MORNINGSTAR TS-M-2 TriStar Digital Meters Instruction Manual

MORNINGSTAR TS-M-2 TriStar Digital Meters

Product Information

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Morningstar Corporation
• Model : TriStar Meter 2
• Version : TS-M-2, TS-RM-2
• Dimensions : Available in inches and mm (refer to the user manual for specific measurements)
• Email : info@morningstarcorp.com
• Website : www.morningstarcorp.com

Meter Description

The TriStar Meter 2 is a technically advanced and professional solar battery charger and load controller. It comes with two digital LCD meters that are available in two versions: TS-M-2 (local meter) and TS-RM-2 (remote meter). The displays of both versions are identical.

Meter Versions
The TriStar Meter 2 is available in two versions

• TS-M-2: This local meter is an assembly that replaces the TriStar front access cover. It mounts directly to the TriStar controller.
• TS-RM-2: This remote meter comes with a mounting plate and a 30m (98.4 ft) cable. It can be mounted at a distance from the controller.

General Use
The TriStar Meter 2 provides a wide range of information about the TriStar controller and the operation of your solar system. It also enables manual functions and controller diagnostics. Familiarizing yourself with the meter will help you improve system reliability, battery life, and system performance.

Product Usage Instructions

Installation

Installation Safety Precautions (Local Meter)
When installing the local meter (TS-M-2), follow these safety precautions

1. Ensure that the power to the TriStar controller is turned off before installation.
2. Use caution when handling electrical components to avoid electric shock.
3. Follow all local electrical codes and regulations.

Installation Safety Precautions (Remote Meter)
When installing the remote meter (TS-RM-2), follow these safety precautions

1. Ensure that the power to the TriStar controller is turned off before installation.
2. Use caution when handling electrical components to avoid electric shock.
3. Follow all local electrical codes and regulations.
4. Ensure proper grounding of the remote meter and cable.

TS-M-2 Install (single TriStar)
To install the TS-M-2 meter on a single TriStar controller, follow these steps

1. Turn off the power to the TriStar controller.
2. Remove the front access cover from the TriStar controller.
3. Attach the TS-M-2 meter assembly in place of the front access cover.
4. Securely tighten the screws to hold the meter in place.
5. Turn on the power to the TriStar controller.

TS-RM-2 Install (single TriStar)
To install the TS-RM-2 remote meter on a single TriStar controller, follow these steps

1. Turn off the power to the TriStar controller.
2. Attach the mounting plate to a suitable location near the TriStar controller.
3. Connect the 30m (98.4 ft) cable to the remote meter and the TriStar controller.
4. Securely tighten all connections.
5. Turn on the power to the TriStar controller.

Multi-TriStar Network Setup
To set up a multi-TriStar network with the TriStar meters, follow these steps

1. Install the TS-M-2 meter or TS-RM-2 meter on each TriStar controller in the network following the respective installation instructions.
2. Connect all meters using appropriate cables, ensuring secure connections.
3. Turn on the power to all TriStar controllers.

Operation

Backlighting
The TriStar meters come with backlighting for easy visibility in low light conditions. The backlight can be turned on or off using the meter’s controls.

Single TriStar System
To operate a single TriStar system using the TriStar meter, follow these steps

1. Ensure that the power to the TriStar controller is turned on.
2. Use the meter’s controls to navigate through different screens and view system information.
3. Refer to the user manual for detailed instructions on accessing specific information and performing manual functions.

TriStar MeterBus Networks
To operate a TriStar MeterBus network with multiple TriStar controllers, follow these steps

1. Ensure that the power to all TriStar controllers is turned on.
2. Use the meter’s controls to navigate through different screens and view network information.
3. Refer to the user manual for detailed instructions on accessing specific information and performing manual functions in a MeterBus network.

Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues or problems with the TriStar Meter 2, refer to the troubleshooting section of the user manual. It provides step-by-step instructions to diagnose and resolve common issues.

Warranty
The TriStar Meter 2 comes with a warranty. Refer to the user manual for detailed warranty terms and conditions.

