Rev 1.39 03.10.17 Firmware Version 143 ff. Dingo 4040P Reference Manual 7
Note: if ETIM is 0, then the Equalise state will be
bypassed. If ATIM is 0, then the Absorption state
will be bypassed.
On the BOST and FLOT displays, the battery
voltage is shown. On the EQUL and ABSB
displays, the time on the equalisation or
absorption timer is displayed. When this time
reaches the set time (ETIM or ATIM) the Dingo
will advance to the next state. Remember that
the timers will stop if the voltage falls too far
below the set point.
1.2 Equalise (optional)
Many battery manufacturers recommend that the
battery bank be given an overcharge occasionally.
This is a deliberate overcharge, designed to
equalise the voltages and specific gravities of all
the cells in the bank by bringing them all up to full
charge and to stir up the electrolyte in liquid cells
to reduce stratification.
The Dingo supports an automatic programmed
equalisation. This state allows the battery voltage
to rise until it gets to the equalisation voltage
(EMAX) and then remain at this voltage for the
set equalisation time (ETIM). This equalisation is
done every EFRQ days. (Typically 30-60 days).
Equalisation will begin at 9am on the appropriate
day. If ETIM is 0, then equalisation will not occur.
To prevent the controller being trapped in equalise
mode for a long time because there is inadequate
charge current to reach the equalise voltage, the Dingo
terminates equalise after 4 days
1.3 ABSB (Absorption)
In this state, the Dingo tries to keep the battery
voltage constant while the last part of the battery
charging occurs. This prevents excessive gassing
which occurs at high cell voltages. The Dingo
will keep the battery voltage at the absorption
voltage ABSV until it has been at this voltage for
the absorption time ATIM. When the absorption
time is finished, the Dingo advances to the Float
state.
If there is a cloudy period and there is insufficient
charge current to keep the voltage up to ABSV,
then the absorption timer will stop and resume
when the voltage comes back up to ABSV.
To allow some margin, the timer actually runs if
the voltage is above ABSV-HYST. (HYST is the
hysteresis setting used for slow speed switching
-usually about 0.4V)
1.4 FLOT (Float)
In this state, the battery has been fully charged.
The charge current is now used to keep the
battery voltage at a level which maintains full
charge. This voltage (FLTV) should be below the
gassing voltage to avoid excessive electrolyte
loss. If charge is drawn from the battery, the
Dingo will allow charging to resume until the
battery returns to FLTV.
2
Moving around the Menus
You can move around the menu system and
change settings using the button on the front of the
controller. There are seven top-level menu items in
the menu system (BATV, CHRG, LOAD etc - see fig
1a). Each menu item provides access to a sub-menu,
and some of these sub-menus lead again to further
sub-menus.
A short push tells the controller to advance to the
next menu item or setting value. To do a short push,
press the button on the front of the controller, and
release it immediately.
A long push “selects”, moving into a sub-menu or
allowing you to change settings. To do a long push,
press the button, holding it down until the menu
changes (about one second).
To change a setting, long push until number flashes.
Short push to adjust. Then long push to save.
Getting back. Wherever you are in the menu
system, a series of short pushes will bring you
back to the top-level menus. (except during setting
adjustment and when you see the word “EXIT” in the
“HISTORY” sub menu - see section 6.7.)
Reverse. If you overshoot the setting you want and
need to go back, you can use reverse. Do a long
push. The number stops flashing. Do another long
push. The number starts flashing again but this time
short pushes will reduce the setting.
Fast Forward. If you do 5 short pushes quickly, you
will enter fast forward mode. The settings change in
larger steps so you can move quickly.
To return to normal mode, don’t push for 1 second.
