Serial to usb on Kunkin KP184 electronic load

[rhandel@wowway.biz]

@interflexo,

I saw one test on YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTfxUIw3fy4, that panned it.

I have the KP184C, and I am using your software to run tests on power supplies and it works well.  I got the Keyspan FTDI adapter and it worked out of the box.  Thank you for all of you efforts.  Keep up the good work.  I am planning on registering it ASAP.

RAH

[dirtcooker]

@interflexo,

Nice work. You put a lot into the documentation. have you got a version that runs on ubuntu?

[HKJ]

@interflexo,

Nice work. You put a lot into the documentation. have you got a version that runs on ubuntu?

If not, you can use TestController: https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/program-that-can-log-from-many-multimeters/

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.36.0:

Changes:

1. User configurable cyclic solar panel test option added.

2. Some support python modules were updated.


Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

User_Manual

[armandine2]

an interface mod to my KP182 would be a good upgrade - are there any online pointers to how to do this?

[interflexo]

I just don't remember where I read about this. But it's just a matter of installing (soldering) the missing PCB U23 IC > ADUM1201 (dual-channel digital isolator) + 2 RX/TX resistors + hardwired USB/Serial compatible converter. The KP182 firmware does not need any changes. Doesn't seem complicated.

You have a lot of KP184 PCB photos available where you can take the rx/tx resistors values from.

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.37.0:

Changes:

1. Cycle mode continuous operation not restarting correction.

2. Corrected PDF plot graph export missing module.


Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

User_Manual

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.38.0:

Changes:

1. __DUT_BRAND__ , __DUT_MODEL__ and __DUT_SN__ strings can be used on configured file names for csv data, image, PDF and report files. These substrings will be replaced during runtime with the Rep tab DUT Report Identification Details.

2. Record time is paused during paused data recording.


Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

User_Manual

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.39.0:

Changes:

1. Application is now a resizable grab anywhere window.

2. The application last window size and screen position are saved.

3. The screen plot graph aspect ratio is also used on the PDF reports. Info on the Report tab helps the user to get optimized and larger plot graphs on the PDF reports.


Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

User_Manual

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.40.0:

Changes:

1. Plot graph x axis now shows hours, minutes or seconds units depending on test duration.

2. PDF Report button was not enabled after very long (> 8h) battery capacity discharge test completion.


Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

User_Manual

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.41.0:

Changes:

1. Plot graph grid lines added for x and left y axis.

2. Capacity curve plot graph may be suppressed with right click context menu options on "Bat" tab during setup or test, voltage curve plot graph display only.

3. Ah / Wh data now has 6 decimal places. Now small current battery capacity discharge plot graphs look better.

4. Application exit confirmation dialog added.


Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.42.0:

Changes:

1. On low amperage battery capacity tests eliminated the race condition between Kunkin and software end voltage reached.

2. On battery capacity test the cable disconnect condition is handled and logged.

3. Long .csv data file creation can now be interrupted.


Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.47.0:

Hot feature: Automatic battery internal resistance vs SOC data calculation

Changes:

1. During battery capacity test the data acquisition pause button will also stop the load current. Ex: for fixing some cable issue. Hitting the pause button again will make the test resume (plot graph + load current). The open circuit voltage spike will appear on the plot graph.

2. 10 different measurements of the battery internal resistance at regular SOC intervals can optionally be acquired during the battery capacity discharge test. Two new enable/disable options were added to the right click context menu options on the "Bat" tab. The results will appear on the PDF report and on the “Log” tab. This setting is stored on the configuration defaults .ini file.

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.48.0:

Changes:

1. Added user comments to the battery capacity test and solar panel test PDF reports.

2. Added a selection choice of [4, 6, 8, 10, 12] number of periodic internal resistance tests performed during the battery capacity discharge test to the “Bat” tab context menu. The selection was added to configuration .ini file.

3. Added pulse setup data to the batery capacity report when periodic internal resistance tests are performed.

4. Adjusted default and check values of solar panel test start voltage parameter. KP184 minimum load voltage is about 1V.


Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

User_Manual

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.49.0:

Changes:

1. Added KP184 internal bat_end_volt parameter automatic manipulation to allow periodic internal resistance test higher current pulses than the current discharge set value on the battery capacity test. Fast pulses won’t trip a premature test end voltage condition.


Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.50.0:

Changes:

1. Added interlocks to avoid changing the “test end voltage” and the “set current” parameters during the battery capacity discharge test if the periodic internal resistance tests are enabled. If the periodic internal resistance tests are not selected these parameters can be adjusted during the battery capacity discharge test.

2. Added an image to the “Bat” tab to remember the user about the mouse right click menu feature.


Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

[interflexo]

Battery capacity discharge test PDF report with IR data example

[fraggl]

Hello, i'm new to this and i just want to connect my KP184 to my computer, i've tried with a simple RS232 to usb adaptator but it doesn't work.
I juste bought a CP2102 6pin which i didn't received yet. I that what i need ? Which pins should i connect ?
I've tried to install the "setup_kp184_10500" software on window 7 but it doesn't work, only on my windows 11 64 bit computer.
I'm sorry but i have a lot of trouble to understand what to do, i don't care about giving you 30 € but i just want it to work !

