Outback FX-R Series Operator Manual

Operation
24 900-0167-01-01 Rev A
Search
An automated search circuit is available to minimize the power draw when no loads are present.
When enabled, the inverter does not always deliver full output. The output is reduced to brief
pulses with a delay between them. These pulses are sent down the output lines to see if a
resistance is present. Basically, the pulses “search” for a load. If a load is detected on the
output, the inverter’s output increases to full voltage so that it can power the load. When the
load is turned off, the inverter “goes to sleep” and begins searching again.
Search
mode sensitivity is adjusted with the
Sensitivity
menu item. See the menu tables,
which begin on page 66, for the location of this item. The sensitivity is adjusted in small
increments which are measured in fractions of one ampere.
NOTE
:
Increment sizes are difficult to define due to varying load characteristics. However, the
default setting, 30 increments, is approximately sufficient to detect the load of one compact
fluorescent light (CFL). A load which draws this amount or greater will “wake up” the inverter.
 Search
mode is not particularly useful with loads requiring continuous power. (These loads includ
e
clo
cks, answering machines, and similar devices.) “Sleep” operation with these loads
simply results
in a power int
erruption or nuisance sh
utdown.
 Search
mode may not be useful with loads that are critical or are intentionally operated a larg
e
portion of the
time even if they are not continuous. (These loads include computers and simila
r
device
s.) The inverter may “sleep” so rarely that the mode has no
benefit.

Some devices may not be easily detected by
Search
mode.
 Search
is inoperative if the
UPS
input mode is in use. See page 17 for more informatio
n.
Search
mode is ideal for use in small systems where it is critical to conserve battery capacity
and avoid idle draw or “ghost” loads.
To set up Search mode for use:
1. Turn off all loads.
2. Activate Search mode with the system display. The inverter should “sleep” with a flashing gr
een
S
TATUS I NVERTER indicator. See page 12.
3. Determine the smallest load that is to be used a
nd turn it on.
4.
If the load operates, the inverter is active and is producing power. No further adjustments are
need
ed.
5.
If the inverter does not produce power and continues to “sleep”, the sens
itivity is set too high. Turn
the load off and lower the Sensitivity m
enu item. Turn on the load and test whether the invert
er
ac
tivates.
6.
Repeat step 5 as needed until turning on the load also reliably activates the inverter.
The pulse duration and the delay both have a time period that is measured in AC cycles. These
two items,
Pulse Length
and
Pulse Spacing
, are adjustable in the same menu as
Sensitivity
.
If
Sensitivity
does not achieve the desired results, it may be useful to perform similar
adjustments on these items.