Me too, me too! I am also looking for a reliable high voltage 144 volt battery charge system. I love the idea of the open source solution. There are plenty of people who would love to have that option.
Paul let me know about the development system for the AtMegaXX microprocessors and I now have one on order. Complete setup including several processors for under $100. Develop code in Windows and load to the SDK board. Couldn't be easier. Software CAN be a viable solution.
Now I just need to learn more about hardware.
Eric