This is more an observation than a question…
I find the Demo Library in VC a very useful tool for selecting the right product for a project and understanding the capabilities and limitations that are not always so evident from reading the manuals or datasheets. It provides a virtual ‘test drive’ of the product before committing to purchase it. Sometimes I even pre-configure a device in the demo library, save the file and just load it when I install the device. But mostly I use it to check or cross-check product features. For example, I want to use a programmable relay in an MPPT to do some switching based on certain conditions and need to understand what options I have. Doing a 'test drive' helps confirm I can do what's intended.
That’s when I noticed some oddness in the Demo Library…
In the Solar Chargers section there are quite a lot of duplications and a couple of errors. Perhaps the duplications stem from the two versions (Tr and MC4) but they functionally identical as far as configuration is concerned and shouldn't be there.
In sequential order, the problems I noticed are:
· BlueSolar MPPT100/30 – listed twice
· BlueSolar MPPT100/50 – ditto
· BlueSolar MPPT150/35 – ditto
· SmartSolar MPPT150/100 – listed 3 times and last one incorrect*
· SmartSolar MPPT150/45 – listed twice and both incorrect*
· SmartSolar MPPT150/60 – ditto*
· SmartSolar MPPT150/70 – ditto*
· SmartSolar MPPT150/85 – listed 3 times and last one incorrect*
· SmartSolar MPPT250/100 – listed twice
· SmartSolar MPPT250/60 – ditto
· SmartSolar MPPT250/70 – ditto
· SmartSolar MPPT250/85 – ditto
· SmartSolar MPPT VE.Can 150/100 – ditto
· SmartSolar MPPT VE.Can 150/70 – ditto
· SmartSolar MPPT VE.Can 150/85 – ditto
· SmartSolar MPPT VE.Can 250/100 – ditto
· SmartSolar MPPT VE.Can 250/70 – ditto
*These devices don’t list the Relay in the Settings menu. I’m pretty sure they have the same relay as the 85A and 100A versions – unless the manuals and datasheets are wrong. (I've only used the 150/100 so not 100% positive about the /45, /60 and /70 models).
And in the Inverter/Charger (VE.Bus) section..
· MultiGrid 48/3000/35-50 – listed twice
· And the MultiPlus-II 24V version is not there (yet?)
There may be others but these are the ones I noticed.
I know it would be a big job keeping everything up to date but I think this tool should be treated as a 'source of truth' - ie accurate information - about product capabilities.
Cheers
Phil
