EKO MP-170 User manual

Conforms to CE marking
April 2008
EKO Instruments Co., Ltd.
Po r t a b l e I V c u r v e t r a c e r
I V Ch ec ker
MP 170
Operatio n Man u a l

1
The products of EKO Instruments Co., Ltd. are designed and manufactured with
consideration of safety; however, unexpected accident may occur depending on the way
it is used. Therefore please thoroughly read this manual and operate the system correctly
by following this manual.
Warnings/Cautions
Neglecting this sign will invite serious or fatal
accidents.
Cautions of high voltage
High voltage is applied to this part. Neglecting
this sign will invite serious or fatal accidents.
Prohibitions
This sign indicates that you MUST NOT do it.
Obligations
This sign indicates that you MUST do it.
HAZARDOUS VOLTAGE
ELECTRIC HAZARD
Wear high voltage rubber insulating gloves and boots
Check polarity (+/ ) connections to array/module before
operation
Do not operate MP 170 in rainy or wet conditions
Do not open and disassemble MP 170
!
D A N G E R
1
.
Safety Pre autions

2
Warnings
Wiring to the PV power system has to be performed by authorized
personnel with the protective equipment for electric shock.
Check the position and polarity of PV power output that the cables of
MP 170 are connected. Wrong connection may cause electric shock and
damage the PV power system and MP 170.
Do not work with wet hands especially when connecting the terminal
block and/or the electrical outlet. There is a possibility of causing shock
hazard or electric leakage.
Disconnect PV DC power line from the PV peripheral equipment of the
PV power system including the power conditioner, inverter, charge
controller and batteries. I V measurement with these equipments
may cause the damage of MP 170 and the equipment. MP 170
measures only DC power from PV module/array.
Use cables and connection terminals that satisfy the stated electric
power capacity for the PV device. Connect them surely so that they
will not come off from the connectors.
Do not use MP 170 for other than original purpose.
Do not open, disassemble, modify, or touch the inside of MP 170.
High power electricity may still remain inside of MP 170, and it may
cause electric shock.
Check and make sure the power supply voltage to MP 170 (DC12V)
before turning ON the power switch of MP 170 and the power supply.
Do not use any other AC adapter other than the one supplied.
Turn off the power of MP 170 immediately when you notice any smoke
or abnormal odor occurring from MP 170.
Do not use MP 170 in places where it is exposed to vibrations, impact
shock, high humidity, dust, sudden temperature changes and/or near
any object which has strong magnetic or electric fields.
Do not use MP 170 in rainy or wet conditions. MP 170 is not
waterproofed.
!

3
Do not use any other cables other than the ones supplied. Using other
cables may cause accidents and/or damage, such as electric shock
and/or leakage. EKO does not take responsibility and
does not guarantee accuracy of the measurement in such case.
The actual output voltage, current and power from PV module/array
should be within the maximum input range of MP 170.
Otherwise EKO does not take responsibilities for any damage or
problem occurrences, even if MP 170 is in the 1 year guarantee period.
Cautions < about operation manual >
Before operating MP 170, thoroughly read and understand this manual.
Keep this operation manual on hand to be able to use it when necessary.
Follow this operation manual and the original operation method of
MP 170.
Understand and follow the safety instruction of this operation manual.
Contact EKO Instruments Co., Ltd. whenever you have any question or
concern.
Although we are taking all possible measures to ensure the content of
this operation manual, you may find any unclear, wrong or incomplete
description. We would appreciate your cooperation to let us know if
such case may occur.
!

4

5
1. Safety Precautions 1
Important User Information – CE Marking 4
2. Index 5
3. Outline of MP 170 6
4. Name and function of each part 10
5. Setting up 14
6. Operation 18
7. Software 33
8. Maintenance 50
9. Troubleshooting 50
10. Specifications 52
2.
Index

