New JK-BMS: Software & Connectivity | Part 2

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Please stay up to date on the JK-BMS as we are working through the issues: www.youtube.com/@OffGridGarageAustralia/community

[@out-about7652]

do they have new pass word as 123456 not working 1234 not working 000000 not working ,

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

@@out-about7652 123456 should be the default password. It prompts you to change it when you login the first time...

[@denisholovlov8744]

Congratulations. I purchased such a BMS and also cannot connect it to the inverter. Were you able to solve this problem? How? Is there a video on this topic?

[@denisholovlov8744]

Congratulations. I purchased such a BMS and also cannot connect it to the inverter. Were you able to solve this problem? How? Is there a video on this topic?

[@RequirementsMet]

@@out-about7652 usually there is a pairing code "1234" and then there is the password "123456"

[@offgridwithpojectham]

Damn it Andy! Why JK? Why? I was about to pull the trigger on purchasing. I’ll wait. I hope they fix it soon! Thank you for tirelessly working to help this community. As I’ve said before, you’re The Godfather of solar and battery testing! You’re the man!

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Thanks a lot. Working with the team through the issues. However, the latest FW is still no good...

[@sharetheadventure1]

At least there trying to work with you Andy. Sounds like once the bugs are worked out it would be a nice unit overall! I can't see how i would use it tho ,in a 2.0 set up tho? I'm looking forward to seeing how they fix this or if they even try to.@@OffGridGarageAustralia

[@RobinRastle]

When SIBs catch on in a few months further on all this grief will be history. Managing SIB cells like NiMH behaviour - allegedly @@sharetheadventure1

[@Vmaxfodder]

The mosfet is junk !

[@cfeigel]

Andy, thanks for your efforts -- you're making life better for the rest of the community!

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Thank you. I just wished the outcome for this BMS would have been better.

[@SolAce-nw2hf]

Hi Andy, I can relate to your frustration. It's usually someone setting an arbitrary deadline for going to market with a new product, no matter if it is complete or properly tested. I suspect the engineers listened to and had every intention to implement your requests. It may just be down to the settings being absent in the app and pc software, and testing still in progress for other inverters. Deadlines are sometimes needed to keep a company alive, but they can also do a lot of damage to reputation if management just releases an unfinished and partially untested product. If anyone at JK is reading this: Get your act together, prioritize these features and apologise to Andy today!

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Yeah, I understand that but then also make a road map when you want to release which feature with future updates... They must have someone with project management skills.

[@jimjones7821]

HEAR HEAR !!

[@mobracska]

@@OffGridGarageAustralia and that will lead to a deadline where the new comm protocol will arrive again untested :D

[@FutureSystem738]

Thanks Andy, what would we all do without your frustrations in getting all this software and hardware totally sorted. I’m happy with a much simpler and smaller system, but many will not be, and will eventually reap the rewards of your hard work. As always, thanks 🙏 👍

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Thanks Dave.

[@moestrei]

Luckily you can update the firmware. Andy tearing his hair out to assist JK but it seems a slow progress. I guess we don't know what liberty the JK engineers have to quickly implement changes......could be a long and complicated review and approval process. Thanks for doing a great job for the solar community 👏👏👏

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

I am in contact with the JK team and have access to the engineers. I have provided feedback on Tuesday to them, send them all the issues I found, screenshots... they said they are working overtime now to fix it. They make their own software so should be able to react very fast here. I'll keep pushing!

[@moestrei]

@@OffGridGarageAustralia Amazing how a YT from Straya is doing their homework.....did they run out of sun in China?

[@videoflieger1239]

@@OffGridGarageAustralia Thanx for your support & testing Andy👍 I already ordered two Inverter BMS...they should arrive in 2-3 weeks. Hopefully JK can fixe more and more bugs 🤞

[@Bundyblu]

Another great video. I want you to know you are not alaone, and I share your frustrations. It is very difficult if not impossible to communicate with JK. I would surgest that you invite JK to send an engineer out to your place, to get some field experience and get some of the JK BMS issuees fixed. Then when you are finished with the engineer, send him/her up to my place to resolve my JK BMS issues....What a coip for JK to resolove all those JK BMS for ALL JK users....I live in hope. Keep up the good work Andy.... If yopu ever need a break, charge up that Tesla and come visit Bundy, for as nice rum and coke....Cheers

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

That would be the best thing to do. The language barrier is one thing but not understanding the technical cohesion is another one. Rum and Coke sounds good...

[@Skeptic100100]

Thank Andy, my only saving grace here was I did not get my hopes up with this. Like you, I have been dealing with JK for a few years now and I have come to the realization that what I have is good but SHOULD be better, particularly when it comes to customer service. Unlike you, I had a BMS go south, now I'm stuck with it and either have to buy another one or a different one and also buy a balancer.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Customer service can always be improved. It's not hard to do and lifts the reputation.

[@Scat.original]

Thank you Andy, Your diligent effort is Greatly Appreciated by all

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Thank you.

