MidNite Classic - User Manual

For help with the Classic or Classic SL, please see our how-to videos and extended documentation at
www.midnitesolar.com/documentIndex.php . Before calling tech support, we recommend visiting
this website for some of the most common issues.
WARNING: Arc Fault protection is not ON by default.
NOTE: The National Electrical Code article 690.11 requires Arc Fault protection. The Classic has
this built-in as standard equipment and will need to be enabled, if so desired. The Classic SL does
not have Arc Fault built-in.
NOTE: The Arc Fault protection has adjustable sensitivity and may require some tuning for your
particular system to avoid nuisance tripping. Some house loads like table saws and well pumps and
other motor loads can be seen on the PV circuit in the Classic appearing similar to DC arcs. We have
started with a general average we have found to work reliably but in some cases this sensitivity
level is too high causing false Arc Fault alarms. When the Classic goes into Arc Fault, it goes to
Resting and will not charge the batteries. Please consult the Classic Manual for enabling and fine-
tuning of the Arc Fault system.
DANGER OF DEATH TO YOUR CLASSIC!
When the Classic is used with wind or hydro, a Clipper-type device will most likely be needed to
protect against over-voltage. A battery-based diversion load WILL NOT keep the Classic safe from
over-voltage. High input voltage is recorded and over-voltage is not covered under warranty.
Never wire a pump or other load to the input side of the Classic. If a load must be wired to the input
side of the Classic, the load and Classic need to have blocking diodes on them.
Never parallel two Classics onto one PV array.
IMPORTANT – Per UL1741 and NEC 690.12, this device must be located where the PV input
conductors are not required to be controlled.
For larger systems with large inverters and or multiple inverters (i.e., Radian or XW+), it is
important to use appropriately sized cables and bus bars or damage to the inverters or charge
controllers can occur. Take a single XW+ E-Panel, for example, it has a positive bus bar for the
charge controller battery side connections. This bus bar is sufficient for two charge controllers; if
you need three or more, then you need to look at the best way to handle the amperage. A dual
Radian, for example, is actually four separate inverters. Properly sized cables as well as a large
enough battery bank is very important. Most manufacturers of battery-based inverters recommend
100Ah of battery per kW of solar modules. Please consult the inverter manufacturer for assistance
with cable sizing.
Classic SL
This Owner’s Manual covers both the Classic and the Classic SL models.
The Classic SL performs the same functions as the regular Classic, but WITHOUT the following
features: 1) No Arc Fault circuit; 2) No AUTO EQ function; 3) No Ethernet port; 4) No wind or hydro
programming; and 5) The Classic SL does not include the Battery Temp Sensor, sold separately.

Summary

DANGER: Critical Safety Warnings

Over-voltage and Input Load Protection

Discusses protection against over-voltage and loads on the input side.

Parallel Classics Prohibition

States the prohibition of paralleling two Classics onto one PV array.

UL1741 & NEC 690.12 Location Requirements

Specifies location requirements for the device based on codes.

Introduction

Safety Instructions

General Safety Precautions

Covers warnings, cautions, and general safe practices for installation and handling.

Compliance Standards

DC & Battery Installation Requirements

How to Avoid Battery Damage

Classic Installation Overview

Unpacking and Contents Check

Guides through unpacking the unit and checking contents.

Front Cover Access

Details the process of removing the front cover for access.

Standard Mounting

Explains standard mounting arrangements.

Alternative Mounting Methods

Covers alternative methods for mounting the unit.

Sealed or Vented Configuration

Describes how to seal the unit for dusty/salt air or keep it vented.

Wiring the Classic

Wire Size and Connection Details

Specifies wire gauges and provides wiring connection instructions.

DC Terminal Connector Specifications

Details the DC terminal block and its specifications.

Grounding Procedures

Chassis and DC System Grounding

Explains grounding for chassis and DC systems.

DC GFP Functionality Explained

Details the built-in DC Ground Fault Protection feature.

GFP Disabling & Positive Ground Systems

Instructions for disabling GFP and installing in positive ground systems.

Networking and Communication

Follow-Me Charge Coordination

Explains how Classics coordinate charge stages and share data.

Ground Fault Sharing

Describes how to share ground fault information between networked Classics.

Naming and Addressing Classics

How to assign names and network addresses to Classics.

MNGP and Internet Connectivity

Connecting to Multiple MNGPs

How to connect the Classic to multiple MNGP displays.

Internet Connectivity Setup

Details Ethernet connectivity for internet access.

Network Setup via MNGP

Guides on configuring network settings via the MNGP.

