Xantrex RC7 - REV 1 Setup guide

Installation and Operator’s Manual
RC7
RC7GS
Xantrex
RV Series
Remote Controls
System Status:
Float Charging

RC7 & RC7GS Remote Controls
Notice of Copyright
Xantrex RC7 and RC7GS Remote Controls Installation and
Operator’s Manual © October 2002 Xantrex International. All rights
reserved.
Xantrex is a registered trademark of Xantrex International.
Disclaimer
UNLESS SPECIFICALLY AGREED TO IN WRITING, XANTREX
TECHNOLOGY INC. (“XANTREX”)
(a) MAKES NO WARRANTY AS TO THE ACCURACY, SUFFI-
CIENCY OR SUITABILITY OF ANY TECHNICAL OR OTHER
INFORMATION PROVIDED IN ITS MANUALS OR OTHER DOCU-
MENTATION.
(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
October 2002, Revision 1
Part Number
975-0050-01-01
Contact Information
Web: www.xantrex.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: [phone] (toll free) 1 604 422 2777 (direct)
Fax: [phone]

RC7 & RC7GS Remote Controls
i
RC7 & RC7GS Remote Controls
Table of Contents
Section Description Page
1. Introduction ............................................................... 1
Features ............................................................. 1
ON/OFF Control
Meters
Controls
Status Monitoring
2. Installation ................................................................. 3
3. Operation ................................................................... 5
Front Panel ............................................................. 5
Indicators and Controls
Status LEDs
Inverter LED
Charge LED
Batt. Full LED
Error LED
LCD Display
Push-buttons
On/Off
Setup/Menu Item Push-button
Meter Mode Push-button
Settings Push-button
RC7 and RC7GS Setup Menu .............................. 9
Sense Search
Auto LBCO
Battery Capacity
Battery Type
Charge Rate
Set Shore Power
RC7 Setup
LCD Contrast
External Shunt
Fuelgauge Cutout

RC7 & RC7GS Remote Controls
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3. Operation (continued)
RC7GS Setup Menu .............................................. 14
Set Clock (RC7GS Only)
Select Genset
Generator Start
Generator Stop
Begin Gen Quiet and End Gen Quiet
Saving your Setup Choices ................................. 18
RC7 and RC7GS System Status Displays ..........19
AC Source Messages ................................... 19
Waiting for AC
Genset Status:
Pending, Cranking and Genstart
Starter Cooldown and Gen Start
Gen Set Error Messages .............................. 20
Gen Won’t Start
Gen Quiet Fault
Low AC Input V
Inverter Mode Messages ..................................20
Charger Mode Messages ................................. 23
Bulk Charging
Absorption Charging
Float Charging
Equalizing Charging
Inverter/Charger Error Messages .................... 25
Over Temperature
Overload
High Battery Voltage
Low Battery Voltage
DCLD Lockout Error
Charger Fault
Meters Display ....................................................... 28
Average Shunt Amps
Battery Voltage
Inverter/Charger Current
AC Output Voltage
AC Input Amps
Battery Temperature
Transformer Temperature
FET Temperature
Estimated Battery Capacity

RC7 & RC7GS Remote Controls
iii
3. Operation (continued)
System Status Messages ..................................... 31
Battery State of Charge
Time Left to Run
Time Left to Charge
Set Shore Power
Generator Start/Stop
Generator Connection .......................................... 33
Onan Quiet Diesel
Power Tech Wiring Diagrams (2 and 3-wire)
Power Tech 2-wire
Power Tech 3-wire
RC7 and RC7GS Setup Menu .............................. 36
RC7 and RC7GS User Menu ................................ 37
Storage Checklist .................................................. 38
Preparation for Storage
Interior Storage
Exterior Storage
4. Limited Warranty ....................................................... 39

