart Interface inverters stacked. Later
on I converted to two 24 volt VFX inverters. The
client has had some issues and the site is remote, so
I thought remote monitoring would be helpful. I
installed a Mate3 and a dedicated terrestrial internet
service and we could monitor certain functions
remotely, control the generator and initiate EQ cycles
in advance so we did not have to wait for hours to
complete an EQ before checking SG and watering. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">The
inverters had version 59 and 60 firmware which is
older and limited the feature set available for Optics
monitoring. Still we were able to use vital
functions. A few months later the Optics system
stopped working for the most part. I contacted
Outback and apparently Outback had updated the Optics
system and the changes rendered the FX inverters
unable to connect to Optics in any useful manner.
This was embarrassing because I had sold the customers
on the benefits of Optics. I am disappointed that
Outback pulled the rug out from under an otherwise
operating system.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">To
upgrade the inverter firmware requires changing out
the control boards. This was too much cost and work
for older, 24 volt inverters. I convince the customer
to upgrade to new inverters, and while at it to
upgrade to 48 volts. I installed the new inverters
and batteries and completed the job yesterday. Today
I was checking Optics and got some strange response
while trying to adjust some settings. In talking with
tech support, apparently the new FXR inverters
(version suffix A-01) are not compatible with the
Mate3. I have to purchase a Mate3s. I bid this job,
so the cost will come out of my pocket.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">I
was told my vendor should know not to sell new FXR
inverters without cautioning installers about the need
for a new Mate3s. I do not believe inside
sales-people will know nor should they be required to
know this level of arcane detail. As of today the
Outback web site indicates only a Mate3, not a Mate3s,
is required. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Outback,
if you are listening, please try to maintain some
backwards-compatibility with the pool of existing
equipment out there. We can\u2019t all run out and replace
all of our hardware whenever you update your web
service or product line. I feel like I am constantly
beta testing your shipping products and that presents
enough headaches without this added problem. Rant
over.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Again,
I hope I can save someone else the unpleasant
surprises I am experiencing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Sincerely.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">William
Miller</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">PS:
All of the above is based on what I learned from tech
support. If I misunderstand any of it I am open to
correction.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"">Wm</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span
style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif""> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"><span
style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black"><img
id="Picture_x0020_1"
src="cid:part4.68F625B9.65F418BC@solarray.com"
alt="Gradient Cap_mini"
wbeuser="dan@foxfire-energy.com" class="" width="80"
height="35"><br>
Lic 773985<br>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.millersolar.com/"
moz-do-not-send="true">millersolar.com</a><br>
805-438-5600</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size:12pt;"> </div>
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