Special Firmware for Users with LiPo battery

[PedroR]

Hi all

Robobuilder has just sent information regarding users with Lipo battery:

In particular, they have sent a modified version of the firmware for use with these robots that can be downloaded here:

http://robosavvy.com/RoboSavvyPages/Rob ... _11.1v.zip

From my understanding the difference is that this version sets the Low Battery threshold at 9V (meaning the RED light will turn on the RBC when the battery reaches bellow 9V).

The standard firmware (for the standard 8.4V batteries) has this threshold set lower (I believe around 6~7V). The LiPo should NOT reach such a low voltage level as this might cause damage.

If you have a LiPo battery please upgrade to the firmware above to make sure your LiPo remains healthy at all times

Regards
Pedro.

[PedroR]

Hi

A new firmware version (2.23) is now available here
http://robosavvy.com/RoboSavvyPages/Rob ... _11.1v.zip

You can check for the latest firmware releases available for LiPO users, as well as download past versions, by visiting this link http://robosavvy.com/RoboSavvyPages/Rob ... ware/LiPo/

Pedro.

[NovaOne]

Hi Pedro

Is there a Li-po version of 2.26 available yet?

[PedroR]

Hi Novaone

I do not have that file from Robobuilder yet. I will ask them and let you know once it is available.

Cheers
Pedro

[NovaOne]

Excellent, thanks

[PedroR]

Hi Novaone

I already have v2.26.

I have posted it here
http://robosavvy.com/RoboSavvyPages/Rob ... ware/LiPo/ as usual.

Regards
Pedro.

[NovaOne]

OK, my mistake

[PedroR]

Hi Novaone

it's not your mistake. what I meant to say was that I received it yesterday and uploaded it to the folder/url I mentioned on the post.

So indeed, thank you for bringing this to my attention. As I often don't notice that new firmware versions are released and Robobuilder always forgets to send us the LiPo versions, it is indeed very helpful that users bring it to our attention.

Regards
Pedro.

[Flid]

And for the last version , 2.30n ?

[Rift]

Figured I would just ask here instead of making a whole new thread.

Is it still possible to get these lipo batteries and if so how much would they cost?

[ries]

Hi Pedro,

Is Robobuilder making their firmware updates LiPo (11.1V) compatible?

I see on their website that (korean language) their is a version 2.34n.
And on the english site they have 2.30n.

gr,Ries

[PedroR]

Hi Ries

With regards to firmwares for users with LiPo we have stopped receiving updates from Robobuilder.
In the "old" days the firmware versions for users with LiPo was usually not published on their website (they used to send it to us) but I can check.

With regards to normal firmware versions and versions that have the "n" marking, the difference is the versions with "n" are designed for users who have Self Running motions installed on some if their servos. (if you're not familiar with "Self Running Motions" these are simple behaviours that can programmed into a servo and the servo performs the task autonomously; you can see the wCK manual for more information).

I don't know what the normal versions (without the "n") do differently though but I know this one would be recommended for most users and the "n" for those who use self running motions.


Finally with regards to the firmware version discrepancies between the Korean website and the English one I will ask Robobuilder as well post back.

Regards
Pedro.

[PedroR]

Hi

An updated Firmware Version for Users who have a LiPo Battery is now available from Robobuilder.
It can be downloaded here:

http://robosavvy.com/RoboSavvyPages/Rob ... _11.1V.zip

We were not informed what were the latest changes in this firmware but we believe that feature wise it should match the features included in the firmware versions for Robots with standard batteries.

Please note this firmware is ONLY for users who have LiPo batteries on their Robobuilders (either custom hacked or those who purchased the High power Upgrade Kit [please note that this High power Upgrade Kit is no longer available from Robobuilder] ).

Closing note: The LiPo or High power Upgrade Kits are no longer available from Robobuilder. We post these firmware updates to continue supporting users who have LiPos although we no longer supply these accessories and they are not available for sale from our store or from the manufacturer.

[Shigure]

Can I using safety LiPo battery with l3v3rz's BASIC Firmware ?

[l3v3rz]

I've only ever used with the standard NiMH battery's so can't give any assurances . The Basic I would expect to work fine, but the charging function has not been written for LiPo. If someone can supply the algorithm or better still the code I'd be happy to build a special Lipo version. But otherwise just avoid using the Basic charge command 'x'.

You can see the function ChargeMiNHcode here: https://code.google.com/p/robobuilderlib/source/browse/trunk/basic/main.c