AccuMax Watt Meter Owners Manual
Contents
1. 3 2 MEASUREMENTS The measurement screen is displayed after the startup screen All data values are identified by their units e g Ah Wh Ap Vm Wp and are updated every 400 mS Amps Volts and Watts values are continuously displayed while all other measured values Vm KWh Ap Wp Ah are presented sequentially every 2 seconds in the Cycle position of the display 3 2 1 Amps A The Amps value displayed is the average current flowing through the meter s black wire over the last screen update interval Revision 2 User Manual Page 5 of 11 bead The meter s circuit operation draws a slight amount of current 7 mA from the SOURCE side Being hundreds of times less current than is drawn by typical loads this slight additional current can be ignored and the SOURCE s current be considered equal to the LOAD s current for most practical purposes Amps values are measured on the LOAD side Currents over 50 Amps should be measured for reduced time due to wire heating 3 2 2 Volts V The Volts value displayed is the average voltage over the last screen update interval The Volts value is measured on the SOURCE side 3 2 3 Watts W The value displayed is the average power delivered in Watts over the last screen update interval Watt values are measured on the LOAD side 3 2 4 Cycle 1 VOLTS MINIMUM 2 KILOWATT HOURS 3 AMPS PEAK Amps s iijnation 00 o0u Oh Oooo Oli 3 2 4 1 Volts2. ACCUMAX POWER METER MEA DCMR S0 User s Manual nk Table of Contents 1 InthODUCtION DEEE E itera an chien cates oes idaaesnidiaseeiens 1 1 Features 1 2 Specifications 1 2 1 Electrical Specifications 1 2 2 Physical Specifications 1 3 Safety PreCautiOns isegi aana ee aaae EErEE a nas ERES Qe a iella a EET ET T ATT 2 1 Maximum Current Capacity 2 2 WING P N E 2 3 CONNECCION S riiai niaaa devs vaeeeycdenseusees es eyadewesedsscbudsiene insedivaeetsevscueacssvenveved 2 4 Powering The Metelica adiando ea R iaiia 2 4 1 Auxiliary Power 2 4 2 Initial Verification 3 Operation oo eee eee cece 3 1 Start Up Screen 3 2 Measurements 3 2 1 Amps A 3 2 2 Volts V 3 2 3 Watts W 3 2 4 CVE pii riai 3 3 Resetting The Meter 4 Application 4 1 Battery Charging 4 2 Battery Discharging 4 3 System Characterization 4 3 1 Battery Efficiency 4 3 2 Battery Healing e e i A IE aN 5 Troubleshooting And Support csesseeecseescesesceeeeeeeaeeceeeseseeseaeeeaneseaeseeeseanensaeteaeees 5 1 Maintenance amp Care 5 2 Troubleshooting oe 5 3 UPON E E E E E A ETA TT 5 4 Waltamty iicicvisncissudiaiianininsina iin 5 4 1 RRESUICTIONS fcesisisscasveevesseiwessaceeoeasvedbexets 5 4 2 Warranty Claims amp Return Procedures 5 4 3 DiSClAIMEM ceccessvecscstshcistasecisitisiessaccosessans 5 4 4 Limitation of Liability cele e
3. Minimum Vm The displayed Minimum Volts value Vm is the minimum voltage or sag measured on the SOURCE side since the startup screen ended 3 2 4 2 Watt Hours kWh The value displayed is the total energy delivered to the LOAD in kil0 Watt hours since power was applied to the meter It is measured on the LOAD side For accurate results be careful not to interrupt the SOURCE connection to the meter during an energy measurement 3 2 4 3 Amps Peak Ap The displayed Peak Amps value Ap is the maximum current drawn on the LOAD side since the startup screen ended 3 2 4 4 Watts Peak Wp The displayed Peak Watts value Wp is the maximum power drawn on the LOAD side since the startup screen ended 3 2 4 5 Timer The timer clock reads hours minutes and seconds 00 00 00 and will record time only when a load is connected to the power meter As long as power remains applied to the meter the timer will remain frozen until a load is connected Once a load is connected the timer will begin to record time The timer resets after 24 hours This is a useful feature to determine how long a load has been drawing power from a battery pack or to determine how long a battery can provide power to a load 3 2 4 6 Amp Hours Ah The value displayed is the total charge in Amp hours delivered to the LOAD since power was applied to the meter It is measured on the LOAD side For accurate results be careful not to interrupt the SOURCE connection to the
4. SUCH DAMAGE Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages so these limitations may not apply to you Neither Windy Nation nor its affiliates or suppliers will be held liable or responsible for any damage or loss to any items or products connected to powered by or otherwise attached to the Product The total cumulative liability to Customer from all causes of action and all theories of liability will be limited to and will not exceed the purchase price of the Product paid by Customer This warranty gives the Customer specific legal rights and the Customer may also have other legal rights that vary from state to state Revision 2 User Manual Page 11 of 11
