Outback Power Systems FLEXMAX 80 User manual

Maximum Power Point Tracking Charge Controller
User’s Guide
Installation, Programming and User’s Manual
maxT M 80

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Warranty Summary
Dear OutBack Customer,
Thank you for your purchase of OutBack products. We make every eort to assure our power
conversion products will give you long and reliable service for your renewable energy system.
As with any manufactured device, repairs might be needed due to damage, inappropriate use,
or unintentional defect. Please note the following guidelines regarding warranty service of
OutBack products:
• Any and all warranty repairs must conform to the terms of the warranty.
• All OutBack equipment must be installed according to their accompanying instructions and
manuals with specied over-current protection in order to maintain their warranties.
• The customer must return the component(s) to OutBack, securely packaged, properly addressed,
and shipping paid. We recommend insuring your package when shipping. Packages that are not
securely packaged can sustain additional damage not covered by the warranty or can void
warranty repairs.
• There is no allowance or reimbursement for an installer’s or user’s labor or travel time required to
disconnect, service, or reinstall the damaged component(s).
• OutBack will ship the repaired or replacement component(s) prepaid to addresses in the continental
United States, where applicable. Shipments outside the U.S. will be sent freight collect.
• In the event of a product malfunction, OutBack cannot bear any responsibility for consequential
losses, expenses, or damage to other components.
• Please read the full warranty at the end of this manual for more information.

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The OutBack Power Systems FLEXmax 80 Maximum Power Point Tracking Charge Controller is ETL listed in
North America to UL1741 (Inverters, Converters, Controllers, and Interconnection System Equipment
for Use with Distributed Energy Resources). It is also in compliance with European Union standards EN
61000-6-1 and EN 61000-6-3 (see page 89).
About OutBack Power Systems
OutBack Power Systems is a leader in advanced energy conversion technology. Our products include
true sine wave inverter/chargers, a maximum power point charge controller, system communication
components, as well as breaker panels, breakers, accessories, and assembled systems.
Notice of Copyright
FLEXmax 80 Maximum Power Point Tracking Charge Controlle r User’s Guide: Installation, Programming and
User’s Manual
Copyright © 2008 All rights reserved.
Disclaimer
UNLESS SPECIFICALLY AGREED TO IN WRITING, OUTBACK POWER SYSTEMS:
(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 THE USE OF SUCH
INFORMATION. THE USE OF ANY SUCH INFORMATION WILL BE ENTIRELY AT THE USER’S RISK.
Date and Revision
January 2008 REV A
Contact Information
OutBack Power Systems
19009 62nd Ave. NE
Arlington, WA 98223
Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.outbackpower.com

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
SCOPE .......................................................................................................................................................................................................5
INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................................................................5
INSTALLATION GUIDELINES AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.......................................................................................6
Standards and Requirements...........................................................................................................................................6
Battery Safety.............................................................................................................................................................................. 7
INSTALLING THE FLEXmax 80 ON FLEXware ENCLOSURES.....................................................................................9
OPEN CIRCUIT VOLTAGE/WIRE AND DISCONNECT SIZING................................................................................... 10
HOW TO READ THE FLEXmax 80 SCREEN DIAGRAMS ............................................................................................. 15
POWERING UP .................................................................................................................................................................................. 16
STATUS SCREEN................................................................................................................................................................................ 19
END OF DAY SUMMARY SCREEN .......................................................................................................................................... 19
RECHARGING USING THE PV ARRAY ................................................................................................................................... 19
ACCESSING THE MAIN MENU.................................................................................................................................................. 21
CHARGER SETUP ............................................................................................................................................................................. 22
AUX MODE AND ITS FUNCTIONS......................................................................................................................................... 23
AUX Mode Path...................................................................................................................................................................... 24
AUX Modes Described....................................................................................................................................................... 25
Programming the AUX Modes ..................................................................................................................................... 26
Vent Fan ............................................................................................................................................................................ 26
PV Trigger......................................................................................................................................................................... 27
Error Output ................................................................................................................................................................... 30
Night Light ...................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Float..................................................................................................................................................................................... 33
Diversion: Relay ............................................................................................................................................................ 33
Diversion: Solid State ................................................................................................................................................ 35
Low Battery Disconnect.......................................................................................................................................... 37
Remote.............................................................................................................................................................................. 39
BACKLIGHT.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 40
EQ (Equalize)...................................................................................................................................................................................... 40
MISC-MISCELLANEOUS............................................................................................................................................................... 43
ADVANCED ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 45
Snooze Mode........................................................................................................................................................................... 45
Wakeup Mode......................................................................................................................................................................... 46
MPPT Mode .............................................................................................................................................................................. 46
Park Mpp .................................................................................................................................................................................... 47
CHARGING RELATED SCREENS............................................................................................................................................... 48
Absorb Time............................................................................................................................................................................. 48
Rebulk Voltage........................................................................................................................................................................ 49

