Powerlab Bump Controller

[3D Dave]

Can anyone confirm if the upcoming Bump Controller software will allow monitoring of all charging status on one (preferred) or two screens using an iPad/iPhone?

It looks like info is limited on the unit itself but an iPad would have plenty of screen real estate.

IE: something like the 4010 iCharger duo screen but sized for an iPad.

The one thing I wish was improved on the Powerlabs is the basic, 2 line screen. This means having to jump through 4-5 screens to see all the info.

The Charge Control Software is nice but does not run on an iPad.

[minatrix]

I noticed on the youtube IRCHA demo video there is a tab on the bottom of the tablet labeled "monitor"...

Also noticed it is an android tablet. I wonder if this will be another case of Android only cus Apple is a pain to work with?

[RevoKelly]

Yes, an Apple iphone/Ipad app will be available spring of 2016. The connection is Bluetooth 4/LE.
The BumpController will support up to 4 PowerLabs at once and all controls and features will be supported on the mobile device app, including ability to see status and control all 4 chargers on one screen.
The BumpController and Android app is in beta now and we hope to have it ready to order by early November.

[minatrix]

Awesome! Thanks.

After many days deliberation between a GT500, Powerlab6, or a i406duo...my Powerlab6 just showed up yesterday. Woohoo!

[3D Dave]

Great news RevoKelly!

I will likely buy a 2nd Powerlab 8 or a dual PL8 to go with it.

@ minatrix, you made the right decision.

[RevoKelly]

In case you didn't see it at IRCHA, I'm using a pair of PL8s myself - they are mounted "under deck" along with a Revo 24v supply . BumpController itself is the only required user interface but I normally have my Samsung 10" tablet in the case lid too ... just makes it nice for seeing every detail of both chargers at once. Also nice for bench charging because I plug in my DPL8 to the BumpController too, and then all 4 chargers can be seen/controlled on the BumpController display, or the mobile device.
Note that the initial BumpController software release will only support charger setup via "bump", but we will be adding the ability to select/manage standard PL presets too - it will be a followon software release in 1H2016. Would be good know how important this is for folks - whoever is following this thread, feel free to give us your opinion on that.

[Gregor99]

Here is the link to RevoKelly's picture

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1Q...l2UlY1dldOMmtR

[minatrix]

@revokelly

Although I am new powerlab user and still have Q's about the bump setup, it seems like a very nice feature to have. For instance, you buy some new batteries and don't yet have bump stickers for them, or you simply would like to offer a fellow field member to charge a pack or parallel some packs, and still be able to use tablet to control.

I can also se it being useful to charge smaller packs that you may not care enough about to keep bump stickers on, like maybe a group of packs for a 180 or something like that.

I also wonder how the bump setup accommodates parallel charging of packs with different capacities? Seems like presets would be easiest, but maybe there is a better way.

Initially, to me, the tablet control/monitoring is just as big of a draw as the bump capability. Both very cool, so full control sounds nice.

BTW, this release is what cemented my decision to go with a powerlab, just purchased over labor day.

Thanks!

[RevoKelly]

Thanks for the feedback about PL preset support - that helps us with timing and planning.
As far as parallel charging, it's actually one of the coolest features of the BumpController and one of the primary motivations behind the design - because it automatically does the math for you to make sure you don't exceed the limits of any battery in the parallel charge. You can parallel up to 3 different type of compatible batteries (compatible = same chemistry and cell count) and up to 9 of each type. The BumpController knows all of the specs of each battery, along with your preferred charge rates (also stored in the BumpTag), so it will calculate the appropriate charge rate to ensure that it matches the lowest C-charge-rate of the group ... something that isn't terribly easy to do in your head when you're mixing different capacities and C-ratings
Thanks Greg for fixing that pic link.
If you look at that pic, you'll see that the charger on the right (half of the screen) has had 2 different batteries "bumped" and is ready to start a charge. Each different (compatible) battery type is shown as a separate item in the list and each type has a count which either increments when another battery of the same type is "bumped", or you can manually select it if it's faster (like when you're doing 6 or 8 micro batteries). Speaking of micro batteries, for those I just stick a single BumpTag on whatever container/tray they're in and just "bump" the container to setup the charge. That way it doesn't matter how small the battery is, and no need to buy individual BumpTags for batteries that you would never want to track individual charge history for anyway.

[Only Fine Helis]

Hey Kelly,

I think standard PL settings would be helpful for when you have 1 or 2 receiver packs you don't want to use a tag on or when you just got a new heli with different packs and you haven't had a chance to order more tags yet.

It would just give you more options in case of unusual situations IMO.

Thanks for all your work on this!