FAQ

• Q: Who should install the TriStar Meter 2?
  A: Only qualified electricians and technicians who are familiar with solar system design and wiring practices should install the TriStar Meter 2.

• Q: What information can the TriStar Meter 2 display?
  A: The TriStar Meter 2 can display a full range of operating and diagnostic information for the TriStar’s battery charging, load, and diversion operating modes.

• Q: How can I improve system reliability using the TriStar Meter 2?
  A: By using the meter’s capabilities to monitor system performance and diagnose any issues, you can take appropriateactions to improve system reliability.

TS-RM-2 Dimensions in inches [mm]

Important Safety Information

Save These Instructions
This manual contains important safety, installation and operating instructions for the TriStar Meter 2 digital displays.

The following symbols are used throughout this manual to indicate potentially dangerous conditions or mark important safety instructions

• WARNING
  Indicates a potentially dangerous condition. Use extreme caution when performing this task.

• CAUTION
  Indicates a critical procedure for safe and proper operation of the controller.

• NOTE
  Indicates a procedure or function that is important for the safe and proper operation of the controller.

Safety Information

• Read all of the instructions and cautions in the manual before beginning installation.
• There are no user serviceable parts inside the TriStar Meter 2. Do not disassemble or attempt to repair.
• There are no fuses or disconnects inside the TriStar Meter 2. Do not attempt to repair.

Installation Safety Precautions (Local Meter)

• Disconnect all power sources from the controller before mounting the TS-M-2 local meter.
• Use the supplied RJ-11 meter cable to connect the meter to the controller.
• Bend the power conductors in the conduit wiring box so that they do not touch the back of the meter.
• Apply silicon gel to the RJ-11 connections on the meter and the controller for maximum protection from corrosion.

Installation Safety Precautions (Remote Meter)

• Disconnect all power sources from the controller before opening the conduit box to connect the meter.
• Mount the TriStar Meter 2 indoors. Prevent exposure to the elements and do not allow water to enter the meter.
• Protect the RJ-11 wiring with grommets, conduit, and wire clips as necessary.
• Apply silicon gel to the RJ-11 connections on the meter and the controller for maximum protection from corrosion.

About this Manual
This manual provides detailed installation and usage instructions for the TriStar Meter 2 digital meters. Only qualified electricians and technicians who are familiar with solar system design and wiring practices should install the TriStar Meter 2. The usage information in this manual is intended for the sys- tem owner/operator.

Meter Description

TriStar controllers are technically advanced and professional solar battery chargers and load controllers. Two digital LCD meters are available for the TriStar family of controllers, and their displays are identical. One version is mounted on the controller; the other is mounted in a remote location.

This manual will help you to become familiar with the TriStar meters’ features and capabilities. Some of these follow

• Intertek ETL Recognized for use with Morningstar’s TriStar family of charge controllers
• Complies with CE and LVD standards
• Suitable for 12, 24, 48 Vdc systems
• Fully protected from wiring faults
• Controller-mounted and remote versions can be used together
• Extended LCD temperature rating (-20oC to +70oC)
• Multilingual display (English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish)
• Displays aggregate system data from multiple TriStar controllers
• Manual Ah resets and equalization control for individual controllers and for multi-controller systems
• Diagnostic capabilities
• View internal logged data stored in TriStar controllers that have datalogging capability
• Remote version supplied with 30m (98.4 ft), cable may be shortened if needed
• Connections are by standard RJ-11 6-position modular plugs
• 5-year standard warranty

Meter Versions
This manual covers two standard versions of a digital LCD meter that can be used with the TriStar family of solar controllers.

• Version TS-M-2
  This local meter is provided as an assembly that replaces the TriStar front access cover. The TS-M-2 meter mounts to the TriStar controller.

• Version TS-RM-2
  This remote meter is provided with a mounting plate and 30m (98.4 ft) of cable. It is identical to the TS-M-2 version except that the TS-RM-2 version can be mounted at some distance from the controller.
  Both meters can display the full range of operating and diagnostic information for the TriStar’s battery charging, load and diversion operating modes.