[@andresgodinho]

Andy! I would say that the transition from bulk mode to float mode on this JKBMS should be based on the cells beeing balanced... keep absorcion voltage until all cells are within 0.005 volts of each other... or 0.01 V... something like that.

[@bberg30]

Mist! I have ordered this BMS 2 weeks ago for my newest battery. Hope that jk will solve this problems. Thank you Andy for your work. Greetings from the sunless Black Forest 😁

[@John.strong]

the best part is they are working with you to sort it. sounds like you will win

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

I hope for the sake of this community, they will make the JK great again!

[@hendersonsobers396]

Andy, thank you for your review. I was looking forward to this BMS for another project I'm working on and decided to wait until I see your review and I'm so glad I did.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

I hope they can fix it quickly as they develop their own software.

[@dmytromaruchok7225]

I just can't imagine what you had to do to calm the frustration. And huge gratitude for doing your researches. Information about the charge and discharge at 0 amps gave me idea of why my inverter gives me error - battery is not allowed to charge or discharge, after communication with bms was established. I think there is the same situation with the BMS in Junlee batteries. And it takes the charge and float voltage from the pack OVP alarm settings, as I have found.

[@HermitHippy]

Thanks Andy. I'm currently running a 24V JK and was looking forward to upgrading to this JK unit when I change to 48V, but now I think I'll wait.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Yeah, wait and see what is happening. Honestly, if your JK is working, I would not upgrade to this version as of yet.

[@krg038]

Thank Andy. As I remember most of the 1st generation models had problems. A wifi option would be nice.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Yeah, remember the NEEY. It took 4 generations until it was working correctly. Here it should be easier with the software updates.

[@Michael-AUS]

Oh, maaann! I was just talking to the JK reps via Alibaba about purchasing a battery box to go with their new BMS (expecting the BMS to work flawlessly, btw) and now I saw your video. I completely feel your frustration, Andy. I was starting to feel the same way just trying to understand the answers they were giving me. Logically speaking, it was like I was talking to a child sometimes.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

You need to break everything down to a minimum. But this does not solve complex issues.

[@rodneyhrytsak3407]

And I was soooo ready to purchase this BMS. Thanks for the review Andy!

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

If you can, wait a bit longer to see what they can do about the software.

[@pederb82]

Hehe. When you mentioned the VW ID3 issues I remember an issue they discovered here that was caused by software errors. The heat pump at random forgot it was a heat pump and instead tho it was a smoke machine. Totally fogged down the car without warning at random times. 😂 It’s better to wait until you have a solid product before release. But in this days market the money talks. The investors want money flowing before they spend it almost. No patience.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Yeah, a shame. Some small bugs are OK but screwing up the main functionality and communication is not great...

[@pederb82]

@@OffGridGarageAustralia Totally agree.

[@brucebugbee6604]

In my opinion, closed loop communication BMS systems are much more hassle than they're worth. I just set my inverters/chargers and solar charge controllers based on battery voltage/SOC parameters with no other communication other than monitoring through my Cerbo GX. My system works just fine and is simple to maintain.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

I 100% agree to that. My battery shelf... never had any issues and works all the time. You can perfectly control the system through the Victron system.

[@christophe3195]

Oui Andy, mais que se passe t'il si un des trois bms grillé ! Le courant de charge et décharge ne se divise plus en trois !

[@marcvandaele1878]

I tought first to use batrium,but it’s look too difficult but good Then it was JK bms and wait for this one with a big hope…but it’s looks that it was not worth to wait… Like me I choose for a complete Victron system with 96 batteries 304Ah but now the trouble to find a good liable BMS…for off grid system is there any recommendation for a good working BMS Thanks for sending me the right direction

[@aussiescotty2950]

Hi Andy, I was waiting for your tests on this new JK BMS to make a decision on ordering one. Looks like it is atm a POS. You might be right to go SEPLOS with Neey. Thanks for your frustrating effort. I have recommended tech improvements on devices before myself - seems to always fall on deaf ears. Cheers.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Either Seplos or PACE, both will work well. Pace is a bit 'cleaner' to setup and work with.

[@clyntonharris7985]

Hi Andy. Posting this again for the third time, as my posts keep being thrown out by KZbin (possibly due to me posting a link to the JKBMS website). I found the spec sheet and diagrams on the JKBMS website for the Inverter BMS and they show the ports from the Dry Contacts as: CAN - RS485-1 - RS232 - RS485-2 - RS485-2. Different to what you showed and tested in your video. Please swap your cables around and try the communication again. Hopefully this sorts this issue. If not then Jikong (or you) will figure it out soon AND then I'm going to upgrade my old (Non Inverter type) 2A JKBMS's so I can communicate between batteries and inverter. Best of Luck...

