Frequently Asked Questions

DC Product

General Question

1. How can I initiate an RMA? I need to send my unit for repair.

Fill up the RMA form at www.alpha.ca/rma.

2. My unit is brand new, out of the box. It failed during start up. How can I get a replacement?

Call Technical Support through the toll free number 1-888-462-7487 or use the online link to report the problem, http://www.alpha.ca/support/support-main-menu/report-a-problem.

3. How can I check warranty status of my unit?

You can call Technical Support for assistance.

4. Parts are missing on my orders. How can I get the missing parts?

You can call Technical Support for assistance. Be ready to provide sales order number.

5. How do I track an order?

You can track your order using the Alpha Order Tracking tool. Here are the videos on how to use our tracking tool.
How to track order.
How to find order.

Cordex CXC Series Controllers

1. What does the Controller do in case of an invalid voltage reading?

The Controller can detect an invalid voltage reading. When this happens, it marks that value as "invalid" and then does not evaluate any alarms or equations based on that value.

2. What is the Communication Protocol between CXC and its peripherals?

The communication between CXC and its peripherals (Rectifiers, Converters, ADIO, BCM, etc) is CANOpen over CAN, for which we use pins 2 and 4 of a CAN cable. We have tested with CAN cables of up to 1000ft.

3. If a Rectifier is in "Power Save" mode and it loses communication with the CXC, what will happen?

After 5 minutes (to make sure this is not just a quick temporary outing), the Rectifier will revert back to "safe mode".

4. How often are the analog values in logs updated (for example, the "Current" information in the Statistics log)?

Analog values in the logs are updated every second.

5. How many CAN devices can the controller communicate with?

The controller can communicate with a maximum of 126 devices. It can acquire up to a maximum of 16 ADIO devices.

6. On CXC series controllers, which one has internal battery?

CXCR/P, CXCM, CXCM2, CXCM3, CXCM4, CXCI+ Battery part number is 185-005-10 or -19

7. How do I wire the Digital Input?

The digital input is bipolar. Connect one side to the hot bus and the other side to the relay of which the other end of the relay is connected to the common/ground bus.

8. How many temperature probes can I use and connect to the CXC controller?

Depending on the list option of the controller, normally only two. It can go up to 4 in the CXCR/CXCP if the list option includes any of these numbers; 121, 123 or 129.

9. What is the default IP factory address for the CXC controller?

It is 10.10.10.201 with a Subnet Mask of 255.255.255.0.

10. What is the Username and Password?

Can type in any character with the Username or can leave it blank. Password is “1234”.

11. Making changes with some parameters, when I hit Submit Changes, nothing happens.

Make sure that Pop-Up blocker is turned off. Should be under Tools Menu of the Internet Explorer.

12. Log-in in to the controller using my laptop, the web does not show up some information.

Make sure to use Internet Explorer with Compatibility View Enabled.

13. What is a TC Sensor Fail Alarm? How can I clear it?

This means there are two temperature probes installed and that the difference reading between these two probes is 5 degrees or more. It only clears when difference goes down below 3 degrees. Make sure temperature probe reading is calibrated and that not one of the probes is exposed to warmer or colder air.

14. What is a Temp Sensor 1, 2 or 3 Fail?

This means that the temperature probe connected to GP1 and GP2 or T1 and T2 are defective and needs to be replaced. Also check if the probes are connected properly, red wire on positive and black wire on negative.

15. What is Battery Runtime Low?

This means that the DC power system is running on batteries and that the remaining runtime is below the set threshold. Can find the settings under Alarms > Configure Alarms > Battery Alarms.

16. What is Battery Capacity Low?

This means the battery capacity calibration is low normally default to 80%. This is calculated by the controller every time the system goes into more than 20% depth of discharge. To clear the alarm, you can set the capacity calibration to 100% under Batteries > Configure Batteries > Capacity calibration. It is advisable to check the batteries if the controller keeps on calculating the capacity calibration lower than 80%.

17. What is a Battery OverTemp Alarm?

The temp probe connected to the batteries are measuring the temperature above the set point for Battery Overtemp. Setting can be found under Alarms > Configure Alarms > Battery Alarms.

