WATTS UP? PRO

The PRO version includes all the displays of the standard Watts up?, and it also comes with software and interfaces to a PC. The software automatically graphs all the data and includes an integrated analysis tool, called the Payback Calculator, which automatically calculates the time required for a new energy efficient appliance to pay for itself. Monthly savings are calculated, and they are compared to the purchase price of the new appliance.

As a data logger, the PRO records all the data into non-volatile (stored even if power is lost) memory. One thousand twenty-three data points are stored, starting with a sampling rate resolution of one second. The sample rate resolution increases over time (sample rate equals total time divided by 1023) so years of usage can be accurately recorded. Use the spreadsheet calculator below to determine what the logging interval will be, based on how long you are logging. For instance, the calculator will tell you that the interval between data will be 1 hour, 8 minutes and 16 seconds if you have logged data for 6 weeks.

The included cable (connects to the PC serial port) and software program allows the data to be quickly downloaded to a PC where the software creates a data table and easily manipulated graphs. The data and graphs can also be exported to popular spreadsheet and word processor programs for further analysis.

The PRO also records any power interruptions, which is extremely handy when performing an audit of several devices. In addition, the Pro is capable of real time logging. The communication protocol is fully documented in the help file, including a list of commands required for real-time logging (our software would not be used). The User Forum on this website is a place where users can swap information pertaining to the creation of code which supports real time logging. An international version (240v/50Hz) of the PRO is available.

WATTS UP?

Simply plug any device into Watts up?, and the meter instantaneously displays the wattage being used, as well as the cost, in dollars and cents.

Watts up? provides lots of information (see list below) yet it is simple to use. Only 6 values are displayed in the main modes. The other information is available in the detail mode. Clear English wording on the LCD is used to describe what is displayed.

Watts up? measures the voltage and current thousands of times a second so it has an incredibly fast response time which enables you to "see the surge" of power when appliances are first turned on. The peak value display captures this surge so it is displayed even if it happens too fast to see live. The minimum voltage display shows the line quality and voltage dips. Minimum current and minimum watts can be used to monitor variances in appliances that run continuously. Watts up? measures true RMS power (including power factor). True RMS power is what utilities charge for, which can be different than a simple voltage and current measurement (this is called "apparent power"). The duty cycle display shows the percent of time a load is above a preset threshold level. For instance, this threshold can be set to 100 watts and with a refrigerator the duty cycle display will show the percent of time that the compressor is running. A high reading may indicate a bad motor or low freon.

Sixteen Values displayed:

Cost, in dollars and cents	Average monthly cost	Power factor
True power	Average monthly kwh	Minimum voltage
Cumulative power (kwh)	Maximum voltage	Minimum current
Time	Maximum current	Minimum wattage
RMS Voltage	Maximum wattage	Duty cycle
RMS Current	Power cycle (PRO)

SPECIFICATIONS

• 120 VAC, 60 Hz, 15 amps continuous
• True RMS power measured and displayed
• +/- 3%, +/- 2 counts of the displayed value for loads
      above 10 watts
• +/- 5%, +/- 3 counts of the displayed value for loads
      below 10 watts
  Accuracy is of the displayed value, not the range. Some devices claim a smaller number for accuracy but it refers to the range. For instance, a specification of 0.2% of the range sounds good, but it is actually 3.6% of the display (.02 * 1800 = 3.6), which is a worse accuracy.
•  RS232 interface (PRO). A USB to RS232
      adapter is available
• Mains supply voltage fluctuations not to exceed
      +/- 10% of the nominal voltage
• Rate can be entered from $0.001 to $2.00 per
      kilowatt hour, in tenths of a penny
• Input is via 6' electric cord, output is via outlet on
      top of meter
• Indoor use only
• Dimensions: 7" x 4" x 2" (18cm x 10cm x 5cm)
• Weight: 1.5 lbs (0.7 kg)
  

For UL rating

• Watts up? is UL listed to standard 3111-1
• Altitude up to 2000 meters
• Temperature 50 C to 400 C
• Maximum relative humidity 80% for temperatures
      up to 310 C decreasing linearly to 50% relative
      humidity at 400 C
• Installation Category II