[@gibo1971]

Thank you Andy for your video and work with this bms. It is disappointing on jk part, due to the advertising about working with a specific inverter to finally see the product does not work. I don’t know how suppliers can advertise specific things and not deliver them on release. It makes me not want to trust that product or supplier again.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Yeah, I guess, many feel that way now. Let's see what they can fix with the software now...

[@tiborchren]

Hopefully these are software issues and can be fixed soon. It would be a shame if they screwed up their brand reputation when they still have the very successful original first generation BMSs. It's a shame too that when they knew exactly what was needed from you in close and frequent communication and didn't deliver it right at the first release, and when it was clear that these things were going to be tested immediately and we were waiting for it. But what I like about BMS is the continuity, clarity and simplicity of the app from the original successful JK BMS app. Hopefully all the actual issues will be fixed and it will be a similar successful story like from NEEY 1st generation to a working 4th generation. (hopefully JK won't need another 3 generations of BMS to do it all right).

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Yeah, the app and PC software is good from a design perspective. It all makes sense and is easy to operate. I was expecting a few bugs and hiccups but this is almost unusable in this stage. The new 'Victron' FW is not good either. I thought the problems are because we use the Pylontech protocol but... no voltages, no temperatures, capacity not correct, and other things... Obviously untested from their end again.

[@eudom007]

I received 2 PB2A16S15P BMS at the beginning of January. Firmware 15.05 upgraded in 15.10. BMS configured in parallel mode (2x 280Ah 48V lifepo4). JK improved a lot the firmware since the video because now it supports Victron through VE.CAN (it works very well).

[@Louiskoutsovitis]

Hello. What USB to RS485 adapter did you use? I just received the same BMS model at the 15.05 but I can't get it to connect to the JK-BMS-Monitor program to upgrade the firmware. I believe I am using the same USB to RS485 adapter that Andy has but no communication. TIA

[@Intelligent_Bot]

@eudom007 what type of adapter did you use to connect to Victron VE.CAN?

[@ElieHarfouche]

Thank you Andy, we understand your frustration, i hope JK will listen and fix the bms fast. I was about to order and i guess i will wait for your next video to check the updates results. Thank you again. 🙏❤️

[@mobracska]

I hope software problems are getting solved... as i'hve ordered this more then a week ago, without seeing this video.

[@NedKLee]

Darn it Andy, I really don't like seeing you this frustrated, not good for the blood pressure. Thanks to your videos I have a 16s Seplos BMS and a NEEEEEEEEEEEY 4A active balancer working perfectly. Yesterday my wife threw everything she could at the system, cooking using the induction hot plates and the oven, 2 loads of washing, running the dishwasher etc. Meanwhile the electic booster for the Solar Hot water ran as well. At the end of the day the SOC was at 98% with 0.003 mv deviation across the pack. I guess what I'm trying to say is Thank You for the information and education, I'll stick with my current setup, it's doing everything I want it to do. Off Grid for 11 years now but it feels like we're back on the grid but without the quarterly electricity bills or supply charges.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

The NEEY sorts it out, no problem. It's a good combination you're running.

[@rulexi]

Gads----------- dammit! Andy, as a result of your superior investigation, I went and bought an industrial REC BMS for my project. I'm shaking my closed fist at JKBMS. I was so looking forward to getting a couple. Andy, thanks for checking these out, I love your selection of music. I'm guessing the issues will take several months to fix, they owe you!

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Yeah, it may take a while. Even JK said they have the coder at hand but I haven't heard back for days now, so may take a lot longer than expected. The REC BMS also has float mode so 👍 but uses these external relays which I'm not a fan of.

[@rulexi]

I'm working on using Blue Sea relays. I think they will work. This will prevent the lock-out/shut-down issue with low charge. @@OffGridGarageAustralia

[@jackoneil3933]

"We got Promises Babe!" - “Step aside! Better days are coming.”

[@CantFindInYoutube]

I almost bought a couple, lucky I decide to wait for your feedback. I feel your frustration, they use you and all new adopters to do the work for them and your opinion only count if they stop making money selling it. I wouldn't loose more time with that crap.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

The chance and opportunity is too good to let it go. No one else seems to develop such a BMS...

[@wayne8113]

Thanks Andy. 😞 Was hoping for a better result, hope it don't take 4 revisions (software) !

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Thanks, Wayne. I have received three already ;)

[@deunansolarcavern]

@@OffGridGarageAustraliaoh oh!!! In the moment i saw your video i got the notification of shipment from JK. I will not asik for refund until your next video hoping the blinkng eye is a good sign.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

@@deunansolarcavern There is now an update here: www.youtube.com/@OffGridGarageAustralia/community

[@IntermitTech]

For the communication problems try disconnecting the screen, on the smaller boards the display uses a UART port to communicate (it's not so much a display but rather a RS-485/CAN client board with display on it!), that might free up the second UART to use for your RS-485 connection. Not sure if you also need to disable the display output the configuration somewhere.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Yeah, I tried that by just using the power button without display and no difference unfortunately.