General Use

• The meter will display a great deal of information about the TriStar controller and the operation of your system. In addition, the meters enable manual functions and controller diagnostics. These capabilities will increase your confi dence that the system is working properly and will help you to improve system reliability, battery life, and system performance. It is worth the time getting to know your meter!
• The organization of the display screens is described in Section

It is easy to move around the various display areas and to scroll up or down, and left or right using the four pushbuttons as indicated below

Due to power requirements, there is a limit of two meters that can be used with a single TriStar controller. There is also a limit of fi ve meters per MeterBus network. Any combination of local and remote meter is permitted. Only one meter can have an active backlight at any given time.

Installation

The TriStar meters can be added to the controller when it is fi rst installed, or at anytime after the controller has been in service.

General Information
The installation steps will differ depending on the number of TriStar controllers in the system.

For Single TriStar Systems

• Mount the meter to the TriStar (TS-M-2) or in a remote location (TS-RM-2)
• Connect the meter cable to the RJ-11 connectors
• adjust the meter settings

For Systems with 2 or More TriStar Controllers

• Use a meter or MSView PC software to adjust the MeterBus address of each TriStar controller in the system.
• Mount the meter to the TriStar (TS-M-2) or in a remote location (TS-RM-2).
• Connect the meter(s) and controllers to a HUB-1 (sold separately)
• adjust the meter settings

NOTE
A TriStar meter may be connected to each TriStar in a multi-TriStar system without the use of a HUB-1. This configuration will not provide total system information; each meter will only display the information for one controller.
NOTE
Both meters are rated for indoor use only.

• There is a limit of two meters per single TriStar, five meters per MeterBus network. A single controller cannot power 3 meters.
• When connected to a TriStar, the meter will automatically display the correct operating mode (Solar Charging / Load / Diversion). No adjustments to the meter are required.
• If replacing or extending the meter cable, see Section 5.2.

TS-M-2 Install (single TriStar)
To install the local controller-mounted meter to a single TriStar, follow these steps in order

CAUTION: Risk of Shock
Disconnect all power to the TriStar. The meter will not be damaged if connected with power, but power should be disconnected before the access cover is removed for safety.
CAUTION: Equipment Damage
Do not allow the local meter to hang or dangle from the RJ-11 cable when connected to the TriStar. The resulting stress on the cable could damage the meter or connectors.

1. Use a large phillips screwdriver to remove the 4 access cover screws.

2. Connect the RJ-11 cable to the meter and to the RJ-11 socket on the TriStar. Looking at the back of the meter, connect to the left RJ-11 socket. NOTE
   If the cable is connected to the wrong RJ-11 meter socket, there will not be any damage and the LCD display will remain blank. Move the cable connection to the other socket.

3. Carefully mount the TS-M-2 cover on the controller. Arrange the RJ-11 cable so that it does not interfere with the pushbutton operation or obscure the view of the LED indicators. Fasten the meter using the same 4 screws that secured the blank access cover.

CAUTION: Equipment Damage
Do not force the cover into place. If the large power wires are too high in the wiring compartment, pushing the meter onto the wires will damage the meter.

TS-RM-2 Install (single TriStar)
The remote meter is designed to mount into a standard duplex (2-gang) box, or flush against a wall or cabinet with a proper sized hole.

1. Connect one end of the 30 meter cable to the TriStar RJ-11 socket (or to the open socket if a TS-M-2 meter is mounted to the TriStar).
2. Connect the other end of the cable to the left socket (looking at the back) of the remote meter. See the diagram in 2.2.
3. Confirm the meter is working before mounting the meter.
4. Mount the meter to the wall or cabinet. If a 2-gang box is not being used, cut a hole in the wall or cabinet sized per the TS-RM-2 dimensions provided on the inside cover of this manual.

NOTE
2 remote meters can be installed if a TS-M-2 meter is not attached to the TriStar controller.

