WS500 Advanced Alternator Regulator

The WS500 is the only alternator regulator available that can utilize current, voltage and temperature to deliver the most precise and effective charging possible for 12V, 24V and 48V battery systems – with configurability for voltages in between – making it the perfect solution for charging lead acid based, or new generation LiFePO4 lithium-ion battery banks.

Uniquely designed to be configured via easy-to-use onboard DIP switches, or can be connected to a PC to provide more than 100 user controls.

The WS500 can be connected to a current shunt to monitor current flow to and from the batteries, enabling the regulator to control charging based on a combination of system voltage and amperage delivered from the alternator to the batteries. In addition, the WS500 can also monitor alternator and battery temperatures and modify charging output to ensure optimal safety and charging performance at the alternator and batteries. When connected to a BMS system, the WS500 can receive critical voltage, current and temperature data via the CAN J1939 pathway, reducing the need for external sensor connections.

The regulator’s auto-detect function identifies system voltage and automatically adjusts charging to support 12V, 24V and 48V profiles. Default profiles for eight battery types can be configured at the regulator via the DIP switches. Selectable profiles include programs for standard and deep cycle flooded lead acid, standard and high-density AGM batteries, Gel, Battle Born lithium batteries, and generic LiFePO4. Two profiles allow for the flexibility to customize profiles with a PC, using the WS500 Configuration Tool or a terminal program like Putty. Support for non-common battery voltages (such as 32v) may also be configured in the same way.

The WS500 can be used with different polarity alternators by selecting the appropriate N-Type or P-Type regulator wiring harness. Wiring harnesses are equipped with high-quality Ampseal connectors and provide all connections for basic operation, as well as dedicated connection wires for voltage and current sensing.

Intelligent Alternator Charge Control

The WS500 Regulator’s innovative design makes it the most powerful and flexible resource available for delivering the best alternator charge control. Selected for use by many of the most respected coach manufacturers and luxury boatbuilders, Wakespeed’s WS500 delivers exceptional value, superior quality, and unparalleled charging performance.

Wide ranging support for both traditional lead acid and new lithium battery technologies

• Factory engineered configuration profiles for the largest number of battery brands and chemistries available.
• Multiple configuration tools, ranging from simple DIP switches to smart apps for Android and IOS Devices.
• One product supports systems ranging from 12V to 48/51V, with the most experience available at 48V on the market.

Advanced, multi-PID engine control provides the most accurate charging available

• Only regulation available to charge based on battery C-rates, tail current, and system loads.
• Actively regulates to desired alternator temperature, rather than reacting after an over-temperature condition occurs.
• Regulation based on battery temperature, delivered via sensor or CANbus, ensures safe charging within controlled parameters.

Easy to install, configure and operate

• Optimized, application-based wiring harnesses with simple plug-and-play connectors.
• Pre-engineered profiles for a large number of popular battery brands — including Battle Born Batteries, Lithionics and Victron Energy.
• CANbus communication with a growing number of batteries for easier installation and superior charging performance.
• RV-C compliant CANbus enables WS500 regulator to communicate directly with other RV-C enabled devices.

Best charge control for lithium battery chemistries

• Meets battery manufacturer recommendations for charging voltage, C-rate limits, temperature, and monitoring for tail current.
• Fully closed loop control with compatible CAN-enabled battery BMS systems, delivering the smartest, safest charging available.
• Zero Output Technology™ actively regulates battery current to zero amps when batteries are at full SOC.
• Allows use of higher output alternators with minimal risk to batteries due to active control of charging current.

Superior protection for your investment

• Upgradable firmware ensures that your WS500 will always be up-to-date and ready for new technologies.
• Low cost repair or replacement for failures caused by non-warranty damage

Physical data

• Enclosure Dimensions:  6.75”L x 3.875”W x 2.375”H   (160mm x 100mm x 60mm)
• Footprint:  7.50”L x 3.875”W   (190mm  x 100mm)
• Enclosure:  Diecast Aluminum Alloy –  designed for IP67 designed
• Finish:  Powder Coated
• Wiring Harness:  Color coded tinned wire.  Expandable sheathing.
• Terminal Connectors:   Ampseal 23-pin waterproof   Ruggedized RJ45 (CAN)
• USB Connector:  USB Type B
• Warranty:  2-Year Limited Warranty

System voltage

• 12-VOLT: Auto Detected
• 24-VOLT : Auto Detected
• 48-VOLT: Auto Detected
• ​Other fully customizable from 12 to 48/52v, no hardware changes necessary.