[@dimmyjeans]

Hi Andy. Another facinating and informative video as usual. Quick question: Have you considered, or are you considering combining Super Capacitors with your setup? This is another facinating field of energy storage, but a lot of people are put off mainly because they have a lower overall storage capacity, relative to their comparable size, and their steep charge and discharge voltage curves. But they have some advantages, like being able to handle very high charge and discharge currents. Apparently they have virtually no maximum number of charge/discharge cycles and they can be charged and discharged at much higher and much lower temperatures. As long as they are not charged above their rated voltage, and they are reasonably environmentally protected, they chould last a human lifetime, or more! I can imagine a setup where on partly cloudy day, they could be charged up very rapidly when the sun shines and then have that charge dumped into the batteries when a cloud comes over. Or they could discharge automatically when a heavy load is switched on, in preference to the batteries, extending the battery charge cycle count. Or they could be used to extend 'daylight hours' by discharging into the batteries after sunset. The possibilities are endless. Supercapicitor batteries also require BMS's and Balancers, so imagine all that testing that would be needed! It would make a great new video series. Just a thought. Looking forward to your next video as always. All the best. Jim, UK.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Thanks Jim. Interesting thoughts. I don't think supercaps are something we really need with our batteries. The prismatic cells we use have such a low internal resistance that they can output a lot of current, even as a very short spike. This would probably exceed the spikes even large inverters need by far. It adds more complexity to the system, in my eyes without real benefit. It might be useful though for certain niche installations and designs.

[@markh3959]

Thanks, with the VE cable type A i could connect my JK BMS. Now i have to config it to 3fase

[@pepermintpilot1694]

I run 6 of the origininal JK BMS's and love them, however this new one looks to be a disapointment! hope they listen to your feedback and sort this ASAP! Thanks mate!

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Yeah, definitely keep the old ones. This new one needs a lot of work...

[@BadIdea1123]

I think the two wires on the heating pad are for a temp probe, and the others feed it power, not sure if its negatively switched or positively, you just hard wire the other side. Mine arent connected cause straya lol Also the cerbo might hold on to old values until new ones are produced, like publisher subscriber does for example. If there needs to a value (aka not null) it might just put something in there, its speculation though

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Yeah, the small cable with the many green wires is apparently the heating pad cable which needs a special power supply? I read this somewhere. Could not find any documentation. Of course not... The Cerbo does not update the voltage or temperature at all. These values are not mentioned in the Victron CAN document, they told me. So they haven't bothered adding them to the FW. I hope they figure it out.

[@BirgerSchmidt404]

Hi Andy, my BMS arrived yesterday (I ordered after your first video on it). Hopefully a software update soon will fix things and add the promised multi inverter support (albeit I myself only want propper Victron CAN support). I have a question regarding the cables that connect the BMS to the communication board. Do we really need to connect both, the gray ribbon cable P1 (20 pin) and the two red P2 (6 pin) and P3 (10 pin) cables? I think they are redundant. At least the LEDs work with only the grey ribbon cable connected (I have not yet tested the communication ports). One more thing: Please ask JK to make the software update possible from the mobile app as well. I don't have a windows PC (and I don't want one). Making all the functions available without the need for a PC would be very nice. Cheers!

[@nonicknamesremain]

Brutal but honest feedback. Wonder how many of those Inverter companies mentioned have the JK BMS actually listed as "supported" by their inverter on their website.... Is there an actual working collaboration between them?

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Yeah, I was thinking of posting such a video but this is what I have experienced. I thought about all their customers getting frustrated as well but don't have the communication channels to complain... Other inverter manufacturers have never seen any of this or other BMS...

[@arturkarwowski1163]

Andy, super informative video, Thank you, I was about to buy 2 pieces of this new JK but now I'll hold off until they fix the software, I need to connect it to my cerbogx without any unnecessary combinations. PS. Thanks to people like you, this awareness is moving forward. Thank you

[@laurentsantaibambu7324]

Hi Andy, and a BIIIG! THANK YOU !! because you have spent a lot, a lot of time... a real headache! Once again these Chinese have released this product, too quickly?! and not finished!? it's classic for them, they are tested by the first users (lambda) and will make modifications as they go along... What a shame. Well if the phone app software already works correctly, you can already do something... but communicate with Inverters or monitoring on PC? impossible at the moment?! One thing that I found interesting, or we will have to have the answer is the setting SOC 100% that's interesting if it works style have all the cells reached the set voltage? Would that be good? but hey for now we don’t know? In any case, thank you again Andy for your patience, your good, testing work!!

[@alexburke5289]

I have pre ordered this bms for two functions: paralleling and battery communication. I have never built a battery before and was depending on you to do a step by step connection. I watched your video twice for some clue on what to do. I understand this video is about the software issues but don't skip the step on connecting the bms cables to the batteries. Please Andy Please😟😟😫 you are the go to right now for bms support do fails up now.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Thank you, Alex. I have shown how to connect a BMS to the battery many many times in my videos. This one is not different to all other BMS.

