Outback Power Systems FLEXmax Extreme Owners Manual - Manual (Page 24)

Installation
22 900-0150-01-00 Rev A
charge inappropriately (or not at all).
Normally the nominal system voltage is retained. If the FLEXmax Extreme is disconnected from the batteries or
otherwise loses power, upon a new power-up it will continue using the nominal voltage and settings
determined previously.
If it is necessary to change the nominal voltage:
1. Reset the FLEXmax Extreme to factory default settings as described below.
2. Remove all sources of power (PV and battery) from the FLEXmax Extreme and then reconnect battery
power. The controller will sense the battery voltage and use this reading to determine the new nominal
system voltage. This will not occur until the power is turned off and then on again.
Resetting to Factory Defaults
The MATE3 system display can be used to reset the FLEXmax Extreme to its factory default settings. See page 45
for more information.
To reset to defaults without using the MATE3:
1. Remove all sources of power (PV and battery) from the FLEXmax Extreme.
2. Press and hold the Equalize switch (see page 6) while reconnecting battery power.
3. Continue holding the Equalize switch. After approximately 10 seconds, the Status indicator will blink
green rapidly. Continue holding the switch until the Status indicator begins blinking amber more slowly.
4. Release the Equalize switch and disconnect the batteries.
Initial Operation
When the PV input circuit breaker is turned on, the FLEXmax Extreme automatically detects the PV input voltage.
It then enters the “Wakeup” state (see page 28) and prepares to charge the batteries by tracking the maximum
power point of the solar array. During the initial tracking, the input PV source is gradually loaded from the
open-circuit voltage (V
oc
) to ½ of the V
oc
. Within this range, the FLEXmax Extreme seeks the maximum
power point. The amount of time required before starting operation is dependent on the module type, ambient
temperature, and the amount of sunlight directly on the PV array. Normally, the FLEXmax Extreme starts in the
morning within a few minutes of the PV array being exposed to direct sunlight.
Once the controller begins maximum power point tracking, it will enter a three-stage battery charging cycle.
This cycle can be observed with the controller’s LED indicators. (See page 23.) If the OutBack MATE3 or another
system display is available, it is possible to observe the specific charging stage, mode messages, and readings of
the charge controller.