Field polarity

A-Type (N) / B-Type (P): Select compatible P- or N-type wiring harness to match alternator polarity.

Regulation capability

Charge controller is uniquely capable of driving alternator output based on a combination of three primary criteria: voltage, current, and temperature goals / limits – making it possible to configure charging to specific battery manufacturer recommendations.
Voltage: Yes – Via sense wires included in wiring harness.
Current: Yes – Via amp shunt. Can be calibrated to support most shunts. 500A / 50mV is default.
Temperature: Yes – Via alternator and battery temperature sensors. Real-time variable charging output based on ambient alternator and battery temperature.
​Battery Temperature and/or current may optionally be supplied via CAN when used with suitable BMS.

Configuration

Universal Configuration Utility Document 

VIA BUILT-IN SWITCH: ​Basic Charge profile by battery type: Battery capacity, Alternator output range, Battery ID
VIA WAKESPEED APPLICATION: Fully customized / optimized configuration for battery, alternator, and system through easy to use application.

Battery charge profiles

EIGHT PRESET PROGRAMS (Selectable via Dip Switch for Battery Type)

1. Default (Safe & AGM #1)
2. Standard FLA
3. Deep Cycle FLA
4. HD AGM
5. Gel
6. BattleBorn LiFeP04
7. Custom #1
8. Custom #2 (Preconfigured with LiFePO4 profile)

CHARGE PHASE CRITERIA: Flexible charging protocol integrating: system voltage, battery acceptance current, battery temperature, alternator temperature, and / or time duration.
EXTENDED BATTERY TEMPERATURE RANGE SUPPORT: Charge controller can be configured to provide safe charging of batteries outside of nominal temperature ranges by dynamically limiting charge current.

Advanced configuration

Via USB PORT – 100+ advanced adjustments accessible via Wakespeed Application in Expert Mode.
Via App – Rich mix enabling access to monitoring, programming and diagnostic functions via computer or mobile device. Wakespeed Application provides basic and advanced configuration capabilities. 3rd party applications supporting the WS500 are also available.

Communication

CAN (CONTROL AREA NETWORK): J1939-based CAN provides access for system integration and monitoring.
​Several industry standard CAN cabling systems are supported, including RJ45/CAT5, M12-5 (NMEA, Device-Net), RV-C cabling systems.
Enhanced CAN protocol support include:  RV-C, NMEA2000, Victron VEreg, SMA, LUX, as well as several proprietary CAN communications protocols with selected BMS manufacturers.

Field output control

Default Values:

• Large Alternator Mode (10%)
• Small Alternator Mode (75%)
• Halt Power Mode (50%)

Advanced Configurable: Maximum field bandwidth adjustable from 10% to 100% in one percent increments.

Firmware updates

Charge controller firmware updatable via built-in USB connector.

Regulator display

Onboard LED: operational and troubleshooting/ fault data via built-in USB connector.
Remote Display: via CAN to remote displays using commonly-accepted marine and RV protocols.

Adaptive idle technology

Allows charge controller to dynamically reduce alternator output to prevent stalling, sluggish performance and match engine power curves at lower RPMs.

White space

Customizable alternator loading vs. RPMs to match available engine power, optimizing alternator output while preventing engine overloading

Zero output technology

Enables charge controller to use current monitoring capability to limit output to match house loads only when batteries are fully charged.

Advanced configuration

Multi-Engine Applications: Allows multiple charge controllers to communicate via the CAN to ensure balanced output and charging efficiency when supporting a single, large battery bank. Device hierarchy establishes master / support relationship between charge sources.
Dual Alternator on Single Engine: Field output can be split from single charge controller to drive dual alternators charging common ban.

BMS compatibility

Compatible with multiple BMS brands using RV-C and OSEnergy protocols, ​as well as a select list of Proprietary BMS protocols. Configurable to many available systems.

Temperature sensing

Alternator Temperature Sensing: Sensor included in wiring harness. Active regulation based on ambient alternator temperature, ensures optimal output and alternator safety, versus simple capping typical of most voltage dependent regulator models.

Battery Temperature Sensing: Battery temperature monitoring protects the battery from over / under temperature situations, as well as adjust voltage targets based on temperature. Temperature sensor enables the regulator to adjust charging voltage to compensate for changes in battery temperature.

Internal Temperature Sensing: Protects charge controller’s internal circuitry from damage due to out-of-range values.