Re: Cheap idea to computer controll a "Dumb Charger" (Was Re: Ideas for the new EVer)

["David McAlister" <davidmcalister@mindspring.com>]

I have used the X10 modules before.  They are inexpensive, neat, and easy to
install and make work.  However, they did not prove reliable enough when I
used them to be the only thing trusted to turn off the charger.  It would be
OK to use it to turn off the charger based on a programmed time that may
vary with DOD, but use a dedicated timer as a fail-safe.

----- Original Message -----
From: PETER VANDERWAL <peterv@peoplepc.com>
To: <ev@listproc.sjsu.edu>
Sent: Saturday, September 30, 2000 1:19 PM
Subject: Cheap idea to computer controll a "Dumb Charger" (Was Re: Ideas for
the new EVer)


> > 3. Don't put it on charge and forget it.
> >
> > Most chargers are stupid, and err on the side of overcharging. Some will
> > happily charge forever and cook your batteries to death.
>
> I just recently purchased one of those X10 home control systems for under
> $50.  This is the one with the PC interface and the wireless remote
controls
> (including a keychain remote).  They also have "Appliance" modules
available
> that can control up to 220V at 20 amps.
>
> My idea is to have the charger plugged into an appliance module, you then
> connect the charger to the EV and hit the "On" button on the wireless
> remote.  When you do this the PC interface will sense the "On" command and
> start a macro that will automatically switch the charger off after a
preset
> time (like say 14 hours).  Note the PC doesn't even need to be on for the
> interface to run the macro.  Now this is the simple way and will stop the
> "charge forever" bit and since it's automatic you can't forget.
>
> Now grated a simple mechanical timer will do the same thing, however this
> system has more advanced features available.  Since "obviously" everyone
on
> the list has a PC of some kind additional functions can be added by
> software.  You could for example have a program on the PC where you plug
in
> the AHs used and it will calculate how long to leave the charger on for
and
> then turn it off.
> If you had an E-meter with a serial interface (and either an isolated
> charger or an isolated serial interface) you could have the PC watch for
> when 110% of AH were returned and then shut off.
>
> Plus of course with X10 you can have the Macro run additional functions
like
> turning on the porch and living room lights, the stereo etc. when you hit
> the "On" button on the remote.
>
> For anybody that is interested you can click on the link below and if you
> sign up for the Discount Club Newsletter you'll receive a $15 gift
voucher.
> http://www.x10.com/friends/refer.cgi?peter_v@hotmail.com
>
>
> After you get the gift voucher emailed to you, you can order the
Activehome
> system ($49.99) http://www.x10.com/products/x10_ck11a.htm
> and the 20A 220V module is $29.99
> http://www.x10.com/products/x10_hd245.htm
> However the 15A 110V module is only $7.99
> http://www.x10.com/home/offer.cgi?RCA2,../products/rca_modules_ba1.htm
> (scroll down to 3-pin appliance module)
>
> For additional control modules they have a really good special that
includes
> 3 lamp modules, 3 appliance modules, 3 wallswitch modules (control ceiling
> lights etc.) and three pocket remotes for $49.99
> http://www.x10.com/home/offer.cgi?RCA2,../products/rca_modules_ba1.htm
>
> Plus they have some really cool palmsize wireless color video cameras for
> only $79.99
> http://www.x10.com/products/x10_vk45a.htm
>