Multi-TriStar Network Setup

• Multiple TriStar controllers can be networked together using a Morningstar MeterBus Communication Hub (HUB-1) and RJ-11 cables. Networking controllers together on a MeterBus net-work allows one or more TriStar digital meters to communicate with all controllers on the network. This enables the display of total system data on the meter. Additionally, each individual controller’s data may be viewed in separate menus.
• To install either version meter in a MeterBus network, follow these steps in order:
• Step 1 – Program Unique MeterBus Addresses
• Each device on the MeterBus network must have a unique MeterBus address. All TriStars have a default MeterBus ad-dress of 1. Choose a controller to be controller #1 and mark it with a pen or sticker. This controller will keep the default MeterBus address 1.
• There are two ways to program the remaining TriStars with unique addresses. TriStar PWM controllers can only be modi-fi ed using Morningstar MSView PC software. TriStar MPPT controllers can be modifi ed with MSView or directly from the TriStar Meter 2 Advanced Setup menu. Instructions for both methods are provided.

Modify the MeterBus Address with the TriStar Meter 2

1. Connect a TriStar local or remote meter to the second TriStar in the system.
2. Wait for the meter to power up and detect the connected TriStar. Once the meter has fully started, scroll to the bottom  of the main menu to the Logged Data screen. Press and hold the down pushbutton for 3 seconds until the Advanced Setup menu appears. See the Advanced Setup menu topic in section 4.2 for more details on how to access this menu.
3. In the Advanced Setup menu, scroll down to the MeterBus Address screen. Scroll left or right to increment/decrement the MeterBus address to the desired value.
4. When fi nished, push the up pushbutton to exit the menu. The LEDs on the controller should display a fault sequence indicating that memory has been modified.
5. Cycle power to the controller to reset the fault condition.
6. Disconnect the meter from the second controller. Repeat steps 1 – 5 for each additional TriStar in the system, programming each controller with addresses 3, 4, 5, etc. A maximum of 15 TriStar controllers are possible on a single MeterBus network.

NOTE
The Morningstar Relay Driver has a default factory MeterBus address of 9. If a RelayDriver is present in the system, skip address 9 when programming the TriStars and resume numbering at address 10.

Modify the MeterBus Address using MSView PC Software Morningstar’s MSView PC software is available for free on our website. Download the latest version and install it. Follow these steps in order to change the MeterBus address:

1. Open MSView and select the setup wizard for your model TriStar controller from the Tools menu.
2. If custom settings are already programmed, read the set- tings out first and then edit them. If one of the standard battery settings is used (most common), click “Create New”.
3. Click “Next” until the Communications Settings dialog appears. Change the MeterBus address to the desired ad-dress.
4. Click “Next” until the end of the wizard. Then click the Pro-gram button to load the new settings. Connect the TriStar with a serial cable to the computer, choose the connection settings, and click “Next” to program the controller.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 for each TriStar in the system, program-ming each controller with addresses 3, 4, 5, etc. A maximum of 15 TriStar controllers are possible on a single MeterBus network.

NOTE
The controller does not have to be configured to use custom settings. When the MeterBus address is changed in custom settings memory, the programmed address is used for all modes of operation.

Step 2 – MeterBus Network Connections
After all TriStar controllers have been programmed with unique MeterBus addresses, the controllers must be net-worked together using one or more MeterBus Communication Hubs (HUB-1). Be careful not to overload a single TriStar in the system with too many meters, hubs, or other MeterBus de-vices. If the system will have multiple meters, wire each meter to a different TriStar. If possible, do not connect a meter to the same TriStar that provides power to the hub(s).
Following are a list of network rules and example networks.

