®
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
Maretron Manual Part #: M000026
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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
2.4.3 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
2.5.4.10Battery Temperature ........................................................................ 7
2.5.4.11Time Remaining Floor...................................................................... 8
2.5.4.13Zero Current Threshold.................................................................... 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
5.1 Charge Efficiency Factor Calculation...................................................................... 12
7 Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................13
8 Technical Specifications......................................................................................................14
9 Technical Support ...............................................................................................................15
11 Maretron (2 Year) Limited Warranty....................................................................................17
Table of Figures
Figure 2 – NMEA 2000® Connector Face Views ........................................................................4
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.
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
Figure 1 – Mounting the DCM100
2.4 Connecting the DCM100
(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
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.
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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
Current Sensor, Red Wire
Current Sensor, Green Wire
Current Sensor, Black Wire
Current Sensor, White Wire
Battery, + Terminal
Battery, - Terminal
Vessel Ground
9-16 V Power
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
IA
IB
IC
ID
VSENS+
VSENS-
VPWR-
VPWR+
No Connect
No Connect
TA
10
11
12
Temperature Sender, Red Wire
Temperature Sender, Black Wire
TB
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
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:
- 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.
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2.5.4.3 Equalization
You may indicate here whether or not the battery supports equalization. This is used only for
reporting over the NMEA 2000 network. Available choices are “Supported” and “Not
Supported”.
2.5.4.4 Temperature Coefficient
The capacity of a battery generally increases with increasing temperature. So that the
DCM100 can properly calculate the battery’s state of charge, program this parameter with the
increase in battery capacity, in percent, per increase in temperature, in degrees Celsius. The
temperature coefficient can be set to a value between 0%/°C – 5%/°C.
2.5.4.5 Peukert Exponent
The Peukert Exponent for the battery can be set to a value between 1.0 and 1.5. Please refer
2.5.4.6 Charge Efficiency Factor
The Charge Efficiency Factor for the battery can be set to a value between 5% and 100%.
2.5.4.7 Fully Charged Voltage
In order for the DCM100 to determine when a battery is fully charged, it uses three
parameters. The “Fully Charged Voltage” indicates the value voltage at which the battery is
considered fully charged if the battery voltage remains above this value and the battery current
remains below the “Fully Charged Current” for the amount of time defined by the “Fully
Charged Time” parameter.
2.5.4.8 Fully Charged Current
In order for the DCM100 to determine when a battery is fully charged, it uses three
parameters. The “Fully Charged Voltage” indicates the value voltage at which the battery is
considered fully charged if the battery voltage remains above this value and the battery current
remains below the “Fully Charged Current” for the amount of time defined by the “Fully
Charged Time” parameter.
2.5.4.9 Fully Charged Time
In order for the DCM100 to determine when a battery is fully charged, it uses three
parameters. The “Fully Charged Voltage” indicates the value voltage at which the battery is
considered fully charged if the battery voltage remains above this value and the battery current
remains below the “Fully Charged Current” for the amount of time defined by the “Fully
Charged Time” parameter.
2.5.4.10
Battery Temperature
In order for the DCM100 to properly determine battery capacity and state of charge, it must
know the temperature of the battery If you are using a TR3K temperature sensor attached to
the battery, you should set this parameter to “Sensor”. Otherwise, if no temperature sensor is
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available, you can set this parameter to the estimated battery temperature, between -25°C and
125°C.
2.5.4.11
Time Remaining Floor
The DCM100 calculates the time, given the current being discharged from the battery, before
the battery becomes discharged. By default, the DCM100 considers a battery to be
discharged when its state of charge reaches the “Time Remaining Floor” value, which is by
default set to 50%. If you desire to use some other state of charge value for the “Time
Remaining Floor”, you may change this parameter to the desired value.
2.5.4.12
Time Remaining Averaging Period
If loads on the battery are switching on and off frequently, the battery time remaining value
calculated by the DCM100 can vary significantly. You may change the time over which current
readings are averaged by changing this parameter anywhere in the range of 1 second to 32
minutes.
2.5.4.13
Zero Current Threshold
The current sensor reading can drift slightly at zero current, depending on temperature. Over
a long period of time, this can cause the DCM100 to calculate that a battery is discharging
slowly, even though it is not. The Zero Current Threshold parameter indicates a reading from
the current sensor below which no current is considered to be flowing into or out of the battery.