5. the Customer with an RMA number and the location to which the Customer must return the defective Product Any Product returned for warranty service shall be shipped at the expense and risk of the Customer The Customer must return the entire Product kit or if authorized by Windy Nation the defective component parts within fifteen 15 days after issuance of the RMA number Windy Nation will be under no obligation to accept any returned Product that does not have a valid RMA number Customer s failure to return the Product within fifteen 15 days of its receipt of an RMA number may result in cancellation of the RMA All parts that Windy Nation replaces shall become Windy Nation s property on the date Windy Nation ships the repaired Product or part back to the Customer Windy Nation will use all reasonable efforts within thirty 30 days of receipt of the defective Product to repair or replace such Product If a warranty claim is invalid for any reason the Customer will be charged at Windy Nation s then current rates for services performed and will be charged for all necessary repairs and expense incurred by Windy Nation If Windy Nation determines that a warranty claim is valid it will ship the repaired or replaced Product to Customer at Windy Nation s cost 5 4 3 Disclaimer EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS LIMITED WARRANTY SET FORTH IN THE PREVIOUS PARAGRAPH WINDY NATION DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES EXPRESS IMPLIED AND STATUTORY INCLUDING WITHOUT
6. LIMITATION THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PRODUCTS PROVIDED BY WINDY NATION NO ORAL OR WRITTEN INFORMATION OR ADVICE GIVEN BY WINDY NATION ITS DEALERS DISTRIBUTORS AGENTS OR EMPLOYEES SHALL IN ANY WAY INCREASE THE SCOPE OF THIS WARRANTY WINDY NATION DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE QUALITY OR PERFORMANCE OF THE PRODUCTS WILL MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS OR THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE ANY PARTICULAR RESULTS FROM USE OR MODIFICATION OF THE PRODUCTS Some jurisdictions do not allow the limitation or exclusion of implied warranties or how long an implied warranty may last so the above limitations may not apply to you In any such jurisdiction the warranty shall be limited to the minimum warranty and period required by law WINDY NATION EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR BODILY INJURIES OR DEATH THAT MAY OCCUR DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY USE OF THE PRODUCT BY ANY PERSON Page 10 of 11 User Manual Revision 2 ask F 5 4 4 Limitation of Liability UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL WINDY NATION OR ITS AFFILIATES OR SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE OR RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LOSS OF USE INTERRUPTION OF BUSINESS LOST PROFITS LOST DATA OR INDIRECT SPECIAL INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF ACTION WHETHER IN CONTRACT TORT INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHERWISE EVEN IF WINDY NATION OR ITS AFFILIATE OR SUPPLIER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
7. amp wiring get warm 5 3 SUPPORT If you are experiencing technical problems and cannot find a solution in this manual you can contact Windy Nation Inc for further assistance e Call 805 323 6445 Email info windynation com e Write 398 South Ash Street Unit C Ventura CA 93001 For challenging issues or to just ask a question consider using our FREE Community Forums Consult our community of DIY ers for fast answers to all your questions Post on our Forums http www windynation com community 5 4 WARRANTY Windy Nation warrants that the Watt Meter the Product will be free from manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship under normal authorized use consistent with product instructions for a period of one 1 year from the date the original purchaser Customer receives the Product the Warranty Period This warranty extends only to the original purchaser The Customer s sole and exclusive remedy and the entire liability of Windy Nation its suppliers and affiliates for breach of the warranty is at Windy Nation s option either i to replace the Product or defective component part s with a new or reconditioned Product or component part s ii to repair the reported problem or iii to refund the purchase price of the Product Repaired or replaced products are warranted for the remainder of the original warranty period only No employee agent dealer or other person is authorized to
