DRIVEN DSLR-C40 Solar Charge Controller User's Manual
Welcome
Thank you for purchasing the DSLR-C40 Solar Charge Controller. Before operating your new product, please read these operating instructions carefully. They contain important information for safe use, installation and maintenance of the product.
Please keep this instruction manual for future reference. The manufacturer does not accept responsibility for any damages that may arise due to improper use. If you have any further questions regarding our products, please contact us at: support@drivenelectronics.com
1. Product Features
The DSLR-C40 Controller is a PWM charge controller with built-in LCD that adopts the most advanced digital techniques. The multiple load control modes enable it to be widely used on solar off grid systems, traffic signals, solar street lights, etc.
- System voltage of 12V with automatic recognition.
- Intelligent 4 stages PWM charging: Bulk, Absorption, Equalize, Float
- LCD display with Back-lighting shows device's operating data and working conditions.
- 2 button operation; Adjustable charge-discharge control parameters.
- Supports: Lead-acid battery (Sealed, Gel, Deep Cycle) and Lithium battery (LiCoMnNiO2, LiFePO4). Factory default is lead acid battery.
- Double USB output 5V/2A. (Can be used for charging cell phones or other USB A type devices).
2. One (1) 200 Watt Panel System Connections
Diagram Description: A diagram illustrating the connection of a single 200W solar panel to the DSLR-C40 charge controller and then to a battery. It shows the solar panel (+) and (-) outputs connecting via an MC4 fuse holder ([F1]) to a roof pass-through (DSLR-PT1). The pass-through then connects to the controller's solar input. The controller's battery output is fused ([F2]) and connected to the battery (+). The battery (-) connects directly to the controller's battery input. The diagram also shows a table for fusing requirements and notes about recommended fuse placement and user-supplied wiring.
| Panel Qty | Wattage Output | (F1) Fusing required before DSLR-PT1 roof pass-through | (F2) Fusing Required between DSLR-C40 controller and battery | (F3) Fusing Required between battery and DSLR-C40 Controller |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Panel | 200 Watts | 15 Amp | 20 Amp As close as possible to the controller* |
20 Amp As close as possible to the battery* |
*Recommended max distance: 18" ▲ User supplied
WARNING: Read carefully and understand all ASSEMBLY AND OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS before operating. Failure to follow the safety rules and other basic safety precautions may result in serious personal injury.
Step 1: Mount and secure the DSLR-200W solar panel, taking care to make sure that it is properly secured to a stud or backing roof support.
Step 2A: Connect the DSLR-200W solar panel ground MC4 output directly to the DSLR-PT1 roof pass-through ground input.
Step 2B: Connect the DSLR-200W solar panel positive ([F1]) output to the in-line fuse holder input and then the output to the DSLR-PT1 roof pass-through positive input.
Step 3: Connect the installer-supplied positive and negative power cables to the DSLR-PT1 roof pass-through and safely run and connect these wires to the DSLR-C40 solar panel inputs. (make sure the polarity is correct)
Step 4: Run positive and ground wires from the DSLR-C40 solar controller to the customer-supplied battery. The positive wire must be ([F2]) fused at the output of the DSLR-C40 solar controller and also ([F3]) fused at the battery-positive connection.
WARNING: Do not connect the battery leads under full sun light. Cover the solar panels while making these connections.
* It is recommended that the fuses inside the fuse holders are not installed until all wiring has been completely installed and all the connections have been verified.
