¶ WatchMonCORE - What is new and different?
We have taken a hard look at where our customers were having difficulties and addressed them. WatchMonCORE is a stronger and better model. This revamp is taking the lessons we have learned from WM4 and building on its proven platform to introduce a few new features.
WatchMonCORE is compatible with all previous products that WatchMon4.4 was compatible with (e.g. Expansion1, Expansion2, ShuntMon2, etc).
¶ Relay Instead of Mosfet Output
For a more robust solution, we have moved away from Mosfet outputs and embraced Relays.
This can be seen too on Expansion3 which has 3 mechanical and 3 SSR relays and has also removed the MOSFET outputs. This change was because MOSFET outputs have become a major source of failure due to inrush current. We have found relays more reliable and easier for our customers.
¶ IsoMon now Needed to Communicate with BlockMons, LongMons and LeafMons
Some components directly needed by only our legacy cell monitors have moved onto the IsoMon3 board. Bidirectional rather than single-direction isolation has also been incorporated into the IsoMon. It is therefore essential if upgrading from a WatchMon4 to a WatchMonCORE to use an IsoMon3 to communicate with these individual cell monitors.
With our new CellMate-K9, the IsoMon isn't needed.
¶ Extra Pin on CMU Serial
We have reworked the serial connection to match the same sequence of the shunt plug (5V, RX, TX, GND) and add a fault detect pin. This will prevent confusion between the Shunt and CMU, reducing the consequences of a mistake and giving scope to add planned functionality with the Fault pin.
It is however important that the WatchMon4's CMU plug and cable is not used with the WatchMonCORE. IsoMon3 is essential when using our legacy individual monitors.
¶ Ambient Temperature Sensor
This was missing from the WatchMonPlus range and originally mounted on the WatchMon4 supervisor. This has now been relocated to be remote to allow better sensor placement and prevent the impact of the heat generated from the onboard DC-DC from affecting the readings.
¶ SOC% Meter
The "at-a-glance" state of charge display of 4 LEDs (representing 100%, 75%, 50% and 25%) has been included in the WatchMonCORE. This was introduced on the WatchMonPlus range and from the positive feedback was determined it should be part of the standalone supervisor.
¶ Larger DC-DC supply
To improve the ease of installation, we have increased the power rating of the WatchMonCORE to be able to handle 6 CellMate-K9, ShuntMon and Expansion3. This was from the learnings of customers attempting to use the MultiMon-MM8 that needed an external supply at a different voltage for the rest of the system. To simplify the approach for CellMate-K9, the power is now directly fed from the supervisor DC-DC which has had its power rating increased to 6W with the same voltage range of 8 to 30v supply.
Do not use the 5V source to supply other circuits or fans etc.
¶ CANBus
The communication bus is now fully isolated to prevent issues when connected to some equipment that is not properly grounded. The Isolation requirement is now stipulated by some inverters available in the market. The 120ohm terminating resistor is now mounted to the circuit board and can be removed if required (via cutting the resistor leg). This eliminates the need to combine the resistor with the cabling on the plug.