8. des of the meter for 15 minutes allowing the LCD to cool and then try reconnecting Display screen characters are dim Page 8 of 11 User Manuel Revision 2 sl 1 Check the connections on the LOAD side are good and have correct wiring polarity Only have volt readings 2 Test the meter is working with a known charged battery of no Amps Power or other sufficient voltage connected to the SOURCE side wires and a readings simple known good load 3 The Meter only measures currents flowing in the direction of SOURCE to LOAD Make sure that the setup is arranged correctly 1 Check the 3 pin plug is inserted properly Black Negative wire pin 1 should be farthest from where the meter s SOURCE wires enter the case Red Positive wire pin 2 should be in the middle of connector 2 Check the Auxiliary battery or power is supplying at least 4 8 V 1 Any time the Amps value is more than the Peak Amps value the Peak Amps value will match it The Peak Watts value is Peak Amps Peak Watts determined the same way Similarly any time the Volts value is or Minimum Voltage don t less than the Minimum Volts value the Minimum Volts value will change or seem wrong match it 2 To reset Peak Amps Watts and Minimum Voltage remove power to the meter It is normal for the meter and its wiring to get warm at high currents You can cool it with a small fan blowing on the wires Auxiliary power not working Meter
9. eeeeneeeeeeeeeeeeeneeeeeeeeaeeseeeseaeeseeeeeeeseaeeeaeeseaeeseeeees Page 2 of 11 User Manuel Revision 2 nk 1 INTRODUCTION The AccuMax Power Meter measures current voltage and time and from those measurements calculates peak current Amps peak power Watts minimum voltage Volts power Watts energy Watt hours and charge Amp hours values for you in real time for the circuit in which you connect it 1 1 FEATURES Measures energy Wh charge Ah power W current A and voltage V Connector to use an optional receiver battery for measurement down to 0 V Accurate amp precise 0 01 A current and 0 01 V voltage resolutions Measures peak Amps peak Watts and voltage minimum sag Rugged handles 50 A continuous and 200 A peak at 60 V 8 AWG super fine stranded high temperature silicone rubber insulated wire Small amp light with a tough plastic case Acts like a wire so doesn t affect performance Precision current sensing resistor with only 0 001 Ohms resistance and circuitry that draws only 7 mA Back lit LCD Timer function LANL v v 1 2 SPECIFICATIONS 1 2 1 Electrical Specifications Parameter Range Resolution Notes Voltage 0 60 V 0 01 V 0 V min w auxiliary power Else 4 8 V Current 0 200 A peak 0 01A 50 A continuous 0 6554 W 0 1 W 0 6500 Ah 0 01 Ah 0 650 kWh 0 1 Wh 1 2 2 Physical Specifications Parameter Value Measurement Update Period 400 mS Data Q
10. give any warranties on behalf of Windy Nation not expressly set forth in this limited warranty 5 4 1 Restrictions No warranty will apply if the Product i has been altered or modified except by Windy Nation ii has not been installed operated repaired or maintained in accordance with instructions supplied by Windy Nation iii has been subjected to abnormal physical thermal or electrical stress misuse negligence or accident If Windy Nation determines that the problem with the Product is not due to a manufacturing defect in Windy Nation s workmanship or materials or otherwise does Revision 2 User Manual Page 9 of 11 E P not qualify for warranty repair then the Customer will be responsible for the costs of all necessary repairs and expenses incurred by Windy Nation 5 4 2 Warranty Claims amp Return Procedures To be eligible for service under this warranty the Customer must submit a service request within the Warranty Period by contacting Windy Nation in writing or via telephone and obtaining a Returned Materials Authorization RMA number This RMA must be obtained before returning any product under this warranty Notification must include a description of the alleged defect the manner in which the Product was used the serial number and the original purchase date in addition to the name address and telephone number of the Customer Within five 5 business days of the date of notification Windy Nation will provide
11. hing for This might happen if for example you connect another component to the system while it is measuring Revision 2 User Manual Page 7 of 11 T f The meter s Peak Amps Peaks Watts and Voltage Minimum values are cleared whenever the meter is powered up so remove all power sources when you need to clear them for a new measurement 4 3 1 Battery Efficiency Battery Charging Efficiency BCE is the ratio of energy put in to energy removable Charging Efficiency Discharge Energy Charge Energy Efficiency is never 100 due to a variety of losses involved If the charge energy was 15 Wh and the discharge energy is 14 2 Wh the Charging Efficiency is 14 3 15 0 95 or 95 BCE depends on both the charger and the battery so it can be difficult to determine where problems are without extra batteries or chargers 4 3 2 Battery Health Battery Health is determined by comparing the actual energy or charge capacity with the manufacturer s specifications or record the capacity value of the new battery and save that as a baseline By occasionally discharging a battery pack and comparing the energy delivered to the baseline value delivered when it was first put into service you can track that battery s health The percentage of baseline capacity at which a battery is considered to be at the end of its life depends on battery chemistry and how it is used A reduction in charge capacity can also be an indication of battery pack damage or i
