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XPower Solar 400 Owner's Manual

Manual is about: Xantrex XPower Powerpack Solar 400 Owner's Guide

Summary of Solar 400

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    By xpower powerpack solar 400 owner’s guide powerpack_solar_400.Book page i thursday, march 22, 2007 2:41 pm.

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    About xantrex xantrex technology inc. Is a world-leading supplier of advanced power electronics and controls with products from 50 watt mobile units to 2.5 mw utility-scale systems for wind, solar, batteries, fuel cells, microturbines, and backup power applications in both grid-connected and stand-a...

  • Page 3: About This Guide

    I about this guide purpose the purpose of this owner’s guide is to provideexplanations and procedures for installing, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting the xpower powerpack solar 400. Conventions used the following conventions are used in this guide. Warning warnings identify conditions th...

  • Page 4: Related Information

    About this guide ii 975-0328-01-01 related information you can find more information about xantrex technology inc. As well as its products and services at www.Xantrex.Com. Powerpack_solar_400.Book page ii thursday, march 22, 2007 2:41 pm.

  • Page 5: Warnings and Cautions

    Iii important safety instructions the xpower powerpack solar 400 generates a type of ac power similar to a normal household wall outlet. Operating the powerpack solar 400 incorrectly or misusing it may damage the equipment or create hazardous conditions for the user. Warnings and cautions important:...

  • Page 6: Warning: Explosion Hazard

    Important safety instructions iv 975-0328-01-01 warning: explosion hazard do not use this product where there are flammable fumes or gases, such as in the bilge of a gasoline- powered boat, or near propane tanks. Do not use this product in an enclosure containing automotive-type lead acid batteries....

  • Page 7: Appliances

    Important safety instructions 975-0328-01-01 v precautions for using rechargeable appliances most rechargeable battery-operated equipment uses a separate charger or transformer that is plugged into an ac receptacle and produces a low voltage charging output. Some chargers for rechargeable batteries ...

  • Page 8: First Aid

    Important safety instructions vi 975-0328-01-01 first aid the internal battery is a sealed, lead-acid type battery. It is not designed to be user replaceable. However, if a leak is detected, stop operating and handling the powerpack solar 400 immediately. If battery acid contacts eyes: 1. Immediatel...

  • Page 9: Introduction

    Vii important safety instructions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -iii warnings and cautions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -iii precautions for using rechargeable appliances - - - - - - - - - - - - v first aid - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ...

  • Page 10: Maintenance

    Contents viii 975-0328-01-01 charging with the dc-to-dc accessory cable - - - - - - - - - 14 recharging with a generator’s regulated 12 vdc outlet- - - 16 recharging from the solar panel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 17 interpreting display codes - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -...

  • Page 11: Troubleshooting

    Contents 975-0328-01-01 ix 5 troubleshooting common problems - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 35 buzz in audio equipment - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 35 television interference - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 35 troubleshooting referenc...

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    X powerpack_solar_400.Book page x thursday, march 22, 2007 2:41 pm.

  • Page 13: Tables

    Xi table 5-1 troubleshooting reference - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 36 table 5-2 display error codes - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 39 tables powerpack_solar_400.Book page xi thursday, march 22, 2007 2:41 pm.

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    Xii powerpack_solar_400.Book page xii thursday, march 22, 2007 2:41 pm.

  • Page 15: Figures

    Xiii figure 2-1 package contents - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3 figure 2-2 front and side panels - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 figure 2-3 control panel and display - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 figure 2-4 power sockets - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ...

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    Xiv powerpack_solar_400.Book page xiv thursday, march 22, 2007 2:41 pm.

  • Page 17: Introduction

    1 1 introduction about the powerpack solar 400 easy-to-use and designed for years of reliable service, the powerpack solar 400 is a portable power source designed to provide limited ac power in the event utility power is interrupted or is not available. It can run many ac appliances and 12-volt dc a...

  • Page 18: Overheating

    Introduction 2 975-0328-01-01 the dc socket is protected by a thermal switch. If an overload condition (> 144 w) occurs while using the dc socket, the excessive temperature will cause the switch to open and shut down the power to the socket. Overheating the powerpack solar 400 is protected from over...

  • Page 19: Features

    3 2 features chapter 2 describes the main features of the powerpack solar 400. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with these features before operating the unit. Contents your powerpack solar 400 package includes the items shown in figure 2-1. If any of these materials are missing or are unsa...