18. How can I trigger a Battery On Discharge Alarm?

Make sure that under Batteries > Configure Batteries, “Enable SOC estimation During Discharge” (“Battery Monitor” for older software versions) is checked or enabled. Run the system on Batteries by turning off AC power to the rectifiers, battery current should register a negative current reading. Once it hits 3% DOD or below the Open Circuit Voltage setting it will trigger the alarm.

19. How can trigger a System Minor Alarm?

Turn off the AC breaker for one rectifier.

20. How can I trigger a System Major Alarm?

Turn off the AC breaker for two or more rectifiers.

21. I’m doing commissioning work and I want to simulate a Rectifier Minor and Major Alarm, how can I do it?

For rectifier minor alarm, turn off the AC breaker for one rectifier and for Rectifier Major Alarm, turn off the AC breaker for two or more rectifiers.

22. How can I check the alarm history in the controller?

Must log in to the controller with a laptop. Go to Logs and Files > Retrieve Logs Menu then open the Event Logs.

23. If I have similar systems, how can I copy a configuration file from one system to the other?

Download the config file by logging in to the controller with a laptop then under Logs and Files > Manage Configuration File menu, click on Save Full Site Configuration. To copy this to another controller, under Logs and Files > Manage Configuration File menu, click on Upload Site Configuration.

24. How can I rename a Text Label?

Log in to the controller with a laptop, then go to Logs and Files > Manage Editable Text Files menu. Look for the text label needed to renamed and make sure to save by clicking on “Submit Alarm Text Changes”.

25. Getting numerous traps even though there is no alarm on the controller, how can I fix it?

If the Master SNMP Destination under Communications > Event Notifications is set to a certain destination, the controller will wait for a response from the destination if it initially sends out a trap. If the destination is not capable for a reply back, the controller will keep on sending the trap. To fix this, the Master SNMP Destination must be set to “None”.

26. Just replaced a rectifier and still controller is showing a Comms Lost alarm, how to clear the alarm?

Need to do “Inventory Update”. With a laptop connected to the controller, go to rectifiers and click on Inventory Update. With the touch display LCD, click on the number corresponding to the rectifier symbol below the FL box then tap on Inventory Update.

27. What is the part number of the lithium battery used in the controller?

Alpha part number is 185-005-10. It is a 3V lithium CR1616 battery.

28. How does the controller calculate capacity calibration?

As the discharge proceeds, the controller compares the actual discharge curve with the theoretical discharge curve. If the voltage seems to be dropping faster than the theoretical discharge curve, the capacity will be lower than 100%. A lower rate of voltage drop compared to the theoretical discharge curve will result in a capacity higher than 100%. If the drop rate is the same then the value will remain 100%.

The theoretical discharge curve is determined by:

1. Discharge rate.
2. Peukert number.
3. The rated capacity in Ah.

For new batteries, it is not unusual to get a value of greater than 100% over the first few discharges.

29. Why can’t I assign relays to multiple Alarms?

The reason why a relay can’t be assign to multiple alarm is because the relay might already be assigned to System Minor, System Major or to an LVD.

Cordex HP Controller

1. What is the Username and Password?

Username and Password is the same, it is “Admin”.

2. What is the default IP address for the Ethernet ports?

By default, the rear Ethernet port of the controller is configured to acquire an IP address automatically and the front Ethernet port is configured to use a static IP address of 10.10.10.201.

3. Where can I find Inventory Update?

With the Web GUI, should be under Power System > Configure System Under System Properties is Rectifier Assignment Rule. If set to Automatic it will recognize the rectifier upon install. If set to manual, you will have to manually assign it.

4. Where is the Custom Signals?

Under Controller > Advanced Functions > Custom Data
Refer to the Software Manual and look for Using Custom Data.

5. Where can I configure load Current and battery Current Source?

In Power System > Inventory, then either Load or Battery

6. A Bus State Alarm (CAN1 or 2) is present in the system. There is no device connected to the CAN.

Disable under Menu > Alarms and Event > All Alarm Settings > Select CAN bus

7. Where can I change the setting so that the controller will be able to automatically assign (recognized) the rectifiers?

Go to Power System then Configure System. Under System Properties, change the Rectifier Assignment Rule from Manual to Automatic.

