I'm a new Vectrix VX-1 owner and am considering updating the firmware: both The Laird charging update and the 68 mph MC update.
I now have a Windows-XP laptop and have downloaded some of the appropriate files.
But I notice a CAN USB Adapter is $255.... ouch. Anyone here in the SF Bay Area who has one of these (or one of those V.I.P. devices) that I could borrow, or -- better yet -- has already done this and might be willing to help me step through it sometime? No rush.
-Hopeful in Los Altos
Not to thread jump, but if anyone in the Long Beach/Los Angeles area has one, please PM me! I'm in the same boat as Steve.
If we can work out a mutually agreeable arrangement that recoups some of the outlay I'd happily send you mine. I'll PM you both.
Steve, I think (although don't solely take my word for it) that The Laird's firmware only works with the 62mph MC firmware. But if you're still on the old 62mph firmware and the corresponding 'early' charging firmware, you definitely want to make the change sooner rather than later - and look after your battery in the meantime.
Cheers
Steev and Joshteacher,
The Lairds Firmware works mainly with Motorcontroller version MC-1014b, only 62MPH. When you attempt to change the firmware of your motorcontroller, occasionally you might get an error message. If you don't follow all the correct steps, your Vectrix won't turn on again.
On the other hand, MC1014b allow the battery to discharge to 102V, damaging the battery.
However, The lairds Firmware displays the voltage (wonderful feature), you can avoid going well below 120-115v limit.
I have requested help to Vectrix to update the MC-1014B, and set the lower limit to 119v, so far no news..
R: Thanks for the info & advice about the different updates.
JimmyB and any others who own one of these CAN devices: Anyone open to renting their device out to other Vectrix owners for a month or so? We could do it based on trust, or there are a number of new web sites (e.g. Zilok, Rentalic, SnapGoods) that will manage the process for us. (I've been renting out a now-unused BMW via a similar site RelayRides and it's working remarkably well.)
Maybe $20/month, plus shipping cost?
-Steve
SteveS. 2008 MG Midget lithium conversion => 2011 Think City => 2007 Vectrix => 2015 Tesla 90D
Sorry to hijack this old post but I cannot create a new posting.
I am interested in upgrading my Vectrix nimh pack to lithium ion. I have many bad cells on my nimh so I cannot ride the bike anymore.
I like the reports on using the leaf cells, but I don't really have the equipment to build a leaf pack and then hoist it into my vectrix. It seems like I would need a engine crane just to lift and set the new pack into the frame. This along with alot of other issues like fw upgrade, BMS makes me want to just pay somebody who has the expertise to do it for me.
If anybody knows a person who local to the San Francisco/Bay area that specializes in electric auto upgrade please send me their contact info.
Thanks.