Has someone tried to upgrade Bafang DISPLAY firmware?

[Saunsity]

Hello, I bought this display 600C-BLE (bluetooth version) from Aliexpress. As far as I know these are made not by Bafang, but some other company that simply makes compatible displays. My issue is, by looking at display manuals I noticed that there is this older and newer version of same display. The main difference I spotted is that newer version has better display skin. (To be correct, this display has two skins, or "scenes" as they call it). First scene is "Modern", its the one thats mostly used. The second scene is called "Classics", they basically use 500C display default scene as nostalgic choice). However, in this newer version, these two scenes are called "Modern" and "Analog". As you guessed, the analog one is NEW and it replaces "Classics" scene and looks really sweet.

So my main question is: how could I upgrade this 600C BLE firmware so I would have newer "scenes"?

Bonus question: if I could tamper with the firmware somehow, I would make my own scenes (I love designing graphics), also I would get rid of standard yellow "welcome" boot logo, and put there my own e-bike photo haha, that would be cool. I know its possible because when I saw reviews of this display, some of them had custom boot logo from the company who reselled them.

 

[PaPaSteve]

There are programming cables available and the software is on the web.
I have reprogrammed the performance but haven't bothered with changing the display.
My gut thinks it's possible to do.

https://www.johnnynerdout.com/product-page/bafang-programming-cable

 

[Saunsity]

There are programming cables available and the software is on the web.
I have reprogrammed the performance but haven't bothered with changing the display.
My gut thinks it's possible to do.

https://www.johnnynerdout.com/product-page/bafang-programming-cable

Oh yah I have this cable, its to program the motor. So thats what you did? But this cable has female end, I would probably need one that has male end so it would connect to display cable (I have theory that it can be the same UART <-> USB cable, just different plug, so maybe I could even DIY the cable to display). But I'm not sure where to get the firmware and what program to use for the job. Maybe its the Bafang "BESST" program, but that one requires weird (and probably expensive) adapter.

 

[PaPaSteve]

Right . . . typical task is to change the motor parameters not the display.
Sorry for the misunderstanding.

 

[E-HP]

not your display, but there are a few long threads for modding uart displays and making/buying the interface, etc., and creating the firmware, that might provide some clues on how to proceed with yours.
E.g. TSDZ2 OSF for all displays, VLCD5-VLCD6-XH18, LCD3, 860C-850C-SW102.

 

[linklemming]

The previously mentioned programming cables will not work to program the displays. The 600C as well as many other displays are made by APT.

You need a specific programming box setup to program them. I have one I got from eco-cycles which is no longer in business. You can still find info if you search hard enough for a DIY solution.

I have looked at the software for the 860c available on github and have a spare 860C display I got to do my own firmware but dont really like that display.

I did buy an APT 600C (non bluetooth) with the intent of reverse engineering it and took it apart (had to destroy the plastic housing). The display is an AVD TT24QV NN226C so you will need to find a datasheet for that(good luck). Then you will need to find out if the bootloader supports programming thru serial if you want to use the previously mentioned programmer. There are debug/programming pins on the 600C main board you would have to use if not.

Im an embedded software developer with an EE background and finally gave up on the 600C project although I do use one(stock) on a BBSHD bike.

I decided to try my own display using a Raspberry Pi Pico and Pimoroni display

Pico Display Pack 2.8"

An expanded 2.8" (320 x 240 pixel) IPS LCD display add on for Raspberry Pi Pico (and compatibles), with four buttons, an RGB LED and Qw/ST connectivity.

shop.pimoroni.com

Nice set of libraries/examples for C/C++ and python (too slow for this task...I tried)

Still in the early stages

 

[aae34]

I decided to try my own display using a Raspberry Pi Pico and Pimoroni display

Pico Display Pack 2.8"

An expanded 2.8" (320 x 240 pixel) IPS LCD display add on for Raspberry Pi Pico (and compatibles), with four buttons, an RGB LED and Qw/ST connectivity.

shop.pimoroni.com

Nice set of libraries/examples for C/C++ and python (too slow for this task...I tried)

Still in the early stages

I recently chose a chinese display by guition. It is sold as a module w/mcu which can be waterproofed with some effort.
At first i was looking for a display to use with rp2040 pico w's, but i found nothing as good.

the display:

https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005007566332450.html

what i bought for powering the display directly from batterys on bike:

https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005005454948254.html

Btw., which firmware are you running on your bbshd?

