Cycle Analyst v2.1

[daniel.weck]

FYI, the updated manual is now available:

http://ebikes.ca/drainbrain/CycleAnalyst_Manual_Vers21.pdf

"
We've finally finished the complete Cycle Analyst Version 2.1 User Manual. It includes a thorough explanation of the many more advanced features that were added in this firmware update, such as serial data logging, on-the-fly current and speed limiting, using the CA as a 'current throttle', and additional details on the wiring and circuitry.
"

www.ebikes.ca Homepage of the revolution

 

[daniel.weck]

Nice to see the Cycle Analyst used in large applications. This is a powerful 72V motorbike (4mn into the video):

YouTube - 14 Electric Motorcycle "Jozzbike"

I love how the 220V charger is placed into the frame, with its long extension lead

These cylindrical LifePo4 3.3V 10Ah cells look good too, but the prismatic/pouch cells are a lot more convenient on a bicycle (e.g. and a battery like the Li Ping comes with a good built-in BMS for balancing and for protecting against over-(dis)charging).

It seems that A123 and their high discharge rate is definitely the way to go with lower capacities (<= 5Ah). I can't wait to see Simon's DIY work

 

[emissions-free]

Dan it's now quite common to get these 10Ah cells. They are typically 38mm by 120mm if I remember correctly. They also can come with screw terminals (but overall length increases to about 145mm I believe) so no soldering or spot welding is required Haven't seen anything smaller than the 10Ah cell with screw terminals though.

I'm gonna pull apart a 36V 9Ah pack I've got here and will try to take some piccies of what I do with it. It's already got a BMS, so it's just a case of reasembling it into the form that I require.

Do you think people would like the option of buying cells and BMS seperately so that they can assemble the pack as they require?

 

[daniel.weck]

Well, there is always the option of using a proper balancing charger, which I suppose would cost at least 40 GBP (I just recently stumbled upon the Turnigy 6 cells).

The BMS on my Li Ping battery (36V 10Ah) is a pretty small circuit board with a good reputation as far as reliability is concerned. It's also nice to have the choice between a cheap lightweight charger or a more powerful one for fast charging (one at home, the other one at work).

That being said, using a small pack of A123 cells (<= 5Ah) without a BMS is not so much an issue when a Cycle Analyst (or comparable device) takes care of protecting against over-discharge and other potentially damaging circumstances (voltage drop, excessive current draw, etc.).

At any rate, this is not a new topic and many people (including members on this forum) have lived through the joys of DIY battery packs. I have no such experience so I'm all ears

Cheers, Dan

 

[daniel.weck]

public service announcement: UK-based seller

Just in case someone here is looking for a Cycle Analyst, there's one on eBay for 90 GBP, which is a good deal less than from an official retailer:

CYCLE ANALYST VERSION 2.0 NEW UNUSED on eBay (end time 28-Feb-10 14:07:38 GMT)

PS: I know nothing about the seller's reputation, etc. Buy at your risk.

++Dan