The ATEM POWER 200A Watt Meter (AP200WM) is a high-precision watt meter and power analyzer designed for monitoring power generated by solar panels or power consumed by appliances from a battery. It is an Australian-designed product, emphasizing innovation and quality for outdoor and renewable energy applications.
Function Description:
The watt meter serves as a diagnostic tool for various electrical systems, particularly those involving solar power and battery management. It can measure and display several electrical parameters, including current (Amps), voltage (Volts), power (Watts), energy (Watt-hours), and charge (Amp-hours). This allows users to:
- Monitor solar panel output: By connecting the watt meter between a solar panel and a battery lead, users can determine the power being generated by the solar panel.
- Monitor appliance consumption: By connecting the watt meter between a battery and an appliance, users can measure the power being drawn by the appliance.
- Diagnose electrical issues: The detailed measurements can help identify inefficiencies, overloads, or other problems within an electrical system.
- Track energy usage: The device records cumulative energy (Wh) and charge (Ah), which is useful for understanding long-term consumption or generation.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Product Dimensions: 3.35"L (8.5cm) x 1.65"W (4.2cm) x 0.98"H (2.5cm)
- Net Weight: 0.18lbs (82g)
- Operation Voltage: 0-60V (0-9V with Auxiliary Power)
- Operation Current: 0-200A
- Auxiliary Battery Operating Voltage: DC 9-60V
- Auxiliary Battery Operating Current: 0.2-0.5A
- Operating Temperature: 0°C (32°F) - 70°C (158°F)
- LCD Display Screen: 16 Character x 2 Row STN LCD
- Measurement Resolution:
- 0-200A, Resolution 0.01A
- 0-60V, Resolution 0.01V
- 0-6554W, Resolution 0.1W
- 0-65Ah, Resolution 0.001Ah
- 0-6554Wh, Resolution 0.1Wh
- Measurement Update Period: 0.4s
- Data Queue Sequence Time: 2s
- Wire Size: 12AWG
The device features two main connections: a Source Connection and a Load Connection, typically utilizing Anderson-style plugs for easy and secure attachment. It also includes an Auxiliary Battery Port (optional component) for situations where the main voltage is too low (< 9V) to power the watt meter's display. In such cases, an auxiliary 12V battery can be connected to pin1 (negative) and pin2 (positive) of this port.
The LCD display shows four key data points simultaneously:
- Amps Average Measured: Current flow.
- Current Voltage of Battery: Voltage of the system.
- Data Queue: This section cycles through various measurements every 2 seconds, including Charge (Ah), Watt-hours (Wh), Energy (Ap - Current Peak), Watt-peak (Wp), Minimum Voltage (Vm), and Maximum Voltage (Vp).
- Watts Average Measured: Instantaneous power consumption or generation.
Usage Features:
- Simple Connection: The watt meter is designed for straightforward inline connection. For monitoring solar panel generation, connect the "Source" connection to the solar panel lead and the "Load" connection to the battery lead. For monitoring appliance consumption, connect the "Source" connection to the battery and the "Load" connection to the appliance.
- Automatic Power-On: The display lights up and starts displaying power information automatically once connected and powered.
- Data Queue for Comprehensive Monitoring: The data queue feature provides a rotating display of multiple parameters, offering a complete overview of the system's performance without manual switching.
- Resetting Data Queue: When power is supplied to the watt meter, the unit will start recording data. To reset the Data Queue to zero, simply disconnect the watt meter from power, wait 30 seconds, and reconnect.
- Auxiliary Power Option: The auxiliary battery port ensures the watt meter can operate and display readings even in low-voltage scenarios, which is crucial for diagnosing deeply discharged batteries or low-output solar panels.
Maintenance Features:
- No User-Serviceable Parts: The manual explicitly states that there are no serviceable parts for this meter. Users should NOT disassemble or attempt to repair the meter. This emphasizes the importance of proper handling and reliance on the manufacturer for any issues.
- Durability and Safety: The device is designed to be robust, but users are advised to prevent water ingress and ensure all connections are tight to maintain optimal performance and safety.
- Warranty: ATEM POWER provides a 12-month warranty, covering defects in design or manufacture that prevent the unit from performing correctly. This warranty ensures repair or replacement at the company's discretion, provided the fault is due to a design or manufacturing defect and not misuse or tampering.
- Warranty Exclusions: The warranty does not cover costs associated with removing/reinstalling the product, travel expenses, transport charges, damage in transit, indirect losses, damage from mold, misuse, incorrect operation, adverse weather, extreme temperature, accidents, daily wear and tear, or commercial use. It also specifically excludes damage from incorrect installation/connection, including improper polarity wiring.
- Battery Safety: Users are reminded to never short a rechargeable battery or the meter connected to one. It is crucial to ensure all wiring and connections are rated for the input/output current and are properly assembled for each application. Reading battery manuals carefully before operation is also recommended for safety.
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