Thank you !

[interflexo]

Hi. You only need 3 pins TX, RX and GND. When the USB to Serial adapter does not work it has to do with the OS driver compatibility not the application.
If the adapter works well with any text terminal application it should serve your purpose.
This thread contains several adapter suggestions Digitus DA-70156 USB 2.0 to Serial (FTDI/FT232RL) from ASSMANN Electronic GmbH is one of them, just avoid the Prolific and WCH chipset cheap stuff.
I don't have feedback on the CP2102 but Silabs has a good reputation.
The application is Python 3.8 based so it should work from Vista, 7, 8, 10 to Win 11 (32 or 64 bit).
Microsoft security updates and tech support for Win 7 ended on 14 Jan 2020. Sometimes we have to move forward.
Version 1.0.51.0 is the last version for Vista. Later releases will be Python 3.11 based and will be supported from Win 8 onward.
Please email me and I can help you with your system diagnostic.

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.51.0:

Changes:

1. Solved the update download failure issue on non standard “Downloads” system folder name.

2. Improved serial error handling and logging on communication protocol.

3. Added serial response timeout to the KP184 Modbus protocol

4. Added capacity discharge test termination reason to the PDF report. Reasons: LVC, user abort, eload abort, current interruption or max_time reached.

5. Some python modules were updated.


Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.52.0:

Changes:

1. Corrected issue with solar panel test that was blocking data acquisition.


Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.53.0:

Changes:

1. Several Python modules were updated.


Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.54.0:

Changes:

1. Downgraded python numpy module version to allow application startup on Windows 7 - 32 bit systems.


Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

This will be probably the last Windows 7 compatible version coded with Python 3.8 and pyinstaller. Maintaining updated Python modules with Win 7 compatibility is a bit overwhelming now.

Many users have lab equipment stuck with Win 7 software and all efforts were made to maintain the compatibility with this OS until this date. Microsoft ended standard technical support and updates on Jan 2020 for Win 7.

From Python 3.9 and up Window 8 or newer is required. Let's advance with new software features and understanding that Win 7 or older won't be supported.

I thank in advance for your understanding.

[rtlflat]

That is unfortunate. It's the fourth unit that I know of that exhibits that same behavior.

The only parameter that could cause problems would be:

On Kunkin: Multi-machine online mode: Offline/Slave/Host -> Use Offline

The tests you made were thorough enough to me.

Nevertheless, two tests can be made:

During the connection process the software asks Kunkin KP184 for the content of the memory address 0x001 which holds the equipment model number (0x0730 = 1840), Kunkin response should be immediate, the software will wait for 5 seconds. This response is not being received, your logs should show the COM port is being closed after 5 seconds.

Loopback test (tests the PC serial adapter):

Please first debug if the 2 USB serial adapters are working properly. Check your USB to Serial Adapter operation with a loopback connection. Please shunt pins 2 and 3 on your DB9 serial port side and connect your adapter only to your PC USB port. Install some terminal software (Ex: CoolTerm) on Windows 10 (Hyperterminal is no longer part of Windows), run the program, configure to 9600,N81 no flow control, turn off echo, connect, press some test keys and check if you receive the characters back to the screen. This will prove to you that your adapter and drivers are at least working.

Once this works you should try the connection with Kunkin KP184.

Don't forget the DB9 serial cable (null modem cable) should cross pins 2 and 3 like this:

2 TXD -> 3 RXD

3 RXD -> 2 TXD

5 GND -> 5 GND

Baudrate: Start with a conservative 9600 to debug de serial connection, then you can use 115200 with a short cable for lower latency.

On Kunkin: Multi-machine online mode: Offline/Slave/Host -> Use Offline

In case anybody else is having trouble connecting using the recommended Digitus adapter plus null modem cable... Try plugging the adapter directly into the Kunkin without the cable.

I checked the pinout of the cable with meter and confirmed pins 2-3 were crossed and cable was not broken, and did loopback test described above, and everything seemed ok, I could see the activity on both RX and TX, but kunkin did not light up the LED or respond in software.

As soon as I connected adapter directly to kunkin without modem cable (adapter came with 12" usb M-F extension cable), I saw LED light up as i pressed keys in coolterm, and software was finally able to connect.

Since the cable didn't seem damaged should I assume its related to cable length (10ft) over likely ~30awg wire? Here is link for the cable I bought.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08T997CNS?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

Feel kinda silly since I had the adapter and the kunkin already and waited a week for the cable to arrive to try.....

Kunkin is v7 board and 2303 firmware

-JP

edit:
LOL Just noticed manufacturer name for the cable on Amazon is "‎guangzhouditedianzikejiyouxiangongsi"
Why do I feel like I'm being trolled?

[Pfriemler]

Loopback works well with both straigt and crossed cables. It only checks the PC port.
Null modem cable != cable with two females on both sides.
Kunkin is stupid to use the wrong sockets.
Use a standard cable plus a gender changer instead and everything is fine.
How did you fit an serial adapter directly to the Kunkin? both are male plugs?