Vic, did as you suggested....the controller stayed in absorption longer, but as soon as it switched to float mode the amps out dropped rapidly to 0.0A, just like before. I even lowered the transition current parameter further, from 1.61 to 1.0A for my batteries....only change was that it stayed in absorption mode longer. Still wouldn't float. I can't understand for the life of me why this controller won't send out any amperage in float mode. No amperage out causes it to fall back to absorption mode every time. Maybe I need a different brand controller.....but others have been happy w/this brand. Lost cause.
Well, that has to be a major bummer.
Something strange is going on, especially since:
1) Two controllers worked fine until disconnected from solar power
2) At least one was bench tested afterwards and passed.
Makes me suspect a "factory reset" of some-kind happened during power loss. Also wondering about how the controller is wired if it loses all power during darkness. The controllers should still have power provided to them then. I have a vague recollection from when I did all the R&D before buying my components that some controllers DO actually do de-power at night. I chose not to buy that brand.
The change to tail-current I suggested seems to affect the controller as expected. Tail current is one way the controller has of judging when to leave absorb mode and go into float. NOT charging in float is bizarre though.