[@alexburke5289]

Thanks for the reply and I will try to navigate through some of your old videos. It just seems this new bms have extra wires to connect.@@OffGridGarageAustralia

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

@@alexburke5289It basically connects the exact same way as the Pace BMS. It is almost identical in terms of the cables and connections. Here is the video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaLZm2eIYpKohKc

[@RichardSteigmann]

Andy, your patience is admirable 😅😂🤣

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

I want them to succeed!

[@danielardelian2]

For SOC=100% it would be useful to have a "Tail current" parameter like the Victron BMV, not just a voltage. Modbus Device Address "0" means BROADCAST and is usually not implemented (not recognized) by most consumer-grade devices. There are even many industrial-grade devices that do not respond to address "0", so that's not unusual. The balance cable resistance is too high. I used to have similar values (0.15 - 0.18 Ohm), then I re-organized my battery, moved the BMS closer, shortened the wires and eliminated a set of DIN-RAIL terminals. After this, resistance went down to 0.05 Ohm and the balancing seems to work better.

[@tonytech1058]

Andy, used original cable JK bms . Or addapter cable rj45 pin select diagram.

[@denisholovlov8744]

Congratulations. I purchased such a BMS and also cannot connect it to the inverter. Were you able to solve this problem? How? Is there a video on this topic?

[@lotsad1234]

thanks for the review, hopefully it can connect with older jk bms and report the combined SOC to inverter!

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

That will not work. The older BMS will not be compatible with the new one...

[@andrewchan7472]

Thank you so much ~ You are the only one KZbinr in solor system is so fantastic ❤ Can you make a video is about this new JK bms short circuit protection?

[@davidpenfold]

I deal with this sort of issue in a different domain internationally all the time. If your feedback isn't being taken into account it may well be that they misunderstood. A diagram tends to help enormously 🙏

[@CoryRobson]

just purchased one using your code after they assured would work with my growatt inverter. now to find some insulation material for my cells. two weeks eta.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Let's see what your software version on the BMS is and if it works...

[@CoryRobson]

be at least a couple of weeks before it gets here, fingers crossed

[@CoryRobson]

Unit received today, good construction but failing in the documentation side of things. no idea what firmware is installed currently@@OffGridGarageAustralia

[@CoryRobson]

Apparently 14.03 although i am not ready to connect or power up yet to confirm@@OffGridGarageAustralia

[@Caban_2001]

I'm waiting for delivery of two of the same BMS... now with fear! 😬

[@alexburke5289]

Bought one also😬

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Most stuff is simply software related. I received already the new FW which supposably supports the Victron system, but not good...🤔

[@Caban_2001]

@@OffGridGarageAustralia Hi, Andy! Please hep me! Do you have any information on how to connect this BMS to Voltronic clones via the RS485 bus? I have connected clones many times via RS485 to Pylontech and Deye batteries. For a successful connection, you only need to select 9600 baud on the RS485 bus at batteries. But in the Jikong BMS menu, the 9600 baud selection item for Pylontech is GRAY and it is impossible to select it! Perhaps you can ask the manufacturer a question, as I understand you have a direct connection with them. Hope you can help!

[@RobbieHLM]

Wauw! thanks for this video. Very helpfull in order to get this BMS installed and connected to a pc. I will receive mine in about a week or so and will install it anyway. As long as the app is running fine, I'll be happy with a bms that resets to 100% at voltage that is determined by me. Without the comms it will just behave like my other two JK-BMSses that are running perfectly since I installed them. For me the functionality will be sufficient and I think I will love it.

[@zoe..d]

Also, PCL (the icon with a plug thats got a line through it in the app). Seems to point towards inverter chargers like renogy offer. Maybe JK will enlighten us all!

[@sjdtmv]

Hi Andy I have one coming, hopefully it is only software issues and not hardware, as I run a few JK BMSs I am wanting to daisy chain them in the future with new BMSs, I hope these are going the be backed by the company and there good name, as a side note I am starting to do discharge and charge test with Sodium-ion batteries, 1.5v to 4.0v

[@abhishekkushwaha2455]

from where did you buy sodium ion battery? how is the performance?

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

I have some Sodium batteries here for 3 months now. Just no time to get to them...

