Q about 410duo problems

[raptor90wm]

I have been reading alot about software problems and chargers going up in smoke so so can someone explaine what's happening with these chargers? I really had my heart set on buying one of these but now im thinking pl8 but wont be happy if I get one of these as I have watched loads of videos about 410 duo and they look unreal and I WANT ONE!!!!!!!!!

[Kiba]

I've BBQ'd 3 of them so I have some experience in this department...

There were two buggy firmware versions that toasted quite a few chargers-- v2.05 and v2.06.

The other issue seems to be that Junsi might have been a little optimistic on the discharge wattage capabilities of the 4010 and using the charger to discharge packs at or near the maximum rated wattage (discharge mode, cycling, storage mode, etc) can overheat some components and damage the charger. It may take months or it may only take a few cycles but based on the thread at RC Groups the majority of people who report in with dead 4010's had them fail during or immediately after high-wattage discharges.

One of my 4010's died while charging a single cell NiCad glow starter (charge voltage rapidly increased to 36V and then the charger rebooted and died) while the other two died within 5 days of upgrading to v2.05 and they died doing storage-discharges at maximum discharge wattage.

I haven't had a single problem with the replacement chargers running v2.09 but I no longer use the 4010 to discharge, I'm playing it safe and I built my own automatic dischargers using a Junsi Cell Log and a bank of LM317s.

I love the display, like the user interface, but I'm always wondering when #4 will die and under what circumstances...

[Slyster]

Are you talking about the 4010 Duo? Love mine! I just kept the firmware version it came with and will never be updating it.. if it ain't broke don't fix it. I've been using it hard for quite a long time now.. including full watt discharges.

[raptor90wm]

Originally Posted by Kiba

I've BBQ'd 3 of them so I have some experience in this department...

There were two buggy firmware versions that toasted quite a few chargers-- v2.05 and v2.06.

The other issue seems to be that Junsi might have been a little optimistic on the discharge wattage capabilities of the 4010 and using the charger to discharge packs at or near the maximum rated wattage (discharge mode, cycling, storage mode, etc) can overheat some components and damage the charger. It may take months or it may only take a few cycles but based on the thread at RC Groups the majority of people who report in with dead 4010's had them fail during or immediately after high-wattage discharges.

One of my 4010's died while charging a single cell NiCad glow starter (charge voltage rapidly increased to 36V and then the charger rebooted and died) while the other two died within 5 days of upgrading to v2.05 and they died doing storage-discharges at maximum discharge wattage.

I haven't had a single problem with the replacement chargers running v2.09 but I no longer use the 4010 to discharge, I'm playing it safe and I built my own automatic dischargers using a Junsi Cell Log and a bank of LM317s.

I love the display, like the user interface, but I'm always wondering when #4 will die and under what circumstances...

i'll save myself some headaches and not buy one so

[Slyster]

Your loss! Best charger I've ever owned. I sold my PL6 to get mine. I still have a 306B as well... so that is another option for you.. proven for a few years now.

[raptor90wm]

Originally Posted by Slyster

Your loss! Best charger I've ever owned. I sold my PL6 to get mine. I still have a 306B as well... so that is another option for you.. proven for a few years now.

What software version is on your 410 duo?

[GimpyGolden]

Any issues with Regen discharge or only internal?

[CZorzella]

Originally Posted by Slyster

Your loss! Best charger I've ever owned. I sold my PL6 to get mine. I still have a 306B as well... so that is another option for you.. proven for a few years now.

Well, I also love my 4010Duo, but frankly speaking, knowing the fact that there are several reports of issues with some of these units, I wouldn't recommend it to a friend of mine, though.

I still have a 208B providing excellent services for the past two years. I wish I could use the 4010Duo with the same confidence level; I hope someday this my dream will come true, but not today unfortunatelly.

[Gregor99]

Originally Posted by Slyster

I just kept the firmware version it came with and will never be updating it.. if it ain't broke don't fix it.

There is cost and risk associated with every code change, bug fix and feature enhancement. There is the cost of the developer's time, the cost of the testers time, the cost to update the documentation and the risk of introducing regressions. Every manufacture that writes code knows this. That is the reason that there is usually a lot of internal debate and significant justification to make any changes.

