Q&A

High-frequency connectors

• Q What are the shortest and longest cable lengths?

  A

  MThe minimum size of semi-rigid cable is 50 mm including connectors.
  The minimum size of semi-flexible cable is 75 mm including connectors.
  The maximum size of soft rigid cable is 5 m including connectors.

• Q Points to bear in mind when assembling semi-rigid cables (bending R, bending shape, dimensioning point)
  About bending R (radius)

  A

  Please see ”Notes to order” and "Bending specifications".

• Q How much is the permittivity?

  A

  The usual relative permittivity of PTFE is 2.1.

• Q How much is the eccentricity?

  A

  Please see this document.

• Q Regarding the point for the start of bending in a soft rigid cable

  A

  Please see this document.

• Q Is it possible to handle customization aside from the posted content?

  A

  There are many products registered in-house besides those posted on this website, and we can provide proposals in line with customer requests.
  Of course, customization of products other than those registered with us is also possible.

• Q Regarding quantities, what is the smallest number of products that can be ordered?

  A

  Some of our products can be ordered in quantities of one or more. Please contact us for details.

• Q Before purchasing, is it possible to be provided with a sample for assessment?

  A

  Where possible, we can prepare samples for assessment.

• Q About the handling of electrical length fitting (pair cables)

  A

  This can be handled with all kinds of cable. Please contact us for details.

Solar charge modules

• Q MPPT is the most significant merit of the WSC series, but what merits can be gained from it?

  A

  The PWM method is used in cheaper systems and with it, voltage that is seen as surplus electric power goes to waste. MPPT differs from PWM, in that surplus voltage is converted to electric current for charging. As a result, charging efficiency increases by around 20% with MPPT.
  1. Charging is possible in unfavorable conditions, such as when it is raining or cloudy, and equipment can be installed in locations with short daylight hours.
  2. It is possible to realize the miniaturization of panels and batteries in response to customer needs for smaller, lighter equipment.
  3. The MPPT system, which used to be expensive, is now cost-effective due to our unique design, and can be easily adopted.

• Q What kind of solar panels and independent power supply equipment can be fitted with the WSC series?

  A

  There are three types of devices for current output in the series line-up.
  MPPT solar charge modules fitted on extension boards can be used simply by connecting the solar panel and battery to the terminal board.
  1. Li-ion and lead battery types can be connected with an easy configuration.
  2. Please choose suitable types from our line-up that correspond with the solar panel and battery.
  3. When installing stand-alone modules in equipment, please contact us to discuss individual configuration methods.

• Q (Specific example) I have a question about the WSC5002EX. The maximum current output is 2 A and the recommended solar panel is between 10 and 100 W. The specifications of the solar panels at our company are an official maximum operational current output of 2.74 A, which is greater than 2 A. Is it possible to use the WSC5002EX in this situation?

  A

  It can be used without a problem. The charging module undertakes power conversion. By controlling current output, MPPT functions control input to the solar panel side.
  Even if current output from the solar panel is large, the charging module does not draw this into a level greater than the output power. Surplus electric power is consumed as heat on the panel side.

• Q Is operation of the controller charging method the three-stage charging (bulk, absorption, float) that is normally seen?

  A

  The charging method in the WSC series is the CCCV (constant current, constant voltage) method.
  This is for compatibility with li-ion batteries, but it can also be used with lead batteries.

• Q Is it possible to set the charging voltage?

  A

  It can be set by changing the jumper location.
  When the ideal settings cannot be achieved by changing the jumper location, it is possible to make adjustments using variable resistance in a range between 13.9 and 27.0 V.

• Q How many amps is the maximum charging current for usable batteries?

  A

  The maximum charging current is the maximum output current of the charge module. Please use this range when choosing a battery.
  The maximum output current is 1 A for the WSC2001, 2 A for the WSC5002 and WSC5002EX, and 8 A for the WSC10008.

• Q Is it impossible to use the WSC series when the maximum output current of the solar panel exceeds the maximum output current for the WSC series?

  A

  The WSC series undertakes power conversion via MPPT control. Even if the maximum output current of a solar panel is large, usage is possible because nothing greater than the maximum output current of the WSC series is drawn in. There is no need to worry about equipment failure.

• Q Both lithium-ion and lead batteries can be used, but what does that mean?

  A

  Because the charging method is CCCV (constant current, constant voltage), so long as it is within the range for possible adjustment, both lithium-ion and lead batteries can be used. Also, when the battery voltage exceeds 102% of the set level, charging is stopped for safety reasons.

• Q What is the excess electrical discharge protection function and in what kind of situations does it operate?

  A

  It is a function for ensuring that electrical discharge does not cause voltage to fall below a set level, thereby preventing excessive battery deterioration.
  Electrical discharge is stopped when the battery voltage falls below the set level for one second or more.

• Q What happens when the temperature range for use is exceeded? Is the overheat shutdown function activated?

  A

  The temperature range for use assumes normal battery use. WSC itself continues to operate even if the temperature range for use is exceeded.
  The overheat shutdown function comes into operation at 120℃, which is viewed as the detection of an obvious temperature abnormality.

• Q In what kind of situations does the excess overcurrent protection come into operation?

  A

  It comes into operation when current from the WSC to the battery exceeds a set level.
  Charging operation is stopped when the current exceeds 2 A for the WSC2001, 4 A for the WSC5002 and WSC5002EX, or 16 A for the WSC10008.
  Overcurrent from the battery to the load is limited by a fuse.

• Q What is the external temperature sensor used for?

  A

  The sensor is attached to the battery and is used to protect the battery from excessive deterioration.
  Charging is stopped when the temperature falls to 0℃ or below, or when it climbs to 45℃ or above.

• Q Is usage possible without a solar panel when connected to an AC adapter?

  A

  Yes, it is. When an AC adapter is connected, operation continues with input from the solar panel cut.
  It can be used as a battery charger even without a solar panel. In that case, please adjust the settings for an MTTP without a jumper.

• Q What happens if a battery is connected with the positive and negative terminals reversed?

  A

  Because equipment failure is possible in all connection devices, including WSCs, please only make connections having undertaken sufficient checks beforehand.
  In order to avoid reduced charging efficiency, the WSC series is not fitted with a reverse connection protection circuit.

• Q How much is the self-power consumption?

  A

  It is not possible to accurately measure electric power when connected to a solar panel, but it is about 30 mA during charging, a maximum of 4 mA in the daytime when the battery is fully charged and charging is stopped (consumption from the solar panel), and 20 μA at night when charging is stopped (consumption from the battery).

• Q What is the purpose of the LED lights?

  A

  LED1 indicates that the WSC is running or that charging is taking place. At present, LED2 does not operate.

• Q Is it necessary to stop charging when transmitting with specific low-power radio?

  A

  With the WSC2001 an WSC10008, this will not give rise to noise to the extent that communication will be affected, so it is possible to transmit even during charging.