Maretron DCM100 User manual

Revision 1.0 Page i
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DCM100
DC Monitor
User’s Manual
Revision 1.0
Copyright © 2008 Maretron, LLP All Rights Reserved
Maretron, LLP
9014 N. 23rd Ave #10
Phoenix, AZ 85021-7850
http://www.maretron.com
Maretron Manual Part #: M000026

DCM100 User’s Manual
Page ii Revision 1.0
Revision History
Revision Description
1.0 Original document

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Table of Contents
1Introduction ...........................................................................................................................1
1.1Firmware Revision.................................................................................................... 1
1.2DCM100 Features .................................................................................................... 1
1.3Quick Install.............................................................................................................. 1
2Installation .............................................................................................................................2
2.1Unpacking the Box ................................................................................................... 2
2.2Choosing a Mounting Location ................................................................................. 2
2.3Mounting the DCM100.............................................................................................. 3
2.4Connecting the DCM100 .......................................................................................... 3
2.4.1Connecting the DCM100 NMEA 2000®Interface........................................... 3
2.4.2Connecting the DC power and Sensor Connections...................................... 4
2.4.3Checking Connections................................................................................... 5
2.5Configuring the DCM100 .......................................................................................... 5
2.5.1Instance Selection ......................................................................................... 6
2.5.2Priority Selection............................................................................................ 6
2.5.3DC Type ........................................................................................................ 6
2.5.4Battery-Specific Options ................................................................................ 6
2.5.4.1Battery Type..................................................................................... 6
2.5.4.2Nominal Voltage............................................................................... 6
2.5.4.3Equalization ..................................................................................... 7
2.5.4.4Temperature Coefficient................................................................... 7
2.5.4.5Peukert Exponent............................................................................. 7
2.5.4.6Charge Efficiency Factor.................................................................. 7
2.5.4.7Fully Charged Voltage...................................................................... 7
2.5.4.8Fully Charged Current...................................................................... 7
2.5.4.9Fully Charged Time.......................................................................... 7
2.5.4.10Battery Temperature ........................................................................ 7
2.5.4.11Time Remaining Floor...................................................................... 8
2.5.4.12Time Remaining Averaging Period................................................... 8
2.5.4.13Zero Current Threshold.................................................................... 8
2.5.4.14Current Sensor Zero Offset Calibration............................................ 8
2.5.5NMEA 2000®PGN Enable/Disable................................................................ 8
2.5.6Restore Factory Defaults ............................................................................... 8
3Output Parameters................................................................................................................8
3.1Parameters Common to DC Sources and Batteries ................................................. 9
3.1.1Battery Voltage .............................................................................................. 9
3.1.2Battery Current .............................................................................................. 9
3.1.3Ripple Voltage ............................................................................................... 9
3.1.4Parameters Specific to Batteries.................................................................... 9
3.1.5Battery Case Temperature ............................................................................ 9
3.1.6State of Charge.............................................................................................. 9
3.1.7Time Remaining............................................................................................. 9
4Background .........................................................................................................................10
4.1Why Monitor Batteries? .......................................................................................... 10
4.2Batteries ................................................................................................................. 10

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4.3Battery Capacity ..................................................................................................... 10
4.4Battery Types ......................................................................................................... 10
4.5Battery Safety Precautions ..................................................................................... 11
4.6Charging Inefficiencies ........................................................................................... 11
4.6.1Charge Efficiency Factor (CEF) ................................................................... 11
4.7Discharging Inefficiencies....................................................................................... 11
4.8Peukert Exponent ................................................................................................... 11
5Synchronization...................................................................................................................12
5.1Charge Efficiency Factor Calculation...................................................................... 12
6Maintenance........................................................................................................................12
7Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................13
8Technical Specifications......................................................................................................14
9Technical Support ...............................................................................................................15
10Installation Template ...........................................................................................................16
11Maretron (2 Year) Limited Warranty....................................................................................17
Table of Figures
Figure 1 – Mounting the DCM100...............................................................................................3
Figure 2 – NMEA 2000®Connector Face Views ........................................................................4
Figure 3 – Mounting Surface Template ....................................................................................16
Table of Appendices
Appendix A – NMEA 2000®Interfacing Translations ............................................................... A1