[jonathancassar]

This bump controller looks really promising! I'm really looking forward to get my hands on one as soon as it comes out. My guess is that it will require an external 12 volt supply to operate and a servo extension lead to go into the PC slot of the Powerlab? From the Youtube video it also looks like the charger has to be set in expansion channel mode. Can someone from Revolectrix provide dimensions for this controller. I am looking at preparing a fixture to attach this and a tablet inside my charging case.

[Ace Dude]

Originally Posted by jonathancassar

This bump controller looks really promising! I'm really looking forward to get my hands on one as soon as it comes out. My guess is that it will require an external 12 volt supply to operate and a servo extension lead to go into the PC slot of the Powerlab? From the Youtube video it also looks like the charger has to be set in expansion channel mode. Can someone from Revolectrix provide dimensions for this controller. I am looking at preparing a fixture to attach this and a tablet inside my charging case.

It will work on whatever voltage you're using to power your charger so no need for a separate power supply. I was quite happy to learn at IRCHA I can power it from the same 48V power supply I'm using to power my Dual PowerLab 8x2.

Yes, it uses expansion channel mode.

[RevoKelly]

BumpController rough dimensions (still subject to change slightly, if needed):
4.3" width, 3.1" depth, 1.1" height.

Note that approx 0.15" of the 1.1" height is the raised LCD area. I mention it because some guys are planning a square cutout in the deck of their case so the BumpController case can also be mounted "under deck" and the LCD is accessible from above. The "bump" signal will work fine as long as the deck material is non-metallic and doesn't exceed about 1/4" thick. The raised LCD area is approximately 3.0" wide x 2.2" deep.

Yes, the BumpController will accept up to 48v (tested to 52v) and comes with an EC-5 connector so you can Y-cable it into your power source just like another PowerLab.

Yes, it will use standard male-male servo cables and extensions to plug into the PowerLabs and drives them in Expansion Channel Mode.

[Raydee]

Originally Posted by Ace Dude

It will work on whatever voltage you're using to power your charger so no need for a separate power supply. I was quite happy to learn at IRCHA I can power it from the same 48V power supply I'm using to power my Dual PowerLab 8x2.

Yes, it uses expansion channel mode.

What if you don't use expansion mode, do you have to use two bump controllers just like you have to use two USB cables?

[Ace Dude]

Originally Posted by Raydee

What if you don't use expansion mode, do you have to use two bump controllers just like you have to use two USB cables?

I'll have to defer to Kelly on this one, but it's my understanding the BUMP only works in expansion channel mode, however, it's really not an issue at all. Think of the BUMP as a completely new and improved user interface for the the charger.

[minatrix]

Originally Posted by Ace Dude

Think of the BUMP as a completely new and improved user interface for the the charger.

I think this is exactly what is hoped for.

I can really appreciate that Revolectrix approaches the upgrade in this fashion, as opposed to leaving all previous buyers with an outdated or discontinued charger that needs to be replaced to access new features. This is the kind of buisiness practice that will keep me a long term customer. Thank you.

Will the bump interface make it possible for multiple chargers to share the same input Amp draw limit if running more than one charger per power supply? Certainly not a deal breaker but would be cool. I understand that is a rather complicated task to achieve and may not even be possible.

[Ace Dude]

Originally Posted by minatrix

I think this is exactly what is hoped for.

I can really appreciate that Revolectrix approaches the upgrade in this fashion, as opposed to leaving all previous buyers with an outdated or discontinued charger that needs to be replaced to access new features. This is the kind of buisiness practice that will keep me a long term customer. Thank you.

Will the bump interface make it possible for multiple chargers to share the same input Amp draw limit if running more than one charger per power supply? Certainly not a deal breaker but would be cool. I understand that is a rather complicated task to achieve and may not even be possible.

One of the best features of the BUMP, you won't need to purchase a new charger to use it.

I'll defer to Kelly on the multiple charger power monitoring and limiting.

[Raydee]

The problem I have is I normally charge two of the same type of packs on one side of the charger and two completely different packs on the other side of the charger. It looks like for this the bump charger will not work for me? Is there another wireless/bluetooth charging option instead that uses the CSS program?

[Ace Dude]

Originally Posted by Raydee

The problem I have is I normally charge two of the same type of packs on one side of the charger and two completely different packs on the other side of the charger. It looks like for this the bump charger will not work for me? Is there another wireless/bluetooth charging option instead that uses the CSS program?

The BUMP will work perfectly.

[Raydee]

Not trying to be a pain but how will it if I am not charging in expansion mode? Maybe I am wrong (I am a Powerlab newb) but from what I am reading expansion mode is for packs all of the same chemistry and voltage? So if I want to charge two 6s packs on one side of the DPL8x2 and two 4s packs on the other side then I cannot use expansion mode. Am I off on this?