Alpha OutBack POWER MATE3 User manual

MATE3
System Display and Controller
Owner’s Manual
Abbreviated Manual for Mate 3
Prepared by Miller Solar
For emergencies: 805-438-5600
Dear Customer:
Thank you for hiring Miller Solar to install your Outback Power System. This manual describes the
operation of the Mate 3, the device that controls the equipment and provides you with essential
readings.
In case of problems, we can talk you through most problems over the telephone.
William Miller
805-438-5600
[email protected]
The most important thing is to take care of your batteries. We will provide information and
training on the proper care and feeding of your battery bank.
The equipment comes with manuals that contain way more information than the user needs. The
document you are reading is abbreviated from 190 pages down to about 11. The most important
points are highlighted. Please familiarize yourself with this abbreviated manual and keep it handy

Introduction
12 900-0117-01-00 Rev C
Figure 1 MATE3 Features
INVERTER Hot Key
Inverter Status LED (Green)
EVENTS Hot Key
Event LED (Red)
A
C INPUT Hot Key
AC Status LED (Yellow)
FAVORITE Hot Key
Favorite Status LED (Green)
Battery Status LEDs (x3) LCD Screen
Soft Keys (x4)
PORT Navigation Key
UP Navigation Key
LOCK Key
TOP Navigation
Key
Control Wheel Center Button
CHARGER Hot Key
Charger Status LED (Yellow)
SD
Memory
Card Slot
SD Memory Card
Back Vie
w
Side Vie
w
HUB or OutBack
Device
Ethernet Port
Network Status LEDs
GEN(erator) Hot Key
GEN Status LED (Green)
Abbreviated Manual for Mate 3
Prepared by Miller Solar
For emergencies: 805-438-5600
The picture above shows the Mate 3 with the lower cover off.
There are no routine operations that require you remove this
cover. Some users may want to delve deeper into the
operation of the Mate3. See the full manual for more details.
Unless you enter the password, you can't do much damage.
There are a few minor exceptions:
1. If you expect the generator to start automatically you need
to make sure the control is set for Auto.
2. If you start the generator manually, you must stop it
manually, else it will run until it breaks.
3. Avoid using the "Drop" Command. It has no useful function
and can cause problems.
4. Avoid making any changes in the "Charger Mode."
Don't mess with
this button!
More detailed warnings are provided where applicable.

900-0117-01-00 Rev C 29
Operation
The MATE3 provides the means for programming OutBack inverter/chargers, charge controllers, and
battery monitors when preprogrammed default settings do not work for the destined installation.
IMPORTANT:
The OutBack inverters have nonvolatile memory and will retain any settings
that have been changed, even after the MATE3 is removed. If a system does
not have a MATE3, an installer can bring a MATE3 to the site temporarily,
install it, change the settings, and then remove it.
IMPORTANT:
Some functions are not based in the inverter or charge controller, but are
part of the MATE3’s firmware. They will not function if the MATE3 is
removed. These functions are listed beginning on page 115.
Display and LED Status Indicators
Figure 18 Display and LED Status Indicators
Battery Status LEDs (x3) LCD Screen
Inverter LED
Charger LED
Generator LED
Events LED
AC Input LED
Favorite LED
Network Status LEDs1
(located on back)
1Solid yellow indicates the ethernet link is established.
Blinking green indicates network activity.
Abbreviated Manual for Mate 3
Prepared by Miller Solar
For emergencies: 805-438-5600
We have deleted unnecessary information so you do not need to read more than the
minimum, enhancing your understanding of the really important points. We will provide
training on the use and maintenance of your system.
if you wish to learn more about your Mate3 and associated equipment, please refer to the
complete manual sets.
Below is an overview of the Mate 3 controller. The unit will allow you to read critical values
on your power system, make some adjustments and initiate important operations, such as
starting the generator or starting an equalization charge (see attached battery instructions).

