[RE-wrenches] Trace Meter TM500 questions

[jay]

HI Howie, 
That would have been the PS inverter, not the SW that had the RC8 remote control.

But I agree with you on the reliability of the TM500.  I’ve taken out many that have failed or worse have been random in % readings.  I’ve replaced them with Trimetrics.  So I don’t recommend the TM500.

As to Allans question about the TM500 working to turn on/off the inverter, I”m leaning not but its possible that its just a dry contact in the workings of that unit. 
It will be in an interesting test.  


jay

peltz power




> On May 10, 2020, at 5:43 PM, Howie Michaelson <Howie.Michaelson at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> Hey Allan,
> I don't know about the wiring of the on/off switch - I'm not sure it is simple logic.  I do believe it worked for the trace SW, not sure about the DR.
> I wouldn't recommend using the TM500 - I ran into a significant problem with it when used with an SW and a C40 back some 17 years ago, which eventually led me to stop using Xantrex equipment due to the either ignorance or withholding of info by their tech support about this issue.  I remember talking to Ralph who said he had strongly recommended to Xantrex to not split his logic board the way they did, putting part of it onto the shunt, because he thought it might cause communication issues, which in my case it did. Long story which I believe I posted here many years ago, but it was a major pain.  I have used TM500s many times successfully, although they seemed vulnerable to surge damage. I don't think I've heard any equipment conflicts with it and non-Xantrex equipment, I just have a visceral reaction to using them. Sorry for the diversion...
> Howie
> 
> On Sun, May 10, 2020 at 8:25 PM Sindelar Solar <Allan at sindelarsolar.com <mailto:Allan at sindelarsolar.com>> wrote:
> Esteemed Wrenches, graybeard (used here as a gender-neutral term) contingent:
> 
> I am putting together a low-cost off grid upgrade package for my nearest neighbor out here, who has lived with a most basic system with little upgrade since the 80s. She needs a sinewave inverter to run a modern washing machine. I'm using good older equipment left over from other upgrades: an early narrow FX E-Panel, Outback VFX3524, ProStar 30, circuit breakers (!), etc. 
> 
> I have a 'Trace Meter Battery Monitoring System' that I'd like to include for her. It's basically a TriMetric variant that Trace purchased the rights to modify and private label from Ralph at Bogart Engineering about 15-20 years ago. I can easily find the installation and operations manual online. But unlike the TriMetric, Trace removed the terminal screw strip on the monitor PCB, replacing it with two RJ6 connectors and a plug-in phone cable. A matching connector was included with the meter that mounted to the kelvin terminals on the 500A/50mv shunt.
> 
> I have a (believed to be) working monitor and a bunch of 6-pole RJ6 cables (they were also used to parallel DRs for 120/240, and maybe other tasks as well) but not the matching shunt board. Does anyone know, or can tell me how to determine, which RJ6 terminals are which? The TM2020 on which this meter was based had 4: G1, G2, SIG and +. Also, the monitor also has a second RJ6 terminal for serving as an on/off switch for (probably) the DR. Do you know which terminals are used for this remote switch function, and whether it could also serve as an on/off switch on the inverter by connecting to the remote switch terminals on the VFX (this works with a standard on/off switch in place of the Mate, so it oughtta also work with this switch function, no?).
> 
> Thank you for any assistance you may provide.
> 
> Allan
> 
> -- 
> Allan Sindelar
> allan at sindelarsolar.com <mailto:allan at sindelarsolar.com>
> NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional
> New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
> Founder (Retired), Positive Energy, Inc.
> 505 780-2738 cell
> 
>  
> 
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