hodgie said:
Thank you for your comments!
Very helpful. Anyone else want to chime in?
I saw the SMART BMS posted on the provided thread for $20 but do I need the $200 usb cable for programming? That seems unreal.
No, you don't need the cable. When ordering they set it up for you. You choose the basic parameters for both bms and charger when you order them. If you were a manufacturer using these boards then you might want the cable. As a one off consumer they will set it for you. I think i linked to an order form. They would want your lvc choice of perhaps 3v. Your hvc of perhaps 42.5v and the fact it's lipo and 10s. Then order a charger with 42v and whatever plug you want on it. Note in the drawing, I show an audio/rca/phono connector added to the boards wiring. This is an option for your charger.
$20 board is ok, but in the drop down menu is a $25 option that supports 20-40 Amps. Well worth the extra $5 because it will run cooler.
I imagine the cheaper 180w charger would be ample. These boards sometimes don't like charging over 4 amps. It's a 5A limit, but a bit inaccurate. The data lead would allow adjustment of such things.
$50 worth of kit, but you will spend another $50 on postage, connectors and wire.
People have talked about buying bigger chargers, set just the same. Thinking one day they could use it on another project. Or it will be less stressed. They have also spoke about carrying a spare. Postage is barely effected.