EP Solar eTracer Series User manual

eTracer series
—— Network Maximum Power Point Tracking
Solar Charge Controller
Thank you very much for selecting our product!
This manual offers important information and suggestions with respect to installation,
use and troubleshooting, etc. Please read this manual carefully before using the
product and pay attention to the safety recommendations in it.
EPsolar
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL

eTracer series
—— Network Maximum Power Point Tracking
Solar Charge Controller
Models
ET2415N ET3415N
ET4415N ET6415N
Final interpretation right of the manual belongs to our company.
Any changes without prior notice.

Contents
1.0 Important Safety Information.........................................................................1
2.0 General Information .........................................................................................2
2.1 Overview......................................................................................................2
2.2 Models & Parameters................................................................................4
2.3 Characteristics.............................................................................................5
2.4 Optional Accessories.................................................................................7
3.0 Installation Instructions....................................................................................8
3.1 General Installation Notes........................................................................8
3.2 Mounting......................................................................................................9
3.3 Wiring.........................................................................................................10
4.0 Operation...........................................................................................................15
4.1 MPPT Technology...................................................................................15
4.2 Battery Charging Information...............................................................17
4.3 LED Indication..........................................................................................20
4.4 Display & Operation................................................................................21
Initialization.................................................................................21
Main Menu...................................................................................21
Monitoring ...................................................................................21
Control Para.................................................................................23
System Para..................................................................................26
Network Para...............................................................................27
Clock Set ......................................................................................29
Log Info........................................................................................29
Modify Psw..................................................................................30
Default Set....................................................................................31
The Others....................................................................................32

5.0 Networking & communication.....................................................................33
5.1 Introduction................................................................................................33
5.2 Setting.........................................................................................................34
5.3 Other Introductions..................................................................................40
6.0 Protections, Troubleshooting & Maintenance..........................................42
6.1 Protections..................................................................................................42
6.2 Troubleshooting........................................................................................43
6.3 Maintenance...............................................................................................45
7.0 Warranty............................................................................................................46
8.0 Specifications...................................................................................................47
Dimensions..............................................................................................................51

Page 1
1.0 Important Safety Information
Save these instructions.
This manual contains important safety, installation and operating instructions for
eTracer.
The following symbols are used throughout this manual to indicate potentially
dangerous conditions or mark important safety instructions, please take care when
meeting these symbols.
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.
General Safety Information
·Read all of the instructions and cautions in the manual before beginning installation.
·There are no user serviceable parts inside the eTracer. Do not disassemble or attempt
to repair the controller.
·Mount the eTracer indoors. Prevent exposure to the elements and do not allow water
to enter the controller.
·Please install controller in ventilated places, the temperature of heat sink may be
quite high when working.
·Install external fuses/breakers as required.
·Disconnect the solar module and fuse/breakers near to battery before installing or
adjusting the eTracer.
·Confirm that power connections are tightened to avoid excessive heating from loose
connection.

Page 2
2.0 General Information
2.1 Overview
Thank you for selecting the eTracer controller. With the features of industrial class
product of high efficiency and reliability, the controller is a high-end product based on
multiphase synchronous rectification technology. The features are listed below:
·12V/24V/36V/48V auto work
·Excellent EMC design, thermal design and nature air cooling
·The first tracking to the maximum power point of solar modules in 15 seconds or
less, tracking efficiency of 99% or higher
·Multiphase synchronous rectification technology impels peak conversion efficiency
to 98%
·Multiphase power decentralized control can also make small power charging be high
effective, improve the capacity of generating
·High speed and performance of the double processors architecture, improve the
response speed and optimize the performance of the system
·Multiphase control technology, optimizes charging current smoothness, reduces
ripple, and improves the system generating efficiency
·Humanized browser interface,128*64 dot-matrix LCD intuitively displays data and
state, many button combinations for easy operation, both Chinese and English
interface to choose from
·RS232, CAN BUS and Ethernet 3 kinds of communication way to meet different
occasions of demand as far as possible
·Sealed, Gel and Flooded battery option
·Three stages of optimizing charging control
·Protection: over heat, over charging, PV short circuit and PV (battery) revered

Page 3
The controller features the built-in blur intelligent control algorithm that maximizes
the energy from the solar module(s) and charge the battery.
The controller charging process has been optimized for long battery life and improved
system performance. The comprehensive self-diagnostics and electronic protection
functions can prevent damage from installation mistakes or system faults.
Although the controller is very simple to configure and use, please take your time to
read the operator's manual and become familiar with the controller. This will help you
make full use of all the functions and improve your PV system.