Network Rules

• A maximum of 15 devices are allowed on a single MeterBus network. TriStar digital meters are not included in the device count.
• Ports 1 – 4 on the MeterBus Communication Hub are isolated ports. There is no power output on these ports.
• Ports A & B are not isolated from each other, but are isolated from ports 1-4.
• A TriStar must be connected to Input Power Port B to power the hub. When linking multiple hubs, Power Out Port A is connected to Input Power Port B of the following hub. (see Example Network # 3, pg. 20)
• DO NOT connect a TriStar to Power Out Port A
• Connect each additional TriStar in the system to ports 1 through 4
• Avoid connecting more than two Hubs, Meters, Relay Drivers or other devices to a single TriStar meter port. See the example networks for more details.

Example Network #1

• TriStar 1 provides power both to a hub and to a single Remote Meter connected to Output Power Port A.
• TriStar 2 is connected to Port 1 on the Hub and is electrically isolated from TriStar 1.

NOTE
Electrical isolation protects controllers, cables, and other system equipment from damaged due to poor or disconnected system grounds.

Example Network #2

Figure 3-3. A medium-sized network with 3 TriStars, 2 meters, and a Relay Driver.

• TriStar 1 provides power to the hub and Remote Meter.
• TriStar 2 powers the Relay Driver and TriStar 3 powers the Local Meter. It is good practice to distribute the network meters and Relay Driver as shown to avoid loading a single TriStar with all of the network accessories.
• All three TriStars are isolated from each other in this system.

NOTE
Information is shared across the entire MeterBus network. A meter can be connected anywhere in the system and will always show full aggregate system information as well as information about each con-troller on the network. This is true regardless of the meter model (TS-M-2 / TS-RM-2).

Example Network #3

Figure 3-4. A large multi-hub network with 3 hubs, 13 TriStars, and 2 meters.

• TriStar 1 provides power to hubs X & Y. Do not daisy-chain more than 2 hubs.
• TriStar 2 provides power to hub Z to avoid overloading TriStar 1 with three hubs.
• Power Out Port A (Link Out) of hub Z is connected to Port 4 on hub Y so that communication is maintained between all 3 hubs.
• TriStars 3 & 9 each power a TriStar Local Meter.
• All TriStars are electrically isolated.

Operation

• The four pushbuttons are in the shape of directional arrows. Changing a display screen will be in the direction of the arrow (up or down / left or right).
• The information displayed and the organization of the meter screens differs depending on the number of TriStar controllers connected to the meter.
• The exact menu structure for each supported controller is pro-vided on separate meter maps included with the TS-M-2 and TS-RM-2 meters. This section discusses how to use the meter and adjust settings. It also covers important details about the menu structure.

Backlighting
The first push of any of the four meter pushbuttons will turn on the backlight. The backlight will remain on for 5 minutes from the last button press.

NOTE
When turning on the backlight, there is no change in the display. The second press of any pushbutton will then change the display screen. This applies to both TS-M-2 and TS-RM-2 meter versions.

NOTE
Only one meter will be backlit at a time. Pushing a but-ton on a second meter on the network will automatically turn off the backlight on the first meter.

If the meter is connected to a TriStar PWM controller, the backlighting will begin to dim when battery voltage falls below 12.7 Volts. Backlighting will continue to dim proportionally to the battery voltage down to 10.0 Volts.
The backlight draws very low power and would consume less than 1 amp-hour of energy if it were turned on for a full 24 hour period.

Single TriStar System
The following section describes the TS-M-2 and TS-RM-2 operation in systems with one or more meters connected to a single TriStar controller. See section 4.3 for information pertaining to meters connected in multi-TriStar MeterBus net-works.

Startup Displays
When the meter is plugged in and powered on, a sequence of startup screens will be displayed. Figure 4-1 below shows the startup sequence and provides a description of the information displayed on each screen. The startup screens are only dis-played once when the meter is first powered on. This information can also be found under “TriStar Settings” during normal operation.

Figure 4-1. Startup screens

Operating Displays

• Operating Display screens show the general operating information for the controller and cumulative information collected over time. These display screens are configured in a continuous circular loop and can be quickly accessed by scrolling either left or right.
• The number of Operating Displays and the exact information displayed in each screen varies depending on the TriStar con-troller model and mode of operation (charge, load, diversion, etc). Refer to the meter map for the particular TriStar model purchased for detailed display information.