3. LCD System Icon Descriptions
| Icon | Meaning | Icon | Meaning | Icon | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ☀️ | Day | ⬆️ | Data Relates to Charging | FLT | Float Charging |
| ? | Night | ⬇️ | Data Relates to Discharging | ABS | Absorption Charging |
| ⚡️ | Charging | ?️ | Data Relates to Temperature | EQU | Equalizing Charging |
| ?⚡️ | No Charging | ⚙️ | Data Adjustable | SCI | Lithium Terminates Charging Current |
| ? | Load On | ?⚙️ | Data Not Adjustable | RCV | Recovery Charging Voltage |
| ? | Load Off | SLD | Sealed Battery | SCV | Constant Charging Voltage |
| ✅ | System Works Normally | GEL | GEL Battery | LVD | Low Voltage Disconnection Voltage |
| ⚠️ | System Works Abnormally | FLD | Flooded Battery | LVR | Low Voltage Re-connection Voltage |
| ? | DC Load / Light Control On | ||||
| ⏰? | Timer DC Load / Light Control On |
4. Button Functions
| Modes | Operation |
|---|---|
| Browse Interface | Short press button [+] or [-]. |
| Load On/Off | When load in 24H working mode, short press button [-] in main interface. |
| Parameter Setting | In the settable interface, long press button [+] into setting, and then short press [+] or [-] to set parameter, long press button [+] to save and exit. (Long press button [-] to cancel the parameter and back to last setting) |
| Factory Reset | Long press button [-] for 5s in the interface of ambient temperature. |
5. Browse Interface
Diagram Description: This section displays various LCD screen interfaces showing different operating parameters and battery states. It includes Battery Voltage, Ambient Temperature, Charging Voltage, Charging Current, Power Consumption, Discharging Current, Battery Types, and charging stages (Floating, Absorption, Equalizing) for both Lead-Acid and Lithium batteries, along with voltage disconnection/re-connection points.
NOTE:
- After the battery is connected, the LCD will go into the interface that automatically recognized the battery voltage level. 3 seconds later it will enter the main interface of LCD.
- Equalization charging will occur after the controller has operated continuously for 30 days or after the controller has detected 30 days and nights.
- Default lithium battery termination charge current is 2A, but it can be adjusted by users within the rated current range.
- Under the interface of accumulated KWH, long press button [+] to clear the value.
- When there has been no operation for 20s, the back-light will turn off.
6. Battery Types
Under the interface of battery types, long press button [+] into the type setting, then short press button [+] or [-] to choose battery type, and then long press [+] again to save and exit.
| Icon | Battery Type |
|---|---|
| SLD | Sealed Battery |
| GEL | Gel Battery |
| FLD | Flooded Battery |
| USR1 | Lead-Acid Battery (User-defined - DEFAULT) |
| 3.2-4 | LiFePO4: 3.2V-4S |
| 3.2-5 | LiFePO4: 3.2V-5S |
| 3.7-3 | LiCoMnNiO2: 3.7V-3S |
| 3.7-4 | LiCoMnNiO2: 3.7V-4S |
| USR2 | Lithium Battery (User-defined) |
7. Battery Voltage Automatic Identification Range
| Battery Types | Lead-Acid Battery |
|---|---|
| 12V System | ≤18V |
8. Control Parameters of Lead-acid Battery
| Lead-Acid Battery Types | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| SLD | GEL | FLD | |
| Battery Voltage Level | 12V | 12V | 12V |
| Float Charging Voltage | 13.8V | 13.8V | 13.8V |
| Absorption Charging Voltage | 14.4V | 14.2V | 14.6V |
| Equalizing Charging Voltage | 14.6V | NO | 14.8V |
| Charging time of Absorption/Equalizing | 2 Hours | ||
| Lead-Acid Battery Types | |
|---|---|
| SLD / GEL / FLD | |
| Battery Voltage Level | 12V |
| Low Voltage Disconnection | 10.8V |
| Low Voltage Re-connection | 12.6V |
| Load Over-Voltage Disconnection | 16V |
| Load Over-Voltage Re-connection | 15.5V |
9. Control Parameters of Lithium Battery
| Lithium Battery Type | ||
|---|---|---|
| Icon | 3.2-4 | 3.2-5 |
| Battery Serial Number | 4S | 5S |
| Recovery Charging Voltage | 13V | 16.2V |
| Constant Charging Voltage | 14.4V | 18V |
| Stop Charging Current | 2A | 2A |
| Low Voltage Disconnection | 11.2V | 14V |
| Low Voltage Re-connection | 12.8V | 16V |
| Load Over-Voltage Disconnection | 15V | 19.2V |
| Load Over-Voltage Re-connection | 15.4V | 18.7V |
10. Protections
Solar Panel Reverse-Polarity: If the solar panel is connected with controller in reversed polarity, controller will not be damaged and will work as normal when correctly connected.