12. l inductance Long wire runs motors generators etc can have considerable inductance Only qualified individuals should assemble any high current connections The Red SOURCE wire goes to Positive Plus battery or other device terminals and black to Negative Minus 2 3 CONNECTORS The Watt Meter is supplied with 8 AWG wires terminated with 5 16 diameter lugs The lugs can be connected directly to a battery post to a terminal block or to another lug as shown below Hex Bolt 7 Meter Cable Lug nm Fa Flat Washer Beg Pa Source Load Cable Lug Flat R i p Locking Washer Nut ee 2 4 POWERING THE METER The Meter requires a power source providing a minimum of 4 8 VDC to operate This can come from a power source battery or generator on the LOAD or SOURCE side or from the auxiliary 3 pin SOURCE power input connector Page 4 of 11 User Manuel Revision 2 nd If an auxiliary power source of 4 8 VDC or more is used e g small receiver battery pack the meter operates independently of power sources on the LOAD or SOURCE leads This allows measurements down to OVDC WARNING The Red leads and the Black leads of the Watt Meter are connected to each other so either side can be electrically hot when a battery or other power source is connected to one side 2 4 1 Auxiliary Power By connecting a power source of at least 4 8 VDC to the 3 pin connector on the SOURCE side the Meter can measure down to 0 V e g
13. meter during a charge measurement 3 3 RESETTING THE METER Resetting your meter will clear all accumulated readings including Ah Wh peak current etc Your meter can be reset to zero in one of two ways 1 Completely remove voltage from meter Source s Red AND OR Auxiliary Connector Pin 2 2 Briefly connect the Auxiliary Connector s pin 3 to zero Volts E g pin 1 or meter s black wire a Note that the meter will be held in reset if pin 3 is continuously connected Pin 1 is the pin farthest from the meter s SOURCE wires and Pin 3 is nearest the SOURCE wires Page 6 of 11 User Manuel Revision 2 4 APPLICATION 4 1 BATTERY CHARGING You can monitor the voltage current accumulated charge and energy into a charging battery Connect the meter as shown below Be sure the battery is not connected before the source generator is turned on as the meter will track the minimum voltage on the battery during the charging process With the source on and the battery charging the meter displays the ongoing charging electrical values The current A and power W show the average rate of charge and the voltage indicates the current battery charging voltage CAUTION When charging a battery do not operate it outside its manufacturer s specifications Do not allow the battery voltage to exceed the maximum value specified or charge at a current that exceeds the maximum specified 4 2 BATTERY DISCHARGING When discharging a batte
14. mminent failure To summarize the percentage of baseline or initial capacity indicates a battery s health Baseline Capacity Ratio Current Capacity Original Capacity 5 TROUBLESHOOTING AND SUPPORT The Watt Meter is ruggedly constructed and requires minimal care There are no adjustable or field serviceable parts inside Opening the case will void the warranty 5 1 MAINTENANCE amp CARE e Clean the meter of any dirt or debris with a moistened cloth Do not exert too much pressure on the display as this can permanently damage it e Inspect any batteries for cracked or bulging cases and corroded terminals 5 2 TROUBLESHOOTING Problem Possible Remedies 1 Make sure the LOAD side wires are not shorted 2 Check you have a power source battery or charger supplying at least 4 8 V connected to the SOURCE side wires or to the Auxiliary Power Connector eet ea tis 3 Check wiring Polarity The Red wire should be connected to the power Pplying positive Red etc side of the power source and the Black wire to the negative side 4 Try a 9 Volt alkaline battery as the source power 5 Make sure reset signal on pin 3 of Aux connector is not connected to OV Probably due to low voltage Check you have a power source battery or charger supplying at least 4 8 V connected to the SOURCE side wires or to the Auxiliary Power Connector It is possible the LCD got too hot and stopped working Disconnect Display went blank both si
15. ry pack through the meter into a load you can monitor key battery parameters like actual available charge and energy peak and average current and battery voltage Fuse BATTERY The diversion load device you connect on the LOAD side must be capable of handling the discharge power the battery pack can provide Example loads include light bulbs power resistors and devices specifically designed to discharge a battery like some chargers in discharge mode If the battery pack voltage at the end of discharge will be less than the minimum 4 8 V the meter requires a battery of at least 4 8 V to the 3 pin auxiliary power connection After connecting the LOAD to the meter connect the battery Discharging begins when the battery is connected When the battery is discharged the meter display indicates the total charge Ah and energy Wh the battery delivered to the load as well as the peak Amps Ap and peak Watts Wp used and the minimum voltage on the battery during the discharging process 4 3 SYSTEM CHARACTERIZATION It can be very difficult to find out why a component fails The Watt Meter s ability to capture even brief current power peaks and voltage minimum values can help The Peak Amps Peaks Watts and Voltage Minimum values will be the peaks and minimum captured following the meter s power on sequence Be careful in adjusting test setups to not accidentally cause a peak or voltage minimum that isn t the one you are watc
