View Full Version : FMA Cellpro 4s firmware
Can anyone tell me the firmware #s and differences and what the latest one is? Also, where do they keep this info on their website - can't find it? And lastly, do we have to have them update the firmware or can we do it on our own?
Thanks!
Dan
Jermo
04-14-2007, 11:16 PM
Might need to contact FMA directly on that. You have to send your unit in for updates.
Ultraviolet
04-15-2007, 05:34 PM
The original firmware was 1.07. This firmware charged at 1.2C in auto mode. A lot of old school folks started complaining because they were convinced that a 1.2C charge rate would burn down there house. FMA actually closed there vendor forum on RC groups because of all the whining.
FMA started shipping the Cellpro with 1.08 firmware mid summer 2006. This firmware allows the user to select either a 1.0C auto charge rate or a 1.4C auto charge rate.
The most recent firmware upgrade allows charging of A123 batteries. I am unaware of any other changes.
:D
Edit: Firmware upgrades must be performed by FMA. You have to send it back to them. I do not know how much, or if they charge for the service.
Jermo
04-15-2007, 08:39 PM
I'm working on a vid for the Cellpro 4S. So far I'm very happy with it.
Magnasanz
04-15-2007, 10:47 PM
I love my 4s don't know how i did without it tbh. It's a pity it doesn't do NIMH/Nicad as well but hey my rex doesn't use those anyway ;)
George1234
04-17-2007, 08:45 AM
I just got my Cellpro recently. It's A123 capable, and the firmware is 2.04
Seems like a great charger to me.
George
Ultraviolet
04-17-2007, 06:53 PM
George, It is the best lipo charger for up to 4 cells, period.
:D
Jermo
04-17-2007, 10:02 PM
The design and active balancing feature make it safer and fast. Most of the other chargers I've looked at appear to use passive balancing which takes longer because it discharges the higher cells down to the lowest cell. Active balancing just holds off on balancing the high cells until the lower cells are even then it balances them all individually.
rcboosted
04-17-2007, 11:20 PM
It's $12 for the A123 upgrade, and you HAVE to send it in. You pay to ship it back and the $12 includes shipping back. If you send in more than one, you can possibly ask them to reduce the price, since they only have 1 shipping charge back to you.
Jermo
04-17-2007, 11:39 PM
That's pretty cheap considering the labor involved.
rcboosted
04-18-2007, 12:50 AM
Heh, I thought exactly the opposite. Labor involved?
1. plug cable into charger
2. plug cable into pc
3. click flash firmware
4. done
At least that's how you do it on a TP charger. They did mention they have to calibrate it afterwards. I guess it just means we're paying for the guy doing the firmware upgrade's salary. If it weren't for that necessary calibration step, I'm sure they'd release a cable to let us do it ourselves.
okay - to close the loop i ended up calling them direct today. The latest firmware is 2.06. i have one that i bought recently that is A123 and the firmware is 2.03. The older one (Jan 07) is not A123 and it is 1.12. The only thing that one can't do is A123. The difference between 2.03 and 2.06 is not worth sending it in according to FMA. Apparently, they continuously make small minor tweaks but will announce when one is important enough to send in. Kind of a bummer that we can't upgrade on our own - seems simple enough.
Thanks!
Jermo
04-18-2007, 07:18 AM
I'm sure we can send all our chargers to you for update. Based on your procedure it's about 5minutes worth.. so we'll throw you $3 plus $7 for shipping. Let's see how far you get :D
We don't know if the units can be programmed via the PC connection or not. Since the connection is serial it may be possible but depending on the size of the eeprom there may or may not be code to do it direclty over the wire.
Heh, I thought exactly the opposite. Labor involved?
1. plug cable into charger
2. plug cable into pc
3. click flash firmware
4. done
At least that's how you do it on a TP charger. They did mention they have to calibrate it afterwards. I guess it just means we're paying for the guy doing the firmware upgrade's salary. If it weren't for that necessary calibration step, I'm sure they'd release a cable to let us do it ourselves.
rcboosted
04-18-2007, 11:47 AM
I'm sure we can send all our chargers to you for update. Based on your procedure it's about 5minutes worth.. so we'll throw you $3 plus $7 for shipping. Let's see how far you get :D
We don't know if the units can be programmed via the PC connection or not. Since the connection is serial it may be possible but depending on the size of the eeprom there may or may not be code to do it direclty over the wire.
Heh, I thought exactly the opposite. Labor involved?
1. plug cable into charger
2. plug cable into pc
3. click flash firmware
4. done
At least that's how you do it on a TP charger. They did mention they have to calibrate it afterwards. I guess it just means we're paying for the guy doing the firmware upgrade's salary. If it weren't for that necessary calibration step, I'm sure they'd release a cable to let us do it ourselves.
It's over the wire. Mine came back exactly the same as before. No change to the shrinkwrap, which tells me they didn't have to open it. You know they DO have a port for interfacing the PC. But for us, it's only used for monitoring the charging cycle.
Jermo
04-18-2007, 11:57 AM
hehe..yep..I know..I'm working on a review video for the cellpro 4s currently ;)
Good charger imho. In my view direct cell charging and active balancing are key to fast but safe charging.
Magnasanz
04-18-2007, 03:37 PM
I also noticed whilst reading the manual the other day (As you do now and then) that on page 4 it states:
Because FMAs cell balancing technology monitors individual cells, you don't need to cool a pack before charging it.
This saves heaps of time, and as my HXT never really get that warm i think i'll start charging them straight after a flight. With it's in built temp sensor it will charge safely. Awesome charger but it is a pity you can't update the firmware at home.
E2C_Mech
04-24-2007, 08:04 AM
The firmware upgrade is performed through the left side of the charger (9 holes), most of the time the shrink does not have to be removed. After the flash upgrade, the charger is immediately calibrated. This is why you cannot perform the firmware upgrade at home. The current firmware version is 2.07 There is a $12 charge to upgrade from the non A123 version to the A123 version. There is no charge for normal firmware upgrades, just pay the shipping.