The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instruction Manual Features ● MPPT charge controller gives maximum yield for solar ● Standard model can wall or flush mount ● Marine model includes mounting bracket ● Backlit LCD display ● Works as a load controller / Charge controller ● Menu driven system control ● Can be input paralleled for a true 60 Amp single controller ● Conformal coated circuit board for harsh environments This version of the Kid is for use only with solar installations.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS - THESE INSTRUCTIONS CONTAIN IMPORTANT SAFETY AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE KID CHARGE CONTROLLER MODEL NUMBERS MNKID-B, MNKID-W, MNKID-M-B, MNKID-M-W. If you do not fully understand any of the concepts, terminology, or hazards outlined in these instructions, please refer installation to a qualified dealer, electrician or installer.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions INSTRUCTIONS DE SÉCURITÉ IMPORTANTES CONSERVER CES INSTRUCTIONS - CES INSTRUCTIONS CONTIENNENT DES INFORMATIONS IMPORTANTES POUR UTILISER LE MIDNITE SOLAR THE KID CHARGE CONTROLLER (RÉGULATEUR DE CHARGE) MODEL NUMBERS MNKID-B, MNKID-W, MNKID-M-B, MNKID-M-W EN TOUTE SÉCURITÉ. Avant l’utilisez cet appareil lis et comprends toutes les instructions et avertissements.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Agency Approvals The Kid is ETL listed to: UL 1 741 ISSUE:201 0/01 /28 ED:2 INVERTERS, CONVERTERS, CONTROLLERS AND INTERCONNECTION SYSTEM EQUIPMENT FOR USE WITH DISTRIBUTED ENERGY RESOURCES CSA C22.2#1 07.1 ISSUED: 2001 /09/01 ED: 3 (R2011 ) GENERAL USE POWER SUPPLIES . UL 458 ISSUED:2006/04/1 9 ED:5 REV:201 0/03/1 8 UL STANDARD FOR SAFETY POWER CONVERTERS/INVERTERS AND POWER CONVERTER/INVERTER SYSTEMS FOR LAND VEHICLES AND MARINE CRAFTS . CSA C22.2#1 07.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Table of Contents Warnings.............................................................................................. 2 Agency Approvals................................................................................ 4 Stickers................................................................................................ 7 The Kid Dimensions............................................................................. 1 0 Mounting The Kid....................
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions The parts included in the hardware kit provide great flexibility for installing The Kid in many different locations. Included Hardware kit 9-61 4-1 90° 1 /2" snap-in Conduit adapter (2) (Marine hardware kit only) There are straight and right angle fittings for flex conduit as well as a strain relief for power wires and a split grommet for data wires.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Sticker Identification 1 . Warning-ignition protected. 2. Equipment grounding terminal. 3. Connection sequence. 4. Do not overtighten. 5. Shipping serial number. 6. Negatives Separate. 7. Model Number. 8. Caution Voltage Present. 9. Aux Output Ratings. 1 0. CE. 11 . Don't touch uninsulated. 1 2. Charge battery types. 1 3. Start up info. 1 4. Cautions. 1 5. Protect from rain. 1 6. Arcs and sparks - Français. 1 7. Arcs and sparks - English. 1 8. Torque. 1 9.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Sticker Placement Due to the large number of required warnings it is easy to begin to overlook them. Some of the warnings are actually quite important and good knowledge for the installer and user. All required labels are supplied. You will find a label identifier on the previous page. The placement guide below shows where each label goes. Please take the time to read and understand each label as you place it on the unit.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Additional Stickers: In Canada CSA 22.2 No. 1 07.1 -01 requires certain information to be visible while the unit is in operation. To satisfy this requirement some additional stickers have been provided on the wall mount adapter. These stickers have the same information as those already on The Kid.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Mounting the KID: There are three methods of mounting available for the KID: 1 . In wall mounting. This is very useful for RV’s, some boats and cabins or just about anywhere you want a built in look. You will need to insure that the wall is not so thick as to obstruct the wiring that enters through the bottom surface of the KID. The conduit wire holes in the bottom of the casting are 0.28” (7mm away from the back mounting flange. So if your wall is more than 0.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions 2. Surface mount. The Kid can be mounted on a wall using the supplied wall mount adapter. As a minimum you will need to supply ½” strain reliefs to secure the wires to the casting. Regular metal strain reliefs are available at any hardware or electrical store. Metal Romex strain reliefs are designed to clamp down on Romex shielded cable.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions 3. Marine mount. The third way to mount the KID is with the Marine Mount Bracket. MNKID-M-BKT-W (White) or MNKID-M-BKT-B (Black) Marine Mounting Brackets. This bracket comes standard with Marine versions. There are two metal pieces that come with the Marine Mount Bracket. A collar that mounts to the KID and the Marine mounting bracket base. Mount the KID to the collar using four 8-32 screws and nuts provided. The kit is available in black or white.