Rich Solar RS-TM4 User Manual

The Rich Solar RS-TM4 is a 4-in-1 Solar Charge Controller with MPPT technology, designed for 12V/24V auto-select systems, featuring a 30A max charging current, LCD display for real-time monitoring, USB output, load control, and comprehensive battery protection. It supports various battery types (Sealed, Gel, Flooded, LiFePO4) and includes temperature compensation. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Operating Modes 8. Protection Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: MPPT Solar Charge Controller, LCD Display, PV Input Terminals, Battery Terminals, Load Terminals, USB Output Port.

Feature	Description
MPPT Technology	Maximum Power Point Tracking for optimal solar harvesting
LCD Display	Shows PV voltage, battery voltage, charging current, load status
PV Input Terminals	For connecting solar panels (max 100V DC)
Battery Terminals	For connecting 12V/24V battery bank
Load Terminals	For connecting DC loads with programmable control
USB Output Port	5V/2.1A USB port for charging devices
Temperature Sensor	Optional sensor for battery temperature compensation
Battery Type Select	Supports Sealed, Gel, Flooded, and LiFePO4 batteries
Load Control	Programmable timer and voltage-based load control
Protection Features	Overcharge, over-discharge, short circuit, reverse polarity

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Ensure proper mounting location.

Connect Battery: First connect battery terminals (positive to positive, negative to negative).
Connect Solar Panels: Connect PV cables to PV input terminals.
Connect Load: Connect DC load wires to load terminals if used.
Connect Temperature Sensor: Plug optional sensor into port.
Secure Mounting: Mount controller in a dry, well-ventilated area.

WARNING! Always connect battery first to avoid damage. Ensure all connections are tight and correct polarity.

First-Time Setup

Power on controller; follow display prompts.

Set Battery Type: Press SET button, select battery type (default: Sealed).
Set Load Control: Configure load mode (Manual, Timer, Voltage Control).
Set Charging Parameters: Adjust bulk, float, and equalization voltages if needed.
Monitor Display: Verify PV input, battery voltage, and charging status.

CAUTION! Do not exceed maximum PV input voltage (100V DC). Use proper wire gauge for current.

Specifications

Model: RS-TM4 MPPT Solar Charge Controller.
Rated Charge Current: 30A.
System Voltage: 12V/24V Auto.
Max PV Input Voltage: 100V DC.
Max PV Input Power: 390W @ 12V, 780W @ 24V.
Battery Types: Sealed, Gel, Flooded, LiFePO4.
USB Output: 5V/2.1A.
Display: LCD with backlight.
Operating Temp: -35°C to +60°C.
Protection: Reverse polarity, overcharge, over-discharge, short circuit, over-temperature.

Controls and Settings

Access settings via SET button and navigation buttons on front panel.

Front Panel: LCD Display, SET Button, UP/DOWN Buttons, ENTER Button, USB Port.

Menu Settings: Battery Type, Load Control Mode (Manual/Time/Voltage), Charging Voltage Parameters (Bulk, Float, Equalization), LCD Backlight Time, System Voltage Display. Use buttons to navigate and change values.

Connecting Devices

Battery: Use proper gauge wires to battery terminals. PV: Connect solar panel cables to PV input. Load: Connect DC load to load terminals. USB: Connect devices to USB port.

Turn off all power sources before connecting.
Follow correct polarity (red positive, black negative).
Use fuses or breakers on battery and PV connections as recommended.

Tip: Keep wire runs as short as possible to minimize voltage drop.

Operating Modes

Controller operates in Bulk, Absorption, Float, and Equalization modes.

Bulk Mode: Full current charging until battery reaches bulk voltage.
Absorption Mode: Constant voltage charging to fully charge battery.
Float Mode: Maintains battery at float voltage to prevent overcharge.
Equalization Mode: Periodic overcharge for flooded batteries (if enabled).
Load Control: Manual on/off, timer-based (1-15 hours), or voltage-based (low voltage disconnect).

WARNING! Do not equalize sealed or gel batteries. Only for flooded type if selected.

Protection Features

Overcharge Protection: Stops charging when battery voltage too high. Over-discharge Protection: Disconnects load when battery voltage too low. Short Circuit Protection: Protects controller and battery. Reverse Polarity Protection: Prevents damage from wrong connections. Over-temperature Protection: Reduces charging current if controller overheats.

Care & Maintenance

Keep controller clean and dry. Check connections periodically for corrosion or looseness. Ensure ventilation around controller.

CAUTION! Do not open controller case. No user-serviceable parts inside. Disconnect all power before cleaning.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. CE Certified: Meets European safety standards. RoHS Compliant: Lead-free construction. Copyright © 2025 Rich Solar; trademarks of Rich Solar Inc. For support, visit www.richsolar.com or contact 1-800-123-4567.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No display	No battery power	Check battery connections and voltage; ensure battery is charged.
Not charging	PV connections/voltage	Check PV connections; verify PV voltage is above battery voltage.
Load not working	Load settings/protection	Check load control mode; reset low voltage disconnect if triggered.
Over-temperature warning	Poor ventilation	Improve airflow around controller; reduce charging current if possible.
Error codes on display	Various faults	Refer to manual error code list; disconnect and reconnect power.

Reset: Disconnect battery and PV, wait 30 seconds, reconnect battery first.

Service: 1-800-123-4567; www.richsolar.com