The Laird's Team Files for the VX1

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Aircon
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1

Perhaps the Vectrix owners feel uncomfortable raising this issue out of fear of losing access to the software improvements, but thankfully I am free to do so.

Or maybe we just know how to mind our own business and assume Kocho can stand up for himself.

BLUESTREAK
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1

WELL-WELL WELL mr PJD since you have never owned a vectrix that means you have never been able to help any VECTRIX owner here and since you never intend to own a VECTRIX that means

you will never be able to help any VECTRIX owner here or any where else,that means you don't have a (DOG IN THE FOXHUNT).if it wasen't for the LAIRD working so hard to help folks here this vectrix section would most likely have died out a long time a go. people here have been asking for help for years and nobody stepped up to answer the call for help but the LAIRD. there are quiet a few offering help now for a fee but they were mostly quiet for a long time and they had the answers all along. so again there are a lot of people here that when they find something useful they share it with others for free. NOW I WILL SAY AGAIN (MR LAIRD "SANDY" THANK YOU SO VERY VERY MUCH FOR YOUR HARD WORK IN TRYING TO HELP OTHERS HERE AND YOUR WORK HAS KEPT MANY VECTRIX SCOOTERS GOING. its nice to see all the other sites that now can help but SANDY was alone for a long time.THE BLUESTREAK.

PJD
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1

Sandy's behavior was objectionable - and I would have written what I did in any fora on any topic if I had encountered a person like him. What Kocho does or does not is irrelevant. A injury to one is an injury to all. so someone needs to raise the issue. But apparently your scooters are more important than human decency.

Aircon
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1

Sandy's behavior was objectionable - and I would have written what I did in any fora on any topic if I had encountered a person like him. What Kocho does or does not is irrelevant. A injury to one is an injury to all. so someone needs to raise the issue. But apparently your scooters are more important than human decency.

nice of you to take on the role of moral police. Like I said, I don't think Kocho needed your input. None of us did, really.

Now go away.

Jim Logan
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1 - Help!

'If the program asks for a file by name CL24_1X.HEX then it is almost certain that you have an incorrect installation of the Diagnostics program. STOP working. ... ask for help.'

Help. I generated the install disk and got a CANbus adapter from gridconnect. I replaced the installed ScooterDiag with the one from the install disk. The ScooterDiags doesn't communicate with the CANbus adapter. I'm on a Windows 7 computer.

So I downloaded ScooterDiag from VectrixParts.com. (1.0.1.1. 10/29/2012). It communicates dandy with the CANbus adapter. It does seem to ask for files by name. CLR24_1X.HEX is in the installation. Am I really in deep trouble to use it? I don't see any alternative.

Unless there is a Pcan_usb.sys version 2.48.16.0 and Pcan_usb.dll version 1.45.0.4 to download from somewhere? I would be happy to try that if I can get them from somewhere.

Thanks for any advice.

Bikemad
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1 - Help!

Hi Jim,

I experienced the same problem when I tried to run the Laird's version of the software and ended up copying the "PCAN_USB.dll" file from the working software folder (I simply renamed the existing .dll file to PCAN_USB.dll.old before copying the working .dll file from the VectrixDiagnostics folder into the ScooterDiag folder).

To be honest, I have used both versions of the diagnostic program to update firmware without any problems, just make 100% sure you have selected the correct HEX files. In order to play safe, I removed the unwanted HEX files that came with the software that I downloaded from Vectrixparts.com to prevent accidental selection.

Alan

Kocho
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1 - Help!

Not sure if you folks are running into the same issue(s) that I did with the Laird's software and instructions when I did it way back on my first old NiMh bike, but here's how I resolved it:

http://visforvoltage.org/forum/13771-any-socal-help-switching-lairds-software#comment-72410

The Laird himself thanked me when I sent him this information via email at the time, so he's aware of it and in fact some of that has made it to the new instructions that Team Laird posted online (but not all of it).

Jim Logan
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1 - Help!

Thanks - Using the new PCAN_USB.dll worked for me as well.

PIFOUVECTRIX
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1

Hello from France,

Juste a little word to thank you for this marvellous work, I just bought one week ago a dead 06/2009 NIMH Vectrix with an empty battery since 18 months and I'm happy to see that there is always lots of people taking care of this beautiful scooter !

A friend of mine who has a Vectrix too had the programming cable and I was able this afternoon to program :

* Motor controler with mc1014b-70-110-140.hex (110Volt min because my batteries will cut off to soon with 120V, i need to give its live back before modifying to 120Volt min)

* Charger at 40°C with equaliser with NI3040G2+eq.hex (because my poor batteries have to be saved) and to have voltage instead of estimated range

* ICM with ICM2015_rv3.HEX and I'm happy to have now Warning lights, warning when reverse and 'cruise control' :-)

I just connected few minutes ago the charger for the first soft charge of the life of my batteries ^^

My next step in few weeks/months will be to replace the NiMh with a 19 cells leaf pack and update the firmwares with th eLi version provided.

