all buttons frozen

[raysun]

Good luck!

[bajarick]

Finally got back around to getting the new soft keys in. I cut off the little washer/nuts on the pins using a dremel tool. Little scary but I couldn't find anything to squeeze them off with. Replaced the keys and put some light sensitive glue on the pins to keep it in place. Hooked it up and it's like new....at least the keys! Doing some balancing with the new Flexmax 80 but it's working again. If you are having the key problem it will work again!

[raysun]

Since the MX60 and FM80 use such different charging algorithms, how are the two made to coordinate?

[bajarick]

I have old surrette lead acid batteries. I just set the absorb point lower on the mx. When I had them the same the 80 would go to 0 amps around the end of the absorb time. Going to
lithium when these batteries give up so I'll have to have the charging more consistent. Debating whether to go to 48 volts when I go to lithium, or get another fm. Sure wish the keys would update!

[raysun]

I have old surrette lead acid batteries. I just set the absorb point lower on the mx. When I had them the same the 80 would go to 0 amps around the end of the absorb time. Going to
lithium when these batteries give up so I'll have to have the charging more consistent. Debating whether to go to 48 volts when I go to lithium, or get another fm. Sure wish the keys would update!

My $0.02...
The MX will present a hazard for charging lithium. If investing $$$$$ in that battery chemistry, consider investing $$ in a 2nd FM80 as a technology upgrade and cheap insurance.

[bajarick]

Agree on lithium switch and the mx! If I go to 48 volts I'd switch inverters then I'd only need one cc.

[Nlewis1111]

Also had the same problem of a key no longer making contact, so I did an inelegant thing and 'cut' the problem soft key out.
Hope the attached pictures show what I did. I just used a skinny screwdriver to poke holes in the silicone and take the soft key out through the front. Then I put a couple copper 'leads on to make contact. I probably might go and get some silver paste to make a hopefully longer lasting solution, but this seemed way easier than disconnecting everything and disassembling the whole charge controller. Seems to make contact now, but have to press harder than the other keys.

[marmite and custard]

Since detaching a FM80 from the batteries my display is stuck on select language section and all soft keys inactive.
I don’t think the controller is working when stuck in this mode?
Anyone know if that is the case?
Regards
John

[raysun]

Since detaching a FM80 from the batteries my display is stuck on select language section and all soft keys inactive.
I don’t think the controller is working when stuck in this mode?
Anyone know if that is the case?
Regards
John

It's doubtful the controller is working.
As a general rule, the solar panels must be disconnected before disconnecting the battery. Conversely, the battery must be connected (and the controller programmed) before connecting the solar panels.
Never have solar panels connected without the battery being connected first, or damage to the controller may result.
Disconnect all leads to the controller (in proper order). The display should go dark. Next, connect only the battery, paying attention to polarity. Program the controller. Then connect the solar panels.
Good luck!

[marmite and custard]

Thanks for your reply but I can’t re program because the soft keys don’t work!

[raysun]

Thanks for your reply but I can’t re program because the soft keys don’t work!

Then I'd guess the controller is damaged and needs to be replaced.

[marmite and custard]

I should have explained it better! I have been using the xx for years without the soft keys working. Is there any way to get past the set up and get it working?
Seems very crazy that an expensive bit of kit is useless due to a crappy soft key device!

[raysun]

I should have explained it better! I have been using the xx for years without the soft keys working. Is there any way to get past the set up and get it working?
Seems very crazy that an expensive bit of kit is useless due to a crappy soft key device!

Buy or borrow a Mate, plug it into the FM's Outback Network port, and program it from there.
However, I don't think the Mate will go through the FM initialization programming if that's what the controller is stuck on.