PL 8 - Q and A section - How to Set up - Use etc,

[Burgerman]

What makes you think its not a revolectrix firmware?

3.3 is just an older one. Dont worry. Just update it.

[Burgerman]

Do you mean name??

[shirley_hkg]

I didn't know it can name a PL8 after someone.

Yes, seller renamed it, and sent me vid.

[Burgerman]

I named one of mine BLUETOOTH can you guess why? Theres no visible difference between one of the BT ones and a non BT one as everything is internal. After spending 10 mins trying to get it to connect I then realised why! It wasnt BT. So now I named the BT ones BT1 and BT2 and the other two just say FUIM3 NO.1 and FUIM3 NO.2...

All are version 3.5 or 3.6.

[shirley_hkg]

Shirley,
It would be helpful to also have another FUIM3. !
Ciao,
Lenny

This FUMI3 USB serial converter looks trivial , but we cannot do without it, and is also very hard to find now .

Is it possible DIY ?

Besides,
will these stock converters be a work around ?

[woodygb]

The only thing that seemed special about the FUMI3 was it's use of opto-isolators on the TX and RX.

[woodygb]

This seems to fit the bill....sadly it is out of stock.

https://www.zeptobit.com/index.php?product=6

[woodygb]

Here is another with Opto - Isolation that MIGHT be suitable.

https://www.botnroll.com/en/rs232-e-rs4 ... ch340.html

[snaker]

That PL8 usb should not be a concern because a BT (internal or external) works better. I even see BT signal is more stable than the usb. I think it might be Ok to update firmware through BT too. There is checksum inside the firmware, in the worst case if the firmware is damaged during transmitting, the microcontroller (arduino) would refuse to update. But it is in theory. BM has tried and had bad experience so we should take his advice: avoiding update firmware through BT.

Another caution for BT, the 3-pin connector must be plugged in the right order. If in the wrong order, the PL8 would die as in the expresso's case.

[woodygb]

This FUMI3 USB serial converter looks trivial , but we cannot do without it, and is also very hard to find now .

Is it possible DIY ?

Besides,
will these stock converters be a work around ?

Shirley ..You showed a BLUE PL2303 in one of your pics ...make sure it is a PL2303 TA not the earlier PL2303 HX...

The circuit that you could try is simple enough and I THINK it will work...

DO NOT CONNECT THE 5V ..Just connect the GND and RX at the PL8 and place a Schottky Diode between RX and TX on the USB - TTL convertor side.

The same wiring / diode arrangement could be applied to other USB-TTL Adapters.

[woodygb]

You could pop the case remove / cut the RED 5v and GREEN TX wires , also place the Schottky diode inside jumpering across from RX to TX .

[shirley_hkg]

Thanks Woodygb.
Over the last week , I find dozens of used PL8 are on sale. However, it would still be useless for those late comers without a link to the CCS. Graphing is an essential feature .

I'm thinking of sending you a PL8, so you can put up something to replace FUMI3.

[woodygb]

Thanks Woodygb.
Over the last week , I find dozens of used PL8 are on sale. However, it would still be useless for those late comers without a link to the CCS. Graphing is an essential feature .

I'm thinking of sending you a PL8, so you can put up something to replace FUMI3.

I am happy to give it a try and if I can get it to work I will purchase the PL8 from you.

[foghornleghorn]

Over the last week , I find dozens of used PL8 are on sale.

Hi Shirley,

What condition are they in, and how much would one cost delivered to UK address?

[shirley_hkg]

Hasn't arrived. Will examine and report to you all..

[Burgerman]

The Fuim3 is opto isolated. Otherwise you can destroy your computer or the PL8 quite easily.

[shirley_hkg]

I was tempted to purchase this used pl8

https://www.ebay.com/itm/325120633919?m ... olid=10050

People are so desperate going after it ! ! !

[LROBBINS]

Woody,

Banggood seems to have the Zigbee in stock.

[Burgerman]

Can zigbe be used as a serial port in the same way as BT just as easily?

How about the 2 watt 915mhz LoRa system as used by my RC system? That has great range. A real 40 to 80km. OTT for a charger but will work through many walls, etc so I can control and monitor a charger in the garage?

Another
https://www.ebay.com/itm/325130928529

[shirley_hkg]

This non V2 comes with FUMI3 usb link.

[woodygb]

The Fuim3 is opto isolated. Otherwise you can destroy your computer or the PL8 quite easily.

B.M. ...Would you care to expound on the second part of that statement.

[Burgerman]

The non opto isolated connection on the hyperion cost me a dead USB port, and 2 weeks later a dead motherboard. The PC chassis/negative/ground was at a different level to the motherboard. Worse, I knocked the connectig cable to the power supply while charging at 20A. That then caused the hyperion t connect its negative via the USB to the PC and its pos supply via the non isolated power supply pos. Which caused a small pop and the PC turned off. Indefinitely.

You must use isolated USB and/or power supplies. I mean really isolated. Even a little electrical noise means bad data.

[Burgerman]

The non version 2 has slightly different cable thickness internally and can be updated to version2 electronically just by firmare as far as I know. Best to charge at less than full power though probably.

The V1 was rated at 1000w instead of the 1344watts of the version2.

[woodygb]

The non opto isolated connection on the hyperion cost me a dead USB port, and 2 weeks later a dead motherboard. The PC chassis/negative/ground was at a different level to the motherboard. Worse, I knocked the connectig cable to the power supply while charging at 20A. That then caused the hyperion t connect its negative via the USB to the PC and its pos supply via the non isolated power supply pos. Which caused a small pop and the PC turned off. Indefinitely.

You must use isolated USB and/or power supplies. I mean really isolated. Even a little electrical noise means bad data.

This should ... with the addition of the Schottky Diode ... meet the criteria.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/184635765818 ... Sw9gtgDaHw

[Burgerman]

Look like it!

[expresso]

i found one PL8 for sale

$600 if anyone wants it -


at this point - if i didnt have them - i would rather just get 2 ichargers for that cost and deal with it -


https://www.ruten.com.tw/item/show?21505373046736

or that one for 8K

[shirley_hkg]

I think it means Taiwanese $ *and rounds up to less than $300.

Very reasonable ; to have the FUMI3 together.

[expresso]

Did you buy it Shirley ?


sold

[shirley_hkg]

No. It's beyond my budget.

[expresso]

someone got it after i posted it here -

who ever got it - good luck to them - $300 isnt bad - if a new item - its not much more original cost

unless you get a good deal like you are getting - not worth it now -

to buy spead alot for a PL 8 - first you dont know what your getting and if its broken or breaks - cant fix it -

unless the cost is cheap of course $100 etc, and there is nothing here that cheap - i found one for $566 dollars - i emailed them to ask about it - no reply - either they dont have it or just dont want to bother - just want to sell it at such ridiculous price -


its better to get a brand new Icharger - wait for the new ones - at least they are in use - and can repair if needed - PL 8 is dead - if you have them ok - if not - i wouldnt go crazy over getting one now - unless cheap price - the ones you are finding are worth it - given they work