CBE PC380 Control Unit : Problem - PC380 does not power up (Distribution Unit DS520AN)

[arthur49]

There are a number of threads on here but I thought I'd post my experience of the CBE PC380 Control Panel not powering up in case it helps others.

Batteries had been disconnected for several days to permit solar repair work. On reconnection of batteries the PC380 would not power up.

I tried resetting by holding down the Power and Prog buttons at same time for varying period - 10 secs, 30 secs, 60 secs. I also tried holding down the twilight button (top right) at same time. Nothing!

I had learned that the supercapacitor shown in the attached photo could cause my problem by holding down the power rail volts such that panel would not power up. I carefully cut it off and panel powered up. I do not intend to replace the capacitor but functionality which has been lost if panel is switched off then on again appears to be:-
Accuracy of
1. clock
2. battery voltage
3. battery current
This does not bother me as I use a Victron shunt to see 2. and 3. accurately

Incidentally the supercapacitor is rated at 5.5v / 0.33F, example here should anyone encounter this problem and wish to replace capacitor:-

5.5V Super Capacitor C-Type Farad Capacitors 0.1F 0.22F 0.33F 0.47F 1F 1.5F | eBay

Farad capacitors, also known as electric double-layer capacitors, gold capacitors, and supercapacitors, are chemical components developed in the 1970s and 1980s. The electric double-layer structure composed of electrodes and electrolytes achieves super-large capacity.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[arthur49]

I meant to add a thank you to Outandaboutlive and Wildax Enthusiast members for all the tips to find and resolve this fault

 

[Tigger-Tim]

Given that there's no emergency over-ride on the panel, this is well worth knowing.

 

[Steve and Denise]

It’s probably very similar thing that happens on the ones fitted to Carthargos