operate multiple pl8s from one pc?

[wangotaco]

I want to operate more than one pl8, from by pc, but I don't want to use the expansion mode (that limits what I can charge at the same time). Is this possible?

Also, a sort of related question, everytime I start a charge I am prompted for the file to save the graph in. Is there any way this can be made automatic? Sort of like when I do a screen capture on my MAC. It never asks me anything about the file name or where to put it, it just creates a unique name in the Desktop directory and saves it. Entering that name every time is a real pain. I'd like to have every charge I ever do automatically graphed and saved. I have enough disk space to store several billion graphs before space will be an issue :-)

---greg

[Gregor99]

To run two Powerlabs from a single PC, there is the expansion mode as you have found. In this mode you can log data from both chargers. But both charges need to use the same current and chemistry. Cell count matching is not required. To run them separately you need a second PC interface cable and a second instance of the CCS running.

No auto file naming that I am aware of. I use filenames that are meaningful for the charge scenario. Makes it much easier when going back over the old logs and looking for one in particular.

[wangotaco]

I am going to try the two pl8 on separate control programs tonight, I hope that works!

Originally Posted by Gregor99

No auto file naming that I am aware of. I use filenames that are meaningful for the charge scenario. Makes it much easier when going back over the old logs and looking for one in particular.

I find the entry of the file name very frustrating. I wish you could just enter the 'base' name once, then auto enter it. From my point of view I'd like the charge program simply keep track of the last basename, add one to it, then save automatically. That way I can look at a specific battery over time.

Even better would be to pick up a signature from the battery (number of cells, resistance, something), and keep a separate file per battery. I'd really love that, then I'd know exactly the number of charges I've made per battery, and I'd be able to look at it's performance over time.

-g

[Gregor99]

Remember that you will need two separate FUIMs to run two separate instances of the CCS.

Regarding the naming, that's a hard one. There are as many different approaches to filename conventions as there are users. I like to include the test scenario that I was performing during the charge. It makes it much easier to find one later.

I have a number of cameras that do auto filenames. The filenames are virtually worthless using them to find something. I may not seem as bad when you include a cell count, etc. But over time you'll collect so many that include the same cell count that the cell count in the name no longer provides much distinction.

You can request the feature be considered here http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1347970

[wangotaco]

Thanks, I think I will request it. The camera is a good analogy. If I had to enter the name of the file to save each picture I took in *before* i could take the picture it would drive me crazy. With the camera, I change the name (or the folder) of pictures after I take them.

Best,

(i wish the wind and rain would stop...need to get some flying in!)
-g