USB memory stick missing...

#1 chris_p 2022-02-23

GivEnergy support were going to do a battery firmware update but they say my installer has missed inserting the USB memory stick. My installer said it could be a while before they can get to me, is there instructions for this (I can't see any in the install manual) and is this something I should be able to do? I don't have the original stick but I'm guessing any will do if formatted correctly? Will I invalidate the warranty?

#2 anabanet 2022-02-23

I believe there was nothing special about the memory stick, except it was not bulky... same size as the slot.

Like this :
https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Metal-Waterproof-Memory-Keyring-Silvery/dp/B07G4CL9BF/ref=sr_1_20?crid=T1LGJRTOB9YD&qid=1645628430

Not like this :
https://smile.amazon.co.uk/SanDisk-SDCZ50-016G-B35-Cruzer-Blade-Flash/dp/B002U1ZBG0/ref=sr_1_6?crid=T1LGJRTOB9YD&qid=1645628430

#3 Woodstock 2022-02-23

chris_p Have a look at the discussion titled "Firmware update experiences". Bit of a long thread but pertinent to your position. Been there, done that!

#4 Deej 2022-02-23

I had the same issue and Givenergy support gave me this advice:

The USB port is located in the battery itself, so you'll have to remove the front panel with an Alan key. The USB port is at the top of the battery once that cover is removed.

The size of the usb doesn't really matter, the file that you're putting on is only 100kb so any USB should be fine.

Yes, if you format it to the fat32 (I made sure mine was quick formatted to fat32), that should work fine.

What might be best to do is actually manually update it, I've put some instructions and the file itself you'll need below, let me know if you have any issues!

Unscrew the front panel of your battery, remove the small silver USB that will be inserted near the top (there will not be one here in your case)
Insert that USB file into your laptop and open it, check to make sure there aren't any files on it. If there are, delete those files.
Add the BMS_ARM.bin file I've sent to you and make sure it's still a ".bin" file type (Some laptops automatically convert the file type when downloaded, so just double check for me)
Eject the USB from your laptop and then insert it back into the battery, the battery will then make a beeping sound, this means it's accepted the file.
repeat the process for the rest of your batteries if you have more than one.
either give me a call or send me an email and I'll restart your batteries and perform an SOC correction which discharges and recharges your battery to capacity to make sure they're operating as should.

It worked a treat. I’ve left the usb in the battery for the next update. Support should be able to provide the latest firmware if you want to do it yourself manually..

#5 DIG 2022-02-23

I had the same issue and was also emailed the instructions above.
My usb had gone faulty so they couldn't remotely update my software.
I utilised a standard usb and after the battery beeped I removed it as I didn't have a spare.
Once the file is loaded the usb is not necessary, till next time!
I will have to remember to buy another one for the next software update.

#6 wilfleek 2022-02-24

Be careful when you have the battery front panel off - it will expose live terminals and there is a lot of power in these batteries. Only attempt this if you are reasonably "technical" and experienced.

#7 chris_p 2022-02-24

wilfleek Would switching the battery off with the button at the front be enough to make it "safe"?

#8 wilfleek 2022-02-24

You should do that, but TBH I am not sure if that would actually remove voltage from all the exposed terminals.

#9 Deej 2022-02-24

@chris_p Your battery should have an isolation switch just to be sure (do both?!).

#10 chris_p 2022-02-24

Deej I'll take a look later and see if I can see that, thank you

#11 Zakalwe 2022-02-25

chris_p

I always think that if you have to ask a question like this then you are nowhere near competent to be opening it up.

#12 chris_p 2022-02-25

Zakalwe Thanks for the brutal reality check, I'll leave the task to someone much more competent than myself.

#13 Zakalwe 2022-02-25

Deej

The isolation switch isolates the battery from everything it's connected to. It doesn't isolate anything inside the battery where the angry pixies live.

#14 Deej 2022-02-26

Zakalwe Agreed, I just thought it best to switch everything off if the question was being asked…wouldn’t want a toasted user! 😄

#15 chris_p 2022-03-17

Zakalwe Givenergy support talked me through opening up, they said no isolation was required, not even turning it off... And I'm still alive (and competent enough) to tell the tale.

#16 Zakalwe 2022-03-17

As with lots of things in life, it's perfectly fine until it's not. 😄

Glad that you got it sorted!