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, and this 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 and without obligation to apply these changes to the devices previously distributed.
• The images of the products are purely indicative and may therefore 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:

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

3. Description

The SUNCONTROL2 is an automatic solar regulator with MPPT technology designed to maximize the efficiency of photovoltaic modules, providing more energy with less space. The MPPT algorithm utilizes the panel's maximum power peak, offering significantly higher performance (up to 25% more) compared to PWM technology.

Available in two models, SC320M and SC350M, the SUNCONTROL2 manages input power up to 350W (depending on the model) with a maximum charge current of 25A. Its new microprocessor, equipped with OPTICHARGE firmware, performs up to 6 charging phases, including desulphation and maintenance phases, for optimal recharging of onboard batteries.

The SUNCONTROL2 is compatible with various battery technologies: Free Acid, GEL, AGM, and LiFePO4. It can recharge both leisure batteries and the starter battery. The state of charge (SoC) of both connected batteries is easily visible on the top of the device via 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 its new management software, enables viewing of charge information and setting various parameters using the new NDS communication protocol.

Main Features:

• MPPT technology (+25% performance)
• Charging curve selection: Wet, GEL, AGM, LiFePO4
• New OPTICHARGE Firmware
• 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

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

Each 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 (e.g., during the night, due to a shadowed solar panel), the system enters Stand-By mode: LEDs off and self-consumption reduced to a minimum (<2mA).

5. 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).

Fig.1

[Diagram showing the back of the SUNCONTROL2 with mounting holes and connection terminals]

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, next to the power connections, there is a Dip Switch for charging curve selection. It is important to select the correct curve according to the type of battery supplied. For the selection of the correct curve, please refer to the chapter "Charging curve selection".

NOTE: The optional DT002 display allows you to change parameters and charging curves. If connected, the display will receive the parameters set on the Dip Switch; further changes will be made only on the DT002 display.

Fig.2

[Diagram showing the front connections of the SUNCONTROL2 with numbered pins and their descriptions]

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.

6. 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°4 (wet - desulphation OFF).

NOTE:

• The default setting is Curve 0, 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.

[Diagram illustrating the charging curve phases: Pulse Charge, Reconditioning, Bulk Charge, Absorption Charge, Desulphation, Maintenance]

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 (model SC320M) or 25A (model SC350M) will be delivered.
• Absorption Charge: With battery voltage equal to Vmax, a constant voltage equal to the selected curve's Vmax will be delivered. The delivered current will decrease as the battery state of charge increases, down to about 3A. Timeout 6 hours.
• Desulphation (Only if selected): 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) or 12.65V (Wet curve) or 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.

7. LED Indicators

The two LEDs on the upper part of the device, marked B1 and B2, allow for a 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 breaking or the service battery voltage being below 6V.

8. 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 SC320M) or 30A (for SC350M) automotive fuse.

[Diagram showing the electronic board with the location of the fuse highlighted. Includes text: FUSE: • 25A (SC320M) • 30A (SC350M)]

Follow these steps to reach the fuse:

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

9. Technical Features

10. 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. 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".

11. Warranty

[Placeholder for warranty information]