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Vbatt Calibration..........................................................................................................................................................................50
RTS Compensation.....................................................................................................................................................................50
Auto Restart....................................................................................................................................................................................51
Aux Polarity.....................................................................................................................................................................................52
Reset to Defaults? .......................................................................................................................................................................52
(DATA) LOGGING....................................................................................................................................................................................54
Clearing Total and Daily Stats ...............................................................................................................................................54
STATS .............................................................................................................................................................................................................55
Secondary Stats Screen............................................................................................................................................................56
MICRO-HYDRO, WIND TURBINE, AND FUEL CELL APPLICATIONS............................................................................57
ADVANCED MENU (Micro-Hydro) ...............................................................................................................................................58
FLEXmax 80 ABBREVIATED MENU MAP...................................................................................................................................59
APPLICATION NOTES ...........................................................................................................................................................................60
FLEXmax 80 EFFICIENCY vs. INPUT POWER GRAPH.........................................................................................................61
UNDERSTANDING THE VARIOUS OPERATIONAL MODES..............................................................................................62
MATE-DISPLAYED CHARGE CONTROLLER STATUS MODE Screens.........................................................................65
MATE-DISPLAYED CHARGE CONTROLLER STATUS METER Screens.......................................................................66
MATE-DISPLAYED CHARGE CONTROLLER STATUS SETP(OINT) Screens..............................................................67
MATE-DISPLAYED FLEXmax 80 ADVANCED SCREENS ....................................................................................................67
ADVANCED MENU ................................................................................................................................................................................68
EQ SCREENS..............................................................................................................................................................................................69
AUX SCREENS...........................................................................................................................................................................................69
ABBREVIATED MENU............................................................................................................................................................................70
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ............................................................................................................................................................72
TYPICAL ARRAY SIZING GUIDE ......................................................................................................................................................75
STANDARD vs. AUSTRALIAN DEFAULT SETTINGS...............................................................................................................76
WIRE DISTANCE CHART......................................................................................................................................................................77
WIRE AND DISCONNECT SIZING ..................................................................................................................................................79
MULTI-STAGE BATTERY CHARGING.............................................................................................................................................81
BATTERY TEMPERATURE COMPENSATED VOLTAGE SET POINT.................................................................................83
SUGGESTED BATTERY CHARGER SET POINTS ......................................................................................................................84
CALLING THE FACTORY FOR ASSISTANCE..............................................................................................................................85
WARRANTY INFORMATION..............................................................................................................................................................86
PRODUCT REGISTRATION AND OPTIONAL EXTENDED WARRANTY......................................................................88
EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY..........................................................................................................................................89
OWNER’S SYSTEM INFORMATION ............................................................................................................................................. 90