2.5.4.14
Current Sensor Zero Offset Calibration
The DCM100 is shipped with a Hall-effect current sensor. In order to match the DCM100 unit
and the sensor to one another and ensure maximum accuracy, you should perform this
calibration step while there is no current flowing through the current sensor.
2.5.5 NMEA 2000® PGN Enable/Disable
The DCM100 is capable of transmitting two different kinds of NMEA 2000® messages (or
PGNs) associated with DC sources and batteries. You may individually enable or disable each
of these messages. You can 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.
2.5.6 Restore Factory Defaults
Selecting this configuration option causes all stored parameters in the DCM100 to be reset to
the values they contained when the unit was manufactured.
3 Output Parameters
The DCM100 outputs a variety of information about the DC source or battery onto the NMEA
2000 network.
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3.1 Parameters Common to DC Sources and Batteries
The parameters in this section are transmitted regardless of the “DC Type” selected (see
3.1.1 Battery Voltage
This parameter indicates the voltage present across the battery terminals.
3.1.2 Battery Current
This parameter indicates the voltage being supplied to the battery, in the case of charging, or
being supplied from the battery, in the case of discharging. Charging current is represented as
a positive value, while discharging current is represented as a negative value.
3.1.3 Ripple Voltage
This parameter indicates the magnitude of the AC voltage component of the battery or DC-
source. Ideally, the ripple voltage should read zero. Excessive ripple voltage may cause
functional problems in devices which draw power from the DC power source.
3.1.4 Parameters Specific to Batteries
The parameters in this section are transmitted only of the “DC Type” parameter is set to a
3.1.5 Battery Case Temperature
This parameter indicates the present temperature indicated at the temperature sensor, which
should be attached to the battery’s negative terminal.
3.1.6 State of Charge
This parameter indicates how much energy is contained in the battery. The reading ranges
from 0%, which indicates a completely flat battery, to 100%, which indicates a completely
charged battery.
3.1.7 Time Remaining
This parameter indicates how long the battery can supply the present current before becoming
discharged. The value of state of charge which is used to calculate the discharged state for
this parameter can be adjusted by changing the “Time Remaining Floor” parameter (see
added to or subtracted from the battery, so the damping may be adjusted by changing the
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4 Background
4.1 Why Monitor Batteries?
The lifetime and storage capacity of batteries can be greatly affected by the way in which they
are used. Discharging a battery excessively or under-charging or over-charging a battery can
ruin it. A battery monitor can help you monitor and adjust your battery usage to extend a
battery’s lifetime to the maximum possible. In addition, a battery monitor can help you to
determine the amount of energy stored in your batteries in order to plan energy usage and
charge cycles, and can help you to monitor the health of your batteries to determine when they
need to be replaced.
4.2 Batteries
A battery stores electrical energy in the form of chemical energy. Batteries are not 100%
efficient. Not all electrical energy put into the battery during charging is stored in the battery as
chemical energy, and not all chemical energy stored in the battery is converted to electrical
energy during discharge.
4.3 Battery Capacity
The capacity of a battery is specified in Amp-hours. A battery that delivers one Ampere of
current for one hour has delivered one Amp-hour. The capacity of a marine deep-cycle battery
is specified based on the amount of current it can deliver to go from a fully-charged state to a
fully-discharged state (battery voltage has dropped to 10.5 volts). For example, a battery that
becomes fully discharged after twenty hours of delivering 5 amperes of current is rated as a (5
amperes x 20 hours) 100 Amp-hour battery.
The capacity of a battery is affected by the temperature of the battery. In general, for lead-acid
batteries, the capacity of a battery increases with higher temperature. The DCM100 accounts
for this by using the “Temperature Coefficient” parameter.. This parameter is expressed in
units of percentage per degree Celsius. For example, a Battery Capacity Temperature
Coefficient value of 0.5 %/°C means that, if the Charge Efficiency Factor were 80 Amp-Hours
at 25°C, then at 26°C, the CEF would increase to 80.4 Amp-Hours.