RC7 & RC7GS Remote Controls
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This manual contains important safety instructions that should be followed
during the installation and maintenance of this product.
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, and to ensure the safe installation and
operation of this product, the following safety symbols have been placed
throughout this manual to indicate dangerous conditions and important safety
instructions.
WARNING - A dangerous voltage or condition exists in this area.
Use extreme caution when performing these tasks.
CAUTION - This procedure is critical to the safe installation or
operation of the unit. Follow these instructions closely.
NOTE - This statement is important. Follow instructions closely.
•All electrical work must be done in accordance with local, national,
and/or international electrical codes.
•Before installing or using this device, read all instructions and cautionary
markings located in (or on) the manual, the controller, the batteries,
and the PV array.
•Do not expose this unit to rain, snow or liquids of any type. This
product is designed only for indoor mounting.
•To reduce the chance of short-circuits when installing or working with
the inverter, the batteries, or the PV array, use insulated tools.
•Remove all jewelry such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, etc., while
installing this system. This will greatly reduce the chance of accidental
exposure to live circuits.
•The inverter contains more than one live circuit (batteries, PV
array, generator, etc.). Power may be present at more than one source.
•This product contains no user-serviceable parts. Do not attempt to
repair this unit.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
iv

RC7 & RC7GS Remote Controls
1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Features
The RC7 and RC7GS (Generator Start) are control units that allow remote
operation of any RV Series Inverter/Chargers rated from 2000 to 3000 watts.
NOTE: The inverter and remote control must have software version 1.3x.
The RC7 and RC7GS feature:
•Simple menu driven programming for full control of all inverter/charger
functions
•A three-level menu to prevent accidental setting changes
•Meters to display voltage and current
•RJ11 phone jack connection to inverter
•Internal memory to retain inverter/charger menu settings even with a
loss of power
•An Intelligent battery fuel gauge displaying percent of battery charge
and the time left to run
•Error message and informative information displays used to optimize
system performance
•Remote ON/OFF inverter operation
Figure 1
RC7 Front Panel

RC7 & RC7GS Remote Controls
2
All operating controls and indicators for the RC7 and RC7GS are located on
the front panel of the remote control. The inverter, software Rev. 1.3x must be
installed in both the inverter and remote. Refer to the instructions in the RVU-2
Software Upgrade Kit manual if an upgrade is required.
NOTE: The RC7 and RC7GS are identical remote controls; however, the RC7GS
has additional features for controlling a generator. These features are noted in
this manual as available for the “RC7GS only.”
On/Off Control
The inverter portion of the inverter/charger can be switched OFF or ON
using the remote control. The standby charger in the inverter is automatic and
always ready and available for charging whenever AC power is applied.
Meters
The RC7 and RC7GS remotes feature several meters that monitor the
operating conditions of the power center. These meters include: Average Shunt
Amps, Battery Voltage, Inverter/Charger Current, AC Output Voltage, AC Input
Amps, Battery Temperature, Transformer Temperature, FET Temperature, and
Estimated Battery Capacity.
Controls
The RC7 and RC7GS allow the inverter to be switched ON or OFF with the
press of a push-button on the remote. Both devices can be used to configure the
inverter/charger to the specific system and preferences including Battery
Capacity, Battery Type, Charger Rate, Low Battery Cutout, Shorepower Amps,
External Shunt, Fuel gauge Cutout, and Display Contrast. In addition, the
RC7GS starts and stops of the genset automatically or manually, allows the
setting of generator make and model, sets a “quiet time” during which the genset
will not start automatically, and has manual overrides for auto gen start.
Status Monitoring
The RC7 and RC7GS remotes monitor operating conditions including: the
AC supply, inverter operation, charger operation, battery condition, generator
condition (RC7GS only), Time Left to Run, and Time Left to Charge.
1.0 INTRODUCTION

