ASC  -  BENCH  TEST   PROCEDURE

STEP 1: Temperature sensor   (Units with Temperature Compensation - Option A)

If the ASC is equipped with a temperature sensor, perform this step first.

1) Inspect the cable and sensor tube for cuts or damage.

2) If the sensor cable is cut and the sensor itself appears in good condition, the 2 wires within the cable can be soldered back together. There is no polarity with the 2 wires. Protect this connection with electrical tape.

THE ASC WILL NOT FUNCTION WITH A MISSING OR DAMAGED SENSOR.

 

TEST 2: Alternate  A   ( If no power supply is available )

Tests for the most common failure condition: shorted FET’s. This problem would cause a “no charging” condition.

Requirements:  digital multi-meter (dmm)

1)  Remove all connections from the ASC

2)  Set multi-meter to the 200W resistance scale

3)  Take measurements from ASC terminals. Contact positive lead of the meter to ARRAY(+) and negative lead of meter to ARRAY(-). Reading should be open (>200W).  A short (<10W)  indicates unit is defective.

 

TEST 2: Alternate  B   ( Power supply required )

Complete Operation Test.  This tests the FET’s (not shorted or open) & verifies the set-points.

Requirements:  digital multi-meter and a current limited, variable voltage power supply.

Set current limit to 1/2 amp (500 ma) and set voltage to 14 volts*.

Caution:    Be careful of polarity.   Incorrect connection can damage the ASC.

1)  Connect multi-meter to the ARRAY(+) and ARRAY(-) terminals on the ASC.

2)  Connect power supply to ASC BATT(+) and BATT(-)

3)  Set multi-meter to the 200W resistance scale

4)  Slowly vary the power supply voltage up and down (do not exceed 16 volts). Using the multimeter, watch for the change in resistance that results from the ASC attempting to short and open the array. (The “CHARGING’’ light will not work during this procedure).

5)  Note the power supply voltage when the thresholds occur. These voltages should compare to the voltage set-points listed In the specifications (Charge Termination: 14.3 volts* and Charge Resumption: 13.5 volts*). For units with Option-A (Temp. Comp.) the set-points will vary depending on the battery temperature. (See Options section)

6)  Test the “CHARGING” LED by setting the power supply to 12 volts* and connecting it to the ASC ARRAY(+) and ARRAY (-) terminals. “CHARGING” light should go on.

7)  For units with Option-E (LVD Relay), connect the multi-meter to N/C and COM positions on the ASC and repeat steps 2 through 5, observing where the relay switches and comparing the set-points. (See Specification: “Load Disconnect” and “Load Reconnect”).

 

TEST 3

This procedure tests the condition of the blocking diode.

Requirements:   digital multi-meter (dmm )

1)  Remove all connections from the ASC

2)  Set multi-meter to the diode test scale. 

3)  Take measurements from ASC terminals. Contact positive lead of the meter to ARRAY(+) and negative lead of the meter to BATT(+). Reading should be less than 0.7. Above 0.7 would indicate a defective unit.

* Voltages above are for 12 volt systems. For 6 volt systems, use half the listed voltage, for 24 volt systems, double the listed voltage.