8. I just removed a rectifier from the shelf and controller is giving me a “Rectifier Comms Lost” Alarm. How can I clear it?

Have to make the controller forget the module. Go to Modules then Rectifiers. On the module with Communications Lost alarm, click on then Forget.
Also in the Modules > Unassigned Modules, there is an option for “Forget All in Comms Lost”.

9. How can I back-up the configuration in the controller?

Push in a USB memory stick into the Controller. On the display, go to Shortcuts then Backup. Follow next steps.

10. Trying to add 2nd temp probe for battery temperature reading, the controller is not accepting it. How can I fix it?

Make sure that the software version is v2.01 or higher.

11. I can’t find the peukert calculator, is this available in the controller?

Make sure that the controller has software v3.00 or higher. It is under Power System > DC System > Inventory > Battery > Battery String > Configuration then Configure Peukert Exponent.

12. What are the default alarm mapping in the controller?

Minor Alarm is K10, Major alarm is K11 and Critical Alarm is K12.

13. What type of battery is in the Cordex HP controller?

It is a CR2032 lithium battery. Alpha part number is 1850002.

14. How can I change the password?

Caution: When changing the password, make sure to take a note of the new password to easily remember, otherwise unit will have to be returned to Alpha to default back the controller to factory password.
a. Changing the Default Password - LCD
This section describes how to change user passwords from the LCD.
You must be logged in to the controller to change passwords.

From the main Dashboard, click the Menu button.
Press Controller to highlight it, and then press the arrow on the right-side.
Press to highlight Configure Controller, and then press the arrow on the right-side.
Swipe with an upward motion on the touch screen to scroll down to Users and Security, and press to highlight.
Press the arrow on the right-side, and then select admin.
Press Change User Password.
Press the Execute button to modify the default, and then click the checkmark to save your changes.

b. Changing the Default Password - Web This section describes how to change the default password via the web interface.

From the main dashboard, go to Controller > Configure Controller > Users and Security.
From the admin line, click the more details icon on the right-side of the table.
From the table, click the Change User Password button.
Enter a new password and then click Save.

Note: You can refer to this procedure from the CXC HP Software Manual.

15. How can I disable a broken temperature probe from the controller?

Go to Power System / DC System / Inventory / Battery / Battery String You can either remove the temperature probe or go to the action arrow button and set under Battery Configuration the “Battery Temperature Source” to dashes “---“.

16. I have a temperature probe connected to T1 on the L ADIO but it is not reading anything, just showing dashes. I tried moving this probe to T2 and still yielded the same result. How can I get it working?

17. Where can I find and download the most recent software and operating system for the controller?

This can be downloaded from the www.alpha.ca website, under Support > Software/Firmware Downloads tab.

18. I can’t find power save anywhere in the menus. Where can I find it?

This feature is only added on software v3.31.

19. The acquired rectifiers reflected under Power System > Status menu is less compared to number of rectifiers plugged-in. How can I check which one is not recognized by the controller?

Under Modules > Rectifiers, if you check individual rectifiers for status, the ones being recognize by the controller will show “Locate” as one of the options. You can use Locate to identify these rectifiers and map which one is recognized. The one that is not recognized will show Communications Lost and a “Forget” option in the status menu.

20. The unit of measure for Temperature is in Celsius, how can I change it to Fahrenheit?

a. Using the LCD

From the main Dashboard, click the Menu button.
Press Controller to highlight it, and then press the arrow on the right-side.
Press to highlight Configure Controller, and then press the arrow on the right-side.
Press User Interface Preferences then the arrow on the right-side.
Press User Interface Preferences again then the arrow on the right-side.
Press the Default Login Language then the arrow on the right-side.
Select which one to use English or Metric than tap on the Check mark to save and back out.

b. Using the Web browser:
On the upper right side of the web beside the My Account is the unit of measure. This can be changed between US English and US English Metric.

Converters

1. Getting Sub-Converter Alarm or Intermittent alarm on Cordex 24-48 Converter modules. The load current are not sharing evenly and jumping all over the place, how can I correct this?

Check the firmware version of the modules, make sure it is at v1.03.