RC7 & RC7GS Remote Controls
3
2.0 INSTALLATION
Installation Procedure:
1. Select an appropriate location to install the remote control.
2. Refer to the drawing (Figure 2) for hole and cutout dimensions or install
the remote in a standard double-gang outlet box.
3. Run the cable between the RC7 remote and the inverter/charger. Do NOT
use standard telephone cable.
4. Place the ON/OFF switch on the inverter to the OFF position and
disconnect the AC power.
Figure 2
Installation Dimensions
CUT OUT THIS AREA
PHONE
JACK
4-1/8"
4"
5-3/16" c-c
4-1/4" c-c
FRONT VIEW
822- 4A- 011

RC7 & RC7GS Remote Controls
4
2.0 INSTALLATION
5. Connect the communications cable into the RJ11 port on the inverter/
charger marked “REMOTE CONTROL.” Connect the other end of the
cable into the jack on the remote (Figure 3).
6. Secure the remote to the wall or outlet box using the appropriate screws
(4 required).
7. Wait for the LCD display to show the message “Waiting for AC.”
8. Place the ON/OFF switch on the inverter to the ON position.
NOTE: The remote will not operate the inverter if the inverter’s ON/OFF switch is
in the OFF position.
9. Reconnect the inverter to the AC source. After a brief delay, the remote
will display a system status message similar to Figure 4.
Figure 3
Remote Control Connectors
“REMOTE CONTROL”
RJ11 Connector RJ11 Connector
Inverter/Charger RC7 RC7GS Remote Control (back view)
ON/OFF Switch
Figure 4
System Status Message (in LCD display)
System Status:
AC Available

RC7 & RC7GS Remote Controls
5
3.0 OPERATION
Figure 5
Front Panel Controls and Indicators
Front Panel
1. Indicators and Controls
The RC7 and RC7GS front panels contain LEDs, LCD display and push-
buttons for viewing status and system setup. All operating power for the remote
control is provided by the inverter/charger via the supplied cable.
2. Status LEDs
There are four LEDs on the front panel which light solid or flash during
operation, indicating the system’s status. Upon initial power-up of the inverter, all
LEDs will flash as the unit goes through a self-test. After the initial power-up test
completes, the LEDs will indicate the current state of the inverter and charger.
Use these LEDs along with the LCD display for detailed system status.
Status LEDs
Inverter (green)
Charge (yellow)
Batt. Full (yellow)
Error (red)
Alphanumeric LCD Display Panel
ON/OFF Push-button
Menu Down Push-button
Menu Up Push-button and
Meter Mode
Settings Selection
Push-button
Inverter
Charge
Batt. Full
Error
822-4A-001
Figure 6
Status LEDs

RC7 & RC7GS Remote Controls
6
3. Inverter LED
The green Inverter LED indicates the inverter is switched ON and ready to
provide backup power. If there is no AC power, the inverter LED will be ON solid,
indicating that the inverter/charger is in the inverter (ON) mode.
Inverter LED Other LEDs or Devices Meaning
ON (solid) Inverter ON
Flashing Charge LED (flashing) Inverter ready (charging)
Slow Flash Load Sense Searching
Flashing Error LED ON + Buzzer Inverter Error
OFF Inverter Switched OFF
4. Charge LED
The Charge LED indicates the current battery charge mode.
Charge LED Other LEDs or Devices Meaning
ON (solid) Bulk Charging
Slow Flash Absorption Charging
Fast Flash Batt. Full LED ON Float Charging
Very Fast Flash Equalize Charging
OFF Inverter Mode (no charging)
5. Batt. Full LED
The Batt. Full LED indicates the state of charge on the batteries. This LED
will not illuminate until the batteries have charged up to at least 90%. The
duration of the LED’s ON time will increase until the batteries reach 100%, which
at that time, the LED will be ON solid. In the inverter mode, the OFF time
duration of the LED will increase until the batteries discharge to below 90% at
which time the LED will extinguish.
Batt. Full LED Other LEDs or Devices Meaning
Solid Battery Fully Charged (100%)
Flashing Battery Charged 90% or
higher
OFF Battery Below 90% Charge
6. Error LED
The Error LED indicates that there is a problem with the inverter/charger or
batteries. Check the LCD display to find and correct the nature of the problem.
Error Other LEDs or Devices Meaning
ON (solid) Check System
3.0 OPERATION

