Hi,
I'd like to be able to test various batteries I own by discharging them and logging the data at the same time. I thought I can't be the only one with this need so perhaps someone on the forum can help.
The requirements for the discharger are:
- Ideally up to 1000W, but even 250W is usable.
- discharge voltage 2V~28V
- ability to use an external load - otherwise this device will be way too expensive
- balancing at the same time as discharging if possible,.
- ability to do regenerative discharge a plus.
- open source firmware a huge plus(yes, I know, one can dream, right?)
So far I've not been able to find any "hobby priced" hardware that can do that. The closest one can get to this is to use something like the iCharger X8 battery charger as it has the ability to do both a regenerative discharge as well as balancing and use external loads for up to 1000W of discharge. But being such a capable device it has very little logging capability. It does show the total discharged energy which is really nice, but no voltage/time curve etc. Living in the real world it is probably going to be my choice unless I find something better.
Then there is the SkyRC BD250, which almost fits the bill, but for some reason its minimum discharge voltage is 5.2V which means it si useless for 1S lipos/li-ion batteries.
otherwise it is almost ok (lacking many other features, but I realise I'll probably not find anything that does all of it at my "hobby level" budget)