Following a review of returned ZM5 units with faults it was apparent that system installation issues required more protection on the ZM5 circuit board. We have a commercial operator who has amassed over 20,000 hours trouble free operations, so the basic concept is OK

System faults like, high resistance cables or loose wiring terminals, bad alternator diodes, engine preheat systems and extremely low battery volts (flat) were the motivation to provide that protection.

Unfortunately, the ZM5 circuit board did not allow for expansion of components due to limited size.

So, we embarked on the ZM6 and added 42 more items to make a great product even better, and to focus on LifeP04 needs.

This new unit now has the following added features:

 

  • Improved output stage controlling field, with better protection of onboard components.
  • Spade terminals as opposed to small screw terminals.
  • Temperature monitoring of battery or alternator, with field isolation in an overtemperature situation.
  • Low voltage cut out (10v)
  • Single unit will be 12 or 24 volt N or P switching.
  • Onboard 5-amp Field fuse.
  • Field “ON” LED
  • Increased indicators, from three to eight LEDs.
  • Better heatsink protection of key working components.
  • User selectable Absorption time from zero minutes to 140 minutes in 20-minute steps.
  • User selectable Absorption and Float modes for setting and or operational reasons.
  • Onboard component temperature measuring and shut down in the event of an overtemperature situation.
  • External BMS control to the ZM6 for field shut down
  • Integrated ‘keep alive’ feature for reliable tachometer readings.
  • Suitable for every battery type, including Lithium Ion.

 

As a result of this move, we will stop production of the ZM5 to focus on the ZM6, however support and repairs will still be provided for the ZM5 for the foreseeable future.

Field testing of the new ZM6 has seen over 200 starts, with one test switching on and off every 20 seconds at a load of 70 amps. And a further 5000 starts at 20amps. Another test was 250 hours operation pulling 20 amps continuous.