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SCOPE
The manual provides safety guidelines and installation information for the FLEXmax 80 Maximum Power
Point Tracking Charge Controller. It does not provide information about specic brands of solar panels
and supplies limited information on batteries. Contact the supplier or manufacturer of the solar panels
or batteries for further information.
INTRODUCTION
FLEXmax 80 Maximum Power Point Tracking Charge Controller
The OutBack FLEXmax 80 Maximum Power Point Tracking Charge Controller oers an ecient, safe, multi-
stage recharging process that prolongs battery life and assures peak performance from a solar array.
This component allows customized battery recharging. The FLEXmax 80 features include:
• 80 amps maximum continuous output current up to 40° C without thermal derating
• Engineered to work with 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60VDC battery voltages
• Backlit LCD display screen with 80 characters (4 lines, 20 characters per line)
• Last 128 days of operational data are logged for review
• Voltage step-down capability allowing a higher PV array voltage conguration
• Manual and auto-equalize cycle
The following are the maximum recommended wattage for the most common solar arrays under
Standard Test Conditions (1000 watts per square meter to solar panel at 25° C or 77° F):
• 12VDC battery systems—up to 1250 watts of solar panels
• 24VDC battery systems—up to 2500 watts of solar panels
• 36VDC battery systems—up to 3750 watts of solar panels
• 48VDC battery systems—up to 5000 watts of solar panels
• 60VDC battery systems—up to 6250 watts of solar panels
The FLEXmax 80 also features Continuous Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), which seeks out the
maximum power available from a solar array and uses it to recharge the batteries. Without this feature,
the solar array does not operate at the ideal operating voltage and can only recharge at the level of the
battery voltage itself. The FLEXmax 80 continuously tracks the array’s maximum operating power.
This manual covers the wiring, installation, and use of the FLEXmax 80, including explanations of all
the menus displayed on the LCD screen. The FLEXmax 80 is designed to seamlessly integrate with
other OutBack components and can be remotely monitored and congured (up to 1000 feet) by the
optional OutBack Power Systems MATE display (version 4.0.4 or greater).
FIRMWARE
This manual covers FLEXmax 80 rmware version 001.008.009

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OUTBACK FLEXmax 80 CHARGE CONTROLLER INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
AND SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This product is intended to be installed as part of a permanently grounded electrical system
as shown in the system conguration sections (see pages 12-14) of this manual. The following
important restrictions apply unless superseded by local or national codes:
• The negative battery conductor should be bonded to the grounding system at only one point in the
system. If a GFP is present, the battery negative and ground are not bonded together directly but are
connected together by the GFP device when it is on. All negative conductor connections must be
kept separate from the grounding conductor connections.
• With the exception of certain telcom applications, the FLEXmax 80 should never be positive
grounded (see page 60, Applications Notes).
• The FLEXmax 80 equipment ground is marked with this symbol:
• If damaged or malfunctioning, the FLEXmax 80 should only be disassembled and repaired by a
qualied service center. Please contact your renewable energy dealer/installer for assistance.
Incorrect reassembly risks malfunction, electric shock or re.
• The FLEXmax 80 is designed for indoor installation or installation inside a weatherproof enclosure. It must
not be exposed to rain and should be installed out of direct sunlight.
For routine, user-approved maintenance:
• Turn o all circuit breakers, including those to the solar modules, and related electrical connections
before cleaning the air vents.
Standards and Requirements
All installations must comply with national and local electrical codes; professional installation
is recommended. NEC requires ground protection for all residential PV installations
DC and Battery-Related Installation Requirements:
• All DC cables must meet NEC standards.
• Shut o all DC breakers before connecting any wiring.
• Torque all the FLEXmax 80’s wire lugs and ground terminals to 35 inch-pounds (4 Nm).
• All wiring must be rated at 75° C or higher.
• Use up to 2 AWG (33.6 mm2) to reduce losses and ensure high performance of FLEXmax 80 (smaller
cables can reduce performance and possibly damage the unit).
• Keep cables together (e.g., using a tie-wrap) as much as possible.
• Ensure both cables pass through the same knockout and conduit ttings to allow the inductive
currents to cancel.
• DC battery over-current protection must be used as part of the installation. OutBack oers both

