Serial to usb on Kunkin KP184 electronic load

[interflexo]

New KP184 Software Version 1.0.26.0:

Changes:

1. Several Python modules were updated.


Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

[MeterReader]

I appreciate the seemingly straight-forward interface. Unfortunately, I can't get it working with my KP184 V4. Tried the version you just linked, one from your very short youtube video, and another from somewhere else. I do have it successfully working with another load controller. I'm using a CH340-based USB to serial adapter.

Got it going after a restart!

[cskilbeck]

It's here https://github.com/cskilbeck/modbus but I haven't touched it for ages and it will surely not work with the reversed LSB firmware, someone would need to add a command line switch to enable that

[interflexo]

New KP184 Software Version 1.0.27.0:

Changes:

1. Overcomes a KP184 internal firmware issue that periodically (each 7.53h) resets the Wh value during very long battery discharge tests. The screen shows the internal Kunkin Wh value but the saved .csv file shows the correct calculated value by the software. The Kunkin internal calculations for the Ah values are all right. I thank all the users that perform comprehensive tests and report these issues.

2. Several Python modules were updated.


Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

[voltsandjolts]

Are you using tkinter for this app's gui?
How do you create the exe?
Is the source code available somewhere?
I'm just interested in Python gui programming and interested to see how you've done it.

[interflexo]

Hi voltsandjolts. This application is programmed in Python 3, GUI is coded using PySimpleGUI module (wrapper for tkinter). Graphics produced with matplotlib module. The .exe file is created with pyInstaller. The source code is not available at this point.

[interflexo]

New KP184 Software Version 1.0.28.0:

Changes:

1. On the non static cycle (CYC) load mode the user load profile definition text for line comment char was changed from '#' to '//'. The .ini read file parsing code was deleting multiple line comments.

2. Several GUI tooltips were corrected.

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

[interflexo]

New enhanced User Manual for KP184 ModBus Software:


User_Manual

[Ziggo]

Does the software support multiple units on a single RS485 bus? I have 3 now but really need at least 3 more to get enough load for some tests.

The units themselves claim to support a "master / slave" mode for multiple units but I haven't tried it yet (since I can barely use them at this point because the rotary encoders are so flaky).

[interflexo]

From the user Kunkin KP184 manual:
"Set up online mode. KP182 load provides a multimachine online mode. The multimachine is connected through 485 communication wire. There is one master, and the other devices are slaves. When setting up parameter on the host panel and operating ON/OFF, these operations are sent to the slave through communication port and the slave will execute the same operation."

The OnLine Host/Slave mode is just a way of blindly broadcasting the Host panel key strokes to all the Slaves in RS-485 network. The manufacturer intent here was to be able to perform the same test on several different KP184 units at the same time. When this OnLine mode in engaged I think there is no feedback from the slave units or the Master for that matter (I am guessing here). So there is no way of making remote data acquisition on this mode.

This multi device mode would have to be emulated with the normal ModBus comms. The software commands would have to be broadcasted for each previously configured slave addresses, and each slave would be pooled in succession to retrieved it's data. The sample period would take a hit. The KP184 firmware is a bit slow to respond. A minimum practical value of 250ms is standard for one unit. Using 4 units in a RS485 network the minimum sample period would be 1 second. The savings here would be an USB to serial adapter per KP184.

The KP184 ModBus software as is can't do what you want via RS-485. You can however launch unlimited instances of the software on the PC communicating simultaneously with USB to serial adapters with different KP184 units which are wired in parallel with the same load and control (no need to touch the operating panel) and record the data acquisition of each instance. This method would leave the minimum sample period unharmed.

If each single unit works well via RS-485 with the software I could change the software to accommodate this feature if there is a broad interest about it. However this seems to me to be a niche within a niche.

The GUI interface would consume most of the work and comms would be the easy part, i have the same threaded  low level code working with 30 simultaneous serial channels within the same application.

[HKJ]

With TestController ( https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/program-that-can-log-from-many-multimeters/ ) you can run any number (and brands) of loads in parallel as long as each has its own connection to the computer (i.e. not 485).

