v8upd_e.txt Weiterstadt, 21 MAY 2008 Dear customer, We receive a large number of queries regarding the capabilities of the new software for our battery chargers in comparison to the older software. We cannot usually answer these questions because in most cases the customer fails to state the software version fitted to the charger. --> The software version is always displayed on the right side on the display during power on procedure. A - THIS IS OUR BASIC RECOMMENDATION: Download that OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS from our home page you are intersted in. On the Homepage you will not only find a description of a) the current version 8, but also the manuals of b) Version 6.xx and 7.xx of the isl 6 chargers and all other chargers (and speed controllers). The isl 6 instructions also apply in virtually every respect to the following Graupner series of chargers: mc-ULTRA DUO, mc-ULTRA DUO PLUS, mc-ULTRA DUO PLUS II and mc-ULTRA DUO PROFI. Version 6 of the mc-ULTRA CONTEST needs separate instructions. We can update ALL Schulze isl 5 and isl 6 chargers, but ONLY the Graupner DUO PLUS II (order No. 6404) can be converted with about a dozen of changes to run version 8 software to be able to charge lithium-polymer batteries. --> The DUO PLUS II changes completely to isl 6-330d (also avai- lable in english language!) which includes all automatic current calculation programs for Ni-MH batteries (former only available for Ni-Cd batteries). Also a serial RS232 Port could now be added to connect the charger to your PC. ALL OTHER of the above mentioned Graupner chargers can ONLY be updated to VERSION 6 with a few changes. (All Series are different and can not be supported with acceptable expense.) --> With version 6 you are able to charge Ni-Cd, Ni-MH and Lead- Acid/Gel batteries. The automatic current calculation is only available for Ni-Cd batteries, but not with Ni-MH batteries! B - PRESENT MAXIMUM CHARGE CURRENTS AND UPDATE POSSIBILITIES: ecolader 7: we can not update for lithium batteries, but: You can NOT use the ecolader 7 to charge lithium batteries but it is no problem to charge Ni-MH cells. Do not use outputs in "parallel" mode (only if you want to torture your batteries with 8.5 Amps. From there: Please select "single use" of the outputs and do only connect batteries with more than 8 Ah. ecolader plus, ecolader select: we can not update for lithium batteries, but: When using Ni-MH batteries read our recommendations at the end of section "5.6 batteries" and/or "important tips" -> "battery maintenace". isl5-425d - 4A update available to V8 isl5-527d - 5A update available to V8 isl6-330d - 5,5A update available to V8 isl6-430d - 5A update available to V8 isl6-530d - 6A update available to V8 isl6-636+ - 8A update available to V8 isl8-936g - 10A update available to V8 in spring 2004 # 3326 Ultra Duo 3,0 A update available to V6 # 6402 Ultra Duo Plus 4,0 A update available to V6 # 6404 Ultra Duo Plus II 5,5 A update possible to V6 or V8 # 6406 Ultra Duo Profi 6,5 A update available to V6 # 6408 Ultra Contest 8,0 A update available to V6 If you have a charger whose software version is lower than V6.31, then an Update is worthwhile in every case. This applies in particular if you have problems with premature charge termination, i.e. if the charger switches off when the pack is only half-full. But: please note that you should send us your charger for updating, so that we can also change a capacitor as well as the software. This ensures that the software update can take full effect. This eliminates a problem which first arose with the introduction of the black 1700 mAh cells. This is still valid when you only can update to version 6.56 and be sure to fill up and cut off Ni-MH batteries more reliable. C - AS OF NOW, THIS MEANS WITH V 8.xx, YOU CAN ALSO: 1) charge all battery types on main output Akku1: 1-30 (36) cells Ni-Cd - automatic and combination programs = maintenance programs available!, 1-30 (36) cells Ni-MH - NEW: automatic and combination programs = maintenance programs available!, 1-19 (23) cells Lead-acid, lead-gel, 1-13 (16) cells Li-MnO (Tadiran batteries), 1-11 (13) cells Li-Io, 1-11 (13) cells Li-Po. (shown in parenthesis: isl 6-636d, -636e, -636+) 2) charge all battery types on second output Akku2: 1-6 cells Ni-Cd, 1-6 cells Ni-MH, 1-4 cells Lead-acid, lead-gel, 1-3* cells Li-MnO, 1-3* cells Li-Io, 1-3* cells Li-Po [*] the stated maximum cell counts are only possible when the unit is connected to a mains power supply or a brim-full car battery giving 13.8 Volts. 3) charge from 1 cell upward 4) discharge from 2 cells (down to a residual voltage of about 1,3 V) 5) Select a maximum charge quantity (safety - cut - off). 6) use a seriell RS232-interface (we will mount it in our firm). Software version 8 is available with immediate effect, although it can only be fitted to the schulze isl 5 and isl 6 chargers. --> If you own a DUO PLUS II which is /shall be changed to the isl 6-330d we can also mount this interface. Even the cover will be replaced by request from mcUltraDuoII to the isl 6-330d type if your mcUltraDuoII has the CE sign (EURO 15,39 extra charge). D - WHAT IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH AN UPDATE: Not all Graupner chargers are developped and manufactured by us, but only the mentioned types above. We neither can repair nor upgrade the #6416 Ultra Duo Plus 30 - this charger is not made by schulze elektronik gmbh. No software update can transform an ULTRA DUO into an ULTRA DUO PLUS, quite simply because the discharge stage (hardware!) is not present in the device. For similar reasons it is