Your work is impressive, thanks again !

PIFOUVECTRIX

PS : I had some trouble while attempting to install the diag software but i found solutions ! :

1) Drivers found on http://www.peak-system.com/PCAN-USB.199.0.html?&L=2 doesn't work on Windows XP : Code 39 Fault or missing driver file : It was working on Win7 32bits only then I had the Red LED on !
==> Where can I find correct drivers for the PCAN-USB for XP ?

2) Scooterdiag included on the package is not working with the PCAN-USB, I had to download the latest version here http://vectrixparts.com/service-materials and I was able to program with it.
==> why scooterdiag in the package version is not using the PCAN-USB adapter ?

JayP
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1

1. "I had it once that the dash showed: CP 000, while the charge started. Why this happened is still incomprehensible to me, but i think a initialization fault."

I had that happen to me once. It was when I unintentionally left the ignition on to charge the bike.

It didn't cause lockup in a charging mode, but it didn't charge right either.

Of course I try to be more conscientious about turning off the ignition before charging, and maybe even seeing "CP 155" displayed (now actually CP 157).

2. I just installed the new files for a 19-module Leaf pack.

I don't know how to install DIY's files, so I'll have to figure that out. Cruise control sounds great to me as I am almost always on high-speed roads to and from work.

The 70 mph also helps a lot. I sometimes don't enjoy going 55 mph with traffic, and suddenly the traffic clears and everyone speeds up. I get left stranded in one of the faster lanes.

This will help me to go faster for a while to move with traffic until I can get over safely.

3. Thanks to Team Laird for all their hard work. I think my 60 mph range will be over 60 mi. with this new charging profile.

Yay!

2008 Zapino
2008 Vectrix

yokneamcity
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1

Hello to Larid's Team!
Thank You!!!
I did upgrade my scooter with 18 Leaf cells and charger FW was updated with 18 Leaf cells file.
I had a small problem during charging.
At the end of the charge I see on Vectrix voltmeter 146 Volts.And the progress bar is not full.Why?
But in fact,it 145 Volts.I measured the voltage by CYCLE ANALIST and multimeter.
So the battery is not fully charged.
And what I need to do before get full battery charged 4.15-4.2 Volt per cell?

hybride
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1

The charger measured voltage can be a little different with the voltage measured on the batterie itself. That's normal.

There are more 'flags' in the ESD software to stop charging also when the batterie isn't still fully charged. An example is the internal AH-counter.

Tip: take a little ride and charge again. There is a good change that it then continu charging untill 148V.

yokneamcity
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1

My Vectrix charge stages is:

1) CP up to 146V with 10A( sreen under speedometr)
2) CV up to 146V with 3A
3) EC up to 146V with 1.5A for 50 minutes
4) tr up to 146V with 1.5A for 50 seconds
charging stoped
If swich key is on I see CP 000. On left screen 148V ,but on Cycle Analist it 145.1 V only.
And the progress bar is filled to two-thirds.

hybride
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1

3 Volts offset is alot. Can you measure the batterie voltage with a voltage meter?

yokneamcity
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1

3 Volts offset is alot. Can you measure the batterie voltage with a voltage meter?

I measure it by Cycle Analist.I checket it with multimeter and it gives the same voltage reading
If I see charge stage up to 146V how it can reach 148V ?

BLUESTREAK
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1

I have the cycle anlyst and it reads tyhe same as my fluke volt meter and they both are a (2) volts different than what the dash reads. mine does the same as yours only charges to 146 volts, after several charges like this I used my 2-1/2 amp 150 volt power supply and charge up to 148 volts, I don't need to do this but I wanted to try it that way. the LAIRD talks about the different voltages that people have and said have and in order to try to have everyone go to 148 volts each person would have to have a custom fit and that would just be too much and to hard to do, this way every one is getting a good safe voltage by going for the 146 volts that these scooters read, and there are a lot of folks have said that theirs reads about (2) full volts more than a good volt meter at the battery terminals.hope this makes you feel a little better.

hybride
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1

If you connect a 'Magic Box' (leonardo CANBUS board), you can use the configurable ESD firmware. Then you can set any voltage and current. Team member Fran is working on a setup mode through ICM. I don't know the status of it.

It is possible to build a 'magic box' yourself with this: http://www.hobbytronics.co.uk/leonardo-canbus.

The benefit of configurable voltages is that you can set the charge 80% for daily use and 100% if you need for a long ride.

yokneamcity
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1

Hello!
Can I use MC1014 MC FW with ESD_configurable_v1.0.hex charger FW and new ICM2015_rv3.HEX ICM FW ?
After installing MC1014b-70-123-142.hex I have problem with overheating motor controller and this firmware limits the Vectrix motor power.

hybride
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1

SD_configurable_v1.0.hex should be independant to ICM or MC firmware.