Figure 4-2 below shows an example layout of Operating Displays.

Manual Operations
Screens located below the Operating Displays provide for various resets and manual functions. Additional display screens for resets and manual functions can be found in the Diagnos-tics menu. Figure 4-3 shows the location of the Manual Operation displays in the menu.

Below is a full list of possible Manual Operation screens that can be displayed. Only operations that are relevant to the TriStar model and mode are displayed on the meter.

Reset Amp-hours
This display screen can be used to reset the reset-able Ah value. Additionally, this operation will reset the battery mini-mum and battery maximum values displayed in the Operating Displays. Hold the right arrow pushbutton for 2 seconds and all three values will be reset to zero.

Equalize Start/Stop
Use this screen to initiate and terminate a manual equalization charge. Holding the right arrow for 2 seconds will start the equalization charge. Hold again for 2 seconds and equaliza-tion will stop. The SOC LEDs on the TriStar controller should fl ash the equalize start/stop sequence as defi ned in the con-troller Operator’s Manual.

NOTE
If the TriStar is configured for a battery type that does not have an equalize charge stage and an equalize operation is requested on the meter, the meter will display an “Error!” message indicating that an equal-ization charge cannot occur.

This Manual Operation screen will only be displayed for TriStars in charge control mode.

Load On/Off

• Press and hold the right arrow pushbutton for 2 seconds to toggle the load on or off. If the controller is in low voltage dis-connect (LVD), the load will reconnect for 10 minutes and then turn off automatically. There is no limit to the number of load reconnects in LVD.
• This Manual Operation screen will only be displayed for TriStars in load control mode.

Battery Service (Diagnostics menu)
If battery service was performed early, this screen can be used to reset the service interval back to zero. The battery service reminder function is only enabled in custom settings.

Reset Total Amp-hours (Diagnostics menu)
This display will reset the total Ah and total kWh counters to zero. These values are normally not reset. However, if a new battery is installed for example, the owner may wish to reset these counters.

Diagnostics Menu
The Diagnostics Menu lists faults, alarms, and technical diagnostic information about the controller. This information may be useful for troubleshooting problems with the controller or solar system.

The exact information displayed in the Diagnostics Menu screens varies depending on the TriStar controller model and mode of operation (charge, load, diversion, etc). Refer to the meter map for the particular model purchased for detailed display information.

Faults & Alarms
If a “Fault” or “Alarm” condition fl ashes on one of the main Operating Displays, navigate down to the Diagnostics Menu for a list of existing faults or alarms. The faults and alarms lists are always displayed on the fi rst 2 screens of the Diagnostics Menu. Use the left and right pushbuttons to scroll through each list of faults and alarms, if any exist.

Using the Diagnostic Data
A full set of operating information is displayed below the fault and alarm display screens. These values are real-time and can change while the screen is being displayed. Following are a few notes about the diagnostic data:

• Battery temperature is displayed only if a Remote Temperature Sensor is connected to the controller.
• Battery Voltage is measured at the controller battery terminals.
• Battery Sense displays the actual battery voltage measured with the Battery Sense wires. If sense wires are not connected, the screen will display “invalid”.
• Solar Voltage is measured at the solar input terminals.
• Last Eq reports the number of days since the last equalization charge.
• TriStar temperature is the heatsink temperature on the controller.
• TriStar hours are the length of time the controller has been in operation..

TriStar Settings Menu
The TriStar Settings menu provides the following functions

• confirms the setup and settings switches (DIP switches) are con-figured correctly
• provides hardware and software version numbers for technical support
• screens to select a language or change the units of temperature values on the meter

Information Displayed
The first display screen shows the TriStar controller’s hard-ware and software revision as well as the controller serial number. These numbers are helpful if technical support is required.
The second display screen provides the meter hardware and software version. Following the version displays is a list of screens that provide specific information describing the operating mode and charging / load settings.
This information can be used to confirm that the controller has been adjusted and setup as desired. If any of these values do not seem correct, review the TriStar Operator’s Manual and confirm that the settings switches are configured correctly.

