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Specialty Concepts MARK-15 - User Manual

Specialty Concepts MARK-15
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MARK
/
15 & MARK
/
20
Photovoltaic (Solar) Charge Controller
Installation & Operation Manual
SPECIALTY CONCEPTS, INC.
8954 Mason Ave. Chatsworth, CA 91311 USA
Web-site: www.specialtyconcepts.com
Copyright 12 / 2001 Specialty Concepts, Inc.
The Ideal Charge Controller for Home, RV & Marine Solar Systems.
The MARK/15 & MARK/20 (MARK/(15,20)) are highly reliable charge controllers that
are ideal for small to mid-sized photovoltaic systems. They will efficiently charge
your batteries and provide years of protection from over-charging. This protective
care will prolong your battery life and reduce maintenance requirements.
FEATURES
IDEAL SOLAR CHARGING
Compatible Works with almost all
types of batteries and solar panels
Efficient Over 99% efficiency when
charging
Full Charging Ensures that the
batteries are always topped off
Battery Safe Charging method
maximizes battery life
Reduced Maintenance from healthy
charging and reliable operation
OVER-CHARGE PROTECTION
High Voltage “Shut-off- shuts off
only when battery is full
Robust Circuitry Control function
100% solid state.
HIGH RELIABILITY
Simple, rugged electronics low
component count and streamlined
design ensure long term reliability
No Minimum Voltage Required Can
charge a dead battery
FEATURES
Digital Voltage and Current Accurate
readout for battery and solar panels
Status Lights Colored Battery
condition bar-graph with “CHARGING”
and “CHARGED” lights
Adjustable Set-point Easily adjusts to
higher or lower voltages
Reverse leakage protection Prevents
power loss at night.
Over-current & Incorrect Wiring
Protection Array and Battery fuse
Terminal Block for sound and easy
wire connections.
Mounting Options Can mount flush or
onto a wall (with accessory)
Environmental Protection Front plate
and circuitry have moisture protection
SYSTEM COMPATIBILITY
Minimum RF Noise Low switching
frequency minimizes electronic noise
Protection from External RF Noise
Can operate with noisy inverters
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Summary

FEATURES

IDEAL SOLAR CHARGING

Works with most batteries/panels. Efficient, full charging, battery safe, reduced maintenance.

OVER-CHARGE PROTECTION

Shuts off when battery is full and provides robust control functions.

HIGH RELIABILITY

Simple, rugged electronics with low component count ensure long-term reliability.

SYSTEM COMPATIBILITY

Features minimum RF noise and protection from external RF noise.

Specifications

RELATED SYSTEM EQUIPMENT

SOLAR PANELS

Discusses compatibility with various solar panels and voltage/current limits.

BATTERIES

Details compatibility with standard lead-acid batteries for RVs, boats, and remote systems.

LOADS

Specifies that system loads must be 12 volts DC unless an inverter is used.

INSTALLATION

WARNINGS

Safety warnings regarding electrical hazards, battery ventilation, and open flames.

CAUTIONS

Cautions against exceeding unit's voltage/current ratings and deviating from wiring instructions.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

MOUNTING CONSIDERATIONS

Details flush mounting and wall mounting options for the controller.

ACQUIRE TOOLS AND MATERIALS

Lists necessary tools and materials for installation, including wire gauge recommendations.

LOCATION

Guidance on selecting an accessible location close to the battery for optimal cooling.

PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS

Recommends indoor mounting, avoiding direct sunlight or excessive moisture.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS (continued)

PREPARE THE LOCATION PRIOR TO WIRING

Instructions for preparing the mounting location and cutting openings.

SELECT WIRE

Guidance on selecting appropriate wire type and size for connections.

RUN SYSTEM WIRING

Steps for running wires from the battery and solar panel to the controller location.

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS (continued)

MARK;(15,20) CONNECTION

Details on wiring the controller to the battery and solar array terminals.

INSTALL FUSING AS NEEDED

Recommendation to install appropriate fuses for circuit protection.

NOTE WIRE POLARITY

Emphasizes correct wire polarity to prevent damage to the controller.

OPERATION

CHECK FOR VOLTAGE DROP (OPTIONAL)

Procedure for checking voltage drop across connections to ensure proper charging.

OPERATION (continued)

CHARGING METHOD

Explains the Low Frequency Pulse Width Modulation charging technique.

MAINTENANCE

Provides guidance on annual checks, connection integrity, and corrosion.

CHARGE SET-POINT ADJUSTMENT

MONITORING

DIGITAL DISPLAY

Details the four parameters available on the digital display.

CHARGING LIGHT

Indicates when the battery is actively charging from the solar array.

CHARGED LIGHT

Indicates when the battery has reached full charge termination voltage.

MONITORING (continued)

BATTERY CONDITION BAR-GRAPH

Provides a visual indication of the battery's general condition.

BAR-GRAPH MODES

Explains how to set the bar-graph display to 'Dot' or 'Bar'.

TROUBLESHOOTING

HELP NOTES

Lists common problems and references for solar system troubleshooting.

NORMAL CONDITIONS

Describes normal system behaviors like constant charging or battery gassing.

TROUBLESHOOTING (continued)

PROBLEM CONDITIONS

Details issues like incorrect system sizing, panel problems, and bad connections.

BAD CONNECTION: PANEL

Addresses weak or faulty solar panel connections to the controller.

BAD CONNECTION: BATTERIES

Covers weak or faulty battery connections impacting voltage regulation.

INCORRECT VOLTAGE SET-POINT

Explains how an incorrect charge termination set-point can affect battery charging.

MARK;(15,20) PROBLEM NOTES

MARK;(15,20) Note 1

Addresses blank display issues possibly due to bad connections or defective unit.

MARK;(15,20) Note 2

Troubleshoots blank display only at night, suggesting battery connection issues.

MARK;(15,20) Note 3

Diagnoses low voltage conditions with no daytime charging, indicating panel or set-point issues.

MARK;(15,20) Note 4

Explains that charging/charged lights on with bad battery connection is common.

MARK;(15,20) PROBLEM NOTES (Continued )

MARK;(15,20) Note 5

Addresses charging light on with zero amps, indicating system or connection problems.

MARK;(15,20) Note 6

Discusses high voltage with charging light on, suggesting bad battery connection or high set-point.

MARK;(15,20) Note 7

Explains charging light on at night due to low light or mis-wiring.

MARK;(15,20) Note 8

Troubleshoots rapidly changing display readings, indicating normal conditions or battery issues.

Battery Fuse Removal Test

SOLAR PANEL PROBLEMS

Panel Note 1

Addresses lower than expected charge current due to panel condition or connection.

Panel Note 2

Discusses lower than expected panel voltage, indicating potential panel defects.

BATTERY PROBLEMS

Battery Note 1

Covers battery over-charging, considering normal conditions and controller issues.

Battery Note 2

Addresses battery under-charging or not holding charge due to system size or connections.

LIMITED FIVE YEAR WARRANTY

REPAIR INFORMATION

Specialty Concepts MARK-15 Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandSpecialty Concepts
ModelMARK-15
CategoryController
LanguageEnglish