  • Page 20: Powerpack Solar 400 Features

    Powerpack solar 400 features 4 975-0328-01-01 powerpack solar 400 features front and side panels figure 2-2 front and side panels feature description hi-bright led lamp (located on each side) provides ambient light to surrounding area. The button switch is located on the control panel. Power socket ...

  • Page 21: Control Panel and Display

    Powerpack solar 400 features 975-0328-01-01 5 control panel and display figure 2-3 control panel and display feature description the digital display flashes intermittently: • -p-, then output power in w (0 to 400) and • -c-, then battery charge capacity status in %(40 to 100), or • -c-, then battery...

  • Page 22: Power Socket Side Panel

    Powerpack solar 400 features 6 975-0328-01-01 power socket side panel figure 2-4 power sockets feature description dc input/output power socket (dc socket): • power 12-volt dc auto, rv, or marine appliances (output). • recharge powerpack solar 400 from a 12 v outlet in a vehicle using the dc chargin...

  • Page 23: Solar Panel Components

    Powerpack solar 400 features 975-0328-01-01 7 solar panel components figure 2-5 solar panel component feature description the male/female connectors attach to each other and connect the solar panel to the charging assembly inside the unit. You can remove the solar panel by unplugging the male/female...

  • Page 24: Backside Panel

    Powerpack solar 400 features 8 975-0328-01-01 backside panel accessories figure 2-6 backside panel feature description back stand provides support to the unit when slightly tilted upward. With the solar panel attached, you can use the stand to place the unit facing towards the sun figure 2-7 accesso...

  • Page 25: Operation

    9 3 operation chapter 3 explains how to operate the powerpack solar 400 efficiently. This chapter covers: • choosing a location (page 10) • recharging the powerpack solar 400 (page 11) • interpreting display codes (page 19) • operating ac appliances (page 22) • operating 12-volt dc appliances (page ...

  • Page 26: Choosing A Location

    Operation 10 975-0328-01-01 choosing a location the powerpack solar 400 should be operated only in locations that meet the following requirements. Warning: fire or explosion the powerpack solar 400 contains components that tend to produce arcs or sparks. To prevent fire or explosion, do not operate ...

  • Page 27: Battery

    Recharging the powerpack solar 400 battery 975-0328-01-01 11 recharging the powerpack solar 400 battery you can recharge the battery by using: • the ac charger (supplied) plugged into a standard 120 vac wall outlet, • the dc charging cable (supplied) to recharge from your vehicle or a generator equi...

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    Operation 12 975-0328-01-01 charging with the ac charger using the ac charger is the simplest method for recharging the battery. While charging from an ac source, the charging status led indicator light on the control panel will flash intermittently. The indicator light will stay on when the battery...

  • Page 29

    Recharging the powerpack solar 400 battery 975-0328-01-01 13 figure 3-1 charging with ac power note : the battery charge (%) reading on the digital display is only accurate after the powerpack solar 400 has been disconnected from all appliances and all charging sources for 15 minutes. 1. Press and h...

  • Page 30: Caution

    Operation 14 975-0328-01-01 charging with the dc-to-dc accessory cable the powerpack solar 400 comes with a dc charging cable to allow the unit to be charged from a dc source such as an automobile, rv, or boat. The labeled and fused plug of the charging cable is equipped with a single and replaceabl...

  • Page 31

    Recharging the powerpack solar 400 battery 975-0328-01-01 15 figure 3-2 charging with dc power 1. Open the plastic cover that protects the unit’s dc socket. 2. Insert the labeled plug of the dc charging cable into the 12 vdc power socket in the vehicle. Vehicle’s 12 vdc power socket 3. Insert the ot...

  • Page 32: Outlet

    Operation 16 975-0328-01-01 recharging with a generator’s regulated 12 vdc outlet refer to the owner’s guide accompanying your generator for detailed instructions on connecting the generator to a unit like the powerpack solar 400. You can recharge the battery of the powerpack solar 400 using a gener...

  • Page 33

    Recharging the powerpack solar 400 battery 975-0328-01-01 17 recharging from the solar panel the solar panel is very convenient in places where you do not have access to ac or dc sources for charging. You can take the powerpack solar 400 with you and use the solar panel to charge it during the day w...

