MidNite Solar Classic Lite User manual

Just the Facts
MidNite Solar Classic Lite
Quick Start Guide 07/05/12
This “Quick Start” is intended to be a supplement to the Classic owner’s manual. It is intended to give the basics of
setting up your new Classic Lite, when installed in a typical installation. Please refer to the Classic Owner’s Manual
(Included DVD or visit www.midnitesolar.com) for all advanced features, safety warnings and specifications.
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Just the Facts for the Classic Lite (continued)
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The MidNite Solar Classic charge controller conforms to UL 1741, Safety for Inverters, Converters, Controllers
and Interconnection System Equipment for Use With Distributed Energy Resources, Second Edition, May 7,
1999 with revisions through January 28, 2010 and
CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 107.1: 2001/09/01 Ed: 3 (R2006)
Notice of Copyright
MidNite Solar's Classic charge controller User’s Manual
Copyright ⓒ 2010, 2011and 2012 all rights reserved.
MidNite Solar Inc. reserves the right to revise this document and to periodically make changes to the content hereof
without obligation or organization of such revisions or changes unless required to do so by prior arrangement.
Disclaimer
Unless specifically agreed to in writing, MidNite Solar Inc.
(a) Makes no warranty as to the accuracy, sufficiency or suitability of any technical or other information provided in
its manuals or other documentation.
(b) Assumes no responsibility or liability for loss or damage whether direct, indirect, consequential or incidental,
which might arise out of use of such information. The use of any such information will be entirely at the user's risk.
Contact Information
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Web: www.midnitesolar.com

Just the Facts for the Classic Lite (continued)
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Contents
Inside view of the Classic............................................................................................................................................ 4
Ground fault ............................................................................................................................................................... 6
Non Solar inputs to the Classic Lite........................................................................................................................ 6
Wiring the Classic Lite............................................................................................................................................... 7
LED Modes and Faults............................................................................................................................................... 8
Dip Switches......................................................................................................................................................... 9
Battery voltage and time settings..................................................................................................................... 15
Using MNGP Remote to program a Classic Lite ........................................................................................... 16
Programming the Lite with a Networked Standard Classic......................................................................... 16
Programming the Lite with the Local App..................................................................................................... 17
Clearing Faults.......................................................................................................................................................... 17
Explanations of Solar and Legacy........................................................................................................................... 17
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................................................ 19

Just the Facts for the Classic Lite (continued)
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Inside view of the Classic
Take care when removing the front cover from the Classic. The LED display panel (MNLP) may be attached to the
main circuit board with a blue phone style cable as seen in Figure 1 below if this is not the first time being opened.
The cable is not plugged in from the factory. Unplug one end or the other and set the Front cover aside during
wiring. When replacing the cover, be sure not to pinch the cable between the cover and the case and that the cable
does not interfere with the components inside. You will also note the use of the top jack. For explanation of the
other 2 jacks and networking diagrams please refer to the Classic User’s Manual (DVD).
Figure 1

Just the Facts for the Classic Lite (continued)
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Figure 2
In Figure 2 above we show from Left to Right, the Ethernet connection to your Router or wireless bridge, USB
cable for updating firmware and the Battery Temperature sensor. On the blue terminal block from left to right
Battery positive, common negatives and DC input positive. You only need to bring a single Negative conductor to
the Classic if you have landed PV- onto the battery negative buss in the E Panel. Both can be used if preferred.

Just the Facts for the Classic Lite (continued)
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Ground fault
There is a 2 pin header to the right of the blue terminal block for Ground Fault Protection as seen below. The
supplied jumper must be installed across both pins for the GFP to operate. The Lite is shipped with this jumper in
the open position. For GFP operation, the jumper must be placed over both pins. Figure 3 shows the GFP jumper
pins with the shorting plug being installed. Figure 4 shows the small black shorting jumper. This will be used to
jump the 2 pins and enable Ground Fault Protection. (Dime not included)
Non Solar inputs to the Classic Lite
The Lite will accept a wide variety of DC inputs from sources like Solar, Wind, Hydro, Fuel Cells ETC. One of the
biggest concerns when hooking the Lite to alternative sources of DC is the input Voltage.
Exceeding the Lite's Voltage window will cause damage to the Lite.
If the source is unregulated and can exceed the Lite's maximum input voltage, a Clipper will be needed to assure the
Lite never has its voltage ratings exceeded.
Note: The Lite will need to be programed in “Custom Mode” for all applications other than Solar.
For more information on alternative inputs, please consult the Classic owner’s manual or contact technical support
[e-mail] or 360-403-7207
Figure 3
Figure 4

Just the Facts for the Classic Lite (continued)
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Wiring the Classic Lite
Figure 5
Figure 5 shows a basic wiring diagram for installing the Classic on an E Panel. Some installations may vary. Please
consult the Classic Owner’s Manual for other diagrams. There are 2 jumpers and a 4 position terminal strip (Seen in
the yellow oval above) for Aux 1 and 2 please refer to the Classic owner’s manual for details on how to connect and
use these.

Just the Facts for the Classic Lite (continued)
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LED Modes and Faults
The Lite control panel (MNLP) has 6 status LEDs to indicate various modes of operation as well as faults.
There are 3 behind the small window on the upper left.
The top Orange status LED will light solid to indicate that the controller is in Bulk Charge mode.
The center Yellow status LED will light solid to indicate that the controller is in the Absorption stage.
The lower Green LED will light solid to indicate that the controller is in Float and blink slowly to indicate the
controller is Resting due to low light.
All 3 of these status LED’s will blink slowly to indicate “Wrong Code” please see the trouble shooting
section for help with this.
There are also LED indicators for Current limit, Ground Fault and Equalize.
All LEDs blinking slowly indicate a loss of communication with the Classic. Check that the cable is
plugged in to the top Jack on the Classic. If error persists try another cable or call Tech support for
assistance.
Figure 6

Just the Facts for the Classic Lite (continued)
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Programming
There are four separate ways to program a Classic Lite.
1-The programming is done using Dip Switches under the front cover of the MNLP.
2-The Classic Lite can be programmed with an independent MNGP.
3-The Lite can be Networked with a standard Classic and programmed using the standard Classic’s MNGP
4-The Classic Lite can be programmed using the Local App (Through the Ethernet connection) software included
on the DVD or available at www.midnitesolar.com
Dip Switches
Below you will find an Explanation of the Dip switches and the values associated with their settings. Up is on and
down is off on the switches. To access the Dip switches you need to remove the front cover on the Lite display
panel. Firmly grasp the left and right side of the cover and slide it off as seen in Figure 7.
Figure 7

Just the Facts for the Classic Lite (continued)
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Now you will need to use the supplied tool (Toothpick) to place all 15 switches in the correct position. All the
information on the switches can be found on the labels on the MNLP as well as in Table 1 and Table 2 below. Keep
in mind if any of the switches are set to Custom the Lite display becomes a LED display only and you will need to
use the included PC software or a MNGP to program the Classic. Please see the Appendix of the Classic Owner’s
Manual for info on using the “Local App” software in conjunction with a PC.
Note: The Classic Lite will need to be programed in “Custom Mode” for all applications other than Solar.
Figure 8