... along with updated documentation. This release is primarily ‘polishing’ – it contains a number of small fixes and improvements based on feedback from the field. Most notable around how the regulator works when the current shunt is not connected, as well as improvements in how Equalize mode is both processed and some improvements to the default CPE tables.
Two changes of note:
CPE #5 (previously RESERVED) has been populated with charge parameters according to the manufacture of the Firefly `Oasis’ battery. As with almost all other manufactures, Firefly Energy calls for monitoring of acceptance current as the appropriate way to recharge their batteries.
Another rather subtle, but perhaps notable, change is the renaming of the Regulator from “Alternator Regulator” to “VSR Alternator Regulator”. This is in preparation for shifting of the products to a newly formed company VSR Systems, llc Not to worry, this is still the same regulator, still open sourced, still all the good stuff. Just time to grow up a little and get a bit more formal. The regulator will become part of a family of products hopefully to be released over the next year or so, include the VSR DC Generator Controller, the VSR Port Expander / Battery Monitor, and perhaps even the VSR MPPT controller. Combined with the work folks are doing around displays and applications – 2018 could be a very exciting year.
The documentation has also been refreshed. A bit of cleanup, and a rather large edit around the CAN (Control Area Network) capabilities as well as how to use it. Including some hints on NEMA2000 integration.
Many of the changes in v1.2.1 were the direct result of feedback. I thank all who are helping improve this project and look forward to more to come!
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Monday, February 19, 2018
News concerning the Alternator Regulator
5 years ago I split out the regulator portion from the DC Generator Controller and created this stand alone Alternator Regulator. Sense then a few hundred have been send out, blank boards as well as fully assembled. With the introduction of the 3rd Generation regulator I began to provide fully assembled units on a more consistent basis and interest has grown. In fact, it has kind of caught me off-guard as the 2nd batch of 50x regulators are all but gone. I have 5 units still here (If I scrounge).
It is time to do another build - with some improvements: The layout will be modified to allow fitting into a Hammond “B” size project box. Nice little plastic enclosures will provide a bit of dress up, protection, as well as a good way to mount the regulator. If you still need a waterproof enclosure, those gray plastic electrical boxes are always an option. Here is a 3D rendering of the new layout:
It will be known as Gen 3B (B, for BOX)
I am also going to simplify the manufacturing, ordering, and shipping processes. No more hand soldering connectors for me! Over the next couple of months an ‘Order’ button will appear allowing folks to place an order directly (though I am still here for Email). I also will be using a land-based shipping service. These changes will streamline ordering and delivery during the Spring / Summer / Fall when we are out cruising. Plus it will free up my time to allow for continued development of other projects. (It is amazing how much time it takes to box and ship these things)
And look for a ‘Brand’ name announcement soon. With the increased interest is perhaps time to be a bit more professional.
New layout, simplified manufacturing, and a more consistent ordering and shipping procedure. All good changes I hope. Sadly they also comes cost (Fees, TAXes, supplies). The new Gen 3B regulators will be available fully assembled for $125 each. Included will be two temperature probes and support for 12v to 24v ‘batteries’. (Higher voltages up to 48v available as an option). In addition to being sized for a case, the 12/24v configuration will feature improved accuracy in the current shunt, and the FET drivers have been beefed up. I am also looking into what will be involved to have some of the boxed pre-machined with cutouts. And I am busy working on several other companion projects, more details as they get closer to being ready.
Now this has been planned this for some time – was looking at the Fall. But the interest in the regulator has caught me off guard. I am not expecting the next batch of regulators to be available until sometime in late April / early May. As a small compensation for this inconvenience I am going to offer a special pre-paid price of $100 for the Gen 3B regulators. This price will be valid until the regulators ship. I also have a few of the current regulators left to send out (Still $80 ea), and there is a Floating Stash of 4 or so in the SW Pacific. Contact me if you are interested in any of these.
