FIELD TEST PROCEDURE

The following is a field test procedure for the standard MARK/15 charge controller. Basic electrical knowledge is required. For BENCH TESTING, substitute a properly current-limiting power supply for the array.

TEST 1: 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 MARK/15

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

3) Take measurements from MARK/15 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 1: Alternate B (Better) ( Active solar array required )

This will test the operation of the MARK/15 by testing the FET’s (looks for shorted or open FETs).

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 MARK/15 (no battery connection).

2) Measure the voltage at the BATT(+) and BATT(-) terminals on the MARK/15. 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 2

This procedure tests the condition of the blocking diode.

Requirements: digital multi-meter (dmm)

1) Remove all connections from the MARK/15

2) Set multi-meter to the diode test function

3) Take measurements from MARK/15 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 24 volt systems, double the listed value.