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.
*Hardware Updates (Including Configuration File Transfers) Require PC or Android based Phone.
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
Wiring Harness: Color coded tinned wire. Expandable sheathing.
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
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)
Default (Safe & AGM #1)
Standard FLA
Deep Cycle FLA
HD AGM
Gel
BattleBorn LiFeP04
Custom #1
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 0% 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.
Wakespeed Configuration Utility App: *Hardware Updates (Including Configuration File Transfers) Require PC or Android based Phone.
Configuration Files:
Universal Configuration Utility
The Universal Configuration Utility is designed to provide the ability to upload configuration files created on Android or iPhone smartphones to the WS500 regulator. Requires a Windows computer and USB-B printer-style cable. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised Feb. 27, 2021
For Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10. Drivers are automatically installed on Windows machines when regulator is plugged in. If something prevents this automatic installation, this folder provides a way to install the USB Serial and USB Firmware Upgrade drivers on your machine.
SAFE Low-Voltage charge profile for AGM and maintenance free lead acid starting and dual-purpose batteries. Profile is identical to the onboard charge profile CPE#1 DIP switch setting. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 13, 2021.
Charge profile for standard, thin-plate flooded lead acid batteries. Profile is identical to the onboard charge profile CPE#2 DIP switch setting. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 13, 2021.
Charge profile for deep-cycle, thick-plate flooded lead acid batteries. Profile is identical to the onboard charge profile CPE#3 DIP switch setting. Packaged as a .ZIP download.Revised July 13, 2021.
Charge profile for high-density, low-resistance thin plate AGM batteries. Profile is identical to the onboard charge profile CPE#4 DIP switch setting. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 13, 2021.
Charge profile for gel batteries (VRLA with gelified electrolyte). Profile is identical to the onboard charge profile CPE#5 DIP switch setting. Packaged as a .ZIP download.Revised July 13, 2021.
Charge profile for Firefly carbon foam AGM batteries. Profile is identical to the onboard charge profile CPE#6 DIP switch setting. Packaged as a .ZIP download.Revised July 13, 2021.
Charge profile for deep-cycle, thick-plate lead acid batteries requiring an overcharge (finishing charge). Profile is identical to the onboard charge profile CPE#7 DIP switch setting. Packaged as a .ZIP download.Revised July 13, 2021.
Charging profile for LiFeP04 lithium ion batteries with internal or external BMS unit. If your battery offers an external BMS, check for a dedicated charge profile for your battery/BMS brand. Contact Wakespeed support for status of WS500 integration for your system. Profile is identical to the onboard charge profile CPE#8 DIP switch setting. Packaged as a .ZIP download. July 13, 2021.
Charge profile is designed to utilize lower voltage targets, narrower temperature range and more conservative current limits to maximize LiFeP04 battery life.No BMS integration. Current shunt and battery temperature sensor are required. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 13, 2021.
Represent a "best practice" approach to charging Battle Born Batteries with Dragonfly IntelLigence - smart LiFePO4 batteries. Revised October 21, 2024.
Charge profile for drop in Battle Born and Dragonfly Energy LiFePO4 batteries. No BMS integration. Current shunt and battery temperature sensor are required. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 10, 2022.
Supports WS500 charge control for Discover Battery's CAN-enabled LiFePO4 batteries. Note that RJ45 crossover cable is required to support Wakespeed and Discover pinouts. See the WS500 Communication and Programming Guide for Wakespeed pinout. See Discover Battery documentation for Discover's RJ45 pinout. DO NOT use a standard (unmodified) CAT5 or CAT6 cable to connect regulator to battery BMS. Revised July 30, 2021.
Factory recommended charging profile for DC-Series DeepCycle AGM batteries manufactured by Fullriver Batteries. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 13, 2021.
Factory recommended charging profile for DCG-Series Deep Cycle Gel batteries manufactured by Fullriver Batteries. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 13, 2021.
Factory recommended charging profile for deep cycle AGM batteries manufactured by Lifeline Batteries. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 13, 2021.
Profile supports WS500 Alternator Regulator operation when connected to Lithionics Batteries system utilizing Lithionics Never-Die CAN-connected BMS. See the Communications and Programming Guide for special instructions regarding operation with CAN-enabled battery BMS systems. Choose configuration file based on internal or external Never-Die BMS type used. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 30, 2021.
Profile supports WS500 Alternator Regulator operation when connected to Lithionics Batteries system utilizing Lithionics Never-Die CAN-connected BMS. See the Communications and Programming Guide for special instructions regarding operation with CAN-enabled battery BMS systems. Choose configuration file based on internal or external Never-Die BMS type used. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 30, 2021.
Profile supports WS500 Alternator Regulator operation when connected to MG Energy Systems LiFeP04 batteries utilizing MG Master CAN-connected BMS. See the Communications and Programming Guide for special instructions regarding operation with CAN-enabled battery BMS systems. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 13, 2021.
Factory recommended charging profile for Blue Top spiral wound AGM batteries manufactured by Optima Batteries. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 13, 2021.
Factory recommended charging profile for Red Top spiral wound AGM batteries manufactured by Optima Batteries. Packaged as a .ZIP download.Revised July 13, 2021.
Factory recommended charging profile for Yellow Top spiral wound AGM batteries manufactured by Optima Batteries. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 13, 2021.
For use with LiFePO4 battery banks supported by REC-BMS active BMS and Q BMS models with Victrom SMA CAN control library installed. See the Communications and Programming Guide for special instructions regarding operation with CAN-enabled battery BMS systems. Packaged as a .ZIP download.Revised July 13, 2021.
Factory recommended charging profile for deep cycle AGM batteries manufactured by Trojan Batteries. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 13, 2021.
Factory recommended charging profile for deep cycle flooded lead acid batteries manufactured by Trojan Batteries. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 13, 2021.
Factory recommended charging profile for industrial flooded lead acid batteries manufactured by Trojan Batteries. Packaged as a .ZIP download.Revised July 13, 2021.
Factory recommended charging profile for drop-in Trillium LiFePO4 batteries manufactured by Trojan Batteries. No BMS integration. Current shunt and battery temperature sensor are required. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 13, 2021.
Factory recommended charging profile for Smart Lithium LiFePO4 batteries manufactured by Victron Energy and managed by the Victron VE Bus BMS. Current shunt and battery temperature sensor are required. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 13, 2021.
Pre-engineered charging profile for Victron Energy's Smart Lithium batteries used in conjunction with Victron's CANbus-enabled Lynx BMS system. CANbus connection between the Lynx BMS and enables the BMS to control alternator based charging via the WS500. May 14, 2022
*The lithium ion battery market has become immersed by a rapidly growing number of internally BMS controlled “drop in” batteries that provide little or no ability to communicate with other devices like the WS500 or other charge sources. In many cases, these drop in batteries use disconnects as a normal part of charge control. Unfortunately, these batteries make it impossible to anticipate disconnects because of the lack of suitable forewarning. Wakespeed has worked closely with the battery manufacturers represented in our list of pre-engineered configuration profiles to ensure that the regulator will have the ability to charge the listed batteries safely — as such, we recommend using batteries and BMS systems included in this list. Using the WS500 regulator with batteries that aren’t included in our list of pre-engineered charging profiles may result in unintended disconnects and potential load dumps and voltage spikes. If you choose to use batteries not listed below, beware that Wakespeed cannot guarantee the safety of your charging system. Wakespeed holds no responsibility for damage caused by use of the WS500 regulator when connected to a LiFePo4 battery system not included in the list below.