4.4 Battery Types
Almost all batteries used in marine applications are of the Lead-Acid type. There are three
main types of Lead-Acid batteries, depending on the form of the electrolyte. When the
electrolyte is stored in liquid form, the batteries are called “Flooded”, “Wet”, or sometimes,
simply “Lead-Acid”. When the electrolyte is stored in a gel form, the batteries are called “Gel”
batteries. When the electrolyte is stored absorbed into fiberglass mats, the batteries are called
“AGM”, or “Absorbent Glass Mat”, batteries. These batteries have different properties, and the
DCM100 can monitor all three of these battery types. When you set the “Battery Type”
parameter, the DCM100 sets remaining battery measurement parameters to values which are
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4.5 Battery Safety Precautions
1. Lead-acid batteries generate explosive gases during operation. Make sure that the
area around the batteries is well-ventilated. Never allow flames or sparks near a battery.
2. Wear clothing and eye protection when working with batteries. If battery acid comes into
contact with your skin or clothing, wash them immediately with soap and water. If
battery acid contacts your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes with cool running water for
at least 15 minutes, and immediately seek medical attention.
3. Be careful when using metal tools on or around batteries. If a metal tool falls between
the battery terminals, it can cause a short-circuit which can generate sparks, igniting
fuel fumes, or may also cause the battery to explode.
4. Remove metal items like watches, necklaces, rings, and bracelets when working with
batteries. If these items were to contact the battery terminals, the resulting short-circuit
could produce a current which could melt the objects and possibly cause severe skin
burns.
4.6 Charging Inefficiencies
When charging a battery, not all of the electrical energy put into the battery is stored as
chemical energy. This section details how the DCM100 accounts for this type of inefficiency.
4.6.1 Charge Efficiency Factor (CEF)
The Charge Efficiency Factor (CEF) represents the percentage of electrical energy that is put
into a battery that is stored as electrical energy, measured at 25°C. An ideal battery would
have a charge efficiency factor of 1.0, or 100%. A new flooded lead-acid battery may have a
CEF of 0.95, or 95%. This value means that if 100 Amp-hours of energy are put into a battery
by a charger, this results in the battery’s charge increasing by only 95 Amp-hours. The
DCM100 is capable of calculating a battery’s charge efficiency factor on the fly, as the battery
is being charged and discharged, to produce the most accurate state of charge values.
4.7 Discharging Inefficiencies
In an ideal battery, 100% of the energy in the battery would be available no matter what
discharge current is used. However, with lead-acid batteries, the energy available from a
battery depends on the rate at which a battery is discharged – the faster you discharge the
battery, the less energy is available.
The Amp-hour capacity of most batteries is specified using a 20-hour rate; that is, the Amp-
hour capacity rating of the battery is calculated if the battery is discharged from 100% to 0%
using a constant current over the period of 20 hours. If the battery is discharged at a faster
rate, then it will output less than the rated Amp-hour capacity before becoming fully
discharged.
4.8 Peukert Exponent
This effect was presented by a German scientist, W. Peukert, in 1897. He formulated an
equation which closely approximates the effect of discharge rate on battery capacity. A
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restated version of the equation, which allows you to calculate the time to totally discharge a
given battery at a given discharge current, follows:
ܶ ൌ ܴ ቀ ቁ ,
ூோ
where
ܥ = the rated battery capacity in Amp-hours, ܴ = the number of hours over which the rated battery capacity was calculated (usually 20),
ܫ = the discharge current in Amperes, ܶ = the time to discharge the battery in hours, and
݊ = the Peukert constant for the battery (dimensionless).
The Peukert constant for an ideal battery is 1.0. For lead-acid batteries, the value of the
Peukert constant is in the range of 1.10 – 1.25.
The DCM100 takes the Peukert effect into account when calculating the state of charge of a
battery.
Please contact the manufacturer of your battery to obtain the Peukert’s constant for the battery
to which you are connecting the DCM100.
5 Synchronization
In order to keep state of charge readings as accurate as possible, the DCM100 must
periodically (once per month is recommended) be synchronized with the battery. This is done
by fully charging the battery. When the battery is at the “Fully Charged Voltage” and the
current flowing into the battery is below the “Fully Charged Current” threshold for more than
the “Fully Charged Time”, the DCM100 sets the state of charge of the battery 100% (see
5.1 Charge Efficiency Factor Calculation
The battery must first be discharged below the synchronization threshold state of charge. The
battery must then be fully charged.