RC7 & RC7GS Remote Controls
7
7. LCD Display
The LCD display is a 16 x 2 lines (32 characters total) back lit, alphanu-
meric display, used for setting up the system operation as well as viewing current
status or error messages. You can scroll through the display items by using the
push-buttons below the display.
3.0 OPERATION
System Status:
Equalizing
822-4A-002
8. Push-buttons
There are four pressure-sensitive push-buttons on the front panel of the
RC7 and RC7GS used to control the inverter and enter system operating
parameters.
Figure 7
LCD Display
Meter Mode
On / Off Menu Item Settings
Setup
822-4A-003
Figure 8
Push-button Controls
a. On/Off
The On/Off push-button controls the inverter section of the inverter/charger.
Press this button once to turn the inverter ON or OFF. The charger section of the
inverter is not affected by this function and maintains the batteries whenever AC
power is present. On RC7GS models, this push-button also controls the
generator. Refer to Generator Start/Stop. Use this control when you do not want
the inverter to supply backup power in the event of an AC line failure. AC output
power is available only as long as the AC line is present.
NOTE: Pressing this push-button disables the inverter function. AC backup
power will NOT be available during a utility outage. The green INVERTER LED
must be flashing (with AC utility applied), indicating the inverter is in a ready
state. Pressing this push-button while the green LED is ON solid (indicating
backup mode), will cause the loss of the inverter output.
822-4A-004
On / Off
Figure 9
Inverter ON/OFF Push-button

RC7 & RC7GS Remote Controls
b. Setup/Menu Item Push-button
The Setup/Menu Item push-buttons accesses the system setup menus.
Press and hold both push-buttons for approximately 5 seconds or until the
display clears, then release the buttons. Press the UP or DOWN arrow buttons to
scroll through the menu items. To exit the Setup mode, press and hold both
push-buttons for approximately 5 seconds until the LCD display changes back to
the System Status display.
NOTE: Menu items are described later in the manual.
822-4A-005
Meter Mode
Menu Item
Setup
Figure 10
Setup/Menu Item Push-buttons
c. Meter Mode Push-button
The Meter Mode push-button (above) accesses the various operating
parameters such as output voltage, amperage, temperature, etc. To access the
Meter Mode, press and hold the Meter Mode push-button for approximately
5 seconds.
d. Settings Push-button
The Settings push-button scrolls through the various menus. Press this
button while in the Setup mode to move through the menu items one at a time. If
the desired item or setting is passed, continue pressing the Settings push-button
until the item or setting reappears. This push-button is also used to enable and
disable the equalize charge mode.
Settings
822-4A-006
Figure 11
Settings Push-button
3.0 OPERATION
8

RC7 & RC7GS Remote Controls
RC7 and RC7GS Setup Menu
The Setup menu configures the RC7 and RC7GS to specific operating
system parameters. To access the Setup menu press and hold the UP and
DOWN arrows push-buttons for approximately 5 seconds until the LCD display
clears. Choose the desired configuration settings for the system from the
appropriate menu. Exit the Setup Menu by pressing both the UP and DOWN
arrow push-buttons for approximately 5 seconds. The new settings will be saved
in nonvolatile memory 20 seconds after exiting the Setup mode (if nothing is
changed during the waiting period).
The initial menu that will appear in the LCD display is the Search Sense
menu shown below.
Search Sense:
Defeat
Figure 12
Initial LCD Display Item
The following menu items appear in the exact sequence they appear on the
RC7. Refer to pages 36-37 for the complete menu structure.
1. Search Sense
Search Sense enables or disables the power-saving “search” mode logic
circuitry. Refer to the inverter’s Operator’s manual for a complete description of
the Search Sense mode.
To configure the Search Sense mode, use the RIGHT arrow push-button
(Settings), to scroll to the desired setting. The default setting is Defeat.
Defeat disables the Search Sense function. The remaining selections
specify the minimum wattage load that must be present on the inverter to qualify
as a load and bring the inverter out of the search mode. After selecting, press
the DOWN arrow to access the next menu.
Figure 13
Search Menu Selections
3.0 OPERATION
9
Search Sense:
Defeat
Search Sense:
About 5W load
Search Sense:
...10W load
Search Sense:
...40W load
Search Sense:
> 40W load
••••