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1 Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Maretron DC Monitor (DCM100). Maretron has
designed and built your DC monitor to the highest standards for years of dependable and
accurate service.
Maretron’s DCM100 is a device which monitors DC power sources or batteries and outputs
information about these sources onto the industry standard NMEA 2000® marine data network
so that these data can be monitored with networked NMEA 2000®displays such as the
Maretron DSM250 or with NMEA 2000®compatible software such as Maretron N2KView.
The Maretron DCM100 is designed to operate within the harsh demands of the marine
environment. However, no piece of marine electronic equipment can function properly unless
installed, configured, and maintained in the correct manner. Please read carefully and follow
these instructions for installation, configuration, and usage of the Maretron DCM100 in order to
ensure optimal performance.
1.1 Firmware Revision
This manual corresponds to DCM100 firmware revision 1.0.2.
1.2 DCM100 Features
The Maretron DCM100 has the following features.
•NMEA 2000®Interface
•Waterproof Connectors
•Sealed Waterproof Enclosure
•Opto-Isolated from NMEA 2000®Eliminating Potential Ground Loops
•Can monitor DC Power Sources, Transmitting Voltage and Current
•Can monitor Lead Acid and Gel Batteries, Transmitting Voltage, Current, Temperature,
and State of Charge
•Uses Peukert’s Constant and Charge Efficiency Factor for Accurate State of Charge
Calculation
•Can Calculate Charge Efficiency Factor Based on Observed Battery Performance
1.3 Quick Install
Installing the Maretron DCM100 DC monitor involves the following five steps. Please refer to
the individual sections for additional details.
1. Unpack the box (Section 2.1)
2. Choose a mounting location (Section 2.2)
3. Mount the DCM100 (Section 2.3)
4. Connect the DCM100 (Section 2.4)
5. Configure the DCM100 (Section 2.5)
6. Synchronize the DCM100 with the battery (Section 2.6)

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2 Installation
2.1 Unpacking the Box
When unpacking the box containing the Maretron DCM100, you should find the following
items:
1 – DCM100 – DC Monitor
1 – DC Current Sensor with 5 ft. long cable (Part # LEMHTA200-S) (outer cable covering grey)
1 – Battery Temperature Sensor with 5 ft. long cable (Part # TR3K) (outer cable covering grey)
1 – Battery Voltage Sense Cable, 5 ft. long (Part # FC01) (outer cable covering white )
1 – Power Cable, 5 ft. long (Part # FC01) (outer cable covering white)
1 – Parts Bag containing 4 Stainless Steel Mounting Screws
1 – DCM100 User’s Manual
1 – Warranty Registration Card
If any of these items are missing or damaged, please contact Maretron.
2.2 Choosing a Mounting Location
The DCM100 should be mounted near the monitored source of DC power. Please consider the
following when choosing a mounting location.
1. The DCM100 is waterproof, so it can be mounted in a damp or dry location.
2. The orientation is not important, so the DCM100 can be mounted on a horizontal deck,
vertical bulkhead, or even upside down if desired.
3. The DCM100 is temperature rated to 55°C (130°F), so it should be mounted away from
engines or engine rooms where the operating temperature exceeds the specified limit.

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2.3 Mounting the DCM100
Attach the DCM100 securely to the vessel using the included stainless steel mounting screws
or other fasteners as shown in Figure 1 below.
Figure 1 – Mounting the DCM100
2.4 Connecting the DCM100
The DCM100 requires two electrical connections as shown in . Refer to Section 2.4.1 for
making the NMEA 2000®connection and Section 2.4.2 for making the DC monitor connections
(i.e., current sensor, sensing voltage, and temperature sensor connections)..
2.4.1 Connecting the DCM100 NMEA 2000®Interface
Vertical text on the DCM100 label identifies the NMEA 2000®connector. With the label right
side up, the NMEA 2000®connector can be found on the right side of the enclosure. The
NMEA 2000®connector is a five pin male connector (see Figure 2). You connect the DCM100
to an NMEA 2000®network using a Maretron NMEA 2000®cable (or compatible cable) by
connecting the female end of the cable to the DCM100 (note the key on the male connector
and keyway on the female connector). Be sure the cable is connected securely and that the
collar on the cable connector is tightened firmly. Connect the other end of the cable (male) to
the NMEA 2000®network in the same manner. The DCM100 is designed such that you can
plug or unplug it from an NMEA 2000®network while the power to the network is connected or
disconnected. Please follow recommended practices for installing NMEA 2000®network
products.