impossible to convert an ULTRA DUO PLUS into an ULTRA DUO PLUS II by changing the software (different hardware). This also means that the earlier maximum charge current of 4 amps remains unchanged. As mentioned above, you can now also charge individual cells and discharge two cells and more (not # 3326 Ultra Duo and no isl 5 - no discharge stage existing). The software version 6 can also be used to balance Ni-Cd cells, but it is not allowed to use the automatic program to charge Ni-MH cells. Note: balancing means bringing all the cells in a pack to the same state of charge. E - COMMON NOTES: Single cells cannot be charged at the charger’s maximum rated current, as this would cause it to overheat. For this reason the unit automatically reduces the charge current. The reduced current also means that the automatic termination circuit finds it more difficult than usual to detect the voltage peak which indicates that the battery is full. Generally the system works perfectly, but it is nevertheless essential to carry out a series of carefully supervised charge processes for reassurance, and not rely blindly on the automatic termination circuit from the outset. For measuring individual cells the ecolader select is a better choice than any other charger, because it features a very much more accurate voltage measurement circuit. In the meantime the "nextGeneration" charger series is more precise! Important note regarding Graupner chargers: There are four types of ULTRA DUO. To avoid confusion, please always state the Order No. of the Graupner charger for which the Eprom is required. F - THE UPDATE PRICES: << isl 6 >> Replacement-EPROM (Version 6.xx!!!) and new operating instructions: # 3326 Ultra Duo EUR 26,67 + shipping costs # 6402 Ultra Duo Plus EUR 26,67 + shipping costs # 6404 Ultra Duo Plus II EUR 26,67 + shipping costs (or V 8 = 50,- EUR) # 6406 Ultra Duo Profi EUR 26,67 + shipping costs # 6408 Ulta Contest EUR 34,88 + shipping costs Amout of the version 8 (for isl 5 and isl 6 chargers) is EUR 51,29 if version 7.02 or less is inside, EUR 30,78 if version 7.03 or higher is inside. For the last example we said in the past that you can change the update-EPROM by yourself if the software version in your charger is higher or equal to 7.03. Since we learned that some clients complained about a bad calibration (they detected a deviation of about 1% which is at the limit of the specifications of the manufacturers) you have to send your charger to Weiterstadt that we can update it in our firm and give the charger a new (more precise) calibration. The price is the same (30,78 EUROs) but the shipping costs are higher. Otherwise - this means for all versions lower than V 7.03 - we ALWAYS need the charger for upgrading the hardware and new calibration in Weiterstadt. No instructions for changing all the dozen parts and no part kit is available. AND: It is IMPOSSIBLE for you to calibrate the unit! A major conversion is available which includes installing a serial interface, supplying "winsoft" and the PC connecting lead. This is termed the i6-RS upgrade and costs EUR 91,30 up to V7.02 resp. EUR 70,78 from V7.03 or higher. For all these upgrades you must send your charger in to us, as some hardware components HAVE TO be replaced IN OUR FIRM. Software language is available in german, englich and french - but present operating instructions only in german and english. << isl 8 >> The Version 8-EPROM for the isl 8-936g is EUR 71,81. Additional we offer a service package (25,65 EUROs + shipping costs) for the calibration plus hardware-update to a similar hardware like the present produced isl 8. Hint: From software version V 8.05 or higher you have to send us the EPROM only. It is not necessary to calibrate the charger once more. An isl 8 softwareupgrade for 1 year is included within the warranty time of the isl 8. For this reason, you have to send us your warranty card directly (!) after purchase. << DURATION >> The conversion time in our factory for the isl 6 series is around 3-10 working days. For updating the isl 8 we need 1-3 weeks as well as for the Ultra Contest. G - THE SHIPPING PRICES: Standard carriage charge within Germany by Yellow Post is about 11 EUROs p l u s 2 EUROs postal money order costs at YOUR door! When you pay by MasterCard or VisaCard shipping costs within Germany by Yellow Post is about 7 EUROs. Shipping costs Yellow Post/DHL (note: cash before delivery): Europe EU-only = 24 EUROs, Europe non-EU (Switzerland, Norway) = 38,50 EUROs, Canada, United States of America = 48,00 EUROs, Japan = 58,00 EUROs. A new set of operating instructions costs 5.13 EUR + shipping costs - or of course free of charge from our homepage. H - FORWARDING ADDRESS for your UPDATE REQUEST: Our address: see below, or on the home page at "address/communication". As already mentioned, software Version 8 can only be installed by us at the factory, if there is a version older or equal 7.02 inside. You can order Version 6 yourself or through your local dealer, but we still recommend that you send the unit in to us so that it can be converted to the latest Version 6 hardware status (not identical to V 7 or higher). If you wish to order by e-mail: Please don’t forget to let us know your postal address! If you live outside Germany: Please contact our general importers in your country. The addresses can be found on our home page: www.schulze-elektronik-gmbh.de at "Adresse/Kommunikation" www.schulze-elektronik-gmbh.com at "address/communication" and "worldwide dealer network" Best wishes matthias schulze schulze elektronik gmbh repair department prenzlauer weg 6, D-64331 weiterstadt Germany