The manufacture would prefer to devote the resources toward future product development. In some cases, work on future products has to be halted to address issues with released products. This extends time for release of new products and can put the manufacture at a competitive disadvantage.

When a new version of firmware or software is released its important to understand that it cost the manufacture something. It would not been released if the manufacture didn't feel it was absolutely necessary.

Since release, there have been 30 documented bugs fixed (and a few undocumented bugs) as well as 12 new features added.

http://www.hillrc.com/UploadFiles/Re...ger4010Duo.txt

I understand concerns about regressions. and the "aint broke don't fix it" attitude. But if that was really the case, there would be no new firmware updates. By all means if you are concerned wait until there is a proven track record for a given firmware version. Stay in touch with the notes on the updates and be aware when critical updates come out, or updates that affect your specific charging scenarios.

[garyji]

I love mine. Just updated to 2.0.9. I did skip all the others. Mine started with 2.0.4.

G.

[GimpyGolden]

Before I do mine do you loose all your saved setup when you do FW update?
Can I save to SD then upload to use with new FW oK?

[Lottomunch]

So if I'm just charging LiPo's and the only discharging is to balance packs I'm fine right?

I'll tell you what. I powered mine up for the first time last night. That frickin screen is a work of art. It's AWESOME seeing everything without having to touch buttons and cycle through screens.

[raptor90wm]

Well I just don't know what to do, I know it's a new product and there's always bugs but I want something reliable for my hard earned cash.
Some people are happy and some people not so happy so I head scratching to know what to do

[Lottomunch]

I think everything has some risks. If you don't want risks go for a tried and true 306b. It's an awesome charger with thousands of users.

The 4010 duo is clearly the ultimate. It's super cool. I am not worried about mine because I don't do anything exotic and because I never like to load my equipment to 100% anyway. So if it discharges 50 watts (just making up a number) I'll always stay below 40 to ensure I'm not taxing the equipment. Electronics don't like to get hot so I work to keep them happy.

Anyway. Go for it. If you don't you're gonna have the thing in the back of your mind bugging you until you ultimately get it.

I'll tell you this. I've got a PL8 and it's an awesome charger. It's got a stellar trackrecord. My biggest beef is the display. They display of the 4010 is as awesome as the PL8 is painful. Drives me crazy.

[RedOctobyr]

I'll make assumptions:

- You are looking at the 4010Duo largely for 2 channels. The huge power is a side benefit
- You only actually need 6S

You could buy a pair of PL6's for the same price as a 4010Duo. You'd still get 2 channels (effectively), and quite a bit of power. They can do about 32A on 6S, with 24V input. The PL6 has a proven track record.

Or, for $30 more than the 4010Duo, you could get the Dual PL8.

The main benefit to the 4010Duo might seem to be the screen, at that point. The Dual PL8 has more total power, though both are pretty ridiculous. Although it's not yet released, with FMA's track record, you could expect it should be reliable. It will at least be well supported, if there are issues.

[raptor90wm]

Originally Posted by RedOctobyr

I'll make assumptions:

- You are looking at the 4010Duo largely for 2 channels. The huge power is a side benefit
- You only actually need 6S

You could buy a pair of PL6's for the same price as a 4010Duo. You'd still get 2 channels (effectively), and quite a bit of power. They can do about 32A on 6S, with 24V input. The PL6 has a proven track record.

Or, for $30 more than the 4010Duo, you could get the Dual PL8.

The main benefit to the 4010Duo might seem to be the screen, at that point. The Dual PL8 has more total power, though both are pretty ridiculous. Although it's not yet released, with FMA's track record, you could expect it should be reliable. It will at least be well supported, if there are issues.

wow wait a minute, is there a dual pl8 being released and when??
were a bit behind the usa here in Ireland so I haden't heard that, that's some great info for me as i'll have to check that out, as the pl8 are tried and tested and a solid charger

[GimpyGolden]

Here she be
http://www.revolectrix.com/dpl_description_tab.htm
I ended up going 4010 as it better suits my 24V PB setup.