At this point, if the “Charge Efficiency Factor” is set to “Auto”, the DCM100 re-calculates the
Charge Efficiency Factor based on the amount of energy which flowed into the battery during
the charging cycle. This new Charge Efficency Factor value is used for further charging
cycles. Alternatively, you may manually set the value of the “Charge Efficiency Factor” (see
6 Maintenance
Regular maintenance is important to ensure continued proper operation of the Maretron
DCM100. Perform the following tasks periodically:
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• Clean the unit with a soft cloth. Do not use chemical cleaners as they may remove
paint or markings or may corrode the DCM100 enclosure or seals.
• Ensure that the unit is mounted securely and cannot be moved relative to the mounting
surface. If the unit is loose, tighten the mounting screws.
• Check the security of the cable connected to the NMEA 2000® connector, and tighten if
necessary.
• Check the security of all of the battery connections, current sensor connections, and
temperature connections on the top of the unit and tighten if necessary.
7 Troubleshooting
If you notice unexpected operation of the Maretron DCM100, follow the troubleshooting
procedures in this section to remedy simple problems. If these steps do not solve your
information).
Symptom
Troubleshooting Procedure
No DC power data
visible on NMEA 2000®
network.
Ensure that the DCM100 is properly connected to the NMEA
2000® network.
Ensure that the battery voltage, current sensor, and temperature
sensors are properly connected to the DCM100.
Ensure that the DCM100 has the appropriate NMEA 2000® PGNs
Battery State of Charge Ensure that the Peukert exponent you have entered for the battery
shows 100% before the is correct.
charge cycle is finished
Synchronize the DCM100 with the battery.
Battery State of Charge Ensure that the Peukert exponent you have entered for the battery
jumps from 95% or
is correct.
lower to 100% when the
charge cycle is finished
Synchronize the DCM100 with the battery.
Battery State of Charge The current sensor is installed incorrectly. Reverse the direction of
decreases while
the wire through the current sensor.
charging and increases
while discharging
Warning: There are no user-serviceable components inside the Maretron DCM100. Opening
the DCM100 will expose the sensitive electronic components to adverse environmental
conditions that may render the unit inoperative. Please do not open the DCM100, as this will
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DCM100 User’s Manual
automatically void the warranty. If service is required, please return the unit to an authorized
Maretron service location.
8 Technical Specifications
As Maretron is constantly improving its products, all specifications are subject to change
without notice. Maretron products are designed to be accurate and reliable; however, they
should be used only as aids to navigation and not as a replacement for traditional navigation
aids and techniques.
Certifications
Parameter
Comment
NMEA 2000®
Level A
Maritime Navigation and Radiocommunication Equipment & Systems
FCC and CE Mark
IEC 60945
Electromagnetic Compatibility
NMEA 2000® Parameter Group Numbers (PGNs)
Description
PGN #
PGN Name
Default Rate
Periodic Data PGNs
127506 DC Detailed Status
127508 Battery Status
0.67 times/second
0.67 times/second
127513 Battery Configuration Status
126464 PGN List (Transmit and Receive)
126996 Product Information
126998 Configuration Information
059392 ISO Acknowledge
059904 ISO Request
060928 ISO Address Claim
065240 ISO Address Command
126208 NMEA
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Response to Requested PGNs
Protocol PGNs
Maretron Proprietary PGNs
128720 Configuration
Electrical
Parameter
Value
Comment
Operating Voltage
Power Consumption
9 to 16 Volts
70 mA
30 mA
1
DC Voltage
VPWR+, VPWR-
NMEA 2000 Interface
NMEA 2000® Spec. (1LEN = 50 mA)
Indefinitely
Load Equivalence Number (LEN)
Reverse Battery Protection
Load Dump Protection
Yes
Yes
Energy Rated per SAE J1113
Mechanical
Parameter
Size
Value
Comment
Including Flanges for Mounting
3.50” x 4.20” x 2.03”
(88.9mm x 106.7mm x
51.6mm)
Weight
13 oz. (368.5 g)
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Environmental
Parameter
Value
Exposed
IP64
IEC 60954 Classification
Degree of Protection
Operating Temperature
Storage Temperature
Relative Humidity
-25°C to 55°C
-40°C to 70°C
93%RH @40° per IEC60945-8.2
Vibration
Rain and Spray
Solar Radiation
Corrosion (Salt Mist)
Electromagnetic Emission
Electromagnetic Immunity
Safety Precautions
2-13.2Hz @ ±1mm, 13.2-100Hz @ 7m/s2 per IEC 60945-8.7
12.5mm Nozzle @ 100liters/min from 3m for 30min per IEC 60945-8.8?