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Optional rain Shield . Required for approved marine applications. The Kid shown with the optional Rain/Drip Shield. The rain/drip shield is required for code compliant marine applications. The addition of the rain/drip shield does not make the Kid weatherproof. Install the Kid where it will be protected from rain, spray, snow or other moisture.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions The Kid Main Electrical Connections The following pages contain wiring instructions, diagrams and system images. Remove the back cover. Remove the screw on the middle right of the back cover and gently remove the back cover. The connections for PV input, Load and Battery out are available on the terminal block shown below, located inside The Kid on the backside of the circuit board. Observe polarity on all connections.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Grounding Lug Grounding points are provided inside and on the back of The Kid. This ground lug is necessary to satisfy the requirements of UL458 Marine and RV standard. Drill a 7/32" (5.5mm) hole approximately where shown. Make sure that you have room inside the unit for screwhead clearance. Install the external ground lug as shown below with the hardware supplied. Be sure to use the #1 0 lockwasher as shown.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Wiring to the KID Centered directly above the ½” conduit holes you will find the main 30 amp 6 position terminal block. This is where you will connect PV input, loads (if any) and the battery bank. The battery bank should use 1 0AWG wire (5.26mm2). On the included wiring diagrams you will notice an external 30 amp circuit breaker in series with the battery plus wire.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Aux input/output wiring: This 2 position terminal block is the aux input/output. Functions such as Auto Gen Start, Low Battery Disconnect or the WhizBang Jr are connected here. As new firmware features are added they will be available at http://www.midnitesolar.com/firmwareIndex.php Do not allow excess exposed wire Stacking port Battery temperature sensor plugged in Sample wiring showing PV, Load, Battery, Whizbang Jr., BTS and stacking cable.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Mounting and Wiring with the wall mount bracket: - + PV - + LOAD - + BATTERY Select an indoor mounting location that is dry and protected from the elements. Try to keep the wires to the panels, battery(s), and loads as short as possible. Dimensioned drawings are provided in this manual to aid in installation. The Kid with mounting bracket may also be used as a drilling template. High quality wall anchors are recommended for securing The Kid to the wall.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Chassis Ground connection The screw, nut and terminal for grounding the chassis are included on all models. The chassis ground (equipment ground) is required in an NEC compliant system. The chassis of the KID is isolated from all internal KID circuitry. Wiring the rest of the system : Under the “Wiring diagrams” section of this manual there are seven different system configurations. 1 2, 24 and 48VDC systems are shown.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions MNBTS Battery Temperature sensor Standard on Marine versions, optional on all others. The published ratings of most batteries are made at 77 degrees F (25°C). Mother nature as well as man doesn’t always allow the ambient temperature to hover around 25°C while charging batteries. Battery temperature sensors are employed on many sophisticated chargers in order to compensate the charge voltage based on temperature.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Stacking Jumpers Master Stacking Port Slave Stacking Port Jumper settings for stacking (Twin Mode): USB Connector In the upper right corner of the circuit board there are two positions for placing jumpers. If not stacking (only one Kid) or stacking two Kids leave the jumpers off. The jumpers may be placed on one pin to be saved for later use.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Set-Up and Use These instructions are for firmware revision 1 856. New features are added frequently. Now that your KID is all wired up, solar panels in place and connected, battery bank installed and any loads connected, it is time to turn things on. Get a digital meter. They can be had for as low as $4.00 at Harbor freight, so there is no excuse to not have one. You will need one if support is ever required. Check list: Make sure all breakers are off.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions The next set of screens are where you select battery type. Selecting the applicable battery type sets some important parameters that are specific to different battery chemistries. The first choice is Flooded. Use the up arrow to see all the choices. Listed below. Battery Type Flooded Battery Type AGM Battery Type GEL Battery Type Lithium Battery Type Calcium Battery Type Custom Stop on the correct battery type and then hit the right arrow key.