DCM100 User’s Manual
Figure 2 – NMEA 2000®Connector Face Views
2.4.2 Connecting the DC power and Sensor Connections
The DCM100’s DC Power and sensor connections are made by connecting to the 12-pin
terminal strip on the top of the unit. First, remove the four screws at the corners of the unit
securing the splash guard to the unit. On the bottom of the splash guard, you will find a label
detailing the wire connection to pin number assignments, which are repeated in the table
below.
Pin Number Signal Name Connection
1 IACurrent Sensor, Red Wire
2 IBCurrent Sensor, Green Wire
3 ICCurrent Sensor, Black Wire
4 IDCurrent Sensor, White Wire
5 VSENS+ Battery, + Terminal
6 VSENS- Battery, - Terminal
7 VPWR- Vessel Ground
8 VPWR+ 9-16 V Power
9 No Connect
10 No Connect
11 TATemperature Sender, Red Wire
12 TBTemperature Sender, Black Wire
Step 1: The Current Sensor (LEMHTA200-S) has a gray cable containing red, green, black,
and white wires. Install the Current Sensor as follows:
a. Connect the red wire to pin 1 (IA) on the DCM100
b. Connect the green wire to pin 2 (IB) on the DCM100
c. Connect the black wire to pin 3 (IC) on the DCM100
d. Connect the white wire to pin 4 (ID) on the DCM100
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e. Disconnect the wire from the positive terminal of the battery or other DC source that
is being monitored and place it through the hole in the Current Sensor such that the
arrow on the Current Sensor points towards the battery or DC source. Then,
reattach the wire to the positive terminal of the battery or other DC source.
Step 2: The temperature sensor (TR3K) has a gray cable containing red and black wires.
Connect the Temperature Sensor as follows:
a. Connect the red wire to pin 11 (TA) on the DCM100
b. Connect the black wire to pin 12 (TB) on the DCM100
c. Connect the ring terminal on the Temperature Sensor to the negative terminal of the
battery being monitored
Step 3: The Battery Sense cable (FC01) is a white cable containing one red and one yellow
wire (please note that the same type of cable is used both for the Battery Sense cable and for
the Power cable). Install the Battery Sense cable as follows:
a. Connect the yellow wire from one end of the cable to pin 6 (VSENS-) on the DCM100.
b. Connect the yellow wire from the other end of the cable to the negative terminal of
the battery or DC source being monitored (NOTE: this may or may not be the same
as the vessel ground)
c. Connect the red wire from the first end of the cable to pin 5 (VSENS+) on the DCM100
d. Connect the red wire from the other end of the cable to the positive terminal of the
battery or DC source being monitored
Step 4: The Power cable (FC01) is a white cable containing one red and one yellow wire.
Install the DCM100 power cable as follows:
a. Connect the yellow wire from one end of the cable to pin 7 (VPWR-) on the DCM100.
b. Connect the yellow wire from the other end of the cable to the vessel ground
c. Connect the red wire from the first end of the cable to pin 8 (VPWR+) on the DCM100.
d. Connect the red wire from the other end of the cable to a source of 5?-36? VDC
power (NOTE: this wire may nor may not be connected to the same place as the red
wire from the Battery Sense cable).
2.4.3 Checking Connections
Once the NMEA 2000®, Current Sensor, Temperature Sensor, Voltage Sense, and DC Power
connections to the DCM100 have been completed, check to see that information is being
properly transmitted by observing an appropriate NMEA 2000®display. If you don’t see DC
power data, refer to Section 7, “Troubleshooting”.
2.5 Configuring the DCM100
The DCM100 will transmit data over the NMEA 2000 network as it is shipped from the factory;
however, it does require configuration in almost all cases for proper functioning. There are
several configurable items within the DCM100, including: 1) NMEA 2000®DC power instance
selection, 2) Priority Selection, 3) DC Type, 4) Battery Type, 5) Battery Capacity, 6) Nominal
Voltage. 7) Equalization, 8) Temperature Coefficient, 9) Peukert Exponent, 10) Charge
Efficiency Factor, 11) Fully Charged Voltage, 12)Fully Charged Current. 13) Fully Charged
Time. 14) Battery Temperature, 15) Time Remaining Floor, 16) Time Remaining Averaging

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Period, 17) Zero Current Threshold, 18) Manually Set Battery to 100%, 19) Current Sensor
Zero Offset Calibration, and 20) NMEA 2000 PGN Enable/Disable.
2.5.1 Instance Selection
NMEA 2000®provides a unique engine instance for each DC power source on a vessel. You
configure the DCM100 using a Maretron DSM250 display or other NMEA 2000®display unit
that is capable of configuring the DCM100. Please refer to the Maretron DSM250 User’s
Manual for details.
2.5.2 Priority Selection
NMEA 2000®can provide a unique priority for allowing multiple, redundant sensors for a single
DC power source on a vessel. If you have only on DCM100 on a particular DC power source,
you should leave the priority selection at the default value of zero. You configure the DCM100
using a Maretron DSM250 display or other NMEA 2000®display unit that is capable of
configuring the DCM100. Please refer to the Maretron DSM250 User’s Manual for details.
2.5.3 DC Type
You can configure the DCM100 as to what type of DC power source it is monitoring. With the
exception of the “Battery” type, the value of this parameter is used only for reporting the power
source type over the NMEA 2000 network. However, if you select the “Battery” type, many
battery-related options become available. You configure the DCM100 using a Maretron
DSM250 display or other NMEA 2000®display unit that is capable of configuring the DCM100.
Please refer to the Maretron DSM250 User’s Manual for details.
The following DC Types are selectable:
- Battery (See Section 2.5.4 for options that are enabled when this type is selected)
- Alternator
- Convertor
- Solar Cell
- Wind Generator
2.5.4 Battery-Specific Options
The options in this section are available only if the “DC Type” parameter is set to “Battery”.
2.5.4.1 Battery Type
The available battery types are “Flooded/Wet”, “Gel”, “AGM”, and “Other”. Selecting one of
these types causes the remaining parameters to be set to appropriate default values.
2.5.4.2 Nominal Voltage
You may program here the nominal voltage of the battery, which is used only for reporting over
the NMEA 2000 network. Available choices are 6, 12, 24, 32, 36, 42, and 48 Volts.