
WET Labs, Inc.
Battery Pack
WETPak-20R
User’s Guide
PO Box 518
Philomath, OR 97370
(541) 929-5650
www.wetlabs.com
WETPak-20R User’s Guide (WETPak20) Revision E 8 March 2006

Attention!
Return Policy for Instruments with Anti-fouling
Treatment
WET Labs cannot accept instruments for servicing or repair that are treated with anti-fouling
compound(s). This includes but is not limited to tri-butyl tin (TBT), marine anti-fouling paint,
ablative coatings, etc.
Please ensure any anti-fouling treatment has been removed prior to returning instruments to
WET Labs for service or repair.
WETPak-20R User’s Guide (WETPak20) Revision E 8 March 2006

WETPak Warranty
This unit is guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship for one year from
the original date of purchase. Warranty is void if the factory determines the unit was
subjected to abuse or neglect beyond the normal wear and tear of field deployment, or in
the event the pressure housing has been opened by the customer.
To return the instrument, contact WET Labs for a Return Merchandise Authorization
(RMA) and ship in the original container. WET Labs is not responsible for damage to
instruments during the return shipment to the factory. WET Labs will supply all
replacement parts and labor and pay for return via 3
warranty.
Shipping Requirements for Warranty and Out-of-warranty
Instruments
rd
day air shipping in honoring this
1. Please retain the original shipping material. We design the shipping container to meet
stringent shipping and insurance requirements, and to keep your meter functional.
2. To avoid additional repackaging charges, use the original box (or WET Labsapproved container) with its custom-cut packing foam and anti-static bag to return the
instrument.
• If using alternative container, use at least 2 in. of foam (NOT bubble wrap or
Styrofoam “peanuts”) to fully surround the instrument.
• Minimum repacking charge for WET Paks: $90.00.
3. Clearly mark the RMA number on the outside of your shipping container and on all
packing lists.
4. Return instruments using 3rd day air shipping or better: do not ship via ground.
WETPak-20R User’s Guide (WETPak20) Revision E 8 March 2006

1. Description
The WETPak-20R is a rechargeable battery pack that provides a maximum of 10 Amp hours
(AH). It uses sealed lead acid batteries and comes with a short pigtail with the proper mating
connector. The WETPak comes equipped with a polyswitch to protect connected instruments and
the batteries from a possible short. The standard configuration is a single bulkhead connector,
though a dual-bulkhead connector version is available. The WETPak-20R has an overpressure
vent plug designed to prevent excessive pressure build-up inside the battery casing.
2. Specifications
Dimensions: 15.5 x 4.5 in (39.4 x 11.4 cm) diameter
Rated depth: 500 meters
Voltage output: 12 VDC (9.5–13.6)
Battery type: Hawker Energy Cyclon XCELL Sealed Lead Acid
Cell rating: 2 Volt, 5.0 AH
Number of cells: 12
Total capacity: 10 AH *
Charging: 12 Volt/1.25 Amp
Fusing: 3 Amp polyswitch
Connector: VSG-2-BCL
Pin 1: GND
Pin 2: V+
Housing: Anodized aluminum
* Capacity ratings are according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Actual
performance depends on rate of discharge, temperature, and the minimum
voltage requirements of your instrument. For an accurate assessment of
battery life, compare discharge curves for the battery type with the minimum
voltage on your instrument specification sheets.
.
WETPak-20R User’s Guide (WETPak20) Revision E 8 Mar. 2006 1

3. Operation, Storage, and Maintenance
Typical hours of use for a few configurations:
WETStar + C-Star + Pump 16–18 hrs
ac-9 + Pump 9–10 hrs
ac-9 + DH-4 + Pump 7–8 hrs
For system applications requiring continuous use, two battery packs are needed—one
charging while the other is in use. Charge the WETPak by connecting the appropriate
charger to the bulkhead connector.
WARNINGS
Remove the overpressure vent plug while charging the batteries to prevent
any buildup of hydrogen gas.
Lead acid batteries must be charged in a ventilated area.
The batteries will accept 1.5 Amp maximum recommended charging current. Obtaining a
full charge will require 8–12 hours, depending upon the initial discharge state. WET Labs
recommends using a battery charger that will automatically switch from fast charge to
trickle charge when the batteries are fully charged (13.2V).
Continuous charging with this charger will not harm the batteries. Note that if the
batteries are not fully charged when stored, the “uncharged” portion provides the
chemicals for sulfation (hardening) of the plates inside the battery. This reduces the
batteries’ power capacity. Under certain conditions, damage to the battery can occur in
just a few hours if not recharged immediately.
Under normal circumstances, sealed lead acid batteries will not leak and therefore need
not be stored upright. It is preferable to store the WETPak-20R connected to a tricklecharger. If it is not convenient to store the battery pack connected to the charger, charge
the batteries once every three months to prevent them from losing their rated capacity.
Batteries allowed to discharge below about 10.2V cannot be recharged as many times,
may not operate efficiently, or may not work at all. Recharge battery pack just before use.
Maintenance summary:
• Keep battery pack connected to a trickle charger when not in use.
• Charge after each use, no matter how brief.
• Do not allow batteries to discharge below 10.2V.
• Do not store for more than 90 days without fully recharging (13.2V).
2 WETPak-20R User’s Guide (WETPak20) Revision E 8 Mar. 2006

Revision History
Revision Date Revision Description Originator
A 10/7/99 Begin revision tracking H. Van Zee
B 2/28/00 Add battery storage section (DCR 17) A. Derr
C 4/24/01 Add battery maintenanc e section (DCR 104) H. Van Zee
D 1/13/06 Clarify warra nty statement (DCR 481) A. Gellatly, S. Proctor
E 3/8/06 Update battery storage and maintenance section;
delete user-accessible fuse replacement (DCR 492)
J. da Cunha, H. Van Zee
WETPak-20R User’s Guide (WETPak20) Revision E 8 March 2006