6
3 1. Outline
Portable I V curve tracer “I V Checker” MP 170 is designed to measure DC output from a
PV array or module. Purposes of measurement include evaluation, checking system
failures, and maintenance of the PV power system. MP 170 uses capacitor load method
to measure the I V curve which makes high power measurements possible. Compact size,
high performance and accuracy are achieved from EKO’s long experiences in PV
measurement.
MP 170 consists of the Main unit and the Sensor unit. The Main unit is not only capable
of taking measurement, showing graph, and analyzing data by key pad operation, it can
also transfer the measured data to the PC by connecting with USB and analyze data on
the PC by using the MP 170 software.
Also, the Sensor unit has a built in Si pyranometer, and this allows the measurement of
incident solar irradiance and the back side temperature of the PV module while
measuring the I V curve on the Main unit at the same time; this makes the conversion for
Standard Test Condition (STC) complying with JIS C8914 standard easy. Also, the
external input terminal on the Sensor unit can be connected with not only EKO
pyranometers (MS 802, MS 402, and MS 601), reference cell, and/or thermocouple, and
the data can be stored.
The Main unit and the Sensor unit can transfer the data by connecting with modular
cable; the solar irradiance data and temperature data measured on the Sensor unit can
be transferred to the Main unit.
3 2. Functions
MP 170 has more outstanding features compared to the traditional I V curve tracer.
The Sensor Unit can be separated from the Main unit.
By setting up the internal time on the Sensor unit and the Main unit, it is possible to
measure without cables.
Built in Si pyranometer is in the Sensor unit.
High precision pyranometer can be connected to the Sensor Unit.
The Angle capturer easily indicates the tilt angle and the direction of the PV
module/array to be measured, and setup the built in Si pyranometer on the Sensor
unit in the same position as the module/array.
It is possible to measure the PV module/array I V curve on the Main unit and the
irradiance and the temperature on the Sensor unit separately.
The traditional I V curve tracer had to be setup by climbing up a high place where the
PV power system is located, then place the sensor, and pull the cables of radiation
3
.
Outline of MP
-
170

7
sensors, thermocouple and so on all the way to the measuring unit. For having the
above features, it is possible to take a cable less measurement, which only the Sensor
unit is setup by the PV module/array in the same angle and direction, and the Main unit
is away from the connection point for the PV module/array. The long cable connection
is unnecessary, and makes the measurement easy.
By connecting the Main unit and the Sensor unit with communication cable after the
measurement, the same time frame data can be downloaded from the Sensor unit and
reflect to the I V curve data by each measurement.
It is possible to take measurements as monitoring the irradiance and temperature on
the real time by connecting the Main unit and the Sensor unit with modular cable. The
power for the Sensor unit is supplied from the Main unit only when the AC adopter on
the Main unit is used.
MP 170 has STC conversion function for the JIS C8914.
When measuring the PV array, there are setup function for the row and column count of
the array; if the module parameters of one module, there is no need for calculating the
PV parameters as long as the array has the same model modules, and the array
parameters is calculated automatically and possible to figure out the standard
condition.
The automatic measurement is possible up to 1 day by setting up the start and end
measurement time and the interval.
When one day worth of data is measured with automatic measurement, each of the
following can be graphed: the irradiance vs. Pmax, irradiance vs. Voc, irradiance vs.
Isc.
di/dV V characteristics, which is the first differential of I V curve, can be indicated above
the LCD on the Main unit; this is useful for diagnosis of PV module/array failure.
I V curve graph can be shown in x2, x4, and x8 zoom above the LCD on the Main unit
and be able to check the fine warps on the I V curve, which is useful for diagnosis of PV
module/array failure.
MP 170 is designed with assumption for wide range of measurement as the concept.
As the result, it is possible to measure wide range such as voltage: 10V ~ 1000V,
current: 1A~20A, power: 10W~10kW. (The minimum voltage is 10V and the minimum
current is 1A; the measurement lower than these values cannot be measured. Even if
measurement was possible, the measured values cannot be assured.)
MP 170 measures I V curve of PV module / array by capacitive load method.
The Sensor Unit can measure solar irradiance, reference cell output, temperature on the
backside of PV module/array and outside temperature.
The Main unit and Sensor Unit communicate with RS 485. Both online and offline
operation can be chosen while measuring. The data can be transferred from the Sensor
unit to the Main unit after the measurement.
MP 170 is equipped with a shoulder strap for convenient.

8
3 3. Characteristics
(1) Portable
Having the “portable” concept in mind, MP 170 is designed with emphasis on the
user friendliness and the safety in the field measurement. The Main unit case is
made of resin, which is isolated from electricity, for safety. The unit is designed as
one unit case, which can store the Sensor unit, cables, and so on for carrying
convenience. Connect the PV cables to the PV module/array and push the
“MEASURE” button is all needed to take measurement.
(2) Detachable Sensor Unit
MP 170 designed so that the Sensor unit can be separated
from the Main unit, which can be setup and adjusted as the
same angle as the PV module/array. It is not like the
wired communication and radio wave signal type of
wireless communication, so they can be separated
regardless the distance or the clearance.
The incident solar irradiance can be measures with
Si pyranometer, which is built in the Sensor unit. Also,
external pyranometer, reference cell, and/or T type
thermocouple can be connected to the terminal on the
back side of the Sensor unit.
When using as cable less, connect the Sensor unit with the Main unit with
modular cable after the measurement is taken, and the solar irradiance and
temperature data with measuring time can be downloaded to the Main unit from
the Sensor unit.
Real time measurement is possible with connecting the Sensor unit and the Main
unit with modular cable. In this case, power supply to the Sensor unit from the
Main unit is possible only when the Main unit is plugged with AC adapter.
MP 170 is designed to be able to take measurements flexibly in any measuring
conditions.

