⚠️ Important Safety Instructions ⚠️
Please save these instructions.
This manual contains important safety, installation, and operating instructions for the charge controller. The following symbols are used throughout the manual to indicate potentially dangerous conditions or important safety information.
▲ WARNING: Indicates a potentially dangerous condition. Use extreme caution when performing this task.
CAUTION: Indicates a critical procedure for safe and proper operation of the controller.
NOTE: Indicates a procedure or function that is important to the safe and proper operation of the controller.
General Safety Information
- Read all instructions, cautions, and notes in the manual before starting the installation.
- There are no serviceable parts inside the MT-5. Do not disassemble or attempt to repair the meter electronics.
- Do not allow water to enter the MT-5.
General Information
The Renogy MT-5 Tracer meter is the remote digital display used for the 20Amp or 40Amp MPPT Charge Controllers. It is a self-diagnostics meter ideal for monitoring and displaying the current solar system status information and any error indications the system might be experiencing. The information is displayed on a backlit LCD display and is easily navigated using the large buttons on the meter. The MT-5 Tracer meter could also be flush mounted on a wall or flat surface using the mounting frame provided. The MT-5 Tracer is supplied with a 6.5 foot long cable and is connected using the RJ45 port.
Key Features
- Displays system status and parameters with digital and graphical icons.
- Battery type function and Battery Amp Hour (Ah) setting function.
- Temperature compensation coefficient adjustable.
- Control of the load terminal.
Included Components
- Wall Mounting Frame
- 6.5 ft. cable
Components NOT included
- Screws ⌀ 4mm (0.16in)
Identification of Display
The MT-5 Tracer meter's LCD display shows various information. The following numbered elements are identified:
- 1. Load Icon: Indicates the status of the load.
- 2. Battery Icon(s): Displays battery level with bars, where each bar represents 20% of battery capacity. The icon is present if the battery is connected; otherwise, it remains flashing.
- 3. Solar Icon: Indicates solar panel activity.
- 4. Error Indicator: Displays a triangle with an exclamation mark (⚠️) to indicate improper connection, tracer error, or short-circuiting of the battery or solar panels.
- 5. Setting Icon: Appears when the user is modifying parameters of the Tracer.
- 6. Data Units: Displays units for the measured data (e.g., V, A, %, °C).
The LCD has two brightness levels. The backlight is bright after any button press and turns off after about 30 seconds.
Installation
CAUTION: Before installing the MT-5 Tracer, apply power and make sure the meter is working properly. Resolve any issues before installing the meter and the meter cable.
The MT-5 can be mounted in two ways: Frame Mount or in a Wall Mount. A plastic mounting frame is included for Frame Mounting. For Wall Mounting, the MT-5 faceplate sits flush with the mounting surface, and the meter body rests in a cut-out hole.
The screws are NOT included for installation purposes.
Operation
The following keys are used to cycle through screens or adjust parameters:
- (K1) SET: Confirms settings or enters setting mode.
- (K2) ◀️: Moves left or decreases value.
- (K3) ▶️: Moves right or increases value.
- (K4) /ESC: Exits a menu or cancels an operation.
Menu Display
The MT-5 Tracer displays several screens. Use the ◀️ (K2) and ▶️ (K3) keys to cycle through the menu. The screens are displayed in the following order:
- Solar Panel Voltage
- Battery Voltage and Battery Current
- Load Voltage and Load Current
- Battery capacity (Ah) and Battery temperature
- Battery State of Charge (SOC) (%) and Temperature Compensation
- Battery Amp-hour (Ah) and Battery Type
- Load Timer 1 and Load Timer 2 Mode
- Discharge Accumulation in Amp-hour(Ah) and Watt-hour (Wh)
Example Screen Displays:
- Screen 1: Shows Solar Panel Voltage (e.g., 17.6 V).
- Screen 2: Shows Battery Voltage (e.g., 12.7 V) and Battery Current (e.g., 1.8 A).
- Screen 3: Shows Load Voltage (e.g., 12.0 V) and Load Current (e.g., 10.0 A).
- Screen 4: Shows Battery capacity (Ah) (e.g., 85.0 Ah) and Battery temperature (e.g., 18 °C).
- Screen 5: Shows Battery State of Charge (SOC) (e.g., 43%) and Temperature Compensation (e.g., -05 mV/°C).
- Screen 6: Shows Battery Amp-hour (e.g., 850 Ah) and Battery Type (e.g., FLD).
- Screen 7: Shows Load Timer 1 and Load Timer 2 Mode (e.g., -7, 0).