[interflexo]

Ziggo has issues with the rotary encoders and needs KP184 full remote panel control. I mensioned 6 loads because Ziggo needs 3 + 3 electronic loads.

[HKJ]

Ziggo has issues with the rotary encoders and needs KP184 full remote panel control. I mensioned 6 loads because Ziggo needs 3 + 3 electronic loads.

In TestController you will get a control panel like this for each load:



There are many different way to see the values from the load and it is also possible to define more limited control panels.
If the same test needs to be repeated, it is fairly easy to generate a script for it.

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.29.0:

Changes:

1. New solar panel test mode (SOL) added. A user defined CV sweep mode records de solar panel characteristic I-V curve and MPP data for device diagnostic or manufacturer specifications comparison.

2. The data acquisition report button now handles both report types (battery capacity discharge test and solar panel test) according to the last test mode.

3. Correction on the non static programmable profile cycle (CYC) load mode startup.

4. Some settings were not available on the configuration dialog window.


Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0
Updated User Manual
Solar Panel Test Report Example

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.30.0:

Changes:

1. Both types of reports (battery capacity discharge test and solar panel test) now share the same PDF generation engine and have a consistent layout. Got rid of the html conversion stuff.

2. Correction on the non static cycle (CYC) load mode. Now when the load profile programming code is empty the load does not turn on and an appropriate message is displayed.

3. On the solar panel test mode (SOL) plot graph curves the MPP point is now highlighted in red.

4. On the data acquisition save .csv or .png plot graph files a file explorer window is opened with the selected file.


Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

[interflexo]

A couple of videos explaining operation with KP184 Modbus Software:

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.31.0:

Changes:

1. Some python modules updated.

2. Resolved some issues with the tests PDF reports.


Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

To install as Administrator:
1. Open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to the folder with the setup executable file.
3. Select the setup executable file.
4. Use the right mouse button to show the file context menu.
5. Click the Run as administrator option.

[dophuc]

Hello everyone,

Sorry if my English is not good
I'm testing new KP184 software from Kunkin for KP184 2020.
Now you can use the DB9 to DB9 serial cable that comes with the KP184 connected via a physical Com port or some inexpensive USB - RS232 cable such as a $1 USB-RS232 serial cable using the CH340 chipset ; 2$ 6 in 1 adapter using chipset CP2102... New software and cable work well on Win 10, Win 11 (driver update)

[interflexo]

With KP184 Modbus software and from the user manual page 9:

Check the CRC LSB First option if you experience difficulties establishing the
serial communication with KP184 later models (Firmware 2020 and up – can
be checked through the Kunkin screen brief flash at startup)

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.32.0:

Changes:

1. When having trouble to connect both CRC LSB First flag states are tested for the new Kunkin 2020 Fimware and above.

2. Resolved some issues with the modded KP182 identification on the PDF reports.


Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

[dophuc]

Hi,

For people to have more choices of software. I sent Kunkin's software for KP184 (2020).
I have tested with KP184 version 2020 installed on Windows 11, all working fine.
Please read the note before installing the software.
Hope everyone will be satisfied when using this software.
Link download:
https://mega.nz/file/6kdCkDyJ#UonyK7a-SpXjgB_XiowcR9-LPijSO2mTcB2TciwUW6Q
I took some pictures of my KP184

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.33.0:

Changes:

1. Several python modules were updated for extended compatibility.


Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.34.0:

Changes:

1. Application now checks for updates at startup.


Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.35.0:

Changes:

1. Application load time was cut in half.

2. Software updates are automatically downloaded and installed upon user confirmation.


Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

[interflexo]

I wonder if some already tested this KP184E with the Modbus software.

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/KP184E-150V-40A-400W-LCD-Display_1600272552716.html

Same specs and a 320 x 240 TFT color screen single page UI plus Modbus + SCPI on RS232/RS485.

The add states Reverse polarity protection. I don't know if this a typo or substantial changes were made to the PCB power circuitry.