MONITORING SCREEN FOR DC-DC BATTERY CHARGER SERIES

Important Safety Instructions

Please save these instructions. This manual contains important installation and operation instructions for the monitoring screen. Please observe these instructions and keep them located near the monitoring screen for further reference. The following symbols are used throughout the manual to indicate potentially dangerous conditions or important safety information.

General Safety Information

• DO NOT expose it to direct sunlight, rain, snow, moisture, or liquids of any type.
• DO NOT puncture, drop, crush, burn, penetrate, or strike the monitoring screen.
• DO NOT open, dismantle, or modify the monitoring screen.
• DO NOT attempt connecting the monitoring screen to other DC-DC or systems.

Installation Information

• The DC-DC chargers are suitable for 12V Battery Banks ONLY.
• Make sure all connections going into and from the DC-DC are tight.
• There may be sparks when making connections, therefore, make sure there are not flammable materials or gases near installation.
• Always make sure DC-DC is in OFF position and disconnect all sources when working on any circuit associated with the DC-DC.

General Information

The RMS-DCDC is a high precision meter designed for DC-DC MPPT Series on board battery chargers. Featuring a backlit display and flush-mountable, it is engineered for an aesthetically clean and professional look inside vehicle cabins. Utilize the 4-key input to navigate through the backlit LCD for system information, configure charging parameters, as well as identify any error codes. The RMS-DCDC is the perfect companion offering operator feedback for your 2-battery system and keeping up to date with important system information.

Key Features

• Dual Battery Monitoring: Stay informed on the charging status of your house and auxiliary battery and monitor overall system health.
• Adjustable Parameters: Program your charger settings, volts, and amps directly through the monitoring screen.
• Plug and Play: Simply connect an RJ45 directly to your DC-DC and let the screen take care of the rest.
• Accurate Readings: Precise tracking and monitoring ensure latest real-time system information.

Product Overview

Identification of Parts

The monitoring screen features the following components:

• ?️ LCD Screen: Displays system information, menus, and error codes.
• ⬆️ Page Up Key: Navigates forward through menus and options.
• ⬇️ Page Down Key: Navigates backward through menus and options.
• ⬅️ Previous Page/Exit Key: Exits parameter setting mode or returns to the previous screen.
• ⏎ Enter/Parameter Setting Key: Tap to enter parameter setting mode; Hold for approximately 2-3 seconds to enter advanced parameter setting mode.
• Front Cover Plate: A snap-fit plate that covers the front of the unit.
• Mounting Holes: Used for securing the unit to a surface.
• RJ45 Communication Port: Connects to the DC-DC MPPT charger via an RJ45 cable.

Dimensions

The physical dimensions of the RMS-DCDC monitoring screen are:

• Width: 70.0mm (2.8 inches)
• Height: 110.0mm (4.3 inches)
• Depth: 31.5mm (1.24 inches)
• Body depth behind mounting surface: 19.9mm (0.8 inches)

? NOTE: Dimensions have a tolerance of ±0.5mm.

Additional Components

The following components are included with the monitoring screen:

• RJ45 Communication Cable: A 5-meter (16.4 ft) cable used to connect the monitoring screen to the DC-DC MPPT charger for power supply and data transmission. Ethernet cables CAT5 or higher may also be used.
• Self-tapping Screws (4): M2.9x13 screws used to fix the monitoring screen onto the mounting surface.

Installation

Preparation

It is recommended to have the following tools available for installation:

• Pencil
• Drill
• Jigsaw
• Phillips screwdriver

Choosing an Installation Location

Clearance of at least 2 inches (50 mm) behind the unit is recommended to allow for the bending radius of the RJ45 Communication Cable that connects to the monitoring screen.

Mounting the Monitoring Screen

1. Remove the snap-fit Front Cover Plate from the monitoring screen.
2. Use the monitoring screen as a template to mark the screw holes and trace the cut-out area on the mounting surface with a pencil.
3. Cut out a rectangular area for the monitoring screen on the mounting surface with a jigsaw. The specified cut-out dimensions are: 87.5mm (3.44 in) x 58.0mm (2.28 in) x 19.9mm (0.78 in) (Length x Height x Width).
4. Pre-drill four screw holes on the mounting surface with a drill.
5. Put the monitoring screen into the cut-out area and align the mounting holes on the monitoring screen with the pre-drilled screw holes.
6. Fix the monitoring screen on the mounting surface with the included four self-tapping screws.
7. Re-attach the snap-fit Front Cover Plate to the monitoring screen.

Connecting to the DC-DC Charger

Utilize the included RJ45 communication cable to connect between the DC-DC MPPT RS485 Port and the back of the RMS-DCDC.

[Diagram Description: An illustration showing an RJ45 connector being plugged into the back of the RMS-DCDC unit and another RJ45 connector being plugged into the RS485 port of a DC-DC MPPT charger. The RJ45 communication cable is shown connecting these two points.]

