Paul & Sabrina's cheap DIY 144v motor controller

[adamj12b]

Originally Posted by bennelson

I also installed the RS232 port a while back, but haven't had any time since then to program and rig up a computer for data display and tracking.

Ben,

When you find the time, Feel free to email me and we will start with getting RTD Explorer connecting, like where we left off before you had that traveling job...

-Adam

[mrbigh]

Originally Posted by adamj12b

As for an LCD, what are you thinking about?? I have thought about some form of connection to an on dash LCD panel that could allow some simple modifications. I also plan that for just after the first of the year. I think you will be happy with the outcome.

-Adam

Yea, I was researching/studying on a Parallax stand alone micro with rgb output. Read terminal RS232 or RXD/TXD and display on a LCD monitor.
Also to include a USB port for a generic connection to a note book for programming tweaking( legacy serial ports are thing of the past today days).
It could be a very resourcefully tool of information.

[adamj12b]

It would not be hard to have a small LCD screen with a few buttons that would read the information from the controller.

I had thought about adding USB to the controller instead of serial, but it makes it harder to interface the controller with external hardware devices such as the LCD terminal that is wanted...

For USB, I have a good reliable USB to Serial adaptor that I use for everything. It work with my Mac, it works in the virtual machine on my mac.. Its Great!

I cant remember what model it is right now, but I will get it for tomorrow.

It was only like $28 bucks I believe. Very well worth the money.

-Adam

[sawickm]

Hi Adam,

Good to hear that you are still working on that SMT version of the controller. I can’t wait to check it out. Did you add other planned features to your SMT controller: Main contactor control ? Pack voltage monitoring? Motor speed sensor/back EMF? Pre-charge resistor/contactor? Traction battery polarity reversal detection?

Mcudogs added some of those features to his “rev.D” controller, but must still be working on the firmware for it. http://users.tpg.com.au/adslh5rj/cou...cougarpics.zip

Originally Posted by adamj12b

For USB, I have a good reliable USB to Serial adaptor that I use for everything. It work with my Mac, it works in the virtual machine on my mac.. Its Great!

I cant remember what model it is right now, but I will get it for tomorrow.

It was only like $28 bucks I believe. Very well worth the money.

-Adam

Hey, I am Definitely interested in more info about your USB to Serial adaptor.

-Mark

[jackbauer]

Just fyi i got a few atmega 168s on ebay and loaded up the 8khz v1.8 firmware. Runs fine on my test board.

[adamj12b]

OK,

The serial adaptor that im using is the ES-U-1001-R100 made by EasySync USA

It is the second and third one on the list on that page. One has a 10cm cord and the other has a 100cm cord.

This one works right on my mac which I love!!

And!! Its only $24.98!

I have bought many serial adaptors to find one I like, And I like this one the best.

-Adam

[squiggles]

Originally Posted by adamj12b

OK,
I have bought many serial adaptors to find one I like, And I like this one the best.
-Adam

I've kept an old laptop stored away because it has an RS232 port. Unfortunately computer manufacturers live in fantasy land and don't realise that there are millions of process control systems out there that don't have USB connectivity. I have tried several serial adaptors but found them all to be problematic.

Might just have to try the one Adam has found!

[mcudogs]

I am waiting on delivery of some Atmega168's to test the version D software.

The problem with the cheap USB / serial interfaces is usually something else using the resources assigned to the interface (modem, I/R serial, com port). If you try disabling the other devices you can usually get them going.

[regmeister]

Greg Fordyce posted a link to a BMS project.

It has a nice LCD implementation. I dunno if they're using a compatible microprocessor or not.

here's a utube

[mrbigh]

Originally Posted by regmeister

Greg Force posted a link to a BUMS project.

It has a nice LCD implementation. I dunno if they're using a compatible microprocessor or not.

here's a utube

This is a fine, under final development product of Peter Perkins and Greg Fordyce.
I wish I have the necessary batteries to make a real use of this BMS, but will in the near future.