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, d...@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 <will...@millersolar.com
<mailto:will...@millersolar.com>>
Date: Fri, March 16, 2018 5:23 pm
To: RE-wrenches <re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
<mailto:re-wrenches@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
------------------------------------------------------------------------
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
<mailto:RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org>
Change listserver email address & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive:
http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
<http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm>
Check out or update participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org <http://www.members.re-wrenches.org>
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Change listserver email address & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive:
http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
Check out or update participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org
_______________________________________________
List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
Change listserver email address & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
List-Archive:
http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html
List rules & etiquette:
www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
Check out or update participant bios:
www.members.re-wrenches.org