Operation

Use the following keys to navigate through the monitoring screen:

• ⬆️ Page Up: Navigate forward.
• ⬇️ Page Down: Navigate backward.
• ⬅️ Previous Page/Exit: Exit Parameter Setting Mode.
• ⏎ Enter/Parameter Setting: Tap to enter Parameter Setting Mode. Hold for approximately 2-3 seconds to enter advanced parameter setting mode.

LCD Icons

The LCD screen displays various icons to indicate system status:

1. System Voltage: The 12V system voltage will be illuminated while the RMS-DCDC is powered on or during operation.
2. State of Charge (SOC): Whether charging with PV, Alternator, or PV + Alternator, the charge state will reflect either MPPT, BOOST, FLOAT. Only batteries with an equalization charge will see EQUALIZE. Lithium batteries will display MPPT and Boost only.
3. ❗ System Error: Illuminates when there is a fault or error. It will be followed by an error code identifying the system error. The icon must be cleared by fixing the error code condition by troubleshooting your system.
4. ☀️ Solar Charging Icon: Indicates solar is charging the house battery. Solar will take priority over alternator charging.
5. ? House Battery Icon: When "H" is shown with parameters, it refers to the house battery parameters.
6. Parameter Units: Displays units for Total Charging Amps (A), Instant Kilowatt (KW), Voltage (V), and Temperature (C or F).
7. Error Codes: System errors display a relevant code from E0 to E13. By default, E0 means no fault and will display for 3 seconds before disappearing. The following error codes may appear and will require troubleshooting:
   • E0: Normal ✔️
   • E1: House Battery Over-discharged ❌
   • E2: House Battery Over-voltage ❌
   • E3: House Battery Low Voltage Warning ❌
   • E5: House Battery Low Temperature Protection ❌
   • E6: Controller High Temperature Warning ❌
   • E7: House Battery High Temperature Protection ❌
   • E8: Alternator Over-voltage Warning ❌
   • E9: Alternator Overcurrent ❌
   • E10: PV Input Over-voltage ❌
   • E12: Starting Battery Polarity Reversed ❌
   • E13: Solar Panel Polarity Reversed ❌
8. House Battery SOC Icon: Indicates the estimated state of charge of the house battery. State of charge is voltage-based and is split into 4 bars, each representing 25% increments for a total of 100%. Factors such as temperature, charge, and discharge can affect the state of charge. To get the most accurate SOC readings, the battery needs to rest in the open circuit state for at least 30-45 minutes.
9. ⚡ Alternator Charging Arrow: Shows that the alternator is charging the starter battery or house battery circuits.
10. ? Alternator Icon: Displays when connected to a starter battery successfully. Charging is indicated by the charging arrow.
11. Battery Parameters: Displays Battery Amps (A), Historical Kilowatt-hour Generation (KWH), Voltage (V), and Temperature (C or F) relevant to the starter battery.
12. ? Starter Battery Icon: When "S" is shown with parameters, it refers to the starter battery parameters.

LCD Menu Overview

Navigate through the RMS-DCDC screens by pressing the Page Up or Page Down keys.

Voltage Interface

The top line displays the house battery (DC Output) voltage as well as a graphical display of the battery using voltage-based SOC. Each bar represents 25% for a total of 100%. The bottom line shows the starter battery (DC Input) voltage.

Kilowatt Interface

The top line displays instantaneous watts as a factor of kilowatts (KW). This is calculated as charging voltage (V) multiplied by the charging current (A) to display Kilowatts. 1 KW = 1000W. The bottom line displays historical kilowatt-hour generation information (KWH) and will accumulate data.

Current Interface

The top line displays overall charging current to the house battery (Only Solar, Only Alternator, or Solar + Alternator). The bottom line displays the input alternator current.

Temperature Interface

Temperature is displayed in Celsius (C) by default. The top line shows the house battery temperature relative to the DC-DC MPPT. When connected to the Temperature Sensor (Model: RTSCC), it will show the relevant sensor temperature. The bottom line displays the internal temperature of the DC-DC MPPT.

Working Mode

Once the RMS-DCDC is on, it will display different pages depending on the sources connected. PV Charging Mode takes priority when charging the house or starter batteries. House battery information appears on the top line and starter battery information on the bottom line.

