Serial to usb on Kunkin KP184 electronic load

[rtlflat]

I happened to have a F-F adapter. Had to remove the threaded standoffs on one side to plug it in.

[interflexo]

Please notice that Kunkin KP184 comes with a straight through (Female - Female) serial cable.
Pin connections:
2 -> 2
3 -> 3
5 -> 5
A null modem cable with crossed connections won't work.
I must trace back this old (2021) post and correct it (Done).
User wolzlu corrected this information at the time.

[rtlflat]

Thanks for clarifying this My kunkin did not come with a cable and I only saw posts mentioning null cable.

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.55.0:

Changes:

1. Solved issue with right mouse button battery test tab context menu update.

2. Added two new options to the battery test context menu: Elapsed Time and Time Stamp for the test results plot horizontal time axis and csv data export. Also on Data Acquisition Frame new context menu.

3. Several python modules were updated.


Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

User_Manual

[moelski]

I got my KP184 today and of course wanted to see if it works with the control from the PC. But unfortunately, nothing.
When booting is displayed with 2303. Baud and address I have checked and adjusted. And "Onli" is in offline mode.

At the moment I use a CP210x chip with a downstream level converter. But this does not help either. The first test with a terminal program does not give any data from the device either.

Has anyone here successfully controlled a 2303 device serially (rs232)? I am really desperate. I would like to test batteries and need the appropriate evaluation on the PC - one of the reasons why I bought this sink.

I have now ordered a Digitus DA70156 USB to serial converter. This was mentioned here before. Hope so what works ...

Dominik

[moelski]

Ok got it working ... 

For all who are coming next with the same problem ....
I think it will work with nearly any USB/Serial converter. At the moment I am using a Silabs CP210x Chip without any problem.
And you also don´t worry about any serial port settings in Windows. When you change the baud rate within your application, all is fine.

But it´s crucial to add a TTL to RS232 Levelshifter like the MAX232 to your connection. Otherwise it won´t work.
And keep in mind that the original serial cable is 2-2, 3-3, 5-5 regarding the wiring.
So in my case I had to cross the Tx, Rx lines in addition.

I will create a picture for that and upload it here - just for reference 

But for now I´m really happy that it is working.

Oh and forgot about the original software. Since the checksum bytes are rotated that software won´t work with new KP184 devices ... Sadly ...

Dominik

[Pfriemler]

I do not see any problems that aren't there with any serial connection (I am a bit experienced with that).
I just pulled an USB-RS232-Converter, plugged in (of course you have to control the settings, in every case), done. These adapters come with level shifters to meet the electrical specifications of a RS232. TTL is used only inside devices to connect any chips.
The only thing is that a standard cable (male-female) is only useable with an additional gender changer. With the cable delivered (female-female) it works out of the box.

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.56.0:

Changes:

1. Solved issue with update setup installer download


Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

[Breizh13]

@Moelski,

I've just read this thread because at the moment I have a working link with the KP184 load in modbus only. 
I haven't been able to get the RS232 serial port to work, as I think many people have. I've just figured it out by reading your post and after having made a measurement on the oscilloscope. The signals are not TTL level but pure RS232 with positive and negative signals. So we need an RS232/TTL interface before going to a TTL/USB interface.
Is this correct? Can you tell us what you've done to make it work for you?

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

--
Philippe

[Pfriemler]

It depends on which device you want to control the KP184. As I said in my post, the KP184 serial port is a full functional RS232 and works with any conventional PC COM port out of the box (only a female-female socket cable or a gender changer is needet) or a common USB-to-serial stick with DSUB9 socket.

So why the f..k people try to use USB/TTL adapter at all? 
Again:
- use the right adapter like DITIGUS DA-70156, Logilink ‎AU0002F or somehing in that style (pay attention to the chip - FTDI works best)
- check if you use the right COM port :-)
- adjust interflexo's software settings to the KP184 settings (I suggest 57600 instead of 115200 baud)

Or did I miss something?

[Breizh13]

So why the f..k people try to use USB/TTL adapter at all?

Everyone does as he or she pleases! When you have a stock of USB/TTL interfaces, all you need is an RS232/TTL interface. There's work to be done, of course! But that's one way of doing things. As far as I'm concerned, I've just ordered an interface like the one you're talking about.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p4432023.m570.l1313&_nkw=272054422995&_sacat=0
Thank you for your advice. And thanks to Interflexo for the software! 

[Pfriemler]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.56.0:

I still have a problem, due to my safe Defender settings. The installer insists on creating a folder called "KP184 Modbus" in the user's documents folder (which is undesirable for me, since I keep my documents folder clean and save my data elsewhere) and putting the manual there. Windows Defender does its job and reliably prevents this, which is why an installation is not possible. I have to create myself such a folder temporarily first.
Could the programme please be extended to allow me to specify my existing data folder at this point?  even better: The settings of the program are stored anywhere, why not the data folder? This would be more convenient for updates.
The first attempt to save the manual is then also prevented, but since the installer can make a second attempt here, I can allow an exception in Defender in the meantime and then it works. However, I would prefer to have the manual in the programme folder anyway, as with many other programmes.
Besides this, a great piece of software. Time to pay...

