Wakespeed WS500 Advanced Alternator Regulator (new black case model)
Note: the black plastic box WS500 replaces the white metal box. There are no other changes.
Wakespeed WS500 Advanced Alternator Regulator - Configurable Kit
Included items:
- WS500 unit (no wiring harness). For a functional system, you must add:
- One of the wire harness options listed above
- An alternator temperature sensor
Other items may be needed and can be added above, or they can be purchased individually here: WS500 accessories.
Tech support for WS500
If you are unsure or you need advice or support please contact Solar 4 RVs as we are happy to help.
The Ultimate Smart Alternator Regulator
With over 60,000 units sold, the WS500 is the original and most used smart 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 any of the newer generation lithium, or any other emerging battery technologies.
Developed during years of cruising in the Pacific Northwest, the WS500 is uniquely designed to be configured via easy-to-use onboard DIP switches, or can be connected to a PC or Android/Apple device to provide more than 100 user controls. The WS500 can also be connected to CAN Bus enabled lithium battery BMS & other CAN J1939 devices via its CAN Bus ports making it the regulator of choice to provide safe and smart charging for any battery technology.
The WS500 can be connected to a current shunt in the low or high side of the battery 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 bus, 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 charge profiles for eight battery types are embedded of which two can be customized via the Wakespeed App, plus there are 22 charge profiles available for download from Wakespeed using the App all of which can be customized. 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. See our Technical page for more information.
The Wakespeed® Offshore WS500 voltage regulator is built in the USA with over 60,000 units have been sold and comes with a two-year limited warranty.
More introductory information about alternators and alternator regulator is provided in our regulator category webpage: Lithium Compatible Alternator Regulators
Reviews
Explore the reviews from Seabits and Panbo to see why the WS500 is the ultimate charging solution. Benefit from smart charging technology that's been tested in the toughest conditions.
Links to Manufacturer's website:
Links to Datasheet and manuals:
- WS500 Quick start guide
- WS500 Product Manual
- WS500 Datasheet
- Communication and Programming Guide
- Wakespeed Utility Configuration Guide
Latest Firmware:
Wakespeed Configuration Utility App:
8 Configuration files for generic battery technologies are available for download using the app:
- CPE #1 Low-Voltage AGM
- CPE #2 Standard Flooded Lead Acid
- CPE #3 Deep Cycle Flooded Lead Acid
- CPE #4 High Density AGM
- CPE #5 Gel
- CPE #6 Carbon Foam (Firefly)
- CPE #7 Deep Cycle Flooded Lead Acid W/Overcharge
- CPE #8 Generic LiFeP04
22 Configuration files for for branded batteries and BMS's are available for download using the app:
- Gentle LiFeP04 Charge Profile
- Battle Born Drop In LiFeP04
- Discover LiFePo4
- Fullriver AGM
- Fullriver Gel
- Lifeline Deep Cycle AGM
- Lithionics Internal BMS
- Lithionics External BMS
- MG Energy Systems MG Master BMS Can Enabled
- Optima Blue Top Spiral Wound
- Optima Red Top Spiral Wound
- Optima Yellow Top Spiral Wound
- REC BMS Enabled LiFeP04
- Trojan Deep Cycle AGM
- Trojan Deep Cycle Flooded Lead Acid
- Trojan Industrial Flooded Lead Acid
- Trojan Trillium LiFeP04
- Trojan VRLA Gel Cell
- Victron Energy Lead Carbon
- Victron Energy Smart LiFeP04/VE Bus BMS
- Victron Energy Lynx.zip
- Whisperpower Gel
Wakespeed introductory and training videos on Youtube:
Go to: https://www.youtube.com/@wakespeed for the Wakespeed page
- Seminar Introduction 5mins
- Advanced Alternator Regulator Training at Northwest School of Wood BoatBuilding 3hrs 53mins
- High Energy DC Systems 36mins
- System Components | Alternators 52mins
- System Components | Batteries 25mins
- System Components | Inverters & Chargers 4mins
- System Components | Solar 8mins
- The History of Wakespeed 23mins
- Wakespeed's WS500 Alternator Regulator | Overview 18mins
- Installing the WS500 Alternator Regulator | Wiring 1h 5mins
- Wakespeed 201: Advanced Alternator Regulator Training Seminar for the WS500 4hrs 17mins
- Wakespeed 201: Advanced Alternator Regulator Training | WS500 Best Practices and Troubleshooting 42mins
If you are unsure or you need advice or support please contact Solar 4 RVs as we are happy to help.
Dragonfly Energy, Wakespeed SKU is: WS500
(WS-WS500)
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
12 Volt | Auto Detected |
24 Volt | |
48 Volt | |
Other | Fully customizable from 12 to 48/52v, no hardware changes necessary. |
P-Type | Select compatible P or N-type wiring harness to match polarity of alternator regulator |
N-Type |
Charge controller is uniquely capable of driving alternator output based on a combination of three primary criteria: voltage, current, and temperature limits – making it possible to configure charging to specific battery manufacturer recommendations | |
Voltage | Via sense wires included in wiring harness |
Current | 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 |
CAN Bus control | Battery Temperature and/or current may optionally be supplied via CAN when used with suitable BMS, ie the regulator will limit output current in response to control messages from the CAN Bus BMS. |
Via built-in dip switch | Charge profile by battery type; Battery capacity; Alternator output range; and Battery ID |
Eight preset programs based on battery type selectable via DIP switch. |
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22 additional preset programs | 22 additional charge profiles defined in file on Wakespeed website available for download to app |
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 normal temperature ranges by dynamically limiting charge current. |
Via USB port | 100+ advanced adjustments accessible via Wakespeed App 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 |
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 | Includes RV-C, NMEA2000, Victron VEreg, SMA, LUX, as well as several proprietary CAN communications protocols with selected BMS manufacturers. |
USB | Built-in Micro USB allows for advanced system configuration, diagnostics, and firmware upgrade using the Wakespeed app. |
Default Values |
|
Advanced Configurable | Maximum field bandwidth adjustable from 10% to 100% in 1% increments |
Firmware updates | Charge controller firmware updatable via built-in USB connector using Wakespeed App |
Onboard LED | Operational and troubleshooting/ fault data via blink pattern |
Remote Display | Via CAN to remote displays using commonly-accepted marine and RV protocols |
Prevent engine stalling | Allows charge controller to dynamically reduce alternator output to prevent stalling, sluggish performance and match engine power curves at lower RPMs |
Output matches house loads | Enables charge controller to use current monitoring capabiltiy to limit output to match house loads only when batteries are fully charged |
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 alternators on single engine | Field output can be split from single charge controller to drive dual alternators charging common bank. |
Multi BMS compatibillity | 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. |
Alternator Temperature Sensing | 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 | attery 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 |
Enclosure Dimensions |
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Footprint |
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Enclosure | Diecast Aluminum Alloy --- designed for IP67 |
Finish | Powdercoat |
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 |
SKU | WS-WS500 |
MPN # | WS-WS500 |
1 year