RC7 & RC7GS Remote Controls
10
2. Auto LBCO
Automatic Low Battery Cut Out (Auto LBCO) prevents the inverter from
draining the batteries below 10.9 V DC (with no load on the output). When this
mode is enabled (ON), the inverter shuts OFF when the batteries reach
10.9 V DC. When it is disabled (OFF), the inverter remains ON until the batteries
reach a voltage of 8.5 V DC, at which point the inverter will shut off. When AC
input is available again, the inverter automatically resets and begins charging the
batteries. The default setting is OFF.
Press the RIGHT arrow (Settings) to select the desired function. After
selecting, press the DOWN arrow to scroll to the next menu or the UP arrow to
move to a previous menu.
3. Battery Capacity
Battery Capacity refers to the battery’s reserve capacity in amp-hours. The
RC7 approximates the battery state-of-charge (SOC) and run-time then
estimates the battery capacity (Auto) over several charge/discharge cycles.
However, setting the capacity manually assures a more accurate initial SOC and
run-time calculations. The default setting is Auto.
The Battery Capacity setting also sets the absorption charge time where
the batteries are charged at the bulk voltage.
Auto ------------ 110 minutes (1.8 hours)
125 A hrs ----- 60 minutes (1 hour)
250 A hrs ----- 90 minutes (1.5 hours)
375 A hrs ----- 120 minutes (2 hours)
500 A hrs ----- 150 minutes (2.5 hours)
1000 A hrs ---- 180 minutes (3 hours)
Figure 14
Auto LBCO Selections
Figure 15
Battery Capacity Selections
Bat Capacity:
Auto
Bat Capacity:
125 A-hrs
Bat Capacity:
250 A-hrs
Bat Capacity:
375 A-hrs
Bat Capacity:
500 A-hrs
Bat Capacity:
1000 A-hrs
Auto LBCO:
OFF
Auto LBCO:
ON
3.0 OPERATION

RC7 & RC7GS Remote Controls
4. Battery Type
To ensure the batteries are receiving the proper charge voltage, the Battery
Type must be selected for the type of batteries used in the system: GEL Cell,
Liquid Lead Acid and AGM. The default setting is GEL Cell.
This voltage varies depending on the batteries used, as specified below.
BATTERY TYPE BULK V DC FLOAT V DC EQUALIZE V DC
GEL Cell 14.1 V DC 13.6 V DC Defeated
Liquid Led Acid 14.6 V DC 13.4 V DC 15.5 V DC
AGM 14.4 V DC 13.4 V DC 15.5 V DC
Figure 16
Battery Type Selections
Battery Type:
GEL Cell
Battery Type:
Liquid Lead Acid
Battery Type:
AGM
5. Charge Rate
The battery charger’s maximum output current can be specified using the
Charge Rate menu. The default is 100% of the maximum charge rate. Refer to
the inverter/charger Operator’s manual for specific system settings.
Figure 17
Charge Rate Selections
Charge Rate:
100% of max
Charge Rate:
90%
Charge Rate:
80%
Charge Rate:
20%
Charge Rate:
10%
••••
11
3.0 OPERATION