Operation
30 900-0117-01-00 Rev C
LED Status Indicators
Battery LEDs
Three LEDs provide a visual reference to indicate the condition of the battery bank.
A GREEN LED means the batteries have an adequate charge at that time. It does not always mean they are full. If
an FNDC is installed, this means the batteries are 80% State of Charge (SOC).
A YELLOW LED means the batteries are somewhat discharged. If an FNDC is installed, this means the batteries
are 60% and 70%.
A RED LED means the batteries are greatly discharged and may require attention. If an FNDC is installed, this
means the batteries are < 60%. May be accompanied by an event indicator and a
Low Battery V
error. (See
pages 31 and 43.)
Table 2 Battery Status LEDs
Color 12 Vdc Unit 24 Vdc Unit,
± 0.2 Vdc
36 Vdc Unit,
± 0.3 Vdc
48 Vdc Unit,
± 0.4 Vdc Battery Status
GREEN 12.5 Vdc or higher 25.0 Vdc or higher 37.5 Vdc or higher 50.0 Vdc or higher ACCEPTABLE
YELLOW 11.5 to 12.4 Vdc 23.0 to 24.8 Vdc 34.5 to 37.2 Vdc 46.0 to 49.6 Vdc USABLE
RED 11.4 Vdc or lower 22.8 Vdc or lower 34.2 Vdc or lower 45.6 Vdc or lower LOW
NOTES:
Gaps in the table (higher-voltage units) are due to the resolution of the inverter’s DC meter.
These voltage settings are not the same as the inverter’s Low Battery Cut-Out voltage. (See page 88.)
The Battery LED settings cannot be changed.
Voltages higher than shown in the GREEN row usually means that the batteries are charging.
Inverter LED (green)
This LED is located on the INVERTER hot key. (See page 55.) It provides a visual reference for the status
of the inverter operation.
ON (solid) — inverter is converting DC to AC in order to power loads.
ON (flashing) — the inverter is in Search mode.
OFF (not illuminated)
~the inverter is not converting DC power to AC power, or
~the AC input source is powering the loads.
In stacked configurations, the master inverter controls this LED status. If any inverters in a stacked system
have a different inverting status from the master, this LED will not display their status.
Charger LED (yellow)
This LED is located on the CHARGER hot key. (See page 56.) It provides a visual reference for the status
of the battery charger.
ON (illuminated) — a device on the HUB is delivering more than a minimal amount of charging power. The
device may be an inverter or a charge controller.
ON (flashing) — the batteries are being equalized.
OFF (not illuminated) — no device is actively charging the batteries, for several reasons.
~the charger(s) may be functional, but in a quiescent state such as Silent.
~the charger(s) may be functional, but the charging sources may be disconnected or unavailable.
~the charger(s) may be turned off.
Abbreviated Manual for Mate 3
Prepared by Miller Solar
For emergencies: 805-438-5600
The actual battery voltages are a more
reliable gauge on battery charge status.
Not recommended.

Operation
900-0117-01-00 Rev C 31
Generator LED (green)
This LED is located on the GEN hot key. (See page 59.) It provides a visual reference for the status of a
generator that is controlled by the Advanced Generator Start (AGS) function. (See page 115.)
ON (illuminated) — The generator is detected to be running after receiving an
ON
command in the
Generator
Status
menu. The MATE3 determines the generator is running based on input AC voltage (if the generator type
is AC). This LED will usually illuminate in conjunction with the AC INPUT LED. This LED will only illuminate
when an AC generator is used.
OFF (not illuminated) — The
Generator Status
menu has been set to
OFF
, or the AGS function has not been
enabled. If the generator shuts down or stops delivering power, this LED will remain on until a generator fault
is declared.
Events LED (red)
This LED is located on the EVENTS hot key. (See page 61.) It indicates that an event requires
acknowledgement. Generally, this LED only illuminates when a fault occurs.
ON (solid) — An error has occurred. This is usually accompanied by inverter shutdown. This event can also
indicate a generator fault if the voltage is lost from an automatic generator. (See page 59.)
ON (flashing) — A warning has occurred.
OFF (not illuminated) — No particular status. Events may be logged in Event History, but they do not
require attention.
This LED will remain on until the event has been acknowledged in the
Event Status Detail
menu.
(See page 61.) It may be necessary to troubleshoot and deal with the cause of the event. (See pages 42,
43, and 150.) Specific error or warning messages are defined in the inverter Operator’s Manual.
AC Input LED (yellow)
This LED is located on the AC INPUT hot key. (See page 62.) It provides a visual reference for the status
of the AC input.
ON (solid) — The AC source is connected and providing power. Unit may or may not be charging the batteries,
depending on settings.
ON (flashing) — The AC source is present but has not been accepted. If flashing continues, the unit is refusing
the source. This can occur for the following reasons.
~The AC source may have quality issues. To determine system warnings for AC source problems see page 55 for the
Warnings menu. To view AC source measurements see page 62.
~In the AC INPUT hot key menu, the AC Input Status is set to Drop. See page 62.
~The HBX function or the Grid Use Time function intentionally disconnected the inverter.
(See page 124 and page 125 for descriptions of these functions.)
OFF (not illuminated) — No AC source is detected.
In stacked configurations, the master inverter controls this LED status. If any inverters in a stacked system
have a different AC input status from the master, this LED will not display their status.
Favorite LED (green)
This LED is located on the Favorite hot key. (See page 63.) It indicates the use of this hot key to select
often-used menus for rapid access.
ON (Solid): The hot key has been pressed and a Favorite can be selected.
ON (Flashing): The hot key has been held down to program a Favorite.
OFF (not illuminated): No particular status. The Favorite LED only illuminates in response to the hot key
being pressed.
Abbreviated Manual for Mate 3
Prepared by Miller Solar
For emergencies: 805-438-5600
There is no reason to press the AC Input button, and you can do some harm. Specifically,
you don't want to use the "Drop Command".

