NDS SUNCONTROL2 User Manual

1. Safety Instructions

• Keep the device out of reach of children.
• Carefully check the integrity of the device and connectors.
• To avoid overheating and possible fires, do not install the device in a sealed environment. Always choose a well-ventilated area.
• Do not place the device on highly flammable surfaces or environments (e.g., paper, cloth, etc.).
• Do not cover the cooling slits on the side and the fan on the top.
• Do not install the device near flooded batteries, as they produce flammable, corrosive, and explosive gas while working, which can damage the product.
• Protect the device from sunlight or direct sources of heat.
• To avoid malfunctions, do not install or use the device in very humid environments, in contact with water splashes, various liquids, or exposed to rain.
• To avoid the risk of electric shock and/or fire, the vehicle's fuel system must be in good condition.
• In case of damaged connecting cables or inadequate section, immediately replace them with suitable cables as specified by this manual or by a qualified electrician.
• In case of anomalies in the conformity of the product, do not use it. It is strictly forbidden to open the device. Repairs may only be carried out by qualified technical personnel using original spare parts.
• Keep the instruction manual near the device for easy access to essential safety, use, and maintenance information.
• The information contained in this manual may be changed without notice. NDS Energy s.r.l. reserves the right to make changes and improvements to the product at any time without notice.
• The images of the products are purely indicative and may not be fully representative of the characteristics of the product, differing in color, size, or accessories.

2. Package Contents

Check the contents of the package:

• 1 x SUNCONTROL2
• 1 x Replacement fuse
• Wall mounting screws

3. Description

SUNCONTROL2 is the automatic solar regulator with MPPT technology to maximize the efficiency of photovoltaic modules, providing more energy and requiring less space. The MPPT algorithm always utilizes the "maximum power peak" delivered by the panel, resulting in significantly higher performance than PWM technology (up to 25% more).

SUNCONTROL2 is available in two models: SCE 320 and SCE 360. These models manage, depending on the specific model, up to 350W input with a maximum charge of 25A. The new microprocessor, equipped with OPTICHARGE firmware, performs up to 6 charging phases, including desulphation and maintenance phases, for optimal recharging of the on-board batteries.

SUNCONTROL2 is compatible with the following battery technologies: GEL, AGM, Wet, and LiFePO4. It can recharge both leisure batteries and the starter battery.

The state of charge (SoC) of both connected batteries is immediately visible on top of the device thanks to two multicolored LEDs. The system operates with a 12V nominal voltage and can connect two photovoltaic panels on separate inputs, with a maximum power of 180Wp (depending on the model).

The Dip Switch selector, located next to the power connections, allows for simple and fast selection of the output charge curve. The optional touch screen display DT002, with new management software, allows viewing of charge information and setting various parameters using the new NDS communication protocol.

Main Features:

• MPPT technology (+25% performances)
• Charging curve selection: GEL, AGM, Wet, and LiFePO4
• New Firmware OPTICHARGE
• Up to 6 charging phases
• Starting battery charge
• Desulphation curve
• Independent inputs for 2 solar panels
• SoC Quick view with status LEDs
• Touch screen Display (Optional)

4. Operations

SUNCONTROL2 charges up to two batteries: one service battery (B1) and one starter battery (B2), with priority charging to the service battery.

SUNCONTROL2 will start charging the batteries if the following conditions are met:

1. The connected Solar Panels deliver a voltage 1V higher than the voltage of the batteries to be recharged.
2. Battery voltage is higher than 8V.

The Leisure Battery will be charged with the selected curve. The Starting Battery will be charged if the following conditions are met:

• Leisure battery charged between 80% and 100%.
• Starting battery with voltage under 12.5V.

Every charging phase has a maximum run time, with the exception of the maintenance phase, which constantly monitors the state of charge and, if necessary, delivers an impulse current to keep the battery 100% charged.

NOTE: If the photovoltaic panels interrupt the power supply (during night, shadowed solar panel, etc.), the system goes into Stand-By mode: LEDs off and self-consumption reduced to a minimum (<2mA).

5. Structure

Frontal Connection

A diagram shows the front panel connections labeled 1 through 10:

6. N-BUS Network and Controllers

N-BUS devices can be networked for optimal operation of the entire NDS energy system. To set up your new energy system, connect two or more N-BUS devices using the optional data cable, available in various lengths (BC03M, BC06M, or BC 10M). With N-BUS, a single controller can monitor and control all NDS devices.

