Porting software code between operating systems can be a frustrating experience. What works well in Windows may behave very differently in Unix/MacOS. For instance the software also relies on special processes that are needed to flash the firmware . Unfortunately this means the release of the Mac version has been delayed, quite likely for several months.
I am the owner of a SW development business that is 100% Macos, Linux, and embedded systems. Not a single Windows machine here. For me, the lack of Macos (or Linux) SW makes the Wakespeed a non-starter, despite it\'s being the best (IMHO) smart alternator regulator on the market.
You made a good point Edward but the challenges are many on this one. For background, we developed this app to support Wakespeed as they worked on the actual hardware and each product must stand on its own.
The lib/app for firmware updates from STM is windows only and we have not been able to find an available copy of the source code to recompile.
Apple developers license costs are high, for a product with limited volume.
No one wants to even spend $ 25 on software
Maintaining a code signing licenses is another cost to consider
It takes time and resources to port, test, upgrade and maintain multiple operating systems
We estimate a market of 25-30 unit sales per year for a MACOS product, which is less than $ 1,000 in annual revenues. For us to consider it the cost of the app would have to be in excess of $100 and we would need a minimum of 50 sales per year just to cover costs, and just don\'t see that as productive use of our skills at this time.
If you have any ideas, we are always open to discussion.
There are different ways to program the WS500.
I would advise the \"Universal configuration Utility\"
You can download it from the Wakespeed website including the manual.
In short:
Unzip the file and open the created folder.
There is a _MACOSX folder, open this.
next folder Universal configuration Utility, open this.
To this folder you can add
- .txt file for configuration changes
- .dfu file for firmware updates
After adding the .txt or .dfu start the \"\"._~~ UPDATE ~~ .bat\"\" file and follow instructions on the screen.
The .txt file you can create your self or you dealer can send it.
There are also many examples on the wakespeed website under download.
The latest firmware you can download from wakespeed website.
Ben
Hi Rick, can you please remove \"MAC OS\" from the \"additional info\" of the software please? I got fooled by this and wasted a Download into my Mac. Luckily I also have a Windows laptop which I can use.
Cheers,
Harvey
I\'m a MAC OS guy too and this has been a major drag, a major annoyance. The only Windows s..t I still have to look at on my boat is for my REC-BMS and the WS-500. And I do that through a little Intel stick and at times its hit and miss because of port issues. As I keep saying, the first time MS builds something that doesn\'t suck is when they go into the Vacuum cleaner business.
And this is not Rick\'s fault. He\'s working with what he\'s got and how the products came into being. The onus will be on WS and REC to integrate a BT module into their products so they can keep selling these otherwise great products.
Anyhow, I truly LOVE my WS-500 and my Rec-bms. Outstanding stuff. But I\'d never buy it again unless it had an integrated BT module and a smartphone app. Paying $180 US plus shipping for a BT upgrade is out of this world, at least for old broke buggers like me.
You could get the REC WIFI module.
Would be cool if you could download and upload config over VRM for Wakespeed.
Should be easy to integrate, but I doubt that will happen.
I know that Wakespeed are working on WIFI and/or bluetooth integration..