RC7 & RC7GS Remote Controls
3.0 OPERATION
12
6. Set Shore Power
The inverter monitors the AC power being drawn by both the battery
charger and the AC loads connected to the inverter. If the current draw ap-
proaches the shorepower circuit breaker rating, the battery charger reduces the
amount of current supplied to the batteries to provide the maximum current to
the AC loads. Set Shore Power ensures the battery charger does not exceed the
shorepower circuit breaker rating. This setting should match the shorepower or
generator’s circuit breaker rating. The default setting is 30 amps.
Figure 18
Set Shore Power Selections
7. RC7 Setup
The RC7 LCD screen displays system status and error messages that
occur during normal operation. From the Setup menu select:
Last Key (default) to display the last system status message displayed after
exiting the Setup menu.
Rolling Display to automatically show system status, state-of-charge, time
left to run, time left to charge, set shore power and gen start/stop (RC7GS only).
Power Saver to shut off the LCD display and LEDs after five minutes
without a key-press or new error message. Pressing any key will reactivate the
LCD display and LEDs for another five minutes. Errors during the power saver
mode will “wake-up” the remote.
RC7 Setup:
Last Key
RC7 Setup:
Power Saver
RC7 Setup:
Rolling Display
Set Shore Power
30 Amps
Set Shore Power
25 Amps
Set Shore Power
20 Amps
Set Shore Power
5 Amps
Set Shore Power
15 Amps
Set Shore Power
10 Amps
Figure 19
Set Shore Power Selections

RC7 & RC7GS Remote Controls
8. LCD Contrast
The LCD Contrast menu adjusts the contrast to accommodate changing
lighting conditions and viewing angle. The default setting is Max. Contrast.
9. External Shunt
When two inverter/chargers are utilized in a system, an additional RC7 can
be used as a battery “fuel gauge.” This requires an external shunt. Refer to the
inverter/charger’s operator’s manual for instructions on installing an external
shunt. The External Shunt menu selects the fuel gauge unit. The default is None.
Figure 20
LCD Contrast Selections
10. Fuel gauge Cutout
The Fuel gauge Cutout menu sets the battery voltage zero percent state of
charge (0% SOC) with no load. This is the point at which the battery has zero
reserve amp-hours remaining. The Fuel gauge meter uses this number to
determine the 0% battery state-of-charge voltage. The default is 9.5 VDC.
Figure 21
External Shunt Selections
Figure 22
Fuel gauge Cutout Selections
External Shunt:
None
External Shunt:
This Inverter
External Shunt:
Other Inverter
LCD Contrast:
Max Contrast
LCD Contrast:
87%
LCD Contrast:
62%
LCD Contrast:
Min Contrast
••••••••
3.0 OPERATION
13
Fuel gauge Cutout:
9.5VDC=0%SOC
Fuel gauge Cutout:
10.3VDC=0%SOC
Fuel gauge Cutout:
11.7VDC=0%SOC
Fuel gauge Cutout:
11.8VDC=0%SOC
•••• ••••

RC7 & RC7GS Remote Controls
3.0 OPERATION
14
RC7GS Setup Menu
The RC7GS (Generator Start) features several additional setup menu
selections related to automatic generator starting, stopping and generator quiet
time.
1. Set Clock (RC7GS only)
Some generator functions are based on the time of day. The clock must be
properly set to ensure the programmed function will perform at the correct time.
The clock uses 24-hour time and ranges from 00:00 to 23:59.
To access the Set Clk menu, scroll down past the generator menus by
pressing the DOWN arrow. A flashing cursor appears below (and behind) the
hour (H) or minute (M) characters in the display. Every eight seconds the cursor
alternates positions. When the cursor is under the hour digit, press the Settings
push-button to increment the hours to the current hour (00 to 23). When the
cursor is under the minutes digit, press the Settings push-button to increment
the minutes to the current minute (0 to 59). Press and hold the Settings push-
button to quickly increment the time, or press and release to increment the
selected digit by one unit at a time.
Figure 23
RC7GS Front Panel
Figure 24
Set Clock Display
Set Clk: 0-23:59
HH:MM
Hour selected
Increments Digit
(Settings push-button)