Manage SUNCONTROL2 and all N-BUS devices with a single touch screen full-color display (DTB01), or with the mobile app for smartphones, if at least one NDS device with Bluetooth is in the network. Bluetooth devices include SUNCONTROL2 (models with Bluetooth) and TEMPRA Lithium Battery (all models). The mobile app can also update all connected N-BUS devices if there is a Master device, such as TEMPRA Lithium Battery.

NOTE: A Bluetooth N-BUS device is required to use the Mobile App, such as TEMPRA Battery or SUNCONTROL2 models SCE 320B, SCE 360B. The Mobile App does not work with the SCE 320, SCE 360, or earlier SC320M and SC350M models.

7. Installation

Place the SUNCONTROL2 on the chosen surface and secure the device using the fixing holes integrated in the shell with the supplied screws or equivalent (Fig.1).

All electrical and setup connections are on the front; it is not necessary to disassemble the plastic shells, except for the protection fuse replacement.

On the front side, after the power connections, there is a Dip Switch for the charging curve selection. It is important to select the correct curve according to the type of battery supplied. Refer to the chapter "Charging curve selection" for the correct curve selection.

CAUTION

• For electrical connections, use cables of appropriate cross-section: from 6 mm².
• In case of a long stay, it is advisable to disconnect the negative cable from the device to completely neutralize any residual consumption that may inadvertently discharge the leisure battery.

8. Charging Curve Selection

The Dip Switches, located next to the power connections, allow you to select the proper charging curve for the installed service battery. Use the table to set the correct curve for your battery. The Dip Switches affect the B1 charging curve (leisure battery), not B2 (starter battery). The B2 charging curve is preset to curve N°1 (GEL - Desulphation OFF).

NOTE: The default setting is Curve 1 for GEL batteries - desulphation OFF. In order to safeguard the battery, with an ambient temperature below 0°C, the LiFePO4 charge curve will not be started.

Charging Curve Phases:

B1 - Phase Discussion

• PULSE CHARGE: With voltage between 8V and 10.5V, a current between 1A and 2A will be delivered, every 5 seconds. Timeout 4 hours.
• RECONDITIONING: With voltage between 10.5V and 12.0V, an approximately 2A constant current will be delivered. Timeout 8 hours.
• BULK CHARGE: With voltage between 12V and Vmax (Maximum voltage of the selected charging curve), a constant current of 20A (SCE 320) or 25A (SCE 360) will be delivered.
• ABSORPTION CHARGE: With battery voltage equal to Vmax, a constant voltage equal to the selected curve Vmax will be delivered. The delivered current will decrease as the battery state of charge increases, down to about 3A. Timeout 6 hours.
• DESULPHATION: An approximately 2A constant current will be delivered, allowing the battery voltage to rise independently to the maximum value of 15.8V. This phase ends upon achievement of 15.8V. Timeout 2 hours.
• MAINTENANCE: This phase maintains a constant voltage related to the selected charging curve (Vmaint). This phase has a 4-hour timeout for the LiFePO4 charging curve with maintenance ON (curve N°7). For other curves, there is no time limit. If, during the maintenance phase, the voltage falls below 13.15V for LiFePO4 curve, 12.65V for Wet curve, and 12.8V for other curves, charging will restart from the first phase. Timeout 4 hours.

B2 - Phase Discussion

• PULSE CHARGE: With voltage between 8V and 10.5V, a variable current between 1A and 2A, every 5 seconds. Timeout 4 hours.
• RECONDITIONING: With voltage between 10.5V and 12.0V, an approximately 2A constant current will be delivered. Timeout 8 hours.
• BULK CHARGE: With battery voltage between 12V and 14.4V, a 5A constant current will be delivered.
• ABSORPTION CHARGE: With battery voltage 14.4V, a 14.4V constant voltage will be delivered. The delivered current will decrease as the battery state of charge increases, down to about 3A. Timeout 6 hours.
• MAINTENANCE: This phase maintains a constant voltage of 13.5V. Timeout 8 hours.

9. LED Indicators

The two LEDs on the upper part of the device, marked B1 and B2, allow quick understanding of the charge status of the connected battery. Each LED can emit different colors corresponding to a precise state of charge of the battery. The table below explains the relationship between the LED color and the battery state of charge.

CAUTION: A fast flashing of both LEDs (with the solar panel active) indicates an error due to internal fuse breakage or the service battery voltage being below 6V.