[interflexo]

Next week there will be a new release (1.0.58.0) of the KP184 Modbus software.

Hot features:

1. Added button to superimpose multiple .CSV test file data on the same plot graph.

These superimposed plot graphs can be used to:
    • Compare the battery cell constant current discharge test voltage curve at various C rates.
    • Compare the battery cell constant current discharge test voltage curve at various temperatures.
    • Compare various cells constant current discharge test voltage curve from the same battery to find “weak” cells.

2. Added “Plot graph” check box to the CYC mode (programmed current profile) test. When checked the data acquisition starts and stop automatically with Load ON/OFF.

3. KP184 reports an erroneous residual current at Load OFF when the set current is below 35 mA. CYC mode was adjusted to avoid this inconvenience.

4. Added TCP Server to export real-time device data to custom third party applications. Very simple TCP Client python code on the user manual to show the user how to use it.

5. I will provide options to select the default data folders at installation time. No problems on putting the user manual on program installation folder also.

Being prepared probably for release 1.0.59.0 high power test handling by allowing to parallel any number of KP184 units each one connected to it's own USB to Serial adapter.

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.58.0:

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

User_Manual

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.59.0:

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

User_Manual

Changes:

1. Compiled new bootloader.

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.60.0:

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

Changes:

1. Battery capacity test end voltage can be set as low as 0.5V for lower currents. The ability of KP184 can get as low as 0.5V depends on the
test current, the device only guarantees a minimum of 1V load voltage on the entire current range (0 to 40A).

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.62.0:

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

Changes:

1. Timer for Load ON/OFF was turning the Load ON or OFF but was not starting or stopping the data acquisition on BAT/SOL/CYC test setups. Now a standard UI toggle Load ON/OFF is emulated.

2. Corrected an issue that could display an erroneous set test current on the battery capacity discharge test report.

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.63.0:

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.63.0

User_Manual

Changes:

1. New option on Battery capacity discharge test right mouse button context menu to enable the use of a programmed periodic current profile defined on the Cycle tab instead of a simple constant current or constant power load types.

2. “Cycle” and “IntRes” tabs are now accessible on Battery test mode when “Cycle current profile” or “Periodic Internal Resistance Test” options are enabled.



Programmed current profile:

// <- This indicates the line is a comment
// Current Step format: Amps Seconds
// Current Ramp format: Amps1 Amps2 Seconds
// 0 Amps for OFF period. All floats
40 10
30 10
20 10
10 10
0 10

Click to view the pdf document:

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.64.0:

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.64.0

User_Manual

Changes:

1. New multiple battery internal resistance tests PDF report included. The PDF report handles multiple pages and provides column headings at the beginning of each page.

2. New multiple battery internal resistance test list editor window for removing unwanted tests, clear the test list, change the order of the tests inside the list and edit the DUT information (Brand, Model and SN#) of each test.





Click to view the pdf document:



Click to view the pdf document:

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.65.0:

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.65.0

Changes:

1. New automatic baudrate detection scan on serial connection. If a serial connection fails the following baudrates are automatically scanned: 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 115200. Each baudrate value is tried with both “CRC LSB First” flag states. Serial connection details information log was improved and new popup messages were added for serial connection and disconnection.

[hubertusmantel]

Hello interflexo,
since today installed the new software V1.0.64.0 and continuously the new V1.0.65.0 i have many crashes via serial connections /Modbus TCB.
With the old V1.0.62.0 it was possible to test an Battery Pack 52V/60Ah with 16-20 Hours and Baud Rate 115200.
Unfortunately ist the Crash from the Software now in 2-3 hour and Baud Rate 57600. My PC is an Win10 System.
Before installing the new, the software was running through the hole night.

Thanks
hubertusmantel

[interflexo]

Thanks for the valuable information. I will check out this issue thoroughly.

For users who need to roll back to version 1.0.62.0 here is the download link:

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.62.0

[interflexo]

Hi hubertusmantel,
Made several 10 hour battery capacity discharge tests with version 1.0.65.0 and I could not replicate the problem. The system was always rock solid.
Your post refers Modbus TCB. Do you mean you have the TCP Server active?
Can you elaborate on the crashes? Any messages? Application forced exit? Lost only serial connection? What USB to Serial Adapter are you using?

[interflexo]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.66.0:

Setup KP184 Software V1.0.66.0

User_Manual

Changes:

1. During the battery capacity discharge test with periodic internal resistance tests enabled, the last test (near test end voltage) sometimes races against Kunkin KP184 internal test end voltage.

2. Corrected hang on application exit during automatic baudrate detection scan on serial connection.

3. Plot graph horizontal time scale is automatically adjusted to hours, minutes or seconds on the combined multiple .CSV test file data plot option.

4. New options were added to the battery capacity discharge test and data acquisition right mouse button context menus to select from four different line styles for the independent red and blue plot graph curves.

[adso85swe]

New KP184 Modbus Software Version 1.0.66.0:

Is the software compatible with Windows 11? I am unsure whether or not I should upgrade my computer from 10 🤔