Page 4
2.2 Models & Parameters
Max. PV input voltage 150Vdc**
Standard RS232, CAN BUS and ETHERNET communication interface
ET2415N
Rated continuous charging current 20A
Max. PV input power 1040W
12V/24V/36V/48V system voltage auto work*
ET3415N
Rated continuous charging current 30A
Max. PV input power 1560W
12V/24V/36V/48V system voltage auto work*
ET4415N
Rated continuous charging current 45A
Max. PV input power 2340W
12V/24V/36V/48V system voltage auto work*
ET6415N
Rated continuous charging current 60A
Max. PV input power 3120W
12V/24V/36V/48V system voltage auto work*
* Every time start up the controller, system voltage automatically identified, do not
need your any operation or setting.
** Array voltage should never exceed maximum PV input voltage. Refer to the solar
module documentation to determine the highest expected array Voc (open circuit
voltage) as defined by the lowest expected ambient temperature for the system
location.

Page 5
2.3 Characteristics
Figure 2-1 Characteristics
2
3
4
5
6
1
8
9
11
12
13
14
15
16
+
+
-
-
+
-
7
10

Page 6
1 –Heat Sink
Inductance and MOSFET of heat through aluminum heat sink to dissipate.
2 –LCD
Data of displaying interface.
3 –Battery Indicator
An LED indicator shows battery status.
4 –Charging Indicator
An LED indicator shows charging or not.
5 –Faults Indicator
An LED indicator shows controller faults.
6 –Buttons
Browse or modify all parameters.
7 –Serial RS-232 Port (DB9)
Monitor controller by PC or update software.
8 –Ethernet Port (RJ45)
Connect Ethernet, monitor controller remotely by network.
9 –Solar polarity reversed Indicator
An LED indicator shows solar modules positive and negative reversed.
10 –Remote Temperature Sensor Port (MC1.5.3.81-2L)
Connect RTS, Measure battery temperature to make temperature compensation.
11 –Remote Battery Voltage Sense Port (MC1.5.3.81-2L)
Connect RBVS, Measure battery voltage accurately.
12 –CAN BUS Port (MC1.5.3.81-4L)
Communicate with our other CAN BUS devices.
13 –Solar Positive Terminal (red)
Connect to solar module(s) positive (+) terminal.
14 –Solar Negative Terminal (black)
Connect to solar module(s) negative (-) terminal.
15 –Battery Negative Terminal (black)
Connect to battery negative (-) terminal.

Page 7
16 –Battery Positive Terminal (red)
Connect to battery positive (+) terminal.
2.4 Optional Accessories
Remote Meter (Model: MT-100)
The digital remote meter displays system operating information, error indications, and
self-diagnostics read-out. Information is displayed on a backlit LCD display. The
large numerical display and icons are easy to read and large buttons make navigating
the meter menus easy. The meter can be flush mounted in a wall or surface mounted
using the mounting frame (included). The MT-100 is supplied with 2m of cable and a
mounting frame. The MT-100 connects to the MC1.5.3.81-4L port (12th) on the
controller.
Remote Temperature Sensor (Model: TS-R)
Acquiring of battery temperature for undertaking temperature compensation of control
parameters, the standard length of the cable is 2m (can be customized if want longer).
The TS-R connects to the MC1.5.3.81-2L port (10th) on the controller.

Page 8
3.0 Installation Instructions
3.1 General Installation Notes
·Read through the entire installation section first before beginning installation.
·Be very careful when working with batteries. Wear eye protection. Have fresh water
available to wash and clean any contact with battery acid.
·Uses insulated tools and avoid placing metal objects near the batteries.
·Explosive battery gasses may be present during charging. Be certain there is
sufficient ventilation to release the gasses.
·Avoid direct sunlight and do not install in locations where water can enter the
controller.
·Loose power connections and/or corroded wires may result in resistive connections
that melt wire insulation, burn surrounding materials, or even cause fire. Ensure
tight connections and use cable clamps to secure cables and prevent them from
swaying in mobile applications.
·Use with Gel, Sealed or Flooded batteries only.
·Battery connection may be wired to one battery or a bank of batteries. The following
instructions refer to a singular battery, but it is implied that the battery connection
can be made to either one battery or a group of batteries in a battery bank.
·Multiple same models of controllers can be installed in parallel on the same battery
bank to achieve higher charging current. Each controller must have its own solar
module(s).
·Select the system cables according to 3A/mm2or less current density.