 

[Saunsity]

The previously mentioned programming cables will not work to program the displays. The 600C as well as many other displays are made by APT.

You need a specific programming box setup to program them. I have one I got from eco-cycles which is no longer in business. You can still find info if you search hard enough for a DIY solution.

I have looked at the software for the 860c available on github and have a spare 860C display I got to do my own firmware but dont really like that display.

I did buy an APT 600C (non bluetooth) with the intent of reverse engineering it and took it apart (had to destroy the plastic housing). The display is an AVD TT24QV NN226C so you will need to find a datasheet for that(good luck). Then you will need to find out if the bootloader supports programming thru serial if you want to use the previously mentioned programmer. There are debug/programming pins on the 600C main board you would have to use if not.

Im an embedded software developer with an EE background and finally gave up on the 600C project although I do use one(stock) on a BBSHD bike.

I decided to try my own display using a Raspberry Pi Pico and Pimoroni display

Pico Display Pack 2.8"

An expanded 2.8" (320 x 240 pixel) IPS LCD display add on for Raspberry Pi Pico (and compatibles), with four buttons, an RGB LED and Qw/ST connectivity.

shop.pimoroni.com

Nice set of libraries/examples for C/C++ and python (too slow for this task...I tried)

Still in the early stages

Thanx for all the info, looks like a hassle of work. Especially that I'm not a programmer haha
Also, YES its APT who makes them! I emailed them tho about FW upgrade, I wonder what they will respond.

By the way, 600C bluetooth version is not worth extra money , there is basically no bluetooth app support. That I-bike app that they advertise in manual, is no longer available or operational. If you download APK from other sources, it works sort of, but map does not give any directions (witch is main reason why would I use it). So now my 600C has 4 screens to slide, and second one is dedicated for this bluetooth navi. Its a placeholder that I have to skip all the time, annoying. Wish I would have got 600C regular.
(Bafang GO+ or any other app does not work)

 

[E-HP]

Thanx for all the info, looks like a hassle of work. Especially that I'm not a programmer haha

That would have been useful to mention up front before people spent time replying. Good joke.

 

[Saunsity]

what i bought for powering the display directly from batterys on bike:

https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/1005005454948254.html

Amazing find! I use a lot of these small DC-DC converters in my projects, but like 30v to 3.3v/5v, but they usually overheat very fast if I push them to the max rated current 2A (and then turns out they don't hold that current unless I put massive heatsink on them, witch defeats point of being small board). Does this one handle current good?

On my e-bike I use this to power all my electronics (lights, phone Qi charger, horn, BT music speaker, heated handlebars, any random project haha:

https://vi.aliexpress.com/item/32360702304.html

5V 10A is pretty planty, and probably max what I would ever want to draw from my 48V battery.
But yah I decided to got with 5V as system voltage. Mostly compatible with everything, unless I need like 12V I use then one of those small step-up converters.

 

[Saunsity]

That would have been useful to mention up front before people spent time replying. Good joke.

Sorry man, I thought you generally interested in giving some clues. I understood everything u or linklemming
said tho, I have a basic programming skills, but nothing pro.

 

[E-HP]

I had a friend with a similar issue, and solved it in a couple of weeks. He didn’t have any programming skills. He started with his regular pedal bike, for safety, then switched to his ebike, but with basic skills, you could probably skip that part.

First, and most importantly, he set the assist level to the lowest setting. Not all the way to walk assist, if you have that, but down to level 1. He carefully got on the bike, and concentrated, staring straight at the road, and no matter what! He did that for maybe twenty minute total, taking breaks if it was too much. Then he started pedaling with one leg, then with both, but no matter what happened, he kept his eyes on the road, resisting any temptation to do otherwise. Some people take an old sock or wash cloth, and use it to cover the display at first, but that method is just a crutch, for wimps. You can fight through that.