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions When the absorb screen appears, use the up/down arrow to adjust absorb voltage. Consult your battery manufacturer for their recommended settings. There is no such thing as one setting that fits all flooded or AGM etc. batteries. Different manufacturers have different requirements. Differences may be subtle, but the KID is capable of very fine adjustment. There is no reason to guess as to these important settings.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions STATUS BUTTON: There are a few status screens available at the touch of the Status button. The first (left) screen shows: 9.5A BULKMPPT 12.7 Solar 257W The 9.5a as depicted above represents the battery output current. BULKMPPT shows the state that the charger is in. BULKMPPT means the KID is going all out to put all available energy into the batteries. The 1 2.7V represents battery voltage. The SOLAR shows it is in Solar mode.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Status Screens. The Kid has several status display screens showing voltage, charge mode, temperatures, currents and voltages. These screens are displayed any time that the LCD is on and you are not in a menu. If you press the STATUS button the following screens will be displayed. The first screen is displayed by default and the others are available by pressing the right arrow. The left arrow will step back through the status display screens. 0.0A 13.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions The Kid's L.E.D.s. RFC - Received Full Charge. The The Kid has several L.E.D.s to indicate modes and errors. battery has received a full charge. 1 WK - One Week. It has been one week since a full charge. 2WK - Two Weeks. It has been two weeks since a full charge. FLT - Float. The battery is in float charge. OVR - Over Voltage. The kid has detected an overvoltage. Or, The Kid is outputting 30 Amps (Max output) ERR - Error.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions MAIN MENUS: The KID has 7 MAIN MENU headings. This section deals with the MAIN MENU headings only. Each of the 7 main menus is explained in detail on the following pages. Hit the MENU/BACK key. This button takes you to all of the Main Menus. Main menus are something you want to become familiar with. No matter where you are at in any menu, you can always get to the Main Menus by hitting the MENU\BACK button once or twice.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions To set EQ parameters: Press Main Menu and select Battery, Go to EQ and press Enter, Press the SETUP Button to adjust the EQ Voltage and Time. To start a manual EQ cycle: Press Main Menu and select Battery, Go to EQ and press Enter, Select START, The EQ Cycle will begin.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Advanced Battery Settings: Located under the “Battery” menu a submenu labeled “Advanced ”. This menu contains advanced charge settings. EndAmps: Best results are obtained when a Whiz Bang Jr. (Sold Separately) is connected to the kid. End Amps refers to the amount of current flowing to the batteries. When End Amps are set, this function will act as a secondary termination to the absorb timer.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Load Menu: Lighting Controller The Kid has a fully adjustable, intelligent lighting controller built in. It can turn lighting on at dusk for a select number of hours, turn it off for a length of time and then back on for a programmable number of hours before dawn. All time functions are fully adjustable, allowing users to save valuable energy.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Load Control Modes The load control output is a very versatile feature. Some of the basic uses are explained here. ● Manual Mode - The load is turned on and off manually from the Kid control panel. The load will also disconnect when the low voltage disconnect setting is reached. ● Dusk + Time - In this mode the load is turned on at dusk. The load then remains on for the amount of time selected.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Load Functions detailed Description -FUNC: Manual - ON/OFF - This Mode can be turned On or Off by the user Manually, and the Load circuit will act accordingly, this Mode can be Used with the Low Battery Disconnect safety monitoring. To use Manual Mode: • From the Status Menu: Press Menu Back • Scroll to the Right and select Load and Press Enter • Select FUNC: Manual • Press the Right button to *ON - The load will turn on and stay on until turned off.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions -FUNC: PWM Divert – OFF/AUTO – This function will divert excess power to the load when extra power is available and it will maintain 3 stage battery charging.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions -FUNC: Toggle Test – OFF/AUTO – This Mode is for testing purposes only, it will turn the load On and Off at twice per second. -FUNC: LVD Alarm – OFF/AUTO - This mode will turn on if the battery voltage goes below the AlrmON set point and turn OFF if it goes above the AlrmOFF Set point.