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WARNING - WORKING IN THE VICINITY OF A LEAD ACID BATTERY IS DANGEROUS.
BATTERIES GENERATE EXPLOSIVE GASES DURING NORMAL OPERATION. Design the
battery enclosure to prevent accumulation and concentration of hydrogen gas in “pockets”at the top
of the enclosure. Vent the battery compartment from the highest point to the outside. A sloped lid can
also be used to direct the ow of hydrogen to the vent opening.
CAUTION - To reduce risk of injury, charge only deep-cycle lead acid, lead antimony, lead calcium,
gel cell or absorbed glass mat type rechargeable batteries. Other types of batteries may burst, causing
personal injury and damage. Never charge a frozen battery.
PERSONAL PRECAUTIONS DURING INSTALLATION
• Someone should be within range of your voice to come to your aid if needed.
• Keep plenty of fresh water and soap nearby in case battery acid contacts skin, clothing,
or eyes.
• Wear complete eye protection. Avoid touching eyes while working near batteries. Wash your hands
with soap and warm water when done.
• If battery acid contacts skin or clothing, wash immediately with soap and water. If acid enters an eye,
ood the eye with running cool water at once for at least 15 minutes and get medical attention
immediately following.
• Baking soda neutralizes lead acid battery electrolyte. Keep a supply on hand in the area of
the batteries.
• NEVER smoke or allow a spark or ame in vicinity of a battery or generator.
• Be extra cautious to reduce the risk of dropping a metal tool onto batteries. It could short-circuit the
batteries or other electrical parts that can result in re or explosion.
• Remove personal metal items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches when working with a
battery or other electrical current. A battery can produce a short circuit current high enough to weld
a ring or the like to metal, causing severe burns.

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THE OUTBACK POWER SYSTEMS FLEXmax 80
Maximum Power Point Tracking Charge Controller

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TheFLEXmax 80 is designed to attach directly to
OutBack’s FLEXware 500 DC and FLEXware 1000
DC enclosures (FLEXware 500 shown) or attach to
its own charge control brackets (FW-CCB, FW-
CCB2, and FW-CCB2T).
NOTE: Install the FLEXmax 80 in an upright posi-
tion out of direct sunlight.
To mount directly to a FLEXware DC enclosure:
• Remove the fan cover and bottom cover from
the FLEXmax 80.
• Insert a #10 X 3/8” sheet metal screw in the top
hole on the side of the DC enclosure. This will
act as a hanging screw for the keyhole slot at
the top center of the FLEXmax 80.
• Hang the FLEXmax 80 on the top screw and
line up its bottom two screw holes with the
holes on the enclosure.
• Insert a #10 X 3/8” sheet metal screw through
each hole and tighten against the enclosure
(screws are included with each DC enclosure).
• Keep the cover o until wiring is completed.
The Conduit Nipple Assembly creates a sealed
pass-through from the FLEXmax 80 to the
enclosure
1. Installing the FLEXmax 80 FLEXware DC Enclosures
Mounting to Plywood
Use 1 5/8” wood screws to secure the FLEXmax 80
at the top slotted holes and other interior lower
holes as needed, making sure the unit is straight
and level.
DC Enclosure
FLEXmax 80
Bushing
Locknut
Locknut
Conduit
Nipple
Screw holes
for #10 X 3/8”
sheet metal
screws
Insert screws
through lower
holes inside
FLEXmax 80
To mount the
FLEXmax 80 to
charge control
brackets, see
the individual
instruction
sheet for those
brackets.