Battery Reverse-Polarity: If the battery is connected with the controller in reversed polarity (solar controller is not connected with solar panel), controller will not be damaged and will work as normal when correctly connected.
Battery Reverse-Discharge: Controller is able to protect battery from reversed discharging to solar panel at night.
Overheating Protection: Once the internal temperature is detected to be higher than a certain value by the controller, it will stop charging the battery. After the temperature drops, recharging the battery will automatically resume.
Battery Overcurrent: Controller will stop charging when excess current is detected from the solar panel, and it will resume automatically after 2 minutes.
Load Overload: The load will be turned off when the output current of the load exceeds its rated current for a while, and turned on automatically after 2 minutes.
Battery Low-Voltage: Controller will turn off the load when the battery voltage is lower than the value preset for low-voltage disconnection, and turn on the load when the battery voltage reaches the value preset for low-voltage re-connection. The value for low-voltage disconnection and low-voltage re-connection can be set by users to a specific range.
Battery Over-Voltage: Controller will turn off the load when the battery voltage is higher than the value preset for over-voltage protection, and turn on the load when the battery voltage decreases to the normal range.
11. Troubleshooting
| Error Code | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Ex1 | Battery under voltage | Undervoltage protection, load off Battery overvoltage |
| Ex2 | Battery overvoltage | Overvoltage protection, load off, charging stop |
| Ex3 | Overload protection | Check the load wiring or reduce the load device |
| Ex4 | Overheating protection | Controller internal overheat protection, charging stopped automatic recovery after cooling |
| Ex5 | Overcurrent protection | Charging overcurrent protection, rated current +2A, 60 second protection:1.25 times, 5-second protection: automatic recovery in 2 minutes |
"E" stands for "Error"; "X" indicates the number of errors. If there are multiple errors, press [+] or [-] to check the loop. "1-6" indicates the code name.
12. Technical Specifications
| Max Current | 40A |
| Battery Voltage | 12V |
| Max PV Open Circuit Voltage | 100V |
| Self-Consumption | ≤30mA |
| Loop Voltage Drop | ≤0.3V |
| USB Output | 5V/2A *2 |
| Temperature Compensation | -4mV/°C/2V (25°C) |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C~+50°C |
| Protection Category | IP32 |
| Humidity | 95%, non-condensing |
| Terminals | 6AWG/16mm² |
| Mounting Hole Size | 190*69mm-5mm |
| Dimension | 200*106*47mm |
| Weight | 0.4KG |
Optional Dealer Installed 2 Panel - 400 Watt Kit Wiring Guide
Diagram Description: This diagram illustrates the wiring for a 2-panel, 400-watt solar kit. It shows two 200W solar panels connected via Y-splitters (DSLR-Y2F for positive, DSLR-Y2M for negative) to a roof pass-through (DSLR-PT1). The positive line from the splitter goes through an in-line fuse holder ([F1]) to the positive pass-through input. The negative line goes to the negative pass-through input. The pass-through then connects to the DSLR-C40 controller. The controller's battery output is fused ([F2]) and connected to the battery (+), and the battery (-) connects to the controller's battery input. A table specifies 30 Amp fuses for [F1], [F2], and [F3].
| Panel Qty | Wattage Output | (1F) Fusing Required before DSLR-PT1 roof pass-through | (2F) Fusing Required between DSLR-C40 controller and battery | (3F) Fusing Required between battery and DSLR-C40 Controller |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Panel | 400 Watts | 30 Amp | 30 Amp As close as possible* to the controller |
30 Amp As close as possible* to the battery |
*Recommended max distance: 18" ▲ User supplied
WARNING: Read carefully and understand all ASSEMBLY AND OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS before operating. Failure to follow the safety rules and other basic safety precautions may result in serious personal injury.