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions • To enable reconnect on Float stage go to Reconn and Press the Right key again and the word FLOAT will appear under Reconn (Float voltage can be configured in the Battery menu). • Press the Save button to keep the changes on non volatile memory of The Kid. Refer to the battery manufacturers recommended settings. Input Menu: ADJUST MPPT MODE LOAD AUX The INPUT MENU is where you turn the KID on and off.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Hit the right arrow to advance to the AUX MAIN MENU . SETUP AUX FUNCTION LOAD MISC The AUX menu is where you set up various auxiliary input and output functions such as Auto Genstart, Low Battery Disconnect and the Whizbang Jr. Battery status monitor. Note: Mode must be manually turned ON after changing the mode. To turn the Mode on highlight the OFF under ON/OFF and switch it to ON. Press the Save to save this change. Press menu back when done.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions FUNC: LBD Low OFF/AUTO - Enable/Disable/Setup Low Battery Disconnect High • • • • • • From the Status Menu: Press Menu Back Scroll to the Right and select AUX and Press Enter Select FUNC:LBD Low Press the Right button to Auto. Press the Save Button Press SETUP button to set the AlrmON Voltage. scroll to the right to set AlrmOFF Voltage. Hit the right arrow key to advance to the MISC menu. OTHER STUFF AUX COMM • Press the Save Button.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Select and save PC Comm to enable this mode. Data is sent once a minute. Data is comma separated raw decimal format and must be divided by 1 0 to display correctly. Hit the right arrow key to advance to the DATA menu. Data Menu: Displays 31 days of saved data. After 31 days, stored memories are overwritten leaving the last 31 days.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions iEndAmp Shunt Sel: - Selects between The Kid's internal shunt and the (optional) WBJr's shunt. To adjust the settings: • • • • • • Press Menu Back Scroll to the right then select TECH and press Enter Select Calibrate and press Enter Press the right arrow until EndAmp Shunt Sel is on the top line of the LCD Use the Up and Down buttons to adjust to the desired setting Press the SAVE button to keep the settings.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Firmware. To do a firmware update on the kid you will need the following: • A laptop or PC with Windows XP/7/8/8.1 /1 0 or Linux. Mac is not supported. If using Win 8 or newer use the Win 8 updater. Disable Anti Virus. • A USB Mini-B cable (not included). Procedure: • Go to http://www.midnitesolar.com/firmwareIndex.php and download the latest firmware file. • Save the file to a known location on your PC (eg. Desktop \).
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Auto Gen Start (AGS) This function will try to start the Generator and while monitoring battery voltage to assure the generator is charging. If not, it will signal the generator to shut down to conserve fuel. Generator On at: Battery voltage level that will trigger the signal to start the generator. GenStart Delay: Delay in minutes that the battery voltage must be below the “Generator On at” setting ,To signal the generator to start.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Setting up The Kid for use with a Whiz Bang Jr. (Sold separately) State Of Charge: The Kid in conjunction with the Whiz-Bang JR. offer a real battery S tate Of C harge meter. There is some set-up before using the WBJr. It is necessary to enter values for Battery bank size in AmpHours, battery efficiency, Battery temperature compensation reference, and percentage of change per degree C. Refer to the battery manufacturer's documentation for these values.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Password protected settings: UL standards mandate that only qualified people be allowed to change critical settings. We have determined that people that have read and understood this much of the manual are qualified to change critical settings. Changing some of the settings available on The Kid can result in hazardous conditions such as, battery charger, EQ, Temp Comp and load settings.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions LED MODE: Located under the MISC menu, the LED mode can be set to several different modes, some useful and some just for fun. NRML: this mode will employ all the available LEDs as indicators, The top 3 LEDs refer to the Battery Capacity Meter function on the kid that indicates to the user the current battery status at a glance (refer to BCM Section for more info). The FLT LED will come on when the unit goes to Float.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Wiring Diagrams 1 2 Volt System with two solar panels in series Important! Both the input and output negatives must be connected to their own separate terminals. Tying them together will cause inaccurate current readings and possible damage to the unit. 1 0-268-1 REV H 46 | Page Important! Both the input and output negatives must be connected to their own separate terminals.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions 24 Volt System with two solar panels in series Important! Both the input and output negatives must be connected to their own separate terminals. Tying them together will cause inaccurate current readings and possible damage to the unit. 1 0-268-1 REV H 47 | Page Important! Both the input and output negatives must be connected to their own separate terminals. Tying them together will cause inaccurate current readings and possible damage to the unit.