Only PV Charging (Starter Battery & House Battery Connected)

1. PV charging requires a minimum of 15V for 10 seconds to start charging. PV prioritizes charging the house battery bank until the lead-acid battery reaches the Float Voltage. If the house battery is Lithium, it will reach the Boost Voltage and derate amps completely to indicate fully charged, as Lithium batteries do not have a Float Voltage.
2. Next, PV charging will maintain the house battery and trickle charge the starter battery at 13.8V. The ⚡ Alternator charging arrow will appear during this time.
3. Note: The maximum charging amps for the starter battery will be 50% of the Amp Rating.
4. After charging the starter battery for 1 minute, it will disconnect for 30 seconds and check the starting battery voltage. If the starter battery drops below 12.7V, charging will continue again and stop when the actual starter battery voltage is higher than 13.2V.
5. When and if PV charges both the house battery and starter battery simultaneously, there will be a ☀️ solar icon above the "H" and "S" indicators.

Only ALT Charging (Starter Battery & House Battery Connected)

ALT charging follows this chart, depending on your alternator type:

2. ALT prioritizes charging the starter battery bank until the starter battery reaches above the Cut-in Voltage.
3. Next, ALT charges the house battery until the lead-acid battery reaches the Float Voltage. If the house battery is Lithium, ALT will need to reach the Boost Voltage and derate amps completely to indicate fully charged.
4. When no current is detected going to the House Battery, the ALT charging arrow will disappear.

PV + ALT Charging (Starter Battery & House Battery Connected)

1. PV charging will be maximized before supplementing any power with ALT charging. If PV charging alone is sufficient to charge the house battery, then the ALT circuit will not charge the house battery.
2. If PV charging is not enough to maintain a constant voltage, then the ALT circuit will cut in to charge the house battery. In this fashion, dual charging is limited to 50% between PV and ALT for a total up to the rated charging amps.
3. Charging of both starter and house battery simultaneously will be indicated by a solar icon over the "S" and the ALT charging arrow.

Parameter Setting

Set the Battery Type

You can change the battery type to confirm the preselected battery profiles for Gel, Flooded, Sealed, Lithium, or a User Setting. Lithium and User settings require extra steps. The Battery Charging Chart can be found in the Technical Specifications.

Setting Gel, Flooded, or Sealed

1. Use the Page Up/Down keys to show the Voltage Interface.
2. Hold down the Parameter Setting Key (⏎) for approximately 2-3 seconds until the top line begins flashing the battery type.
3. Use the Page Up/Down keys (⬆️/⬇️) to highlight Gel, Flooded (Fld), or Sealed (Sld).
4. To confirm, hold down the Parameter Setting Key (⏎) for approximately 2-3 seconds. The screen will clear and revert to the House Battery Voltage.

[Diagram Description: A sequence of three steps illustrating the process: 1. Holding the Parameter Setting key until flashing. 2. Using Up/Down keys to highlight the battery type on the Voltage Interface. 3. Confirming the setting by holding the Parameter Setting key.]

Setting Lithium

1. Use the Page Up/Down keys (⬆️/⬇️) to show the Voltage Interface.
2. Hold down the Parameter Setting Key (⏎) for approximately 2-3 seconds until the top line begins flashing the battery type.
3. Use the Page Up/Down keys (⬆️/⬇️) to highlight Li (Lithium).
4. Tap the Parameter Setting Key (⏎) to select the Boost charge voltage. Use the Page Up/Down keys (⬆️/⬇️) to select your desired voltage.
5. To confirm, hold down the Parameter Setting Key (⏎) for approximately 2-3 seconds. The screen will clear and revert to the House Battery Voltage.

[Diagram Description: A sequence of three steps illustrating the process: 1. Holding the Parameter Setting key until flashing. 2. Using Up/Down keys to highlight Lithium "Li", then tapping the Parameter Setting key. 3. Using Up/Down keys to highlight the Boost Voltage. 4. Confirming the setting by holding the Parameter Setting key.]

Setting User

1. Use the Page Up/Down keys (⬆️/⬇️) to show the Voltage Interface.
2. Hold down the Parameter Setting Key (⏎) for approximately 2-3 seconds until the top line begins flashing the battery type.
3. Use the Page Up/Down keys (⬆️/⬇️) to highlight User (USE).
4. Tap the Parameter Setting Key (⏎) to select the Boost charge voltage. Use the Page Up/Down arrows (⬆️/⬇️) to highlight your desired voltage.
5. Tap the Parameter Setting Key (⏎) again to select Float voltage. Use the Page Up/Down keys (⬆️/⬇️) to highlight your desired voltage.
6. Tap the Parameter Setting Key (⏎) to select the Equalization voltage. Use the Page Up/Down keys (⬆️/⬇️) to highlight your desired voltage.
7. To confirm, hold down the Parameter Setting Key (⏎) for approximately 2-3 seconds. The screen will clear and revert to the House Battery Voltage.