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2. Determining Wire Sizes
Open Circuit Voltage/Wire and Disconnect Size
Maximum Open Circuit Voltage (VOC)
• VOC is the unloaded voltage generated by the solar array.
• Greater than 145VDC gFLEXmax 80 suspends operation to protect components
• 150DC gmax open circuit voltage with the coldest environment
NOTE: Although the FLEXmax 80 shuts down at a voltage greater than 145VDC, it can withstand up to
150VDC from the array; anything higher than 150VDC will damage the FLEXmax 80).
• As every brand of panel is dierent, be sure to know the manufacturer’s specications.
• Weather conditions vary and will aect panel voltage.
• Hot weather: lower open circuit voltage/lower maximum power point voltage
• Cold weather: higher open circuit voltage/higher maximum power point voltage
• Allow for ambient temperature correction using the following table:
25° to 10° C (77° to 50° F) multiply VOC by 1.06
9° to 0° C (49° to 32° F) multiply VOC by 1.10
-1° to -10° C (31° to 14° F) multiply VOC by 1.13
-11° to -20° C (13° to -4° F) multiply VOC by 1.17
-21° to -40° C (-5° to -40° F) multiply VOC by 1.25
• Check the PV array voltage before connecting it to the FLEXmax 80 (see page 76)
Wire and Disconnect Sizing
• The output current limit of the FLEXmax 80 is 80 amps.
• Use a minimum of 4 AWG (21.15 mm2) wire for the output between the FLEXmax 80 and the battery
bus bar conductors.
• Install OutBack OBB-80-150VDC-PNL breakers for disconnect and overcurrent protection.
• The largest PV array that can connect to an FLEXmax 80 must have a rated short-circuit current of 64
amps or less under STC (Standard Test Conditions).
• Input conductors and circuit breakers must be rated at 1.56 times the short-circuit current of the PV
array. OutBack 100% duty continuous breakers only need to be rated at 1.25 times the short-circuit
current.
• Please see the wire Distance Chart and complete Wire and Disconnect Sizing on pages 77-79 for
other suitable conductor/wire sizing.

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The PV (-) and BAT (-) terminals are connected internally. Only one negative wire may be needed to
connect to the (-) wire lugs if the PV - and BAT- conductors are bonded at the negative bus bar. See
Figures 2 and 3 for sample wiring diagrams. See Wire and Disconnect Sizing on page 80 for suitable
conductor/wire sizing.
NOTES:
• Each FLEXmax 80 requires its own PV array. DO NOT PARALLEL FLEXmax 80 PV+ and PV- TERMINALS
ON THE SAME ARRAY!
• An optional battery Remote Temperature Sensor (RTS) is recommended for accurate battery
recharging (only one RTS is needed for multiple OutBack Series Inverter/Chargers and FLEXmax 80
units when an OutBack HUB and a MATE are parts of the system). When one RTS is used, it must be
connected to the component plugged into the Port 1 of the HUB.
Figure 1 FLEXmax 80 wiring compartment
Programmable
AUX Output Jack
(supplies up to
200mA @ 12 VDC
Battery Remote Temp
Sensor (RTS) RJ11 jack
Use up to 2 AWG
(33.6 mm2) wire
and torque to
35-inch pounds at
terminals.
MATE/HUB
RJ45 jack
Chassis/Equipment
Ground Lug
PV+ PV- BAT- BAT+
Wire Lugs
Screw holes for attaching FLEXmax 80
3. FLEXmax 80 Wiring Connections

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Figure 2 Single Charge Controller wiring diagram with 24 volt PV array

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Figure 3 Charge Controller Wiring Diagram with an FX, HUB 4, and an RTS

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Figure 4 Charge Controller with PV array ground fault protection wiring digram.

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Soft keys:
Solid black indicates key is to be pressed:
Down arrow will lead to the next screen:
Up arrow points to one or more keys that will change a value:
The keys correspond to any text immediately above them.
(#1) (#2) (#3) (#4)
How to Read the FLEXmax 80 Screen Diagrams