GRID TIED

Operation
900-0117-01-00 Rev C 55
Hot Keys
Six hot keys are available to navigate through the most commonly used operational screens. Some
screens will have operational options, such as ON, OFF, or AUTO. Some will show current operational
status for that function. Status, mode, and measurements are the collective status of the system, not of an
individual inverter, unless specified otherwise.
Figure 53 Navigating with the Hot Keys
INVERTER Hot Key
The INVERTER hot key displays the
Inverter Status
screen. The
Inverter Status
screen displays the
current inverter mode, input and output voltage and wattage, battery voltage, and load draw.
Figure 54 Using the INVERTER Hot Key
INVERTER Hot Key
CHARGER Hot Key
GENerator Hot Key
EVENTS Hot Key
AC INPUT Hot Key
FAVORITE Hot Key
Soft Key Options:
<Back> returns to the Home screen.
<ON> turns the inverter ON.
<OFF> turns the inverter OFF.
<Search> toggles the Search mode
ON or OFF .
INVERTER
Hot Key
Screen Items:
Mode displays the setting selected by the soft keys
(<ON>, <OFF>, or <Search>).
Battery displays the battery voltage, not
compensated for temperature. (See page 41 for the
compensated value.)
Input displays the AC input source voltage and the
power in kilowatts drawn from the AC source.
Output displays the voltage measured at the
inverter’s output and the power in kilowatts produced
by the inverter. The inverter’s produced power may
equal the load wattage, but it may also include power
sold to the grid (in grid-interactive inverters).
Load displays the power in kilowatts delivered to the
inverter’s output.
NOTE: Do not mistake the Inverter soft key for
the INVERTER hot key. See page 37 for
a comparison between the two.
The INVERTER hot key can also be used to turn the
inverter on or off. This is a global command issued
to all inverters.
Abbreviated Manual for Mate 3
Prepared by Miller Solar
For emergencies: 805-438-5600
If you ever get a system overload,
correct the problem then turn the
inverter off and then back on. This
resets the inverter.
Avoid the search mode. It does
not help in 99% of systems.

Operation
56 900-0117-01-00 Rev C
CHARGER Hot Key
The CHARGER hot key displays the
Charger Status
screen. The
Charger Status
screen displays the
current charger mode, battery voltage, absorb and float voltage settings and timers. Soft key options
include starting or stopping the charger, which is a global command issued to all inverters in the system.
Other options include starting or the bulk or equalization charge functions, which are global commands
issued to all inverters and charge controllers in the system.
NOTE: The charging information displayed on this screen is for inverters only. In a multiple inverter
system, the master inverter controls this status. If an inverter or charge controller has a different charging
status from the master inverter, this screen will not display its status.
Figure 55 CHARGER Hot Key
IMPORTANT:
Equalization should only be performed on certain kinds of batteries under
specific conditions. Pressing the <Start EQ> soft key will bring up several
recommendations and confirmations to ensure this function is not started
accidentally.
Soft Key Options:
<Back> returns to the Home screen.
<Bulk Charge> advances to the
Bulk
Charge screen to start a new charging cycle.
<EQ Charge> advances to the Equalize
Charge
screen.
<Charger Mode> advances to the
Charger Mode screen to enable or disable
the charger.
Screen Items:
Battery displays the uncompensated battery voltage.
Charger Control displays the mode of the charger.
Absorb displays the target voltage for the Bulk and
Absorption stages.
Float displays the target voltage for the Float stage.
If the timer is running to the right of either
Float or
Absorb , the system is in that charging stage.
CHARGER Hot Key
Abbreviated Manual for Mate 3
Prepared by Miller Solar
For emergencies: 805-438-5600
If your batteries can be opened, they are
called 'flooded' batteries. They need to have
water checked and an equalization charge
every 30 days. This button starts the process.
See the Miller Solar battery white paper for
details. This is very important!
This key allows you to make bad choices about battery charging operations.
We suggest you stay away from this menu.

