WS500 Pro Bluetooth® Alternator Regulator

Description

The Wakespeed WS500 Pro builds upon the success of the popular WS500 Advanced Alternator Regulator, introducing Bluetooth® connectivity for unmatched convenience. The WS500 Pro utilizes 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 – and allows users to optimize their mobile power systems, unlocking faster charging speeds, increased efficiency, and seamless integration with numerous battery systems.

Paired with the Wakespeed Configuration and Monitoring Utility Mobile App, users can now wirelessly configure, update, and monitor their alternator charging directly from their smartphones with the WS500 Pro. This newly integrated communication technology and intuitive app, available for both iPhone and Android, also unlocks the potential for exciting future features, ensuring the Wakespeed WS500 Pro Bluetooth® Alternator Regulator remains at the forefront of power management innovation.

 


Bluetooth® Connectivity

  • The addition of Bluetooth® connectivity marks a substantial shift in how users can interact with their systems.
  • Remote control and real-time monitoring for unmatched convenience. Plus, simple setup with the ability to program settings remotely.
  • The upgraded CPU supports Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), allowing for wireless monitoring and configuration, which is particularly beneficial for installers and technicians, providing an effortless way to assess and adjust settings both during initial installation and in real-world scenarios.
  • The firmware remains consistent with that of the WS500, adding Bluetooth capabilities and ensuring that all proven features of the previous model are carried over.

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.

Wide Ranging Compatibility for Both Traditional Lead Acid & Lithium Battery Technologies

  • Working directly with manufacturers, the WS500 Pro supports a comprehensive list of compatible lead-acid, AGM, and LiFePO4 batteries and can be easily configured via the Wakespeed Mobile App.
  • 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.

Easy to Install, Configure, Customize & Operate

  • Plug-n-Go feature automatically configures itself to default settings for easy setup, with fully customizable configuration available for more than 100 user controls.
  • 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.

Physical Data

  • 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

  • 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 via Bluetooth and easy to use Wakespeed Mobile App.

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. Battle Born LiFePO4
  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 Mobile App in Expert Mode.
  • Via Mobile App – Access to monitoring, programming and diagnostic functions via Bluetooth and Wakespeed Mobile App. Wakespeed Mobile App provides basic and advanced configuration capabilities.

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 or wirelessly through Bluetooth connectivity and the Wakespeed Mobile App.

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.
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
Windows Drivers
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.
CPE #1 Low-Voltage AGM
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.
CPE #2 Standard Flooded Lead Acid
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.
CPE #3 Deep Cycle Flooded Lead Acid
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.
CPE #4 High Density AGM
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.
CPE #5 Gel
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.
CPE #6 Carbon Foam (Firefly)
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.
CPE #7 Deep Cycle Flooded Lead Acid W/Overcharge
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.
CPE #8 Generic LiFePO4
Charging profile for LiFePO4 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. Revised July 13, 2021.
Gentle LiFePO4 Charge Profile
Charge profile is designed to utilize lower voltage targets, narrower temperature range and more conservative current limits to maximize LiFePO4 battery life. No BMS integration. Current shunt and battery temperature sensor are required. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 13, 2021.
Battle Born Batteries with Dragonfly IntelLigence
Represent a "best practice" approach to charging Battle Born Batteries with Dragonfly IntelLigence - smart LiFePO4 batteries. Revised October 21, 2024.
Battle Born Drop In LiFePO4
Charge profile for drop in Battle Born LiFePO4 batteries. No BMS integration. Current shunt and battery temperature sensor are required. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 10, 2022.
Discover LiFePO4
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.
Fullriver AGM
Factory recommended charging profile for DC-Series Deep Cycle AGM batteries manufactured by Fullriver Batteries. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 13, 2021.
Fullriver Gel
Factory recommended charging profile for DCG-Series Deep Cycle Gel batteries manufactured by Fullriver Batteries. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 13, 2021.
Lifeline Deep Cycle AGM
Factory recommended charging profile for deep cycle AGM batteries manufactured by Lifeline Batteries. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 13, 2021.
Lithionics Internal BMS
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.
Lithionics External BMS
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.
MG Energy Systems MG Master BMS Can Enabled
Profile supports WS500 Alternator Regulator operation when connected to MG Energy Systems LiFePO4 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.
Optima Blue Top Spiral Wound
Factory recommended charging profile for Blue Top spiral wound AGM batteries manufactured by Optima Batteries. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 13, 2021.
Optima Red Top Spiral Wound
Factory recommended charging profile for Red Top spiral wound AGM batteries manufactured by Optima Batteries. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 13, 2021.
Optima Yellow Top Spiral Wound
Factory recommended charging profile for Yellow Top spiral wound AGM batteries manufactured by Optima Batteries. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 13, 2021.
REC BMS Enabled LiFePO4
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.
Trojan Deep Cycle AGM
Factory recommended charging profile for deep cycle AGM batteries manufactured by Trojan Batteries. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 13, 2021.
Trojan Deep Cycle Flooded Lead Acid
Factory recommended charging profile for deep cycle flooded lead acid batteries manufactured by Trojan Batteries. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 13, 2021.
Trojan Industrial Flooded Lead Acid
Factory recommended charging profile for industrial flooded lead acid batteries manufactured by Trojan Batteries. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 13, 2021.
Trojan Trillium LiFePO4
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.
Trojan VRLA Gel Cell
Factory recommended charging profile for VRLM Gelified batteries manufactured by Trojan Batteries. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 13, 2021.
Victron Energy Lead Carbon
Factory recommended charging profile for lead carbon batteries manufactured by Victron Energy. Packaged as a .ZIP download. Revised July 13, 2021.
Victron Energy Smart LiFePO4/VE Bus BMS
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.
Victron Energy Lynx
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
Whisperpower Gel
Pre-engineered charging profile for Whisper Power's gelled lead acid batteries, based on factory published specifications. Revised August 25, 2021.

*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.