MorningStar Charge Controllers
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| MorningStar has a full line of PWM
charge controllers ranging in size from their basic 4 amp SunGuard
up to their brand new top of the line 60 amp TriStar.
All of their controllers feature a PWM charging algorithm and battery
temperature sensing either built into the unit (SunGuard,
SunSaver, SunLight &
ProStar) or with an optional sensor (ProStar
& TriStar). MorningStar is driven to make
their controllers as efficient and reliable as possible while keeping
the price competitive with other manufacturers. All of the MorningStar
controllers feature a 5 year warranty and we highly recommend them for
small to medium sized photovoltaic systems.
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SunGuard
charge controller
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The MorningStar SunGuard is
a fully epoxy encapsulated outdoor rated 4.5A "ice cube" sized
12V PWM charge controller. It has built-in temperature compensation,
lightning protection and easy 4-wire hookup. The SunGuard's regulation
voltage is set at 14.1 (best for sealed or gel batteries) and is not
adjustable for battery type like MorningStar's other controllers. It's
dimensions are 2.5" x 2.0" x 1.5" and it weighs just 3
oz.
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SunSaver
charge controller
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The MorningStar SunSaver
line of controllers (8 models in all) have built-in temperature
compensation, they are epoxy encapsulated, but are not outdoor rated
since they have an exposed front mounted 7 position terminal strip.
Units are available for 12 or 24V systems ranging in amperage capacity
from 6-20 amps. The regulating voltage is adjustable for sealed or
flooded batteries by simply removing/installing an included metal jumper
between terminals 6 and 7. A green "charging" LED is standard
on all SunSaver units while the units with the optional low voltage
disconnect (LVD) for a DC load also have a red LED to indicate when the
load has been disconnected to prevent the battery from being over
discharged. Each terminal can accept up to two #10 AWG wires. It's
dimensions are 6" x 2.2" x 1.3" and it weighs 8 oz.
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SunLight
charge controller
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The MorningStar SunLight
controllers combine the features of the SunSaver controllers (including
LVD) with an adjustable automatic lighting control circuit. This allows
you to connect a DC light and have it come on at dusk for a set period
of time or dusk-to-dawn. It's 10 position rotary switch lets you choose
exactly how your DC light will operate. Low voltage disconnect and
sunrise override the lighting timer. It even includes a test button so
you can turn the lights on during the day or for a short period of time
(3 minutes) after LVD has occurred. These versatile controllers are
available for 12 or 24V systems with amperage capacities of 10 or 20
amps. It's dimensions are 6.6" x 2.2" x 1.3" and it
weighs 9 oz.
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ProStar
charge controller
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The second generation MorningStar ProStar
line of controllers feature a 3-position battery type selector,
tropicalization (conformal coated circuit board and stainless steel
fasteners) and the optional display shows protection functions,
disconnect conditions and self diagnostics. All units feature built-in
battery temperature compensation (an optional sensor is available), low
voltage disconnect (LVD) and three LED's indicating your battery's state
of charge. The standard ProStar controllers are available with a 15 or
30 amp capacity and will automatically detect your battery voltage to
automatically work with 12 or 24V systems without any user adjustment
required. Options include a digital display with manual disconnect
button, battery temperature sensor and positive ground (on select
models). While the first generation ProStar controllers were not the
most user friendly, the improvements made in the 2nd generation ProStar
line of charge controllers is welcome and makes them a great choice for
medium sized photovoltaic systems.
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TriStar
charge controller
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The MorningStar TriStar is
the newest addition to the family of PWM charge controllers
. It is a serious UL listed controller for large 12, 24 or 48
systems and it is available in 45 or 60 amp capacities. Unlike the
SunSaver, SunLight & ProStar controllers, the TriStar cannot operate
as a charge and load controller at the same time. However, it can be
used as a diversion controller for a wind or hydro system where it will
dump excess power to a heating element to prevent the batteries from
being overcharged. The TriStar is conduit ready with large #2 AWG wire
terminals and it will easily mount on existing power panels. It can even
be connected directly to a personal computer via an RS-232 port for data
logging or remote system monitoring and control. Options include a
battery temperature sensor and digital meter that displays battery
voltage, charging amperage, battery temperature, cumulative amp-hours
and system status in one of 5 languages. While the TriStar is new to the
market, MorningStar has spent a lot of time gathering input from their
dealers on what features to incorporate into this new controller and we
expect great performance and reliability from this unit. Dimensions are
10.3" H x 5" W x 2.8" D and it weighs 3.5 lbs. |
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