MC1014b-70-123-142. Is the 'low batterie' lit on the dash when you accelerate? 123V low bus is higher then original 104v. This could cause less acceleration power, but better for batterie condition.

Overheating MC. In theory it is unlikely that it is caused by firmware change. Do you drive higher speed now? On higher speed there is more MC heat dissapating. If it is, this can be caused by bad contact between the MC cooling surface and the cooling element behind. It is a known problem with some scooters. It is a general advise to renew the cooling compound, also to prevent MC damage.

yokneamcity
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1

The 'low batterie' is notlit on the dash during aceleration.
I not drive higher speed ( maximum 90 km/h)
But the temperature rises to 80 ° C at speeds of 70 km / h or during hard aceleration.
I do not think that the problem is in a bad contact between the MC cooling surface and the cooling element brcause the hetsink is very hot.
I have described the problem in detail in another thread:
Hello everybody!
I had a problem with the overheating of the controller.
I was driving as usual, and suddenly began to lose power scooter and lit the lamp temperature and HotHS message.
I touched the radiator and it was really very hot. Fan does not work
I turned off the ignition and turn it on again and then the fan running at full speed.
The fan runs until the temperature dropped to 40 degrees then stopped.
And so it was repeated several times.
I hear the fan runs at a full speed only during hard acceleration.

http://visforvoltage.org/forum/14173-motor-controller-overheating

hybride
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1

Did the fan stopped completely or lower speed? Does the fan start on status 'GO'?

You said after installing MC1014b-70-123-142 the problem begun with overheating motor controller en limiting motor power.

Not clear why, but when 1 motor phase should disfunction, this kind of behaviour could be expected. 2 phases must take over and that takes a lot more phase current with less acceleration power.

Did you try to reflash the MC with the same or previous firmware and does the problem still exist?

You could also check the phase leads on the MC and if there bolds are good tightened.

Jonathanm
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1

Sorry to butt in but while you are discussing - I have a motor controller circuit board to change on a friends bike in the next days. Is there any special compound to put between the large heat sink and the circuit board of the MC? If so - what is it and where can you get it?
Thanks,
Jonathan

heathyoung
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1

You use a thermal heatsink grease compound - usually available from electronics stores, or computer stores.

Don't overuse it, only a thin layer is needed (smear over both surfaces sparingly with a finger) - its messy but necessary. Make sure you do both the IGBT and DCDC converter.

yokneamcity
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1

My controller died during the firmware update.
Next week, I will replace the controller and answer your questions.

Explain to me please what should be the normal behavior of the MC fan?

R
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1

hybride,
I suspect there is a firmware issue with MC fan.
I have two vectrix, one with 2007 MC, another one with 2010 MC. In Old MC the fan runs fast and loud, but same firmware on the new MC the fan is too quite, too slow. I don't undestand why same firmware give different fan speed. Maybe temperature sensor miscalibration? I'm afraid too slow fan speed will lead into overheat damage.

hybride
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1

I have no inside info on that. I experienced also a difference on MC fan behaviour between 114 and later Li+ MC firmware. As i remember the MC-fan is more silent on 'GO' with newer firmware.

yokneamcity
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1

I replaced the Motor controller and install the MC1014b firmware.
Now there are no problems with overheating. Temperature controller does not rise above 50 degrees.
With the latest firmware controller overheated.
I can unequivocally say that the problem in the firmware so I replaced the controller. The fan remained from old MC.

Now my progress bar is not working. It is always empty. Why?
M.C. FW 1014b
Charger FW ESD_configurable_v1.0
ICM FW ICM2015_rv3

hybride
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1

The fuel bars are controlled by Arduino (magic box). You can activate it by setting the amount of aH's of your batterie. See the MB manual how to do it.

In a next version of the configurable ESD/Arduino firmware, the gauge bar control will be selectable; ESD or Arduino.

R
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1

In summary, with MC1014b-70-123-142.hex the fan was not working ok, with old MC1014b yes...

flexy
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Re: The Laird's Team Files for the VX1

I am about to re-flash my vectrix, but when checked the 9 pin port in the glove box I noticed one of the pins has been bent right over (see photo).

https://goo.gl/photos/sQrakX2WY8ssjiYx7

Is this pin actually used or do I need to try and fix it?

Also which lead do I need to connect the male output of the Peak CAN adapter to the male plug?
would a standard d sub extension such as this work?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Glaxio-Serial-cable-D-SUB-9-pin-female-D-SUB-9-pin-female-2m-ivory-/281807384949?hash=item419d077175:g...

Thanks

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