2. Where is the power to the controller in a Converter shelf dual input coming from?

The controller power input is coming from Feed A of the shelf. If you wish the controller to stay on even if power is lost from feed A, in the interface board, there is a Battery Hot, make sure this is connected directly to the battery hot side.

3. I’m getting unknown alarm on my converter modules, how can I clear the alarm?

Most likely related to the issue on the Fan Speed Alarm which was sensitive to environmental conditions (altitude and temperature) and could generate an intermittent false alarm. Please update to applicable firmware version.

CXDF 48-24 2kW to v1.02
CXDF 24-48 2kW to v1.04

RECTIFIERS

1. What is the load sharing tolerance between rectifiers?

It depends which rectifier, but usually the current sharing should be between 5% to 10%. It is known that at very small loads the rectifiers do not share properly (CXRF48-2.4kW under 30% doesn’t share correctly).

2. What is a True Fail Alarm?

This is when Ramp Test under Rectifiers > Configure Rectifiers Menu is enabled. It triggers a “No Output Power” when the rectifiers are not drawing out more than 2.5% of the rectifier’s capacity. This means a very light load or none at all is connected to the power system.

3. What are Minor Alarms?

The LED will flash when a minor alarm is detected. This happens if the modules output capability has been reduced or a minor component failure is detected. See rectifier manual for more details.

4. What are Major Alarms?

The alarm LED (red) is on continuously in the event of an active Module Fail alarm; if the module is unable to source power. See rectifier manual for more details.

5. For the Cordex 48-3.6KW and 4.0KW shelf, if I used a CXCM4 on the first slot, do I need to wire AC feed into it?

No need to feed AC into slot 1, the CXCM4 controller is powered by DC not AC.

Breaker Distribution

1. In an Indoor Vista Cabinet, what are the main causes of getting a Distribution CB Alarm?

A breaker is in the tripped position.
Wrong breaker is used, must all be a Mid-Tripped type breaker.
A conductive material; i.e. a piece of wire, is trapped at the back of the distribution alarm board causing a contact between the board pattern and the main hot bus.
For more information, click on the link for a you tube video with detailed troubleshooting process. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMIRux-EgtY&feature=player_embedded

AMPS80 and AMPS24

1. Why is the input breaker and wire feed size larger when you have MBS on the same Amps80 rating?

The amount of apparent power is higher than the real power and the Amps80 corrects the difference.

2. What is Input Source?

This is to set the Input Priority for the Inverter modules, AC or DC source. 100% is for DC and 0% is for AC.

3. What is AC input mode?

At normal operation is at “Normal”. Only set to Safe mode when doing maintenance to avoid voltage feedback upstream. Safe mode only works when Input Source is set to DC.

4. What does alarm 244 means?

The history file reached its limit possible due to succession of abnormal events that happened in the system. To clear the alarm, will need to Save the Inverter History File. Log in to the controller with a laptop then at Inverters > Retrieve History File, save the logs in a known folder in the laptop. Open the file with either word pad or note pad to check for any possible issues. Alarm should clear after saving the inverter history file.

5. The system is showing Inverter “Communications Lost Alarm”. How can I fix the alarm?

Most likely the number of inverters plugged in or recognized by the controller does not matched the number of inverter modules per phase that is indicated under the Inverters > Set Output menu. Make changes accordingly.

FXM

1. What is the default password?

It is “1111”.

2. Have changed the default password, is there a back door password?

It is “fReD”.

3. Can’t log-in via web interface, how can I reset the IP address to factory default?

Press and hold the reset button in the communication card for about 3 secs.

4. During a short circuit condition, how long can this be sustained?

In Line Mode, it will trip the input breaker and go to Standby Mode. In Inverter Mode, after 2 cycles, it will shutdown.

Normally, the short circuit current is double the current rating.

5. What is the Over Load Condition for the FXM units?

As long as overload is <110%, inverter will run continuous. Load between 115% and 125%, unit will run for 2 mins. Above 125%, at inverter mode, unit shuts down instantaneously and runs till breaker trips in line mode.

6. Is there a way to power cycle the output of the unit?

This feature is not present in the firmware at this point in time. One option to cycle the output of the unit is using the Keep Alive option. Call tech support for details or refer to the FXM manual.