[@sjdtmv]

I know the feeling with time, they are an interesting voltage curve, I think that realistically you can only get about 60 to 70% of usable capacity out of them due to inverters voltage range@@OffGridGarageAustralia

[@IamMotorHomeless]

Thanks Andy so thinking, should I stick with the Seplos V3, with a Neey active balancer switched on and off by the Cerbo GX or some other voltage switch

[@tyweb9264]

Update 24th Nov, I purchased two of these expecting big things given as Andy does I have two of the older style. I wanted the Victron to communicate with the BMS. Well I installed it, couldn't get RS232 working, The vendor said Use RS485 only, NO NEED to set any protocol to talk to the PC. This works fine, any RS485 port will talk to the PC once you create the correct cable. I couldn't select the Victron, However a quick chat message to JK and they sent me a New Firmware V14.09, this shows around 8 options for the Can bus. But setting it to Victron didn't achieve results. I created a new cable as per what I believe the connections to be and still no coms with Victron. As a BMS they are working fine, at this point I cant get it to talk to Victron which is the sticking point.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Have you made a cable as per this instructions? It's the TypeA cable you need to make or buy. www.victronenergy.com/live/battery_compatibility:can-bus_bms-cable 14.09 is buggy as hell. I'm on .10 now (not great) and waiting for .11 soon. PC connection is not necessary and does not bring any benefit... Still don't know whey they released the BMS before testing all this. Many unhappy customers....

[@torau5817]

Moin! The voltage gauge is interessant! 200 Volt -> funny ! It should show up from 40 to 60

[@abhishekkushwaha2455]

Andy’s effort- 🐸🐸🐸🐸 jk bms- 🐸

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

I was really hesitating to make this video and show all the stuff which does not work, is already outdated and not even considered. This BMS was supposed THE ONE...

[@tiborchren]

I was working as an employee in a company where marketing and its promises were ahead of reality and we couldn't change it from our position, even if we pushed the management a lot. Today, that company no longer exists. There must always be a functional tested product before marketing and sales, then the company can pre-produce enough pieces to supply the first wave of orders, and when the first pieces arrive to the users, it will not damage the reputation of the whole company. Hopefully this failure will be very quickly repaired by JK. Functional pieces should then be named: ANDY JK BMS or Inverter ANDY JK BMS or Inverter JK BMS - ANDY edition. Definitely JK should be appreciated for your helping them and trying to kick them where they need to be to have a successful BMS. Because they will only sell BMS's where you show that they fixed it and it works after this debacle :(.

[@Dutch_off_grid_homesteading]

Heya, hope they will soon do the necessary updates. have tested 4 LiFiPo4 cell's whitch have minimum of 20Ah sort but yes will need soon a good BMS

[@momoracingteam6237]

Hi Andy, I've been trying to get some answers from JK support since March 4th, 2024, for my JK inverter BMS that I pre-ordered back in September 2023, but they have not replied. I've followed your video to completely reset my BMS, yet I still can’t get the monitor software 2.7.0. to communicate with my board. I see the payload “00” being received by the monitoring software when I set the device ID to 0. I’m tracking this with the console view from the monitoring software and assuming the connection is fine as I’m receiving “00”. With any other ID the monitoring software does not receive any data. Any additional advice or help would be highly appreciated. HW: V14.XA and SW: V14.03 Updating software via mobile app would be great as that seems to work just fine. Not sure though if the board supports flashing firmware via Bluetooth. Thanks for your great content!

[@greenfrog58]

Lot of work! Setup a videomeeting with them and ask developer to attend 😉

[@uksa007]

Andy, you can stop the groundhog day by using my JK CAN interface board, it has separate settings for Absorption Voltage, Charge/discharge current with correct charging logic. Did you ever find my email?

[@realeyesrealizereallies6828]

Hmmm...If I'm buying the display, ofcourse I would want it on all the time, so I could monitor the Battery as I'm walking by, without turning on my phone app..Too bright for what ? What does that mean? The light from the display is too bright for the Australian sunshine...Anyhew, ya that is always the problem with new electronics and software, got to work the bugs out, figure out the proper order of operation and settings without reliable instructions.. Donkey balls..Nice job figuring it out...

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

You can leave the display on all the time, no problem. I think it is too bright, considering you have several of these, one for each battery bank. At my place this would attract insects after sunset. A quick press on the power button will activate the display for 20s or so. That would be my preferred option. I also don't know how long these displays will last if they are turned on permanently🤷‍♂️

[@realeyesrealizereallies6828]

@@OffGridGarageAustralia Oh..OK then, didn't think of those considerations, ya I have the insects too, I live in a pocket in the Adirondack Forest, that is still alive, and I'm grateful for it..Because the insects are disappearing quickly...I can drive across America now and barely have any dead insects on my Tacoma, but if I drive ten miles from my house, in the summer, the windshield is covered..It's Very ominous..I have the older version JK BMS and I did buy the display for it, and I just have it on, but it is alot smaller than that one, it's a quarter the size..Hopefully it lasts, I don't have communication with my all in one EG4 inverter, so I do like to check it..Appreciate the thorough testing, not much gets by you..

[@easypowerwall]

Take a deep breath, enjoy the SPAT.....thanks for the video. Honestly I don't see a reason why a BMS should communicate with an inverter, it just has to protect the cells & battery. BTW this is not JKs second version but third version. The have the regular BMS with switch to activate the BMS, that's version 2 in my world. Look forward to arrival of JK BMS and follow up video. Franky - EASYPOWERWALL happy JK user, and JK promoter.

