This topic is for the the PIP-5048GE, PIP-5048GK, PIP-5048MG and PIP-5048MGX inverters (also called the Axpert VM II 5000-48, Axpert VM III 5000-48, Axpert MKS II 5K, and (probably) the Axpert MKS III 5K respectively), and the obsolete PIP-4048GE. These all feature a solar charge controller (SCC) or maximum power point tracker (MPPT) with a higher input voltage range (typically 120 V to 450 V DC).
We say the SCC is unsafe because it doesn't have PV array earth fault detection, and its PV array is neither separated from the grid nor under 120 V. And there is no practical way to add earth fault detection. This could result in a fire if an earth fault goes undetected.
Other model numbers:
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Mecer (rhymes with "spacer") SOL-I-AX-5NB (equivalent to Axpert MKS II 5K and PIP-5048MG)
SPC II-M 5000-48 (equivalent to Axpert MKS II 5K and PIP-5048MG)
SPC III 5000W (equivalent to Axpert VM III 5000-48 and PIP-5048GK)
Kodak OGX 5.48 (equivalent to Axpert MKS II 5K and PIP-5048MG)
Kodak OG 5.48 (equivalent to Axpert VM III 5000-48 and PIP-5048GK)
There are other topics for the
PIP-4048MS and PIP-5048MS inverters (also called the Axpert MKS 5K), and for the
PIP-5048MK inverter (also called the Axpert King 5K), and for
PIP inverter repairs and hardware modifications, and for the
Voltronic InfiniSolar inverters.
Index
Documentation
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MPP Solar's PIP-GE (PF1.0) user manual.
MPP Solar's PIP-GK (PF1.0) user manual.
MPP Solar's PIP-MG (PF1.0) user manual.
Weber's Analysis of the PIP-4048GE with its high voltage MPPT.
Firmware
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Before choosing a firmware update file, be aware of the chipset issues.
Firmware update instructions for models with a removable or round colour display.
Factory firmware version 71.71 for PIP-5048MG / Axpert MKS II 5K-48. This is supposed to fix the PV dips and freezes problem, though we're not aware of any users that have confirmed this.
Factory firmware version 71.80 for PIP-5048MG / Axpert MKS II 5K-48 (not to be confused with PIP-5048MK / Axpert King firmware with the same version number). It is supposed to reduce the occurrence of the error 08 (bus voltage is too high; fault code 08).
Lightly patched firmware version 71.80a for PIP-5048MG / Axpert MKS II 5K-48.
Factory firmware version 71.82 for PIP-5048MG / Axpert MKS II 5K-48. This seems to mostly address the issue of varying output voltage.
There seem to be two firmwares for the PIP-5048MG/Axpert MKS II-5K with the version number 71.82. There is one attached to this post : AxpertMKSII5K71.82P-correct PV MPPT.7z. It could be that whatever this fixes is not contained in the other 71.82, or even in later versions such as 71.85.
Factory firmware version 71.86 for Axpert MKS II (NOTE: Not to be confused with the firmware of the same version number for Axpert King).
PIP-7248MAX/Axpert Max 7.2 kW factory firmware version 90.28 which fixes utility charging when battery is low. This is a slight modification of factory firmware version 45.07.
Lightly patched firmware version 191.20 for Axpert VM III (1500W, 3000W, or 5000W), which fixes the main premature float bug only.
Warning! It is possible to brick these machines by attempting to flash them with firmware intended for other models, such as the PIP-4048MS or PIP-5048MS (e.g. versions 72.70 or 73.00, or patched versions of these).
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Sending long commands via USB on embedded platform: first post, the variable length PE command, and final resolution.
Commands QED, QEM, QEY, QET, QLD, QLM, QLY, and QLT for querying the PV and load energy per day, month, year, and grand total (in the PIP-MK topic).
Performance / problems
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The issue with wet panels and fault code 08 (error 08: bus voltage too high), and its resolution. Also an earlier discussion.
A Solar Charge Controller that burned with 5280 W PV connected. The cause was probably arcing; tape may prevent it.
A simpler solution to the error 08 problem.
Coulomb's explanation of the SUB mode, and how it can export small amounts of energy to the grid. Also the possible safety implications of SUB mode in another topic.
Other
- Start of a discussion about pre-charging the battery capacitors with resistors or bulbs. Continues over the page, with a satisfactory conclusion.
END MODERATOR NOTES
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[Post by rayellam]
Hi All,
Ive been following this thread for over a year now, im an electronics design engineer and appreciate all the input here from obviously very talented/knowledgeable members.
I purchased some a "clone" of a PIP-4048 from a company called CAP Solar around 14 months back, they advertised it as having MPPT charger but looking in the guts of the unit it's actually a PWM..................anyway all that aside. Im considering buying a GENUINE PIP-4048GE inverter from MPP Solar.
There has been a lot of pointers to unreliability problems with the DC side bus on the old 4048. The PIP-4048GE obviously has a very different DC side design as it allows a solar input voltage of 150 to 450VDC. Has any one with electronics knowledge done a tear down on this unit? how is the reliability? is it better than the old units?
Any input would be VERY welcome.
TIA
Ray
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The following attachment is for the PIP-5048MG and Axpert MKS II-5K models. See the firmware section above for more information.