7. The UPS is showing “Weak Battery” alarm, battery was replaced and still showing the alarm, how to clear the alarm?

To clear the alarm, either do a short battery test or power cycle the unit (Input DC and AC breakers turn off).

8. Is there any effect on the unit’s functionality if Temp probe is not connected?

The unit will not charge the batteries.

9. Is the Neutral between AC input and output connected together?

Except for FXM350, in both Line and Inverter mode, the neutral is connected between AC input and output. For the 350, when in inverter mode, the neutral gets switched to the Earth Ground. This provides a continues bonding between neutral to earth.

10. The unit does not go into Inverter mode when there is a power outage, what are the possible causes?

Under the Controls Menu, Inverter might be set to “Disabled”. Set this to “Enabled”
Battery might be low or not connected properly. Check for battery breaker and any loose connection.
Possibly an issue with the unit itself, call Technical Support for assistance.

11. Instead of connecting to a battery, can I just connect the unit to a DC system?

Yes, this is possible. Just make sure to turn off the charger current. On the front panel, go to Controls Menu then look for “CHGR CUR”. Set this to “0” amps.

USHA

1. What is the baud rate setting to connect to a UPS.

Should be auto sensing. Connect USHA then turn ON.

2. What is the default username and password for the USHA?

'AlphaLink' and 'admin' as the username and password

Bypass Switch

What is the correct mounting kit for Bypas Switch 017-183-24?

No mounting kit required. The mounting bracket is part of the cover. The cover can be orientated so the bracket faces to the front or the back.

Outdoor Enclosure

SE48-1616 (Formerly AOES6)

1. Where is the thermostat that controls the fan?

It is located inline with the fan.

2. What are the threshold setting for the thermostat?

Thermostat turns fan on at 49°C (120°F) and turns fan off at 32°C (90°F).

Te45v2 and v3 Enclosure

1. How does the heat exchanger fan work?

The heat exchanger fans start to rotate at slow speed when the interior temperature in the power compartment increases to 30°C.
The heat exchanger fans ramp up as the interior temperature increases and reach full speed at 40°C.
The heat exchanger fans stop when the interior temperature drops below 25°C.

2. How can I test if the fans are working?

If temperature in the cabinet is beyond 30°C (86°F), just pull the door swith (SW5) plunger out and the fans should start rotating.
If temperature in the cabinet is below 30°C (86°F), do the following:
1. Pull the door switch (SW5) plunger out.
2. Force the fans to rotate, there is two ways:
  - Warm up the power compartment fan speed regulation temperature sensor #3 using a heat gun.
  - Or, on the fan control board located at the back of the enclosure, right side, disconnect any of the two wires on TB512 connector.
3. Fans should start to rotate. If not check if there is voltage on the fan connector. If there is more than 30Vdc, fan should rotate, if not then fan is defective.
4. If there is no voltage on the fan connector, make sure that the fuses on the GMT fuse block assembly (internal use -707-175-20-041) are good.
  - F4 and F6 for Te45v2 enclosure.
  - F4 and F5 for Te45v3 enclosure.
  If these fuses are good, there might be an issue with the fan control board. Call Technical Support for further troubleshooting.

3. Getting a Temp Sensor 1 fail, what are the possible causes?

The analog input GP1 might be out of calibration.
One of the Temperature probe connected to the Thermal Runaway Board (707-302-20-040), might be defective.
There might be an issue on the Thermal Runaway Board

4. Installing the battery enclosure, Te45v3b away from the main power plant Te45v3, is there a special wire harness I can use to connect the alarm signals?

Yes, there is a cable kit. Part number is 0370235-001.

5. On Te45v3, breaker positions 1 to 6 are dedicated for 24Vdc. If this will not be used, can it be converted to 48Vdc?

Yes, it can be converted. The procedure is in the manual, under section “8.4 Changing the DC Distribution Voltage Configuration”, page 29 of the manual 0570042-J0.

6. Getting a TVSS alarm and no Converters are installed, how can the alarm be cleared?

When no converters are installed in the converter shelf, the TVSS fail alarm is active by default. To disable the false alarm:

Locate the 24V TVSS alarm module along the rear wall of the enclosure.
Move the red wire from the N.C. contact of the alarm module to the N.O. contact.