[@derekcfoley]

Hi Andy. I have the JK-B2A20S20P and the small SOC display. I'm interested in sending out the data via RS485, but does using the display mean you can't use the data output RS485 - is it the same connector on my one - bit confused looking at the manual!

[@keyem4504]

I feel you, Andy. It's nearly as bad as trying to explain Andy 2 something. 😜 So sorry. Had high hopes.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Yeah, me too. I was so excited to be involved in all this and had super high hopes they get it right this time. Well, I hope they are waking up now...

[@homie100968]

Good on ya Andy! Your one Top bloke! Love your videos and feel your frustrations. Have a Spat on me!

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Thanks a lot 👍

[@rich3317]

I ordered 3 of these. But after watching your video. I cancelled my order. Can I ask which brand bms would you recommend? I have an active balancer I bought you showed on your KZbin channel. I love how you take the time to show us regular people what to do. One thing at a time. Thanks. From Odessa Ukraine

[@Foxfried]

Well darn we all had our hopes up...

[@DanBurgaud]

9:17 "Pre-discharge"? Did not see that on my 15X hardware.

[@deanrowles3665]

Hi Andy, just received my new jk bms from aliexpress, could you tell me what interface you are using for rj45/rs485 to usb please?

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

I only have one USB to RS485 adapter which I got from Seplos last year. Any such adapter should work though.

[@deanrowles3665]

@@OffGridGarageAustralia thanks mate, keep up the great work and stay charged

[@2bbionic]

Just had a look on your video - and it's so sad to hear, that JK messed it up. I'm looking for 10 new BMS currently - thanks to your video i will definetly not go with JK - typical chinese product with full of issues, others can do better!

[@65mindi]

Low voltage protection values -10 and -20 are default in all JK BMS’s

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

That is so wrong! All BMS should be delivered with save values so they work out of the box.

[@andreaskasper8962]

Hallo Andy, tolles Video! - kannst du nochmal erklären, mit welchen Kabel du das BMS an den PC angeschlossen hast. Ich habe das PB1A16A10P-00 und sollte es auch aktualisieren. Viele Grüße nach DownUnder aus dem Schwarzwald

[@stefosntora]

Thank you for taking the time to provide us with the knowledge and information !! I have a question if you could help ! The 1 scenario I have 8 unused 170 Ah lifepo4 cells, to increase their capacity before they go into operation I could parallel them with 8 cells with a larger capacity of 304 Ah and work 1 bms. the 2 scenario divide the 8 cells 170Ah into 2 paket and put them in parallel and add 4 cells 340Ah in a row and work 1 bms . the system operates on 24 volts i'm jealous of frankenstein's battery and want to create one of my own. A beautiful good morning from Greece

[@lyfandeth]

Andy, you could build the world's first solar brewery, and never drink tinned beer again!

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Hmm, that's an idea...🤔

[@jpr4578]

Not much humidity or vibration protection on that Board by the looks of it, one to avoid for now. Nice customer service -willing to help at all Hours. Off-Grid Garage---- Thanks

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

None of these BMS have any protection in this regards. If this is a requirement, you may need to look for external protection somehow.

[@Caban_2001]

Hi, Andy! Do you have any information on how to connect this BMS to Voltronic clones via the RS485 bus? I have connected clones many times via RS485 to Pylontech and Deye batteries. For a successful connection, you only need to select 9600 baud on the RS485 bus at batteries. But in the Jikong BMS menu, the 9600 baud selection item for Pylontech is GRAY and it is impossible to select it! Perhaps you can ask the manufacturer a question, as I understand you have a direct connection with them. Hope you can help!

[@slimanus8m]

Wow the JK team turned Andy into ElectroBOOM

[@asabriggs6426]

Oh dear, that's very frustrating. I'm guessing there is a disconnect between what the software department understands and what is needed. Perhaps it is time to split battery protection from communication features (like dealing with Victron specifics). The old JK BMS represents a pretty good battery protection/monitoring system, and something like the Github Louisvdw/dbus-serialbattery project shows it is possible to get the BMS data into Victron via RS485. Splitting things up into "hardware with a bit of software" and "open source munging of data" makes it easier to correct for protocol specifics.

[@dougle03]

I pulled the trigger on the strength of your last video. I really hope what I get is a fixed version...? Quite worried now.... - Clarification: I know it's not Andy's fault...

[@daisydonald14]

Hi. Can you please tell me where I can download the PC software and the latest software? Unfortunately I couldn't find it on your homepage. Thanks.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

I have taken it offline as none of the software actually works correctly at the moment. No benefit of using the PC software anyway. It all can be set with the mobile app.

[@kurtmiller7945]

Und täglich grüsst das Murmeltier.....super Idee von dir

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

That's how it feels like, really. We start from scratch again!🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@tato7321]

congratulations for the videos, which serial adapter did you use to connect it to the PC?

