Continental Home MATE2 manual What is a set point?, Among other functions, the OutBack Mate

With the MATE, a user can know the system’s activity and conditions at any given time. Sometimes, after careful observations, a user might want to change the conditions or set points which cause an action to occur.

What is a set point?

A set point is a condition, measurement, or baseline a user establishes in order for something else to happen. A home thermostat offers a simple example. When predetermined temperatures and times are set for weekdays and weekends, the thermostat signals to a heating/cooling system to turn on at one time until a certain temperature is reached, maintain that temperature, and finally shut off at a later time, usually during sleep hours to conserve energy. Otherwise, the user would have to manually control the system. An outdoor light connected to a timer turns on when its set point—a certain time of the night—occurs. You can set various set points for your power system, such as when a generator turns on and shuts off, using the MATE.

Among other functions, the OutBack MATE:

•Displays FX Series Inverter/Charger functions and allows the user to establish the conditions—time of day or the voltage of the battery, for instance—that initiate or shut off these functions.

•Shows FX AC current and AC and DC voltage-related information including the source (AC input, load, or batteries), the voltage levels of the batteries, and recharging voltages.

•Instantly displays any FX or Charge Controller errors as well as the specific component affected for easier troubleshooting.

•Displays Charge Controller modes, programs the FLEXmax 80 Charge Controller and allows control over its AUX function.

•Will start a two-wire generator at pre-set times, including different settings for weekdays and weekends, as well as “exercise” periods for generator maintenance.

•Displays all readings of the FLEXnet DC.

The MATE allows a user to view, monitor, and establish all the pertinent settings and values that occur while the system is running. From time to time, these settings and values might be adjusted as components are added or upgraded, electrical loads increase, or patterns of usage change. Making these adjustments using the MATE is similar to adjusting any number of electronic devices we all use every day, such as a clock radio whose wake-up time and stations are pre-set.

Programming the start and stop times for different sources of energy (when to use grid- supplied power, stored battery power, or generator-supplied power) and determining the frequency and duration of battery recharging are highly recommended with any RE system. Many settings are based on battery voltage. Certain voltages, for example, will trigger battery recharging (a low voltage, as recommended by the battery manufacturer) while others stop recharging (a high voltage value, also recommended by the battery manufacturer). The OutBack MATE accommodates a wide range of time-based and voltage-level functions and conditions for maximum control of your power system while working through the FX Series Inverter/Chargers and OutBack Charge Controllers.

As you go through the manual, start with the simple functions, such as setting the system’s clock and calendar, to familiarize yourself with the OutBack MATE’s feel and capabilities. While using your system, you might change settings from time to time depending on the season of the year and the cost of grid-supplied power during peak and off-peak hours. For additional information and discussion on the OutBack MATE, please go to www.outbackpower.com and join our forum discussions.