Operation
58 900-0117-01-00 Rev C
From the CHARGER hot key’s
Charger Status
screen, the <EQ Charge> soft key brings up a series of
screens that can turn on the battery equalization process.
Figure 57 Using the CHARGER Hot Key (EQ Charge)
Soft Key Options:
<Back> returns to the Charger
Status
screen.
<Start EQ> starts the equalize
charging stage.
<Stop EQ> stops the equalize
charging stage.
Screen Items:
Battery displays the uncompensated battery voltage.
Equalize (below Battery ) displays the target voltage
for the Equalization stage. The timer to the right of this
item begins running once this voltage is reached.
Equalize (right side of screen) displays whether this
mode is enabled or disabled.
Last EQ charge displays the date and time for the
most recent equalization cycle.
Soft Key Options:
<Back> returns to the
Equalize Charge screen.
<Next> advances to the confirmation screen.
Soft Key Options:
<Exit> returns to the
Charger Status screen.
<Yes> begins the equalization process and
simultaneously returns to the Equalize Charge
screen. The process can be stopped by pressing the
<Stop EQ> soft key on the
Equalize Charge screen.
Abbreviated Manual for Mate 3
Prepared by Miller Solar
For emergencies: 805-438-5600
Screens below continue the process to
equalize the batteries.
If your batteries cannot be opened or if
you have a grid connection, you can
ignore this step. See Miller Solar for
details.

Operation
60 900-0117-01-00 Rev C
GENerator Hot Key
The GEN hot key displays the
Generator Status
screen. The
Generator Status
screen displays
information on the Advanced Generator Start (AGS) mode. Soft key options include:
<Back>, <Auto>, <Off>, and <On>.
Figure 59 Using the GENerator Hot Key
Figure 60 Generator Status Screen
GEN Hot Key
Soft Key Options:
<Back> returns to the Home screen.
<Auto> allows the generator to start
based on automatic starting parameters
set by the user in the AGS menu.
<Off> manually stops the generator.
<On> manually starts the generator.
(See Figure 60.)
Screen Items:
The figure to the left of the title displays the accumulated
generator run time. This counter can be reset. (See page 121.)
Mode displays the setting selected by the soft keys (<On>,
<Off>, or <Auto>). If the function is not enabled (see page 116),
it will read
AGS DISABLED .
Status displays the current status of the AGS function. If not
operating the generator, it reads
OFF . If active, it may read
STARTING or RUN .
Fault displays the message AGS Fault if the generator voltage
is lost. Otherwise, it displays
NONE .
Last Run displays the reason of the last generator start. The
date and time of the start appears to the right of the reason. See
Table 5 on page 152 in the Troubleshooting section for a list of
all the generator start and stop reasons.
When <On> is pressed, generator data appears on the
right side of the screen.
The first line displays the generator’s AC voltage and
the number of kilowatts being used from the
generator.
The second line displays the updated status
RUN ,
the length of time since the start command was
sent, the battery state of charge (
SOC ), and the
battery voltage. (If no battery monitor is present, the
SOC field will be blank.)
The third line displays the charging stage.
NOTE:
T
he generator can only be started if the
AGS mode is enabled in AGS Setup
(see page 116). If it is not enabled, this
information will not appear.
Abbreviated Manual for Mate 3
Prepared by Miller Solar
For emergencies: 805-438-5600
END OF ABBREVIATED MANUAL