Network Configuration

DHCP and Static IP Settings

Explains automatic and manual IP address assignment.

Network Address Configuration

Details network settings like IP, subnet, gateway, and DNS.

Enabling Web Access

Instructions for enabling remote web access.

Battery Temperature Monitoring

Temperature Compensation Explained

How temperature affects charge voltage and compensation.

Battery Temperature Sensor Installation

Guide for installing the Battery Temperature Sensor.

Classic Programming

Initial Setup and MNGP Usage

Covers Quick Start, MNGP interface, and basic programming.

Adjusting Charge Parameters

Setting Absorb, Equalize, and Float voltages.

Current Limit and LED Modes

Current Limit and LED Modes Explained

Explains current limiting and LED indicator functions.

Calibrating Voltage Readings

Procedure to calibrate voltage measurements for accuracy.

Configuring DC Input Sources

Hydro, Solar, and Legacy P&O Modes

Configuration for Hydro, Solar, and Legacy P&O input modes.

Wind, Dynamic, and U-Set VOC% Modes

Configuration for Wind, Dynamic, and U-Set VOC% input modes.

Programming for Wind Input Source

Wind Curve Configuration

Selecting and Building Wind Curves

Instructions for choosing or creating custom wind turbine power curves.

Equalization Setup

Manual and Auto Equalization

Procedures for manual and automatic equalization charges.

Arc Fault Detection and Management

Arc Fault Parameters and Adjustment

Details arc fault settings and troubleshooting.

PV Bleed Down Configuration

Configuration for Rapid Shutdown Systems.

Charge and Advanced Settings

Ending Amps, Re-bulk, Skip Days

Covers advanced settings like Ending Amps, Re-bulk, and Skip Days.

Auxiliary Ports Configuration

Configuring AUX Ports and Functions

Steps to set up AUX 1 and AUX 2 functions and parameters.

AUX 1 and AUX 2 Modes Explained

Explains various modes for AUX 1 and AUX 2 operation.

Logged Data and Classic Voice

Accessing Logged Data

How to access daily, hourly, and graphical logged data.

Classic Voice Annunciations

Details the voice feature, levels of chattiness, and programming.

Firmware Update Procedure

Preparing for Firmware Update

Steps to prepare the Classic for firmware update.

HyperVOC Feature Explained

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Factory Restore Procedures

Steps to perform software and hardware factory resets.

Common Troubleshooting Scenarios

Power, Display, Communication Issues

Addresses problems like no power, blank MNGP, fuzzy display, and comm errors.

Charging, Resting, Mode Issues

Covers issues like resting in sun, mode errors, and charge behavior.

Network and Firmware Update Issues

Issues with network setup and firmware updates.

Voltage and Parameter Setting Issues

Problems with voltage settings, current limits, and parameters.

Specific Error Messages and Indicators

Specific Error Messages and Indicators

Explains messages like 'OCP', 'Hyper VOC', 'Battery over V', 'GRND FLT'.

Time, WBJr Status, SOC Accuracy Issues

Issues with time, WBJr status, and inaccurate SOC readings.

Arc Fault, PC Connection, Fan Issues

Addresses Arc Fault beeping, PC connection, and fan noise.

Mechanical and Electrical Specifications

Mechanical Specifications

Provides physical dimensions and mounting details of the Classic.

Electrical Specifications

Lists key electrical ratings, voltage limits, and current outputs.

Default Battery Charge Set Points

Regulatory Approval and Pinouts

Regulatory Approval Details

Details compliance with safety standards and certifications.

RS232 Jack Pin Out

Diagram and explanation of the RS232 serial communication port pinout.

Classic Breaker Sizing

Classic Menu Map

Menu Navigation Overview

Explains how to navigate the Classic's menu structure.

Status and Charge Menus

Details the options within Status and Charge menus.

Aux, Mode, Misc Menus

Details options in Aux, Mode, and Misc menus.

Temps, Net, Tweaks, Logs Menus

Details options in Temps, Net, Tweaks, and Logs menus.

Classic Label Set

Glossary of Terms

Midnite Solar Inc. Limited Warranty

New Turbo Fan Assembly

Fan Assembly Removal

Instructions for removing the internal turbo fan assembly.

Fan Assembly Installation

Steps for installing the new turbo fan assembly.

MidNite Classic Specifications

General

Type	MPPT Charge Controller
Display	LCD
Model	Classic
Nominal Battery Voltages	12V, 24V, 36V, 48V, 60V, 72V
Maximum PV Input Voltage	150V
Communication	Ethernet, Modbus
Protections	Overvoltage, Overcurrent, Short Circuit, Reverse Polarity