Language and Temperature Selections
The bottom two display screens provide for selecting a language or different temperature units.

Scrolling left or right on the Language screen provides selec-tion of one of fi ve languages

• English
• French
• German
• Spanish
• Portuguese

Scrolling left or right on the Units screen allows the user to choose between °C and °F temperature display on the meter.

Logged Data Menu

NOTE
Not all TriStar models support data logging or viewing logged data on the TriStar Meter 2. Refer to the meter map for the particular model purchased for detailed display information or consult the controller Operator’s Manual.

The Logged Data menu displays select operating data that has been collected and stored in the TriStar controller’s internal memory. The structure of the Logged Data menu is shown in Figure 4-6. Use the down pushbutton to scroll through the list of logged values. The right pushbutton scrolls back in time. The menu will wrap back to the beginning in both directions.

Advanced Setup Menu

NOTE
Not all TriStar models support Advanced Setup on the TriStar Meter 2. Refer to the meter map for the particular model purchased for detailed display information or consult the controller Operator’s Manual.

The Advanced Setup menu allows the user to modify certain operating settings. To enter the Advanced Setup menu, scroll down to the last display screen in the main menu. Press and hold the down pushbutton for 3 seconds. The Advanced Setup entry display will appear. Press the right pushbutton to enter the menu.

The setting values displayed in the Advanced Setup menu screens varies depending on the TriStar controller model and mode of operation (charge, load, diversion, etc). Refer to the meter map for the particular model purchased for detailed display information. Not all TriStar models support settings adjustment through the TriStar Meter 2.
For each value in the menu, use the left and right pushbuttons to modify the setting. The setting will be saved when the up or down pushbutton is pressed. Some settings may fault the controller when modifi ed. The controller will need to be reset by removing and then reconnecting power.

TriStar MeterBus Networks
The following section describes the additional meter screens displayed on the TS-M-2 and TS-RM-2 in systems with two or more TriStar controllers on a MeterBus network. Section 4.2 covers the individual controller menus.

Startup Displays
When the meter is plugged in and powered on, a sequence of startup screens will be displayed. Figure 4-8 below shows the startup sequence and provides a description of the information displayed on each screen. The startup screens are only dis-played once when the meter is first powered on. This information can also be found under “System Settings” in the System menu during normal operation.

Network Device List
The Network Device List is a top level menu that contains a screen for each controller on the network. There is also an ad-ditional “SYSTEM” screen that provides system-wide informa-tion.
An example Network Device List is shown in fi gure 4-9 below. The example system has two controllers: a charge controller and a TS-45 in Load mode.

Each device screen displays the model number, the mode of operation, and the MeterBus address. Pressing the down but-ton on any of the device screens will advance to the controller information menu. The information menu varies depending on the TriStar controller model and mode of operation (charge, load, diversion, etc). The structure of the controller information menus is described in Section 4.2. Refer to the meter map for the particular model purchased for detailed display information.
Pressing the down pushbutton on the “SYSTEM” screen will advance to the System Information menu. The System Infor-mation menu is a special menu that is described in the next topic.

System Information Menu
The System Information menu displays the following

• Operating Displays show aggregate system data
• Manual Operation screens for system-wide control
• System Settings menu to adjust meter settings

System Operating Displays
The quantity and type of Operating Displays in the System Information menu depends on the controllers in the system.
If one or more charge controllers are in the system, the Oper-ating Displays in Figure 4-11 will be included in the Operating Displays list.

Figure 4-11. Total system charge Operating Displays

If one or more load controllers are in the system, the Operating Displays in Figure 4-12 will be included in the Operating Displays list.

Figure 4-12. Total system load Operating Displays

If one or more diversion controllers are in the system, the Operating Displays in Figure 4-13 will be included in the Operating Displays list.