9
3 4. System Configuration
Output of PV module / array is connected to MP 170
Rated maximum power 10kW
Rated maximum voltage 1000V @10A
Rated maximum current 20A @500V
Sensor unit can measure with:
1) Internal pyranometer
2) 2 T type thermocouples
3) External pyranometer
4) Reference cell
Sensor unit can be operated with / without MP 170 Main unit.
MP 170 can be operated with / without PC.
Battery and AC adapter are available.
PV module/array Terminal box /
Power conditioner etc.
T type Thermocouple
From Back side of PV
module/array
Reference
Cell
Pyranometer
Sensor unit
RS 485 USB
Battery box
AC Adapter

10
4 1. MP 170 package
1) Top cover (can be removed by sliding the cove to the right.)
2) Front panel
3) LCD
4) PV Cable (Red, +)
5) PV Cable (Black, )
6) Rear panel
7) Key pad
8) Dome protector
9) Sensor unit
10) Shoulder strap
11) AC adapter
12) USB cable (The Main unit – PC connection )
13) T Thermocouple (3m x 2pcs)
14) Modular cable (The Main unit – the Sensor unit connection)
15) Grounding wire
16) Battery box
17) Battery pouch
4. Name and fun tion of ea h part

11
4 2. MP 170
Front panel
1) Strap hooks (on the left and right side to hook the shoulder straps)
2) Latch button (lift the top cover as pushing this button to open)
3) Carrying handle (place your hand here to carry the Main unit)
4) DC power input from AC adapter
5) USB port (use when down/uploading data to/from PC)
Rear panel
1) Modular inlet (The Main unit – the Sensor unit connection)
2) Battery power input from the battery box
3) PV cable input (+ , Red)
4) PV cable input ( , Black)
5) Storage (Sensor unit and the cables are stored here.)
6) Grounding terminal
2
1
4
5
3

12
4 3. Battery box
Setting batteries
By unscrewing 4 white screws at the bottom side
corners of the battery box, the box can be opened.
NOTE
1) Check the directions (polarity, +/ ) of batteries
2) Remove batteries when it is not in use for a long
time
Batteries
D size, 4 pcs
Alkaline or Ni H batteries are recommended for
longer operation.
The battery box does not have a charge function.
4 4. Sensor unit
1) Angle capturer 8) Modular inlet
2) Dome, Angle screen The Main unit – the Sensor unit connection
3) Level 9) Battery box (006P x 1pc)
4) Built in Si pyranometer 10) Reference sensor selector
5) Power switch INT – Internal pyranometer
6) Power indicator LED EXT – External pyranometer
7) Angle adjusting screw 11) Terminal block
12) Base plate
13) Product label (Calibration constant of the internal pyranometer is shown)
1
2
3 4
5 6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Top side
Bottom side
Inside

13
Terminal block assignment
Ref : Reference cell input (100mA, Internal 0.1Ω shunt resistance)
Pyrano : Pyranometer input (15mV)
Temp1 : T Thermocouple input, Used for PV module back side temperature and
STC conversion
Temp2 : T Thermocouple input, Recorded into data. Normally use for air
temperature
* To use EXTERNAL pyranometer or reference cell, the Reference sensor selector is
switched to EXT.
Ref. Pyrano Temp1 Temp2
+ + + +

14
5 1. The Main unit
DANGER
HAZARDOUS VOLTAGE
ELECTRIC HAZARD
Wear high voltage rubber insulating gloves and boots
Check polarity (+/ ) connections to array/module, before
operation
Do not operate MP 170 in rainy or wet conditions
Do not disassemble MP 170
Operation to PV power system should be done by an
authorized electric engineer.
For safety, please connect the grounding wire to the
grounding terminal; however, modify one end of the
grounding wire to fit the terminal if necessary.
DC line
configuration
PV power should be blocked from any load such as an
inverter or power conditioner for I V curve measurement.
Arrange the connection or inverter settings, MP 170 can
measure the PV array/module output only.
I V curve measurement with working inverter/conditioner
may cause alarm or defect of MP 170, inverter or conditioner.
!
* NOTE *
Use MP 170 within the following range.
Maximum input power: 10kW
Maximum input voltage: 1000V @10A
Maximum input current: 20A @500V
Check the polarity of connection terminal.
Confirm the polarity of output before connecting the cables.
PV module/array Inverter etc
MP 170
5
.
Setting up

15
1) The Main unit
Connections
a) Battery box
Connect the DC plug of the Battery box to the Battery power input.
b) PV cables
Insert PV cables into PV inputs.
+: Red
: Black
Gator grips of PV cables are connected to PV DC outputs.
c) The Sensor unit
Connect the Main unit and the Sensor unit by the modular cable.
2) Fastening the shoulder strap
Fasten the shoulder strap on the strap hooks tightly.
3) Attaching the Battery pouch
Feed the shoulder strap through hole on the back side of
the Battery pouch.

