[RE-wrenches] Radian Generator Relay

Kent kent at coveoregon.com
Wed Sep 15 01:51:37 EDT 2021 

William,

Years ago we tried using the relay in the FNDC with a system of sealed 
Outback FX inverters.  After a few times call backs about the generator 
being left running long after it should have stopped, I discovered that 
the problem was indeed caused by the relay in the FNDC. That relay is a 
latching type and Outback sends the signal for it to change state only 
once; they don't check to see if it actually changed state (apparently 
the hardware wasn't set up to allow that); and they don't send a second 
signal to improve the chance of a successful operation. You know the 
screen in the Mate where they keep a tally of communication errors, not 
sure that is comm errors at unfortunate times are the cause or not, but 
I suspect it is. Maybe the relay in this FNDC was sluggish because in 
the garage temperatures could occasionally got lower than 0°C - the 
lower limit of the FNDC. Whatever the cause, we decided that the FNDC 
relay was not suitable for starting and stopping a generator. I ended up 
re-purposing the FX's external vent fan to control the generator (and 
fan) and never had any more trouble. The fan is rarely needed except 
while charging batteries with the generator, and the inverter has the 
ability to reduce its output if it is too hot.

Kent Osterberg

Blue Mountain Solar


On 9/14/2021 5:56 PM, William Miller wrote:
>
> Friends:
>
> A couple of years ago we installed an all sealed Outback FX system.  
> All of the FX inverters were equipped with Turbo fans which connect to 
> the relay in the inverters so those were not available for generator 
> starting.  A senior Outback tech support person (one who has been with 
> Outback for a long time) told me the relay in the FNDC was not 
> reliable. Instead it was suggested that I use the relay in an Outback 
> Extreme charge controller that was part of the system.  I never tried 
> the relay in the FNDC so I don’t have first-hand knowledge if the 
> relay is reliable or not.  Can anyone confirm or debunk this assertion?
>
> Remember the Extreme 
> <https://outbackpower.com/products/discontinued-products/discontinued-product-documentation/item/flexmax-extreme-technical-documentation>?  
> It was the precursor to the FlexMax 100.  It is discontinued.
>
> William
>
> Miller Solar
>
> 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
>
> 805-438-5600
>
> www.millersolar.com <http://www.millersolar.com/>
>
> CA Lic. 773985
>
> *From:*RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org 
> <mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org>] *On Behalf Of 
> *Michael Morningstar
> *Sent:* Tuesday, September 14, 2021 11:16 AM
> *To:* RE-wrenches
> *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Radian Generator Relay
>
> Actually I’m using the 12V relay to activate a battery vent fan. For 
> generator starting, I’m using the dry contact relay for two-wire 
> start. I have the circuit protected by a 2amp fast acting fuse. Fuse 
> is good.
>
>
>
> On Sep 14, 2021, at 11:10 AM, Tuss, Lones <lones.tuss at enersys.com 
> <mailto:lones.tuss at enersys.com>> wrote:
>
> Hi Michael
>
> It sound like you are using the 12 volt aux out on the radian to 
> activate a separate relay.
>
> If so disconnect the relay then check and see if the 12 aux attempts 
> to go high (12v dc).
>
> If it does it may be a relay issue.
>
> The Radian does have an on board relay you could use that instead of a 
> discrete relay.
>
> In AGS on the Mate3(s) just select Relay.
>
> I hope this helps sir.
>
> Take Care
>
> *From:*RE-wrenches <re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org 
> <mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org>>*On Behalf 
> Of*Michael Morningstar
> *Sent:*Tuesday, September 14, 2021 10:55 AM
> *To:*RE-wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org 
> <mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>>
> *Subject:*[RE-wrenches] Radian Generator Relay
>
>
> 	
>
> *CAUTION:*This email originated from outside of the Company. Do not 
> click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and 
> know the content is safe.
>
> Wrenches,
>
> I’ve got a Radian 8048/Mate 3S that no longer is activating the relay 
> responsible for generator starting. I’ve power cycled everything and 
> updated firmware. When I attempt to start the generator via the Mate 
> 3S, the relay does not close.
>
> Any suggestions before I look into replacing the relay/board?
>
> Which board do I order and what is the best source?
>
> Many thanks,
>
> Michael
>
> *Michael Morningstar*
>
> **
>
> /Morningstar Electric/
>
> PO Box 1494
>
> Mount Shasta, California 96067
>
> 530-921-0560
>
> CSLB 949635
>
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> *Michael Morningstar*
>
> **/Morningstar Electric/
>
> PO Box 1494
>
> Mount Shasta, California 96067
>
> 530-921-0560
>
> CSLB 949635
>
>
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