Ultraviolet B, A, Visible, and Infrared per IEC 60945-8.10
4 times 7days @ 40°C, 95%RH after 2 hour Salt Spray Per IEC 60945-8.12
Conducted and Radiated Emission per IEC 60945-9
Conducted, Radiated, Supply, and ESD per IEC 60945-10
Dangerous Voltage, Electromagnetic Radio Frequency per IEC 60945-12
9 Technical Support
If you require technical support for Maretron products, you can reach us in any of the following
ways:
Telephone: 1-866-550-9100
Fax: 1-602-861-1777
E-mail: [email protected]
Mail: Maretron, LLC
Attn: Technical Support
9014 N. 23rd Ave Suite 10
Phoenix, AZ 85021 USA
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11Maretron (2 Year) Limited Warranty
Maretron warrants the DCM100 to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for two (2) years from the
date of original purchase. If within the applicable period any such products shall be proved to Maretron’s
satisfaction to fail to meet the above limited warranty, such products shall be repaired or replaced at Maretron’s
option. Purchaser's exclusive remedy and Maretron’s sole obligation hereunder, provided product is returned
pursuant to the return requirements below, shall be limited to the repair or replacement, at Maretron’s option, of
any product not meeting the above limited warranty and which is returned to Maretron; or if Maretron is unable to
deliver a replacement that is free from defects in materials or workmanship, Purchaser’s payment for such
product will be refunded. Maretron assumes no liability whatsoever for expenses of removing any defective
product or part or for installing the repaired product or part or a replacement therefore or for any loss or damage
to equipment in connection with which Maretron’s products or parts shall be used. With respect to products not
manufactured by Maretron, Maretron’s warranty obligation shall in all respects conform to and be limited to the
warranty actually extended to Maretron by its supplier. The foregoing warranties shall not apply with respect to
products subjected to negligence, misuse, misapplication, accident, damages by circumstances beyond
Maretron’s control, to improper installation, operation, maintenance, or storage, or to other than normal use or
service.
THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES ARE EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF AND EXCLUDES ALL OTHER EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Statements made by any person, including representatives of Maretron, which are inconsistent or in conflict with
the terms of this Limited Warranty, shall not be binding upon Maretron unless reduced to writing and approved by
an officer of Maretron.
IN NO CASE WILL MARETRON BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, DAMAGES
FOR LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF ANTICIPATED PROFITS OR SAVINGS, OR ANY OTHER LOSS INCURRED
BECAUSE OF INTERRUPTION OF SERVICE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MARETRON’S AGGREGATE LIABILITY
EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PRODUCT(S) INVOLVED. MARETRON SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT
TO ANY OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES, WHETHER ARISING OUT OF BREACH OF CONTRACT OR
WARRANTY, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), OR OTHER THEORIES OF LAW WITH RESPECT TO
PRODUCTS SOLD OR SERVICES RENDERED BY MARETRON, OR ANY UNDERTAKINGS, ACTS OR
OMISSIONS RELATING THERETO.
Maretron does not warrant that the functions contained in any software programs or products will meet
purchaser’s requirements or that the operation of the software programs or products will be uninterrupted or error
free. Purchaser assumes responsibility for the selection of the software programs or products to achieve the
intended results, and for the installation, use and results obtained from said programs or products. No
specifications, samples, descriptions, or illustrations provided Maretron to Purchaser, whether directly, in trade
literature, brochures or other documentation shall be construed as warranties of any kind, and any failure to conform
with such specifications, samples, descriptions, or illustrations shall not constitute any breach of Maretron’s limited
warranty.
Warranty Return Procedure:
To apply for warranty claims, contact Maretron or one of its dealers to describe the problem and determine the
appropriate course of action. If a return is necessary, place the product in its original packaging together with
proof of purchase and send to an Authorized Maretron Service Location. You are responsible for all shipping and
insurance charges. Maretron will return the replaced or repaired product with all shipping and handling prepaid
except for requests requiring expedited shipping (i.e. overnight shipments). Failure to follow this warranty return
procedure could result in the product’s warranty becoming null and void.
