TROUBLE SHOOTING

DISPLAY BLANK, ALARMS DO NOT FUNCTION, NO POWER TO UNIT

1) Re-check system wiring to insure proper installation and battery polarity .

2) Check all system fuses and circuit breakers. Before replacing a blown fuse, locate and correct the cause of the blown fuse.

3) Check the fuse on the DM3. If it is blown, it indicates that the DM3 probably needs service.

4) Confirm that all system connections are clean and tight. Particularly check crimp connections that have been crimped but not soldered as these connections tend to deteriorate over time.

5) Check the connection from the monitor to the battery. If possible, check the input voltage to the monitor with a hand held multi-meter on the "BATTERY" terminals of the monitor.

TO REPLACE THE FUSE ON THE DM3

The fuse is located under the back panel on the DM3. To remove this panel, remove the two screws securing the back to the DM3. Lift off the back and you will see the fuse (refer to page 11 for location). If blown, replace with a new 1 amp type agc fuse. If it blows again, the DM3 needs service.

ALARMS DO NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY

1) Check alarm calibration. Refer to Page 10.

2) If using the display on the DM3 to calibrate the alarms, make sure that all wires are temporarily removed from the CURRENT 2 positions on the terminal block.

INCORRECT CURRENT READINGS

1) Check to be sure that the shunts (internal, and external, if used) are wired in the negative legs of the system components.

2) Using a digital multimeter, measure the millivolt reading at the shunt and then at the DM3 terminal block to which it is connected. Compare this value with the expected current reading and the displayed value.

3) Check to be sure that the shunts are installed in the proper location to monitor the desired reading.

4) Check to be sure that there are no alternative paths around the shunts.

5) If the polarity of the current reading is wrong, reverse the wires to the internal shunt or the wires going from any external shunts to the DM3.

RANDOM READINGS ON "CURRENT 2" POSITION

1) Check the connections to the "Shunt" terminals on the monitor.

2) Electronic "noise" from inverters or other loads can sometimes influences the readings. Some types of loads (fluorescent lights, inverters) can generate electronic "noise" that sometimes interferes with the monitor reading, particularly when sense wires from remote shunts run close to wiring to the load. Check to see if strange behavior can be traced to the operation of a certain appliance.

RANDOM READINGS ON "CURRENT 1" POSITION

1) Check the connections to the "Shunt" terminals on the monitor.

2) Electronic "noise" from inverters or other loads can sometimes influence the readings.

CURRENT READINGS INCREASE WHEN THEY SHOULD DECREASE, OR DECREASE WHEN THEY SHOULD INCREASE

1) Check the location of the shunts in the circuit. Depending upon their location, they might be reading net current (current in minus current out) instead of only current in.

CHARGE CURRENT INCREASES WHEN CHARGING STOPS

1) Check the location of the shunt measuring charge current from the solar panel(s). For correct monitoring, the shunt should be installed in the negative leg, between the regulator and the battery, not between the solar panel(s) and the regulator.

CURRENT READINGS LESS THAN EXPECTED

1) Check to see that modules and batteries are in the correct series-parallel configuration for proper system voltage and current.

2) Check for an alternative path to ground around the shunt. .

3) Make sure that the correct shunt is installed.

4) Check output from the solar panel(s), and that they are not partially shaded or dirty.

INCORRECT VOLTAGE READINGS

1) If you have an accurate digital volt meter, check voltage readings at the battery and at the monitor, to see if they agree. Voltage drops occur between the regulator and the battery occasionally during maximum charging. Drops often occur through old fuses, fuse holders or circuit breaker boxes and at loose or corroded connections.

If, after reviewing all of the above troubleshooting information, you cannot get the DM3 to operate properly, it is possible that it may have been damaged. High voltage from nearby lightning strikes or unregulated charging sources can damage the monitor. The built-in lightning protection provides substantial protection, but it is sometimes overwhelmed. Contact your installer/dealer to obtain assistance in the troubleshooting of your system. You may also opt to return the unit to Specialty Concepts for a thorough check-out.