7. Where can I find spare parts list?

For the Te45v3 replacement parts list, it is indicated in the manual. Below are the replacement parts for Te45v2 and other parts for Te45v3 that is not indicated in the manual.

For other parts not indicated in the manual or above, please call Technical Support.

Te40 and 41 Enclosure

1. The hinge on the door is broken, what is the part number for the hinge?

Is the hinge the same between the Te40 and Te41? Yes, both enclosure uses the same hinge. Part number is 646-301-10.

2. The system keeps dropping the load on bank 4 every time I get a minor alarm, what can I do to fix this?

Was the CXCM4 controller recently replaced? If so, it might not be configured properly for the cabinet. Log in to the controller, then under Controls > Configure Controls, check if K4 is assigned to LVD4. If not, set it to K4 or better upload the TE41 default configuration to the controller. You can call Technical Support for the configuration file or if you need further assistance.

Line Power System

LPS36

1. On channels with load, it is reading the correct current but on the channels without any load, it is reading current less than 30 mA. Is there something wrong with the system?

This is due to the Resolution capability of the Current Transducer used with the module. This is normal.

2. Can I connect two different channels from the LPS at the other end together, downstream?

The output from different channels can’t be connected together.

3. Logged-in with a computer to the controller, looking at the Web GUI and at the LPS window, the modules do not appear or show in the list. How can this be corrected?

Not using Internet Explorer. Make sure to use Internet Explorer. When using other browser like Firefox or Google Chrome, make sure that IE Tab is installed.
When using IE8 or higher, make sure compatibility view is enabled.

4. I have an existing DC Power System with a regular CXC controller, can I connect the LPS shelf to the controller?

At a minimum, the LPS module can only be used with CXCI+ and CXCM1+ controller.

Legacy Products

CFR Series UPS

1. The service light is ON. What needs to be done to clear it?

Press and hold the “Alarm Off” button while checking the output load LEDs. On the table below, check the equivalent of the Output Load LED and do needed Action.

If needed, call Technical Support.

Pathfinder Rectifiers

1. Just installed a rectifier and after a while controller went into alarm, an Out of Tolerance alarm. How can this alarm be cleared?

How can this alarm be cleared?

The rectifier settings in the controller most likely did not match the settings on the rectifier.
Will need to do Inventory Update and Download Settings.
For systems with SM02 controllers:

For software version v3.00 series. Log in to the controller and go to Rectifiers. Look for Inventory Update and press Enter. Next, still under Rectifiers, do the “Group Setting Initiate Download”.
For software version v4.00 series. Log in to the controller and go to Configuration. Look for Inventory Update and press Enter. Next, press the Escape till you see the option for download and save settings.

For systems with SM03 and SM04:
Log in to the controller and go to Rectifiers. Look for Inventory Update and press Enter. Next, still under Rectifiers, do the “Download and Save”.

2. Just installed an RFXP rectifier mixed with the Pathfinder modules, controller went into alarm after, how can this alarm be cleared? Changes must be done on the current limit and slope settings.

Current Limit and Slope Settings
24V systems: set the current limit parameter to 125A or less and slope to 1.19%.
48V systems: set the current limit parameter to 62A or less and slope to 0.93%.
These menu items are found under:

RECTIFIERS menu of the SM03 or SM04,
RECTIFIERS, GROUP SETTINGS menu of the SM02,
RECTIFIERS, CONFIGURE SETTINGS menu of the CXCP or CXCR.

NOTE: With the Cordex controller and the RFXP/Pathfinder combo, you have to convert the 62A
RFXP setting to a percentage of the 70A Pathfinder maximum or approximately 88.6%.

SM02

1. All three status lights are lit and the display is blank, is the controller recoverable?

The controller could have been corrupted. This is not recoverable in the field and can only be fixed by sending the unit to Alpha for repair.

2. With the controller already defective, what is the best option for replacement, if there is any?

The SM series controllers (SM02, SM03 and SM04) can be replaced with a Cordex CXCR, rack mount controller. There might be a limitation though with panel mount SM02. The new Cordex HP controller is not compatible with Pathfinder or older type rectifiers used with the SM series controllers. Call Technical Support for more details.

CFR Series UPS