Maretron reserves the right to modify or replace, at its sole discretion, without prior notification, the warranty listed
above. To obtain a copy of the then current warranty policy, please go to the following web page:
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Appendix A – NMEA 2000® Interfacing
DCM100 NMEA 2000® Periodic Data Transmitted PGNs
PGN 127506 – DC Detailed Status
The DCM100 uses this PGN to transmit slowly changing DC and Battery Data
Field 1: SID – The sequence identifier field is used to tie related PGNs together. For
example, the DCM100 will transmit identical SIDs for 127506 (DC Detailed Status)
and 127508 (Battery Status) to indicate that the readings are linked together (i.e.,
the data from each PGN was taken at the same time although they are reported at
slightly different times).
2: DC Instance – This field indicates the particular DC source or battery for which this
data applies. A single battery will have an instance of 0. Batteries in boats with
multiple batteries will be numbered uniquely, starting at 0.
3: DC Type – This field indicates the type of DC source being monitored. The DCM100
indicates on of the following values: 0=Battery, 1=Alternator, 2=Convertor, 3=Solar
Cell, 4=Wind Generator.
4: State of Charge – This field indicates the state of charge of a battery in units of 1%.
5: State of Health – This field always contains a value of 0 (no State of Health
calculation).
6: Time Remaining – This field indicates the time remaining to the discharge floor at the
current rate of discharge in units of 1 minute.
7: Ripple Voltage – This field indicates the amplitude of AC ripple present on the DC
voltage source in units of 1 mV.
PGN 127508 – Battery Status
The DCM100 uses this PGN to transmit slowly changing Battery Data.
Field 1: Battery Instance – This field indicates the particular battery for which this data
applies. A single battery will have an instance of 0. Batteries in boats with multiple
batteries will be numbered uniquely, starting at 0.
2: Battery Voltage – This field indicates the voltage of the battery in units of 10 mV.
3: Battery Current – This field indicates the current flowing through the battery in units of
0.1A. Positive values denote that charging current, negative values denote
discharge current.
4: Battery Case Temperature – This field indicates the temperature of the battery’s case
in units of 0.01°K.
5: SID – The sequence identifier field is used to tie related PGNs together. For example,
the DCM100 will transmit identical SIDs for 127506 (DC Detailed Status) and 127508
(Battery Status) to indicate that the readings are linked together (i.e., the data from
each PGN was taken at the same time although they are reported at slightly different
times).
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Appendix A – NMEA 2000 Interfacing
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PGN 127508 – Battery Configuration Status
The DCM100 uses this PGN to transmit unchanging battery configuration data.
Field 1: Battery Instance – This field indicates the particular battery for which this data
applies. A single battery will have an instance of 0. Batteries in boats with multiple
batteries will be numbered uniquely, starting at 0.
2: Battery Type – This field indicates the type of battery. The DCM100 indicates one of
the following values: 0=Flooded, 1=Gel, 2=AGM.
3: Supports Equalization – This field indicates whether the battery supports an
equalization charge. The DCM will always transmit a value of 0 for this field.
4: Reserved – This field is reserved by NMEA; therefore, the DCM100 sets all bits to a
logic 1.
5: Nominal Voltage – This field indicates the nominal voltage of the battery. The
DCM100 indicates one of the following values: 0=6 Volts, 1=12 Volts, 2=24 Volts,
3=32 Volts, 4=36 Volts, 5=42 Volts, 6=48 Volts.
6: Battery Chemistry – This field indicates the chemistry of the battery. The DCM100
indicates one of the following values: 0=Lead Acid, 1=LiIon, 2=NiCad, 3=ZnO,
3=NiMH.
7: Battery Capacity – This field indicates the capacity of the battery in units of 1 amp-
hour.
8: Battery Temperature Coefficient – This field indicates the increase of battery capacity
with increasing temperature in units of 1%/°C.
9: Peukert Exponent – This field indicates the Peukert exponent of the battery with a
resolution of 0.002 (unitless).
10: Charge Efficiency Factor – This field indicates the charge efficiency factor of the
battery in units of 1%.
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Appendix A – NMEA 2000 Interfacing
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