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions 24 Volt System with two strings of two panels Important! Both the input and output negatives must be connected to their own separate terminals. Tying them together will cause inaccurate current readings and possible damage to the unit. 1 0-268-1 REV H 48 | Page Important! Both the input and output negatives must be connected to their own separate terminals. Tying them together will cause inaccurate current readings and possible damage to the unit.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions 48 Volt System with two strings of three panels The string sizing tool is at www.midnitesolar.com Important! Both the input and output negatives must be connected to their own separate terminals. Tying them together will cause inaccurate current readings and possible damage to the unit. 1 0-268-1 REV H 49 | Page Important! Both the input and output negatives must be connected to their own separate terminals.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions HyperVOC The Kid includes HyperVOC a non-operative VOC safety zone over and above the maximum input voltage Why do you need HyperVOC? On cold mornings PV panels will put out full voltage even before you can see the sun. Ambient light may not have much current behind it but it does have voltage that may exceed the operating voltage limit of the controller, resulting in damage to the controller.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions PV Voltage levels shown are maximum values. VOC will be 20% higher. Accessories Below are optional accessories and accessory kits. MNKID-BREAKER-30A 30 Amp replacement circuit breaker for The Kid.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Accessories Continued MNKID-ASSY-KIT-B (Black) or MNKID-ASSY-KIT-W (White) Accessory kit Kit includes: Black or white mounting bracket Flexible conduit Straight and 90° Conduit fittings MNBTS Battery temperature sensor Hardware to attach mounting bracket to The Kid MNKID-WMB-B (Black) or MNKID-WMB-W (White) Wall Mount kit Kit includes: Black wall mounting bracket Hardware to attach mounting bracket to The Kid.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Accessories Continued MNHydrometer Easy to use battery hydrometer for checking the specific gravity on all "Flooded" style batteries. Size: 5.25"L x 4.25"W x 1 .5"D MNBCM / MNBCMS : Battery Status Monitor 1 . LEDs that correspond to battery voltage 2. Voltage accuracy +- .05% 3. Auto sensing for 1 2, 24, 36, and 48 volt batteries 4. LED indicators show if batteries have received a full charge recently, longer than one week or longer than two weeks 5.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Accessories Continued Whiz Bang Jr.: The Whiz Bang Jr. is designed to work with The Kid to give accurate battery status. The Whiz Bang Jr. keeps track of Amp-Hours going into and out of the battery. Simple one-wire installation. 500A 50mV Shunt not included. The Whiz Bang Jr can also provide shunt access for co-operative products.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Optional Circuit Breakers and Accessories Quad Big Baby The Big Baby is an aluminum powder coated breaker enclosure that holds four DINRail breakers. The Quad is an aluminum powder coated breaker enclosure that holds four panel mount breakers. 63 amp 1 50VDC din rail mount DC ground fault protector (NRTL listed breaker assy). NEC2008 requires DC-GFP’s on all solar installations More circuit breakers and accessories available at www.midnitesolar.
The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Warranty MIDNITE SOLAR INC. LIMITED WARRANTY MidNite Solar Power electronics, sheet metal enclosures and accessories MidNite Solar Inc. warrants to the original customer that its products shall be free from defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty will be valid for a period of five (5) years for all products except the MNKID and MNBRAT Charge Controllers along with the MNBIRDHOUSE1 batteries, these will be two (2) years.
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The Kid Solar Charge Controller Instructions Glossary Absorb............................... A charging state where the battery is held at the absorb volt setting for a time set by the user. AGS................................... Automatic Generator Start Amp................................... A measurement of electrical current. Amp-Hour.......................... A measurement of electrical power. Amps x Hours. Aux.................................... Auxiliary port for input or output.
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4.50 8.675 9.275 Photocopies of the template may not be accurate and should be avoided. To use this template: Remove template from the manual and secure to the wall with a low tack tape such as scotch or masking tape. Other tapes are more likely to stick to the paint when they are removed. Remove all tape within 24 hours. Make sure that the template is flat and not crooked. Use a large drill inside the cut-out area to create an entry point for the saw.