[@garys-half-baked-offgrid-dream]

Sorry to be thick Andy, may I ask why do we need a BMS to control bulk charge, absorption and float voltage when Hybrid Inverters and Charge Controllers do this? Thanks for your effort Andy Cheers Gaz 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Well, a dumb BMS will just turn off your battery if the voltage, temperature or current is too high, right? It is there to protect the battery, which it does. Some solar charge controller will quit this with magic smoke if there is no battery present any more. In a good solar/battery system design, the BMS should let the charger/inverter know if something gets out of control BEFORE it actually happens. So the voltage of a single cell is rising, the BMS will tell the inverter to slow or stop charging until the situation is cleared again ( through a balancer for example). Imaging in an off-grid installation, the power would come and go just because the BMS turns off frequently. INSANE!

[@garys-half-baked-offgrid-dream]

@@OffGridGarageAustraliaAhhhh I see now. Great explanation Andy that cleared that up lol. To be fair I think that scenario killed my Cheep generic hybrid chinesium inverter when I had that crazy out of bottom Ballance BMS cut offs. In my mind if Inverter/charge controller manufacturers list their stuff as lithium compatible then the components should be designed to take inrush currents or have a soft start like a large induction motor has. My new Anern 10.2kw inverter is Lithium compatible but I am still paranoid and initially started it up with my wee power supply. Cheers Andy Gaz.

[@antionline8856]

Hi Andy @Off-Grid Garage, i just want to share something that I discovered. I dont know if anyone knows about this. Apparently, if you set your digital multi meter to continuity tester mode and put the probes to both terminal of the jk bms, the bms will start. no need to have the push button switch. i tested this with my 4s jk bms

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Yeah, this is only for the very old JK BMS like I have in my battery shelf. The next generation already had the start button. I have started mine twice since I had it installed in the shelf.

[@nikolaosvelissariou7107]

Dear Andy, What about parallel connection of batteries with different capacities? does it accept Batteries with different Ah, or it considers them all the same as the master?

[@liberumsrb]

I just got first of 4 of these BMS for my battery wall. No bridge was included for battery ports [ B- and P-] so my question is should both be used or just one is enough?

[@AirIswhenibreathe]

Waited 5 long days for this video.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Me too. I took so long. I was hoping for a quick return from JK I could show but nothing so far...

[@yannicklaeremans1134]

Hi Andy! Love your video's. Interesting to see that they made new settings, especially the SOC-100% voltage. Do you know if there will also be an update for the 8S version of the bms? Would be nice if this could also be implemented. Thanks!

[@AussieAustrian]

Feeling your frustrations Andy. Again another amazing video. I am wondering if this new version of the JK will able to be administered remotely through a WiFi connection or will it still only be accessible through bluetooth/PC???

[@Otis01990]

Are B8 connectors on this JK BMS should be joined together, plugging in into 12s battery pack?

[@slawa547]

Andy my JK BMS that was delivered 2 days ago has the software version V15.05. You said that 14.17 is the newest?

[@RobinRastle]

Jeez buddy you have the patience of Jobe. I want to have total trust in a bms not some mickey mouse half baked kit like that. How would I sleep at night. You put all that superb work, and expertise into sorting their work only to have numpties ignore it - cant hack the loss of face see. JK seriously kicked into the long grass. My sympathies for all that frustration you had.

[@ralphprosinger4537]

Get the DIYBMS from Stuart. Add a litle heatsink to the rear side of the modul and solder a Fan parallel to the Resistors and you have the best and cheapest BMS on this planet.

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Yes, we are in contact. The problem is where to get it from...

[@ralphprosinger4537]

@@OffGridGarageAustralia Well I have a spare system I could lend you (or sell it to you for my costs). It's just on the other siede of the planet

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

@@ralphprosinger4537 I want to test his new 16s version...

[@danfitzpatrick4112]

Wow, I had high hopes for this BMS. Can you speak fluent Chinese yet? 😄 I think they should call the final version "The Andy"! Or.... OGG-BMS!!

[@OffGridGarageAustralia]

Apparently, there is a language barrier, haha. I hope they can fix it quickly. The pressure is on!

[@danfitzpatrick4112]

@@OffGridGarageAustralia It's all good 😊

[@pcmoeller]

Schade, hab mich so auf das Teil gefreut. Aber bleib bitte dran. Wenn du da nichts bewirkst, wer dann? Ich glaube die könnten richtig viele der Teile verkaufen, wenn die ordentlich funktionieren würden. Danke dir, für deine Arbeit!!!!!!

[@offgrid2010]

What about the Android and PC software for the 13s E-bike? Is there a problem with it too?

[@ericdos9680]

Hello, and thank you for your very good video. i have a jk bms new version JK-PB2A16S-15P. I have two questions: On the balancer cable where you connect the B0 ? On (-) on the batterie ? There is two B8 one on connector 3 and one on connector 4. I connect the two cable B8 on the (+) on the 8 cell or only one on the 8 cell Thank you for your answer. Sorry for my bad anglish. I am a frensh guy.

[@iCraft.Studio]

bumped!