Add a Charge Timer

[GlennD]

Tony, given your very small footprint an external display and select switch in a small box might be the way to go. you only need a ground, 5V power, and the 2 I2C connections.

As an aside, I have been using the OpenEVSE RTC to charge at night and it works well with my B . I feel that using it this way I can use all 40A on my 100A panel. Other drains late at night should be minimal.

[TonyWilliams]

Ya, I'm leaning that way. This "timer thing" wasn't going to be in the original design, so I'm doing a bit of redesigning now.

External makes the whole process easier.

[GlennD]

Ya, I'm leaning that way. This "timer thing" wasn't going to be in the original design, so I'm doing a bit of redesigning now.

External makes the whole process easier.

It used to be that enabling the RTC without the hardware locked up the EVSE. Now it checks so it would still run with the external display unplugged. You just get 165's instead of the real time. He put that fix in for me.

[TonyWilliams]

Ya, I'm leaning that way. This "timer thing" wasn't going to be in the original design, so I'm doing a bit of redesigning now.

External makes the whole process easier.

It used to be that enabling the RTC without the hardware locked up the EVSE. Now it checks so it would still run with the external display unplugged. You just get 165's instead of the real time. He put that fix in for me.

My timer won't interact with the circuit card. It will do a full "wake up" at the proximity pin, just like it had just been physically plugged in.

This was/is an issue with Tesla powered cars.

[ophthodawg]

I've voiced my criticism of the lack of timed (scheduled) charging and the poor B-class "app" to Mercedes. The omission of this basic feature is crazy and possibly a significant expense for those without solar or an EVSE that has charge scheduling...

After a few rounds of voicemail tag I received an email today from a case manager... sounds encouraging

"While we do not have a timed charge function available at this time, we are working to implement a solution"

I have asked for a timeline for the update. I'll post when I get a response. At least MB is aware of the problem and working on a fix.

I'm encouraged MB is listening to their 2014 "beta" testers and improvements are pending... hopefully not a long wait

[GlennD]

I've voiced my criticism of the lack of timed (scheduled) charging and the poor B-class "app" to Mercedes. The omission of this basic feature is crazy and possibly a significant expense for those without solar or an EVSE that has charge scheduling...

After a few rounds of voicemail tag I received an email today from a case manager... sounds encouraging

"While we do not have a timed charge function available at this time, we are working to implement a solution"

I have asked for a timeline for the update. I'll post when I get a response. At least MB is aware of the problem and working on a fix.

I'm encouraged MB is listening to their 2014 "beta" testers and improvements are pending... hopefully not a long wait

My OpenEVSE timer works flawlessly. From what Tony says it is problematic on his RAV4 EV's but it worked on my Leaf and it works fine on my B ED.

[ophthodawg]

Glenn,

thanks for the openEVSE info...

On the advice of the dealer we (my electrician) installed a Bosch charger. It works great although no timer function. Its suitable for outdoor use/abuse...

I can't tell, are the OpenEVSE units suitable for outdoor use?

thanks

Patrick

[GlennD]

Glenn,

thanks for the openEVSE info...

On the advice of the dealer we (my electrician) installed a Bosch charger. It works great although no timer function. Its suitable for outdoor use/abuse...

I can't tell, are the OpenEVSE units suitable for outdoor use?

thanks

Patrick

An OpenEVSE is the ultimate DIY project. You buy the basic parts and you build to your specifications. I build OpenEVSE's as a hobby. I built one for use outside on a pole in Georgia. As far as I know it is working fine. It depends totally on the builder.

[andyferg]

+1. The Smart EV has a version of this (web enabled, even...), so should the B-Class. Hopefully a possible software upgrade...

[GlennD]

Well my 100A FPE panel gave up. One morning at around 4AM WITH VERY LIGHT LOADS IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. I NOW HAVE A 200A PANEL LABELED EATON. It seems that Anaheim now requires at least 200A. Oh well it gives me lots of slots even though 100A would have been fine. My highest load is my 40A car.