At first, he could only ride that way for a block. He needed to take breaks often, but at some point he just got it, like learning to ride a bike for the first time. In less then two weeks he was able to remove the sock (ya my buddy was a wimp, lol), and fully enjoy riding his ebike, unburdened by having to look at his display at the same time!! Life has been great for him ever since. He rides everywhere. Now he can occasionally check his battery level and resume riding, no problem. He still keeps the sock in his pocket, just for insurance, but more of his symbol or reminder of triumph over of where he’d once been and where he is now.

You can do this!!!

 

[Saunsity]

I had a friend with a similar issue, and solved it in a couple of weeks. He didn’t have any programming skills. He started with his regular pedal bike, for safety, then switched to his ebike, but with basic skills, you could probably skip that part.

First, and most importantly, he set the assist level to the lowest setting. Not all the way to walk assist, if you have that, but down to level 1. He carefully got on the bike, and concentrated, staring straight at the road, and no matter what! He did that for maybe twenty minute total, taking breaks if it was too much. Then he started pedaling with one leg, then with both, but no matter what happened, he kept his eyes on the road, resisting any temptation to do otherwise. Some people take an old sock or wash cloth, and use it to cover the display at first, but that method is just a crutch, for wimps. You can fight through that.

At first, he could only ride that way for a block. He needed to take breaks often, but at some point he just got it, like learning to ride a bike for the first time. In less then two weeks he was able to remove the sock (ya my buddy was a wimp, lol), and fully enjoy riding his ebike, unburdened by having to look at his display at the same time!! Life has been great for him ever since. He rides everywhere. Now he can occasionally check his battery level and resume riding, no problem. He still keeps the sock in his pocket, just for insurance, but more of his symbol or reminder of triumph over of where he’d once been and where he is now.

You can do this!!!

You really have nothing better to do in life?
I asked this because maybe there is some tools that I don't know of. Like there is a tool to reflash FW on controller, so maybe there is a tool to reflash Bafang displays, what do I know. Just wanted others to share their experiences.
I not a programmer but I do know a lot bout electronics and I love aesthetics, so maybe I like that new display interface, whats the big deal here?

Tales about some socks on displays... comedian, what u even do here..

 

[E-HP]

Sorry for not revealing I was a comedian until so late in the thread haha.

 

[jobloggs]

That I-bike app that they advertise in manual, is no longer available or operational.

I bought this as well. Couldn't find the app in the Playstore, so messaged them. They told me to go to there website and scroll all the way to the bottom.

Advanced E-Bike Displays and Screens - APT

Discover top-quality e-bike displays and screens at APT, enhancing your riding experience with innovative technology.

www.aptdevelop.com

There is a link to the app in the Playstore there. Not sure why it's not appearing in the Playstore, but it installs from their link.

 

[bananu7]

A bit OT, but since OP mentioned they like design, and I have a tick for quirky UI myself...

I firmly believe that the "classic" version is by far the best from those three.

 

[jobloggs]

Also, YES its APT who makes them! I emailed them tho about FW upgrade, I wonder what they will respond.

Did you get a response regarding firmware updates? On their website FAQ, it states if you have a BLE enabled display, then firmware updates will be available by the app (I assume I-Bike+) when available.

 

[Saunsity]

Did you get a response regarding firmware updates? On their website FAQ, it states if you have a BLE enabled display, then firmware updates will be available by the app (I assume I-Bike+) when available.

Yes, I got a quick response, but they completely ignored my question about firmware update process and just addressed the part about display "scenes". They wrote:
"The Analog scene was the initial design, but we have eliminated it. The current solution only includes Modern and Classic, there are no other options.
Best regards."
This sounds a bit like some lie to me, because my display is V1.0 so...
I asked them again about what was so wrong with the "Analog" scene, and also is there a way to customize this display graphics, because I saw retailers do it. Got no response and its a week now, they basically ignored me.

Also thanx for the i-Bike+ info, I think I might got "i-Bike" no plus version from Google Play when I was testing, so I will give a second shot.
But at this moment I have way other problem. I have to deal with nasty error 30. I fixed the short in cables but error persists...

 

[jobloggs]

For some reason, I had the 30 error as well when I installed this screen. Didn't have it before with my other display. I did a factor reset and the error went away. Try that.