16. s a direct connection between corresponding colored SOURCE and LOAD wires When powered both the SOURCE and LOAD leads of the meter are electrically hot when a battery is connected to either side allowing the user to measure what the meter is connected to 2 1 MAXIMUM CURRENT CAPACITY Current flowing through the watt meter s wires generates heat due to the resistances of the wires and of the precision internal current shunt used for current measurements Though very low 0 004 Ohms in 8 gage wires and 0 001 Ohms in shunt these resistances are finite and at high currents the heat generated becomes noticeable This is because heat is created with the square of the current LE heating power W current A x resistance Ohms Doubling the current increases the heat produced four times so at 75 Amps approximately 28 Watts of heat is produced mostly in the Meter s wires The Accumax Power Meter is rated to handle a maximum of 50A at continuous duty The Accumax Power Meter can handle currents in excess of 50A intermittently and the temperature of the Accumax Power Meter must be monitored Never exceed an Accumax Power Meter operating temperature of 55 Celsius The high current handing capabilities are maximized by the meter s SOURCE and LOAD wires being kept short and cool 2 2 WIRING Always connect and disconnect power at the meter FIRST on whichever of the LOAD or SOURCE sides that has the highest electrica
17. standard 9V battery The 3 pin connector s socket will accept a Futaba J type JR or HiTec type servo plug connector Pin 1 is Negative and pin 2 middle pin is Positive Pin 1 is the pin farthest from the meter s SOURCE wires Pin 3 is to reset accumulated readings See Section 3 2 for reset operation Reset Pin When using Auxiliary power you may see small measurement values when the SOURCE and LOAD leads are not connected or are shorted together e g 0 01 Volts It is normal for small shorted lead voltage values to be displayed in this situation and this will NOT affect the accuracy of real measurements CAUTION Never short leads for testing with a power source connected to either set of leads 2 4 2 Initial Verification e No exposed wires or bare connectors that can short circuit prior to connecting a battery or power source o Properly insulate any exposed areas with electrical tape or shrink tubing e LOAD wires are safely routed and any unused wires are capped with connectors When power is applied correctly the meter display will show the Startup Screen and then begin measurements If the Startup Screen does not appear immediately remove the power sources and refer to the troubleshooting section of this manual 3 OPERATION 3 1 START UP SCREEN When power is first applied to the meter SOURCE leads a startup screen with the firmware revision number is briefly displayed prior to measurement beginning
18. ueue Sequence time 2 seconds In Circuit Resistance 0 001 Ohms Operation Current 7mA Dimensions 2 8 L x 1 7 W x 0 83 D Weight 2 3 OZ Display Screen 16 character x 2 row LCD Nominal Operating Conditions 0 50 C ambient temperature non condensing humidity 1 3 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS CAUTION High power electrical systems pose dangers and it is the user s responsibility to be familiar with these dangers and take any necessary action to ensure safe use Shorting a battery or connecting your Watt Meter to a battery can supply huge currents and have serious consequences including explosions causing fire damage to equipment and personal injury 2 INSTALLATION gt Insure all terminating connections are clean and tight to prevent arcing and overheating There are risks associated with the potentially high currents measured by your watt meter These include but are not limited to fire burns and personal injury The user must be familiar with the relevant methods procedures and connection components before using or making any connections It is suggested that any connectors and wires chosen for use be appropriately sized and rated for the intended application and attached in the manner recommended by their respective manufacturers Revision 2 User Manual Page 3 of 11 baal CAUTION Poor connections and or intermittent loose connections can cause component damage The meter is essentially a jumper wire and provide
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