Step 1: Mount each of the DSLR-200W solar panels taking care to make sure that each panel is properly secured to a stud or backing roof support.
Step 2: Connect each of the DSLR-200W solar panels to the DSLR-YF2 and DSLR-YM2 splitter connectors as shown in the above illustration.
Step 3: Connect the DSLR-YM2 splitter into the DSLR-PT1 roof pass-through negative input.
Step 4: Connect the DSLR-YF2 splitter to the ([F1]) in-line fuse holder input and then the output to the DSLR-PT1 roof pass-through positive input.
Step 5: Connect the installer-supplied positive and negative power cables to the DSLR-PT1 roof pass-through and safely run and connect these wires to the DSLR-C40 solar panel inputs. (Make sure the polarity is correct)
Step 6: Run positive and ground wires from the DSLR-C40 solar controller to the customer-supplied battery. The positive wire must be ([F2]) fused at the output of the DSLR-C40 solar controller and also ([F3]) fused at the battery-positive connection.
WARNING: Do not connect the battery leads under full sun light. Cover the solar panels while making these connections.
* It is recommended that the fuses inside the fuse holders are not installed until all wiring has been completely installed and all the connections have been verified.
Optional Dealer Installed 3 Panel - 600 Watt Kit Wiring Guide
Diagram Description: This diagram shows the wiring for a 3-panel, 600-watt solar kit. It depicts three 200W solar panels connected via Y-splitters (DSLR-Y3F for positive, DSLR-Y3M for negative) to a roof pass-through (DSLR-PT1). The positive line from the splitter passes through an in-line fuse holder ([F1]) to the positive pass-through input. The negative line connects to the negative pass-through input. The pass-through then connects to the DSLR-C40 controller. The controller's battery output is fused ([F2]) and connected to the battery (+), and the battery (-) connects to the controller's battery input. A table specifies 40 Amp fuses for [F1], [F2], and [F3].
| Panel Qty | Wattage Output | (1F) Fusing Required before DSLR-PT1 roof pass-through | (2F) Fusing Required between DSLR-C40 controller and battery | (3F) Fusing Required between battery and DSLR-C40 Controller |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Panel | 600 Watts | 40 Amp | 40 Amp As close as possible* to the controller |
40 Amp As close as possible* to the battery |
*Recommended max distance: 18" ▲ User supplied
WARNING: Read carefully and understand all ASSEMBLY AND OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS before operating. Failure to follow the safety rules and other basic safety precautions may result in serious personal injury.
Step 1: Mount each of the DSLR-200W solar panels taking care to make sure that each panel is properly secured to a stud or backing roof support.
Step 2: Connect each of the DSLR-200W solar panels to the DSLR-Y3F and DRSOLAR-Y3M splitter connectors as shown in the above illustration.
Step 3: Connect the DSLR-YM3 splitter into the DSLR-PT1 roof pass-through negative input.
Step 4: Connect the DSLR-YF3 spliter to the ([F1]) in-line fuse holder input and then the output to the DSLR-PT1 roof pass-through positive input.
Step 5: Connect the installer-supplied positive and negative power cables to the DSLR-PT1 roof pass-through and safely run and connect these wires to the DSLR-C40 solar panel inputs. (Make sure the polarity is correct)
Step 6: Run positive and ground wires from the DSLR-C40 solar controller to the customer-supplied battery. The positive wire must be ([F2]) fused at the output of the DSLR-C40 solar controller and also ([F3]) fused at the battery-positive connection.
WARNING: Do not connect the battery leads under full sun light. Cover the solar panels while making these connections.
* It is recommended that the fuses inside the fuse holders are not installed until all wiring has been completely installed and all the connections have been verified.
