[NSRCA-discussion] Cell Pro chargers

[Ed White]

I have two and have generally been pretty happy with them.  Definitely get the USB interface, great for tracking and saving data.  The one problem I've had so far is that I was charging a pack and the current starting dropping significantly before the voltage was at 42 volts.  Then noticed the unit was much warmer than usual, too hot to hold onto, and the fan wasn't running so I shut it down. 

I contacted FMA figuring I would send it back.  But they told me about a problem these sometimes have.  One of the wires to the front panel banana jacks can interfere with the fan and stop it from turning.  They suggested I open the unit first to see if this could be the problem.  It obviously was.  I pushed the wire so it was well clear of the fan.  Charger works fine now.  Note that this was not the first time using this charger.  It had worked fine before.  As built, the wire must have been really close and just moved enough for some reason to interfere with the fan.

Otherwise, they've worked as advertised.




________________________________
From: Keith Hoard <khoard at gmail.com>
To: General pattern discussion <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
Sent: Saturday, February 7, 2009 8:19:47 AM
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Cell Pro chargers

I have the 10S and love it. . . when its working.  I just sent mine back in for the second time after getting some cryptic error message that wasn't in the book.  So far, they have repaired it for no cost other than shipping.  Make sure you have a power supply with some grunt, especially if you're going to charge a few A123's since it will draw 25Amps right at the start.

As for the interface, it is very cumbersome to program using the two buttons.  You really need to get the two-way serial cable and access the innards thru your computers USB port.  I take my laptop out to the garage every once in a while and plug it into the 10S.  When I start up the 10S software, it automagically updates itself over my home's WiFi and then I can update the chargers firmware.  The software is also the key to programming several presets to use for your different batteries.

As for the bad components, what can you say.  They are mass produced in Asia just like every other electronic stuff we have.  So far they have been great repairing and returning anything I've sent them.


On Sat, Feb 7, 2009 at 8:09 AM, <AtwoodDon at aol.com> wrote:

I have been using a 10S for several months now with only one negative 
incident.  I normally charge my 10S batteries as 2 5S packs, which I 
consider my 'normal' condition.  About 2 months ago, I plugged in my 
batteries and 'poof', out came the magic smoke. Sent it in for repair and 
they replaced the unit, no explanation of what the cause was.  I like the 
unit and other than that one incident I have had no other issues. I bought the 
unit primarily to be able to determine and track internal resistance of the 
cells.  
 
While the 10S works fine as a charger, I don't care for the user 
interface.  Basically, you have 2 buttons to control and program everything 
with one of those buttons dedicated to start and stop.  While it may reduce 
manufacturing or programming costs, it makes the user interface cumbersome at 
best. 
Don
 
In a message dated 2/7/2009 5:31:18 A.M. Pacific Standard Time, jlkonn at hotmail.com writes:
I am  curious what folks have experinced with these.
I bought a 4s at Toledo last  year and it had a fatal (FMA's words) software failure
within a couple  months.  The new one is very temperature sensitive.  That is it 
will go in to "cold weather" charge even when in the 74F house.  Now  that I'm going to go
electric I was looking at a 10s but I know someone  that has one that appears to be failing.
I know a couple incidents doesn't  indict the whole line but I don't know that many people that
have these for  good or bad.  I'd like to hear what other folks have  seen.
Thanks!
JLK
=

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-- 

Keith Hoard
Collierville, TN
khoard at gmail.com
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