I thank everyone who has supported this project. It started out because I had a need, and thought I would share the solution with others. The interest and feedback from folks has been great and I am looking forward for more to come.
It is time to do another build - with some improvements: The layout will be modified to allow fitting into a Hammond “B” size project box. Nice little plastic enclosures will provide a bit of dress up, protection, as well as a good way to mount the regulator. If you still need a waterproof enclosure, those gray plastic electrical boxes are always an option. Here is a 3D rendering of the new layout:
 |
| 3D Rendering of Gen 3B regulator. |
I am also going to simplify the manufacturing, ordering, and shipping processes. No more hand soldering connectors for me! Over the next couple of months an ‘Order’ button will appear allowing folks to place an order directly (though I am still here for Email). I also will be using a land-based shipping service. These changes will streamline ordering and delivery during the Spring / Summer / Fall when we are out cruising. Plus it will free up my time to allow for continued development of other projects. (It is amazing how much time it takes to box and ship these things)
And look for a ‘Brand’ name announcement soon. With the increased interest is perhaps time to be a bit more professional.
New layout, simplified manufacturing, and a more consistent ordering and shipping procedure. All good changes I hope. Sadly they also comes cost (Fees, TAXes, supplies). The new Gen 3B regulators will be available fully assembled for $125 each. Included will be two temperature probes and support for 12v to 24v ‘batteries’. (Higher voltages up to 48v available as an option). In addition to being sized for a case, the 12/24v configuration will feature improved accuracy in the current shunt, and the FET drivers have been beefed up. I am also looking into what will be involved to have some of the boxed pre-machined with cutouts. And I am busy working on several other companion projects, more details as they get closer to being ready.
Now this has been planned this for some time – was looking at the Fall. But the interest in the regulator has caught me off guard. I am not expecting the next batch of regulators to be available until sometime in late April / early May. As a small compensation for this inconvenience I am going to offer a special pre-paid price of $100 for the Gen 3B regulators. This price will be valid until the regulators ship. I also have a few of the current regulators left to send out (Still $80 ea), and there is a Floating Stash of 4 or so in the SW Pacific. Contact me if you are interested in any of these.
I thank everyone who has supported this project. It started out because I had a need, and thought I would share the solution with others. The interest and feedback from folks has been great and I am looking forward for more to come.
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Config Tool!
Back in 2013 (yikes! - 5 years ago!!) when this project was conceived, there was the intention of a nice configuration / monitoring tool running on your PC, table, phone, refrigerator, etc.. that would simply advanced configuration of the Alternator Regulator.
Point and Click and be done!
The whole ASCII status / command set was developed to support communications between the regulator and this application, just happens that people can (with enough work) use the same API. But it was primary intended for machine-to-machine communications, not machine-to-human.
That application was never developed, which made it fortunate that people could use the ASCII strings.
Well, flash forward a few years and Sailor Rick has taken up the task of an app! Today he published the 1st Beta version, and you can download it here:
http://backstagesailing.com/downloads/category/osenergy-configuration-tool-beta-versions/
TO say I am tickled is an understatement. As much capability as the Alternator Regulator has I have always felt a well designed application could bring as much, or more, value to this overall project.
Take a look, see what you think, pitch in! This is just a start.
Thank you Rick!
Point and Click and be done!
The whole ASCII status / command set was developed to support communications between the regulator and this application, just happens that people can (with enough work) use the same API. But it was primary intended for machine-to-machine communications, not machine-to-human.
That application was never developed, which made it fortunate that people could use the ASCII strings.
Well, flash forward a few years and Sailor Rick has taken up the task of an app! Today he published the 1st Beta version, and you can download it here:
http://backstagesailing.com/downloads/category/osenergy-configuration-tool-beta-versions/
TO say I am tickled is an understatement. As much capability as the Alternator Regulator has I have always felt a well designed application could bring as much, or more, value to this overall project.
Take a look, see what you think, pitch in! This is just a start.
Thank you Rick!
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