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4. Powering Up
The FLEXmax 80 power-up sequence rst activates the unit and the SELECT VERSION screen (to de-
termine a choice of English, Espanola, or Australian settings). A SYSTEM VOLTAGE screen soon follows.
However, when it auto-detects the system’s battery voltage, in some instances the FLEXmax 80 might
not reect the correct system voltage (e.g., if a 36VDC system falls to a voltage range that could be
misread as a 24VDC system). The SYSTEM VOLTAGE screens allow the user to adjust the FLEXmax 80 to
the correct voltage.
NOTE: Be sure the PV input and battery breakers are o before starting the power-up sequence.
OFF SCREEN (this screen is initially blank at power up)
With the PV array and battery breakers o, turn on the
battery breaker.
NOTE:The battery voltage must be at least 10.5V or higher to power up the FLEXmax 80. If the screen
reads Low Battery Voltage, please see the Troubleshooting Guide on page 72.
OutBack 12V
Power
Systems
FLEXmax 80
Power Up Screen
The FLEXmax 80 will show the system battery voltage
in the upper right corner of the screen. The Select
Version screen appears next.
NOTE:
• The FLEXmax 80’s default setting is for a 12 VDC
battery.
• Change the setting after powering up the FLEXmax
80 if a dierent battery voltage is used.
• The PV array voltage—which must not exceed 150
VDC open circuit—is automatically detected.

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The FLEXmax 80 screens are oered in English (standard
screens) and Spanish. For Australian users, some of the
charging values are of dierent voltages and the FLEXmax
80 accommodates these. By pressing the <NEXT> soft
key, the user can choose USA, Australia, or Espanola
versions of the screens. After pressing the <NEXT> soft
key, a password must be entered before selecting the
screen version.
Password Screen
Press the “ – “ soft key until the password 141 shows on
the screen. Press the <ENTER> soft key to return to the
Select Version screen.
NOTE: 141 is the password for all OutBack products
displayed on a screen.
Press the <NEXT> to choose the desired screen
version. Press the <ENTER> soft key to view the version
conrmation screen.
PASSWORD
CONTRASENA
***150***
ENTRA - + ENTER
Select Version
Elija la Version
USA
NEXT ENTER ENTRA SEL
Select Version
Elija la Version
USA
NEXT ENTER ENTRA SEL

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System Voltage Screen
Press the <YES> soft key to proceed if the selected
battery voltage is correct. If incorrect, press <NO> to re-
enter the correct voltage. The <YES> soft key will open
the STATUS screen.
SYTEM VOLTAGE
12 24 36 48 60
^^
g ENTER
Are you sure?
12 24 36 48 60
^^
NO Yes
NOTE: Repeating the Powering Up sequence resets
the FLEXmax 80 Charge Controller to its factory default
settings (see page 76).
Are you sure?
USA
NO YES
Press the <YES> soft key to conrm your choice or
<NO> to return to the SELECT VERSION screen.
The FLEXmax 80 auto detects the system’s battery
voltage. To conrm this voltage, press the <ENTER> soft
key. If incorrect, press the “g”soft key to select a battery
voltage. The FLEXmax 80’s default values are based on
a 12VDC system. Selecting a higher voltage system will
change all the default values (e.g., the values will double
with a 24VDC system, triple with a 36 VDC system, etc.).
“^^” indicates the chosen voltage. The FLEXmax 80 will
automatically accept the selected battery voltage if left
unattended for 5 minutes in this screen. After choosing
the voltage, press the <ENTER> soft key to proceed.
Verication Screen

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NOTE:
• Pressing the rst soft key opens the MAIN Menu screen.
• Pressing second soft key opens the End of the Day summary menu/logging.
5. Status Screen
The STATUS Screen displays system information. See page 63 for detailed information of the dierent
Operational Modes. The optional OutBack MATE displays CC (Charge Controller) STATUS screens for
convenient distant viewing from the installation location of the FLEXmax 80. Please see pages 65-67
to view the Charge Controller screens displayed on the MATE.
The PV voltage will slowly rise to the
battery voltage level even when the PV
breaker is o – this is normal as the PV
capacitors charge up.
PV Input Voltage
Battery Voltage
Instantaneous Watts
AUX status (ON or OFF)
PV Input Current
Output current
Daily accumulated kiloWatt Hours
Operational Mode
In 11.6 V 0.0 A
Out 13.8 V 0.0 A
0.000 kW 0.0 kWH
AUX: OFF Sleeping