[RE-wrenches] Outback: Vicious compatibility circle

Sat Mar 17 00:51:14 EDT 2018

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.

Ray Walters

Remote Solar

On 3/16/18 6:18 PM, dan at foxfire-energy.com wrote:
> 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.
>
> 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.
>
> Condolences Dude.
>
> Dan Brown
> Foxfire Energy Corp.
> Renewable Energy Systems
> (802)-483-2564
> www.Foxfire-Energy.com <http://www.Foxfire-Energy.com>
>
>
>
>     -------- Original Message --------
>     Subject: [RE-wrenches] Outback: Vicious compatibility circle
>     From: William Miller <william at millersolar.com
>     <mailto:william at millersolar.com>>
>     Date: Fri, March 16, 2018 5:23 pm
>     To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
>     <mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>>
>
>     Dear Colleagues:
>     Here is a cautionary tale and a bit of a rant.  I hope by relating
>     this experience may help others avoid it.
>     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.
>     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.
>     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.
>     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.
>     Outback, if you are listening, please try to maintain some
>     backwards-compatibility with the pool of existing equipment out
>     there.  We can’t 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.
>     Again, I hope I can save someone else the unpleasant surprises I
>     am experiencing.
>     Sincerely.
>     William Miller
>     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.
>     Wm
>     Gradient Cap_mini
>     Lic 773985
>     millersolar.com <http://www.millersolar.com/>
>     805-438-5600
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