ASC  -  FIELD  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 active solar array 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   ( Active solar array required )

This tests the basic operation of the ASC by testing the FET’s (not shorted or open).

Requirements:   digital multi-meter (dmm), active solar array, Voc at least 17 volts*

1)  Connect the array plus and minus wires to the appropriate terminals on the ASC          (no battery connection).

2) Measure voltage at BATT(+) and BATT(-) terminals on the ASC. The reading should be between 14.0 and 15.0 volts*.  If this reading is very high, 16-20 volts*, or very low, 2-5 volts*, the unit is defective.

 

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 function. 

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.