Page 9
3.2 Mounting
NOTE: When mounting the eTracer, ensure free air through the
controller heat sink fins. There should be at least 150mm of clearance
above and below the controller to allow for cooling. If mounted in an
enclosure, ventilation is highly recommended.
WARNING: Risk of explosion! Never install the eTracer in a sealed
enclose with flooded batteries! Do not install in a confined area where
battery gas can accumulate.
Step 1: Choose Mounting Location
Locate the eTracer on a vertical surface protected from direct sun, high temperature,
and water.
Step 2: Check for Clearance
Place the eTracer in the location where it will be mounted. Verify that there is
sufficient room to run wires and that there is sufficient room above and below the
controller for air flow.

Page 10
Figure 3-1 Mounting and cooling
Step 3: Mark Holes
Use a pencil or pen to mark the four (4) mounting hole locations on the mounting
surface.
Step 4: Drill Holes
Remove the controller and drill four sizeable holes in the marked locations.
Step 5: Secure Controller
Place the controller on the surface and align the mounting holes with the drilled holes
in step 4. Secure the controller in place using the mounting screws.
3.3 Wiring
NOTE: A recommended connection order has been provided for
maximum safety during installation.
Cool air
Warm air
At least
150mm
At least
150mm

Page 11
NOTE: Do not entangle all wiring together, communication lines and
power lines should be as far away as possible, to prevent interfering
communication signal transmission.
NOTE: The eTracer is a negative ground controller. Any negative
connection of solar or battery can be earth grounded as required.
Grounding is recommended.
CAUTION: For mobile applications, be sure to secure all wiring. Use
cable clamps to prevent cables from swaying when the vehicle is in
motion. Unsecured cables create loose and resistive connections which
may lead to excessive heating and/or fire.
Step 1: Remote Temperature Sensor Connection
NOTE: The controller will not perform temperature compensation for
charging parameters if the TS-R is not used.
CAUTION: Equipment Damage! Never place the temperature sensor
inside a battery. Both the TS-R and the battery will be damaged.
The included remote temperature sensor TS-R is recommended for effective
temperature compensated charging. Connect the TS-R to the MC1.5.3.81-2L port
(10th) on the controller (see figure 2-1). There is no polarity, so either wire (+ or -) can
be connected to either screw terminal. Separate installation instruction is provided
inside the TS-R bag. No damage will occur if connect the TS-R to the remote battery
voltage sense port, but the connection will not be recognized.
Step 2: Remote Battery Voltage Sense Connection
NOTE: When connecting, pay attention to “+”(11th port’s top) and “-”
(11th port’s bottom).

Page 12
The voltage at the battery connection on the controller may differ slightly from the
voltage directly at the battery bank terminals due to connection and cable resistance.
The remote battery voltage sense connection enables the controller to measure the
battery terminal voltage precisely with small gauge wires that carry very little current,
and thus have no voltage drop. Connect the remote battery voltage sense wires to the
MC1.5.3.81-4L port (11th) on the controller (see figure 2-1). Pay attention to “+”and
“-”positions. A battery voltage sense connection is not required to operate your
controller, but it is recommended for best performance.
The voltage sense wires should be cut to length as required to connect the battery to
the voltage sense terminal. The wire size can range from 0.25 to 1.0 mm2(24 to 16
AWG). The maximum length allowed for each battery voltage sense wire is 30m. A
twisted pair cable is recommended but not required.
Be careful to connect the battery positive (+) terminal to the voltage sense positive (+)
terminal, the battery negative (-) terminal to the voltage sense negative (-) terminal.
No damage will occur if the polarity is reversed, but the controller cannot read a
reversed sense voltage. Connecting the voltage sense wires to the RTS terminals will
cause an alarm.
Step 3: Network Connection
WARNING: Shock Hazard! The network cables and the power
conductors must be as far away as possible.
NOTE: It is advised to connect the network cables before powering on.
Three kinds of communication are provided as RS-232, CAN BUS and Ethernet. You
can monitor the controller on your PC or update software through RS-232 connection.
The controller is allowed to communicate with remote meter (MT-100) or our other
devices by CAN BUS. The controller also can be monitored via the internet. Refer to
section 6.0 for more information about Ethernet.