  • Page 34

    Operation 18 975-0328-01-01 to recharge with a solar panel: 1. Connect the solar panel to the unit. 2. Place the solar panel in direct sunlight. It takes about 45 hours in direct sunlight to recharge the powerpack solar 400 from the 5 w solar panel. The indicator light located on the solar panel fla...

  • Page 35: Interpreting Display Codes

    Interpreting display codes 975-0328-01-01 19 interpreting display codes checking battery and ac status when either of the ac sockets, dc socket, or lamp is initially turned on, the digital display window flashes the different states of the battery charge and ac output power. The display automaticall...

  • Page 36

    Operation 20 975-0328-01-01 how to... Required condition required action note monitor total ac power consumed by appliances connected to the ac sockets. Inverter’s ac sockets are turned on ; ac charger is unplugged from the household ac outlet. Press any of the control panel buttons abruptly. The di...

  • Page 37

    Interpreting display codes 975-0328-01-01 21 monitor battery charging status inverter’s ac, dc sockets and usb port are turned off ; the led lamp must be turned off ; all appliances must be disconnected from the ac and dc power outlets; the ac charger must be plugged into the powerpack solar 400’s a...

  • Page 38: Ac Appliances

    Operation 22 975-0328-01-01 ac appliances the powerpack solar 400 has two ac sockets for use with ac appliances. You can either plug the appliance directly into the ac socket on the powerpack solar 400 or you can use an ac power bar to increase the number of outlets available. However, the combined ...

  • Page 39: Operating Ac Appliances

    Ac appliances 975-0328-01-01 23 operating ac appliances low-battery alarm while in use, when the battery reaches 11 vdc, the low-battery alarm will sound and display an error code indicating that battery is low and the unit is about to be shutdown to prevent battery damage. When the battery reaches ...

  • Page 40: Caution

    Operation 24 975-0328-01-01 overload protection in the event of an overload (> 400 w) or overheating, the powerpack solar 400 automatically sounds an alarm, displays an error code, and shuts down. When this happens, remove the load immediately. The unit resets automatically after a few seconds. High...

  • Page 41: 12 Vdc Appliances

    12 vdc appliances 975-0328-01-01 25 • speed controllers found in some fans, power tools, kitchen appliances, and other loads may be damaged. • some chargers for small rechargeable batteries can be damaged. See “precautions for using rechargeable appliances” on page v for details. • metal halide arc ...

  • Page 42: Operating Dc Appliances

    Operation 26 975-0328-01-01 operating dc appliances low-battery alarm while in use, when the battery reaches 11 vdc, the low-battery alarm will sound and display an error code indicating that battery is low and the unit is about to be shutdown to prevent battery damage. When the battery reaches 10.5...

  • Page 43: Usb Devices

    Usb devices 975-0328-01-01 27 usb devices the powerpack solar 400 can charge one usb-chargeable device through its usb port found below the ac charging port on the power socket side panel of the unit. Compatible devices include most mp3 players, pdas, digital cameras, and camcorders that have intern...

  • Page 44

    Operation 28 975-0328-01-01 charging devices via the usb port low battery alarm while in use, when the battery reaches 11 vdc, the low-battery alarm will sound and display an error code indicating that battery is low and the unit is about to be shutdown to prevent battery damage. When the battery re...

  • Page 45: Using The Led Lamps

    Using the led lamps 975-0328-01-01 29 using the led lamps the powerpack solar 400 includes emergency lighting that provides a flood-light effect to surrounding area. The lamps are located on each side of the unit. Each lamp has six hi-bright leds that provide illumination. Low battery alarm while in...

  • Page 46: Using The Back Stand

    30 using the back stand the powerpack solar 400 is equipped with a back stand located in the middle of the backside panel. You can use the stand to position the unit to face slightly upward especially when you place it on the floor during operation. Figure 3-10 back stand powerpack_solar_400.Book pa...

  • Page 47: Maintenance

    31 4 maintenance chapter 4 provides information on maintaining your internal battery and recharging options for the internal battery. Routine maintenance is required to keep your powerpack solar 400 operating properly. Occasionally clean the exterior of the unit with a damp cloth to remove the accum...

  • Page 48: Battery Life

    Maintenance 32 975-0328-01-01 battery life the high quality battery used in the powerpack solar 400 will serve as a reliable power source for years when properly maintained. To maximize battery life, it is important to recharge the powerpack solar 400 battery after each use. Recycling the powerpack ...

