ASCII COMMUNICATIONS The WS500 Alternator Regulator features a Micro USB port to allow for advanced monitoring / diagnostics, configuration, as well as firmware updates. Simply connect a USB cable (making sure it is a proper data USB cable, and not a charger-only cable) between your computer and the USB micro port. Any needed drivers should install automatically, though you may need a connection to the internet depending on your operating systems.
Terminal Programs Many operating systems have built in terminal programs. After connecting the regulator to the computer you can use one of these to open a communications window to the WS500 Alternator Regulator. A special note, some terminal programs do not send a complete end-of-line terminator (CR+LF). To support these environments, the WS500 Alternator Regulator will recognize the character ‘@’ as an alternative EOL indicator.
Remember that any configuration changes you make to the regulator may not take effect until the regulator is restarted. When you have finished, make sure to issue the $RBT: command to not only assure changes are saved to the regulator ’s non-volatile memory, but that the changes are then utilized by the regulator. (refer to $RBT: - ReBooT system on page 65). After rebooting the WS500 Alternator Regulator verify the changes you sent were recognized by the regulator by inspecting the various status strings.
Putty: A versatile option is the free ‘Putty’ program ( www.putty.org ) . It supports a wide range of OSs and includes a very nice logging function. To use connect up the USB cable and start Putty. Configure as shown here – selecting the Serial Line which your USB serial port is associated with, and setting the speed to 115200 and clicking the Serial Connection Type redial button.
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