[mizlplix]

In their multitude of literature about their chargers is the phrase "and tools to load new algorithms in the field."

I assume it would require a dealer or the Sacramento boys to do this "field" reprogramming? I see no information about it included.

(Sorry, I dont intend to stay lithium ignorant forever...Lol)

TYVM,Miz

[Coulomb]

Originally Posted by mizlplix

I assume it would require a dealer or the Sacramento boys to do this "field" reprogramming? I see no information about it included.

I think that's what is intended.

However, it may be possible to use the connector at the top of the image below to JTAG program it:



You'd have to figure out what the processor is, figure out the JTAG connector pinout (if that even is a JTAG connector), reverse engineer the code, and then downloading a new image would be relatively easy.

There's a lot of assumptions in the above, and they may have put spanners in the works at various points. Personally, I'd like to see the details published (either by the manufacturer, or by an enterprising user that wants to be able to upgrade his charger without sending it half way around the world).

[mizlplix]

Me too. I don't have a problem with the $75 charge, it is the shipping both ways that is a game killer.

I have found that most of the " dealers" I have conversed with are very evasive when answering questions about programming a charger. A few admitted that they need it to go to Sacramento and they dont do it "in house".

Leading me to believe no one outside Elcon, USA can do it.

Of coarse I've been wrong before.

Miz

[mizlplix]

OK, From a layman's perspective....I only see 1 actual "algorithm" with 10 steps of charging voltage to suit your cell count.

Not the "10 unique algorithms, easily field programmable with tools included to do it in the field".

It is a good charger, but it is FAR from what they puff it up to sound like.

Yet more creative salesmanship.

Miz

[mizlplix]

Totaly agreed. Nice charger. But mine is set up for no BMS. If I get a BMS later it will cost me $75 plus post both ways. Oh well I can dream.

Miz

[mizlplix]

Not so much to control the charger. Elcon told me it was a totally different more aggressive charge curve with BMS than one without....like mine. If mine were used with a BMS then my pack would be woefully under charged and it charges much slower too.

Miz

[dladd]

Originally Posted by mizlplix

Not so much to control the charger. Elcon told me it was a totally different more aggressive charge curve with BMS than one without....like mine. If mine were used with a BMS then my pack would be woefully under charged and it charges much slower too.

Miz

why is that? what does a BMS have to do with the charging curve?

[mizlplix]

Their explain was you needed to be more careful without BMS.

I am a noob at this. Time will reveal the truth to me.

Miz

[dladd]

but even with a BMS I'm still not going to be charging any higher. I currently charge to 3.5v/cell. This is where I would charge whether I have a BMS or not. I still don't get why I'd want a different algorithm with/without a BMS.

Maybe they consider 3.5vpc woefully undercharged? Do they recommend charging to a higher voltage? My cycle tests (with a PL-6 battery station) show me that there is pretty much nothing above 3.5v

The way Miz worded it, it sounds to me like Elcon is saying if you take a charger that is designed to be used without a BMS, then put on a BMS, the same charger with the same algorithm will now suddenly undercharge the pack. That doesn't make sense.

[mizlplix]

Why do they ask if you are using BMS or not when doing your charger order work sheet?

I think it has to do with which system you use to cut off the charger. Mine came with the remote control circuit soldered togather, and stated to "remove solder dot to connect to a BMS system (which then controls the shut off point).

They also said curve 611 was only compatible with a BMS. and gave me a 501 curve.

To add to my confusion, I have a 120 volt pack, I assumed it needed a model 120 charger. I got a model 96 charger. It still covers the range, but only just.

Cool, Thanks, guys.

Miz