Page 13
·RS-232 Connection:
The serial RS-232 port is a standard 9-pin (DB9) male connector. Tighten the screw
on both sides of female connector in case that the female connector loosens or falls off
when data transmits. Refer to 9th port on the controller in the figure 2-1.
·CAN BUS Connection:
If you have purchased CAN BUS equipment, connect it reliably. Refer to 12th port on
the controller in the figure 2-1.
·Ethernet Connection:
The Ethernet port is a standard RJ-45 connector. Use twisted pair cable and RJ-45
plug. Connect RJ-45 plug to the port carefully to avoid damaging it. Refer to 8th port
on the controller in the figure 2-1.
Step 4: Power Connection
WARNING: Risk of electric shock! Use fuses or breakers in solar and
battery circuits is recommended, and make them keep OFF state before
connection.
WARNING: Risk of electric shock! Exercise caution when handling
solar wiring. The solar module(s) high voltage output can cause severe
shock or injury. Pay more attention for it.
WARNING: Risk of explosion or fire! Never short circuit battery
positive (+) and negative (-) or cables.
·Battery Connection:
Connect a fuse in series in the battery circuit, and select it according to the controller
rated current of 1.25 to 2 times. Make it keep OFF state before connection. Connect
battery negative (black) to the 15th port and positive (red) to the 16th port on the
controller in the figure 2-1.

Page 14
·Solar Module(s) Connection:
Connecting a breaker in series in the solar circuit is recommended, and select it
according to the controller rated current of 1.25 to 2 times. Make it keep OFF state
before connection. Connect solar positive (red) to the 13th port and negative (black) to
the 14th port on the controller in the figure 2-1.
If you have connected the battery and solar according to the above steps, please
confirm that there is no loose connections or error connections.
There will be no damage to the controller if battery itself or (and) solar itself
connection reverses due to carelessness. But if wrongly connect solar cables to battery
terminals or (and) battery cables to solar terminals, it might damage the controller, be
careful of operation.
Step 5: Power-Up
NOTE: Only use the battery terminal’s power source to start and
operate the controller. The controller will not operate only from solar
input.
·Confirm that all connections are correct especially the Solar and Battery
polarities.
·Turn the battery disconnect fuse on first. Observe that whether the battery
LED‟s indicate a successful start-up, LCD interface initialization correct. (refer
to section 4.0)
·Confirm battery power-up correct and then turn the solar disconnect on. If the
solar module(s) is in full sunlight, the controller will begin charging.
·If the battery LED error exists or LCD interface alarms, please refer to section
5.0 for troubleshooting.

Page 15
4.0 Operation
4.1 MPPT Technology
The eTracer utilizes Maximum Power Point Tracking technology to extract maximum
power from the solar module(s). The tracking algorithm is fully automatic and does
not require user adjustment. eTracer technology will track the array maximum power
point voltage (Vmp) as it varies with weather conditions, ensuring that maximum
power is harvested from the array through the course of the day.
·Current Boost
In many cases, eTracer MPPT technology will “boost” the solar charge current. For
example, a system may have 8 Amps of solar current flowing into the eTracer and 10
Amps of charge current flowing out to the battery. The eTracer does not create current!
Rest assured that the power into the eTracer is the same as the power out of the
eTracer. Since power is the product of voltage and current (Volts×Amps), the
following is true*:
(1) Power Into the eTracer =Power Out of the eTracer
(2) Volts In×Amps In=Volts Out×Amps Out
* Assuming 100% efficiency. Actually, the losses in wiring and conversion exist.
If the solar module‟s Vmp is greater than the battery voltage, it follows that the
battery current must be proportionally greater than the solar input current so that input
and output power are balanced. The greater the difference between the maximum
power voltage and battery voltage, the greater the current boost. Current boost can be
substantial in systems where the solar array is of a higher nominal voltage than the
battery.
·An Advantage Over Traditional Controllers
Traditional controllers connect the solar module directly to the battery when
recharging. This requires that the solar module operate in a voltage range that is below