16
5 2. Sensor unit settings
1) Sensor unit
The Sensor unit is data logging device to record the output from the built in Si
pyranometer, T type thermocouples and external pyranometer or reference cell. The unit
has the Angle capturer to find the angle and direction of PV module/array. The Angle
capturer has the radial angle screen, dome, and the level, which they can be taken off
from the Sensor unit itself easily.
2) Setting up the Sensor unit
1. Setup the time on the Sensor unit and the Main unit at first.
a. Adjust the time on the Main unit, then turn off the power.
b. Connect the Sensor unit with modular cable.
c. Turn on the Sensor unit power first.
d. Then turn on the Main unit power.
e. When the LCD display on the Main unit changes to Menu screen, then the time
is synchronized.
If error message appears, check whether the modular cable or the Sensor unit
power switch is on OFF, and then try again from the start.
2. Determine whether to measure with or without the modular cable.
a. When measuring without the modular cable, make sure the Sensor unit is
working by battery. Also, this measurement requires downloading the data
from the Sensor unit to the Main unit after taking the measurement.
b. If measuring with modular cable, the battery in the Sensor unit is not needed
as long as the Main unit is plugged in with AC adapter, which can supply the
power to the Sensor unit. Also, the measuring data taken from the Sensor
Angle
screen
Dome
Level
Built in
Si pyranometer
Angle capturer
Base plate
Angle
adjusting
screw
Power
switch

17
unit can be transferred on the Main unit in real time.
3. Remove the Angle Capturer from the Sensor unit.
4. Place the Angle Capturer on the target PV module/array.
5. Check the position of the 3 markers on the radial angle scale in the Angle
Capturer dome. Remember, or note if necessary, the one or more shadow spot
positions out of the 3 markers.
6. Setup the Sensor unit on a location close by the PV module/array which is not
shaded, and place the Angle Capturer back on the Sensor unit.
7. Adjust the Sensor unit’s direction and angle so that the shadow spots of the
markers that were taken earlier will be in same position on the scale. Once the
position is determined, tighten the angle adjusting screws to fasten.
8. When taking measurements, remove the Angle capturer not to make shadow
for the Built in Si pyranometer.
9. Before taking measurements, enter the calibration values of the pyranometer
or the reference cell at the parameter setting on the Main unit.
Remember the position
of shadow spot
Adjust angle. Shadow spot is at
the same position as checked.

18
6 1. Key pad
POWER : Main power switch of the Main unit
Power ON Press the power switch
Power OFF Keep pressing Power switch for 5 seconds.
CONFIG : Manage measurement settings
DATA : Data management function
MEASURE : Start measurement
Press this key to start measurement with currently set
parameters
Up/Down : Select menu items
Screen switches from main menu to monitoring screen
Left/Right : Change menu and data items
Enter : Go to next menu or confirm input item
Return : Back to the item before
Ten key : Numerical input and the following functions
Key Assignment Key Assignment
1 1, A, B, C 7 7, S, T, U
2 2, D, E, F 8 8, V, W, X
3 3, G, H, I 9 9, Y, Z, @
4 4, J, K, L 0 0, /, *, #
5 5, M, N, O . ., sp
6 6, P, Q, R +/
+/ , &
I V curve display size
adjustment by x2, x4,
and x8
POWER
DATA CONFIG MEASURE
L/R
Enter
Return
Up/Down
Numerical
keypad
6
.
Operation

19
6 2. Starting MP 170
1) Connect the Main unit and the Sensor unit with modular cable.
2) Power ON the sensor unit
After power on the sensor unit, the Green LED will light for a few seconds and
then start blinking once a second
3) Power ON the Main unit
Start screen appears on the LCD display.
After getting the connection and time is synchronized between the Main unit
and the Sensor unit, the main menu screen is shown.
When “Powering on Sensor unit.” appears:
A) Check the connection and power of the sensor unit.
B) Turn ON the Main unit and the Sensor unit again.
Press any key to go to main menu.
PORTABLE I-V CHECKER
MP-170
Ver.0.09.12
EKO INSTRUMENTS
Firmware version
Battery monitor:
Check for the battery
condition when
operating with battery.
PORTABLE I-V CHECKER
MP-170
Ver.1.0.0
EKO INSTRUMENTS
Powering on
Sensor unit.
!