10. Fuse Replacement

If the protective fuse on the SUNCONTROL2 electronic board is damaged, it can be replaced with the original replacement fuse (supplied) or with a common 25A (for SCE320) or 30A (for SCE360) automotive fuse.

Follow these steps to reach the fuse:

1. Remove SUNCONTROL2 from its housing.
2. Rotate the device to reveal the screws on the bottom of the device.
3. Unscrew the 4 screws.
4. Remove the front shell of SUNCONTROL2 to access the fuse.
5. Replace the fuse.

11. Technical Features

INPUTS

OUTPUT B1

OUTPUT B2

GENERAL

12. Wiring Diagrams Samples

Simple connection, with solar panels, bus display (optional).

A wiring diagram illustrates the connections between the alternator, display bus, SUN CONTROL 2, leisure batteries, and solar panels. It indicates cable sizes and fuse ratings.

Connection with solar panels, bus display (optional), original control unit.

A wiring diagram illustrates connections including an alternator, display bus, SUN CONTROL 2, starter battery, NDS POWER SERVICE DC-DC Charger, AC/DC control unit, fridge, leisure battery, and solar panels. It details cable sizes and fuse ratings.

Connection with solar panels, display bus (optional), original control unit and TEMPRA lithium battery.

A wiring diagram shows connections for an alternator, display bus, SUN CONTROL 2, starter battery, NDS POWER SERVICE DC-DC Charger, AC/DC control unit, fridge, TEMPRA lithium battery, and solar panels. It specifies cable sizes and fuse ratings.

13. F.A.Q.

• About solar panels, what's the maximum voltage supported by SUNCONTROL2?
  Maximum supported voltage is 29.5V.
• Is it possible to connect one 200W solar panel only, on a single SUNCONTROL2 connection?
  It's possible to connect just one bigger solar panel (200W), for example on SUNCONTROL2 Pin N°5, but you must connect Pin N°5 and Pin N°6. For the connection bridge, please use at least a 6 mm² cross-size cable.
• Is it normal to have a battery voltage (with solar regulator working) over 15V?
  It's normal when the device is in desulphation mode. It is possible to turn OFF the desulphation by selecting the proper charging curve; refer to the chapter “Charging curve selection”.

14. Warranty

A warranty coupon section is provided for filling in customer and purchase details, including First Name, Surname, Postcode, E-mail, Model, Serial Number, and Purchase Date. It also includes consent for data processing and contact information for NDS Energy S.r.l.

Declaration of EU Conformity - SUN CONTROL 2

Company: NDS Energy s.r.l.
Address: via Giovanni Pascoli, 96/98, 65010 - Cappelle sul Tavo (PE), Italy

Declares under its own responsibility that the product:

Commercial Name: SUN CONTROL2
Models: SCE320, SCE360, SC320M, SC350M, SCE320B, SCE360B

This product is in compliance with the provisions of the Directive of the Council of the European Union concerning electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Directive 2014/30/EC, demonstrated by observance of the following norms:

• EN55014-1:2017+A11:2020
• EN55014-2:2015
• EN IEC 61000-3-2:2019
• EN61000-3-3:2013+A1:2019
• EN IEC 61000-6-1:2019
• EN IEC 61000-6-2:2019
• EN IEC 61000-6-3:2021

It also complies with Directive 2014/53/EU (RED) for wireless communications equipment, demonstrated by compliance with the standard: EN 300220.

For models with BLE connectivity: SCE320B and SCE360B, the radio equipment directive (RED) 2014/53/UE applies to compliance with the following regulations:

• EN62368-1:2020+A11:2020
• ETSI EN 301489-1 V2.2.3 (2019-11)
• ETSI EN 301489-17 V3.2.4 (2020-09)
• EN 300328 v2.2.2 (2019-07)
• EN50663:2017

Compliance for radiated emissions and electromagnetic immunity on vehicles is demonstrated in compliance with the directive: ECE R10.

Compliance with the restriction on the use of hazardous substances is demonstrated by compliance with directive 2011/65/EU (ROHS2).

Cappelle sul Tavo, 14/06/2022

Administrator and legal representative
NDS ENERGY s.r.l.
[Signature]

Instructions for Proper Disposal

This electronic product is subject to the European Directive 2012/19 / EU. Comply with local waste disposal regulations; do not dispose of old products with normal household waste. Proper disposal of products that can no longer be used prevents potential negative consequences for the environment and the population.

[Recycling Symbol]