  • Page 49

    Battery maintenance 975-0328-01-01 33 do not dispose of the powerpack solar 400 with common household waste. Please ask your local authorities about recycling services that are available in your area. The following website provides additional recycling information: http://www.Earth911.Org/master.Asp...

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    34 powerpack_solar_400.Book page 34 thursday, march 22, 2007 2:41 pm.

  • Page 51: Troubleshooting

    35 5 troubleshooting troubleshooting will help you identify the common problems than can occur with the powerpack solar 400. Read this chapter before calling customer service. If you cannot solve the problem with the powerpack solar 400, record the information asked for on “information about your sy...

  • Page 52: Troubleshooting Reference

    Troubleshooting 36 975-0328-01-01 • adjust the orientation of the powerpack solar 400, television, antenna, and cables. • maximize tv signal strength by using a better antenna. Use a shielded antenna cable where possible. • try a different tv. Different models vary considerably in their susceptibili...

  • Page 53

    Troubleshooting reference 975-0328-01-01 37 digital display shows e04 and alarm sounds. The appliance connected to the ac socket (or dc socket) exceeds the capability of the powerpack solar 400. Unplug the appliance and confirm that the appliance’s power requirement is 320 w or less (144 w or less) ...

  • Page 54

    Troubleshooting 38 975-0328-01-01 run time is less than expected. Internal battery is not fully charged. Ac appliance power consumption is higher than expected. Recharge using the ac charger, until charging status light is steady. Check ac appliance power or wattage rating (or current draw for 12 vd...

  • Page 55

    Troubleshooting reference 975-0328-01-01 39 led lamps not lighting. Internal battery is discharged. Recharge the powerpack solar 400. Solar panel does not seem to be charging the internal battery. Insufficient exposure to direct sunlight. Solar panel connector is not connected securely to the unit’s...

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    40 powerpack_solar_400.Book page 40 thursday, march 22, 2007 2:41 pm.

  • Page 57: Specifications

    41 a specifications chapter a, “specifications” includes the electrical, mechanical, and environmental specifications for the powerpack solar 400. Electrical specifications ac power section output power • continuous output power • peak ac output power • ac output surge capacity 320 w 400 w 640 w out...

  • Page 58

    Specifications 42 975-0328-01-01 normal operating temperature 77 ºf (25 ºc) operating temperature range 32 – 104 ºf (0 – 40 ºc) storage temperature range -4 – 140 ºf (-20 – 60 ºc) dc power section dc output power (maximum continuous load) 12 a with overload protection and automatic reset dc charger ...

  • Page 59: Physical Specifications

    Physical specifications 975-0328-01-01 43 physical specifications solar panel section power 5 w panel type amorphous silicon portability detachable from main unit connector type male/female connector accessories dc-to-dc charge cable (replacement part # 449-0187-01-01) 39" (1 m) 18 awg with male-to-...

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    44 powerpack_solar_400.Book page 44 thursday, march 22, 2007 2:41 pm.

  • Page 61: Warranty and Return

    45 warranty and return information warranty what does this warranty cover? This limited warranty is provided by xantrex technology inc. ("xantrex") and covers defects in workmanship and materials in your xpower powerpack solar 400. This warranty period lasts for 6 months from the date of purchase at...

  • Page 62: Disclaimer

    Warranty and return 46 975-0328-01-01 what proof of purchase is required? In any warranty claim, dated proof of purchase must accompany the product and the product must not have been disassembled or modified without prior written authorization by xantrex. Proof of purchase may be in any one of the f...

  • Page 63: Exclusions

    Warranty and return 975-0328-01-01 47 personal injury, any damage or injury arising from or as a result of misuse or abuse, or the incorrect installation, integration or operation of the product. Exclusions if this product is a consumer product, federal law does not allow an exclusion of implied war...

  • Page 64: Out of Warranty Service

    Warranty and return 48 975-0328-01-01 if you are returning a product to a xantrex authorized service center (asc) a xantrex return material authorization (rma) number is not required. However, you must contact the asc prior to returning the product or presenting the unit to verify any return procedu...

  • Page 65

    Warranty and return 975-0328-01-01 49 information about your system as soon as you open your xpower powerpack solar 400 package, record the following information and be sure to keep your proof of purchase. If you need to contact customer service, please record the following details before calling. T...

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    50 powerpack_solar_400.Book page 50 thursday, march 22, 2007 2:41 pm.