System Manual Operation Displays
Display screens located below the Operating Displays provide for various resets and manual functions. These commands are broadcast across the network to all controllers. See the Manu-al Operations topic in Section 4.2 for more information.

System Settings Menu
This menu displays the meter hardware and software version and also provides adjustments for the meter language and temperature units.

Troubleshooting

The TriStar Meter 2 displays data transmitted digitally from the TriStar controller(s). There should not be any confl icts between the values displayed on the meter and information collected from the controller through other communication interfaces. For this reason, the meter troubleshooting focuses on mechanical and electrical issues with the meter and meter connection.

Troubleshooting Steps
There is no display

• the RJ-11 cable may be plugged into the wrong connector socket
• move to the other socket on the meter
• the connector may be loose in the socket – remove and reconnect, press fi rmly until the plug “clicks”
• there may be a break in the RJ-11 cable wire (see section 5.2)
• battery voltage may be too low, check the TriStar Operator’s Manual for minimum operating voltage.

Backlight is dim or does not light

• if there is enough ambient light in the room, the backlighting may not be noticeable
• battery voltage may be too low, check the TriStar Operator’s Manual for minimum operating voltage.

The meter map provided does not match the meter dis-play

• the meter map may not match the meter display due to software revisions, the latest maps are available for download on our web-site
• if there are substantial differences between the map and the dis-play, either the wrong map is used or the controller is not confi g-ured for the correct operating mode

The meter does not respond to button pushes

• press the pushbutton down harder – it will not break
• try other pushbuttons to confi rm one or more are working
• if others work, the faulty button may have dirt on the contact
• to clean:
  • disconnect the power
  • remove the 2 Phillips screws that fasten the meter to the cover plate
  • remove the meter assembly from the yellow button pad
  • clean the pushbutton contacts and circuit board contacts with alcohol and a cotton swab.
  • reassemble the meter

Dirt is trapped between the display and the label window

• to clean
  • disconnect the power
  • remove the 2 Phillips screws that fasten the meter to the cover plate
  • remove the meter assembly from the yellow button pad
  • clean the label window and screen with a damp cloth and dry.
  • reassemble the meter

RJ-11 Cable Repair

• The meter connecting cable is a standard 6-conductor tele-phone cable with RJ-11 modular connectors. If the cable or connectors are damaged, they can either be repaired or replaced.
• A standard fl at 6-wire phone cable should be used. With the RJ-11 connectors, the cable assembly appears as shown in fi gure 5-1.
• A 4-wire cable can also be used for shorter distances.

Warranty

The TriStar Meter 2 is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of FIVE (5) years from the date of shipment to the original end user. Morningstar will, at its option, repair or replace any such defective products.

CLAIM PROCEDURE
Before requesting warranty service, check the Operator’s Manual to be certain that there is a fault with the TriStar Meter 2. Return the defective product to your authorized Morningstar distributor with shipping charges prepaid. Provide proof of date and place of purchase. To obtain service under this warranty, the returned products must include the model, serial number and detailed reason for the failure. This information is critical to a rapid disposition of your warranty claim. Morningstar will pay the return shipping charges if the repairs are covered by the warranty.

WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS
This warranty does not apply under the following conditions

• Damage by accident, negligence, abuse or improper use.
• Unauthorized product modifi cation or attempted repair
• Damage occurring during shipment

THE WARRANTY AND REMEDIES SET FORTH ABOVE ARE EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU OF ALL OTHERS, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. MORNINGSTAR SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. No Morningstar distributor, agent or employee is authorized to make any modifi cation or extension to this warranty.

MORNINGSTAR IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOST PROFITS, DOWNTIME, GOODWILL OR
DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT OR PROPERTY.

• 8 Pheasant Run
• Newtown PA 18940
• Email : info@morningstarcorp.com
• www.morningstarcorp.com

Technical Specifications

• Specifications subject to change without notice. Designed in the U.S.A.
• Assembled in Taiwan.
• MS-ZMAN-TSM2-01-A 09/09

References

• Solar Charge Controllers & Inverters | Morningstar Off-grid Solar

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