- Screen 8: Shows Discharge Accumulation in Ah (e.g., 7.5 Ah) and Wh (e.g., 90.0 WH).
Data Setting
NOTE: The user uses the SET function to access the data setting parameter. A ⚙️ icon will appear next to the parameter being adjusted.
By pressing the SET button, the user can modify parameters like Battery Amp-Hours (Ah), Battery Temperature Compensation, Battery Type, and Load Timer Mode. Use the ◀️ (K2) and ▶️ (K3) keys to adjust the parameter, and then press SET (K1) to save.
Battery Amp-hour (Ah)
Battery Amp-hour ranges from 10Ah to 900Ah. The default value is 200Ah. The user can modify Amp-hours in increments of 10Ah.
(Display example: 850 Ah, 18)
Battery Temperature Compensation
Data ranges from 0 to 10mV/Cell/°C. Setting this to 0 disables temperature compensation.
(Display example: 43%, -05 mV/°C)
Battery Type
Options include Sealed Lead Acid (SEL), Gel Battery (GEL), or Flooded Battery (FLD).
(Display example: 43%, -05)
Load Timer 1 and 2 Mode
This corresponds to the MPPT charge controller's Timer 1 and Timer 2 options. The user can program the timer by selecting the corresponding number. Detailed information is available in the MPPT Charge Controller manual.
(Display example: -7, 0)
System Status Icons and Considerations
Error Indicator
The red LED on the tracer is on, or the ⚠️ symbol is visible on the digital display. Possible reasons for the Error Indicator include:
- Battery disconnected, over voltage, or open circuit. Check connections, disconnect, and reconnect.
- System experiencing overcharging current. Check connections, disconnect, and reconnect.
- Solar PV is short-circuited. Check connections, disconnect, and reconnect.
Telecommunication Port
If the meter loses individual power or communication is cut off, abnormal graphical symbols may display. Press any key to stop the display and resume normal activity. If the problem persists, disconnect and reconnect the port. Normal behavior is meter updates every 20 seconds.
Errors can occur in the telecommunication port if the connection is not properly secured, or if the cable is too long, causing inconsistencies.
Battery Level Flashing
Each bar represents 20% of battery capacity. A flashing bar indicates the battery is within the next 20% increment. For example, if the first bar flashes, capacity is 1-19%; if the second bar flashes, capacity is 21-39%.
The meter measures battery capacity by voltage. When batteries are charging, the displayed capacity may not precisely match the actual battery capacity.
Battery capacity AH
AH represents the accumulation of charging, counted each minute. Accuracy is reduced if the charge current is too small. A minimum of 1AH indicates 1 amp charging for 1 hour.
Troubleshooting
MT-5 has no display
- Verify the MPPT charge controller is powered on and connected to the MT-5, as the controller powers the Tracer.
LCD display is dim
- Check system battery voltage; the MT-5 requires a minimum of 8V.
- Verify the temperature is within the LCD operating parameters.
MT-5 turns on, but shows no data
- The MT-5 may be damaged, or the cable is damaged. Replace the cable by contacting the manufacturer.
MT-5 display does not match product manual
- Products undergo manual revisions. Check the Renogy website (Renogy-store.com > downloads) for the latest documentation.
Buttons do not work
- Disconnect the MT-5 and clean the faceplate to remove any potential residue.
- Reconnect MT-5.
Technical Specifications
Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Rated Voltage | 12V |
| Minimum Voltage Suggested | 8V |
| Strong backlight on | < 23mA |
| Low Backlight on | < 20mA |
| Backlight and LED indicator off | < 17mA |
Mechanical Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Communication Cable | RJ45 (8 pin) |
| Cable Length | 6.5 ft. |
| Faceplate Dimensions | 95 x 95mm (3.74 x 3.74in) |
| Wall Frame Dimensions | 110 x 110mm (4.33 x 4.33in) |
Temperature Parameters
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Operation Temperature | -40°F to 140°F |
| LCD Operation Temperature | -14°F to 104°F |
| Humidity | 0-100% |
CAD Dimensions
The CAD dimensions show the physical layout and mounting points of the MT-5 Tracer meter and its frame. The diagram includes top-down and side views, with dimensions provided in millimeters and inches.
Key dimensions include:
- Faceplate dimensions: 95 x 95mm (3.74 x 3.74in)
- Inner display area dimensions: 84 x 84mm (3.35 x 3.35in)
- Depth: 24mm (0.95in)
- Mounting frame depth: 8mm (0.32in)
- Mounting holes: 4 holes, diameter ⌀ 4.0 (0.16in)
Dimensions are in millimeters (inches).
Updated: July 10, 2015