? NOTE: Modifying parameters in User Mode or Lithium must conform to the following rules:

1. Equalization Voltage > Boost Voltage > Float Voltage
2. Overvoltage Disconnect > Overvoltage Disconnect Recover

[Diagram Description: A sequence of six steps illustrating the process: 1. Holding the Parameter Setting key until flashing. 2. Using Up/Down keys to highlight "USE", then tapping the Parameter Setting key. 3. Using Up/Down keys to highlight boost voltage, then tapping the Parameter Setting key. 4. Using Up/Down keys to highlight float voltage, then tapping the Parameter Setting key. 5. Using Up/Down keys to highlight equalization voltage, then tapping the Parameter Setting key. 6. Confirming the setting by holding the Parameter Setting key.]

Clear KWh to 0

The kilowatt-hour generation automatically stores historical information. To clear the values to 0:

1. Use the Page Up/Down keys (⬆️/⬇️) to show the Kilowatts Interface.
2. Hold down the Parameter Setting Key (⏎) for approximately 2-3 seconds until the bottom line begins flashing.
3. Press the Page Up Key (⬆️) to clear the generated kilowatt generation.
4. Press the Previous Page Key (⬅️) to revert to the kilowatts interface.

[Diagram Description: A sequence of two steps illustrating the process: 1. Holding down the Parameter Setting Key until flashing on the Kilowatts Interface. 2. Pressing UP to clear KWH.]

Set Current Limiting

Alter the rated charge current for your DC-DC MPPT by setting current limiting. Current limiting can be adjusted in increments of 10A for the respective models:

• DCC30S (Model: RBC30D1S): 30A, 20A, 10A
• DCC50S (Model: RBC50D1S): 50A, 40A, 30A, 20A, 10A

To set current limiting:

1. Use the Page Up/Down keys (⬆️/⬇️) to show the Current Interface.
2. Hold down the Parameter Setting Key (⏎) for approximately 2-3 seconds until the top line begins flashing the rated current rating.
3. Use the Page Down key (⬇️) to highlight your desired current limit rating.
4. To confirm, hold down the Parameter Setting Key (⏎) for approximately 2-3 seconds. The screen will clear and revert to the Current Interface.

[Diagram Description: A sequence of three steps illustrating the process: 1. Holding down the Parameter Setting key until flashing on the Current Interface. 2. Using the Page Down key to highlight the desired current limit rating. 3. Confirming the setting by holding down the Parameter Setting key.]

Change from Celsius to Fahrenheit

The default temperature unit is Celsius. If the RMS-DCDC is restarted, it will refer to the default setting. To change from Celsius to Fahrenheit or vice versa:

1. Use the Page Up/Down keys (⬆️/⬇️) to show the Temperature Interface.
2. Hold down the Parameter Setting Key (⏎) for approximately 2-3 seconds until the top and bottom lines flash.
3. Tap the Parameter Setting Key (⏎) to change units from Celsius to Fahrenheit (or vice versa).
4. To confirm, hold down the Parameter Setting Key (⏎) for approximately 2-3 seconds. The screen will clear and revert to your selected temperature units.

[Diagram Description: A sequence of three steps illustrating the process: 1. Holding down the Parameter Setting key for 2-3 seconds until flashing on the Temperature Interface. 2. Tapping the Parameter Setting key to change units from Celsius to Fahrenheit or vice versa. 3. Confirming by holding down the Parameter Setting key for 2-3 seconds.]

Troubleshooting

The RMS-DCDC provides visual feedback on system status. When the RMS-DCDC is not operating correctly, a multimeter may be required to validate troubleshooting steps.

General Problems

• Problem: RMS-DCDC does not turn on.
• Solution:
  1. Make sure you are using the provided cable or that it is a CAT5 or higher if using your own.
  2. Firmly press the RJ45 jack onto the RMS-DCDC port until you hear a click. Do the same when connecting it to the RS485 port on the DC-DC MPPT.
  3. Make sure the DC-DC MPPT is also powered on prior to connecting the cable.
  4. Contact Support if the issue persists.

Error Codes

Refer to the following table for troubleshooting specific error codes:

Technical Specifications

Electrical Specifications

• Supply Voltage: 5VDC
• Supply Current: 30mA
• Power Consumption: 1W
• Operating Temperature Range: -20~45°C (-4~113°F)
• Voltage Accuracy: ±0.1V
• Current Accuracy: ±0.1A

Mechanical Specifications

• Communication Port: RJ45 (RS485 Protocol)
• Display: Backlit LCD
• User Interface: 2-key input, 1 main power switch
• Mounting System: Wall Mount
• Dimensions: 70 x 110 x 31.5 mm (2.8 x 4.3 x 1.24 inches)
• Weight: 62 g (0.14 lbs)
• Mounting Screw: M2.9x13

Certifications

• FCC Class B Part 15

Battery Charging Chart

The following chart details battery charging parameters for different battery types. Parameters assume conditions of 77°F / 25°C in 12V systems. User Mode parameters for Boost Duration, Equalization Interval, and Equalization Duration can only be programmed via App Development.

FCC Compliance

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.