This is How To Program A Sevcon Gen 4!

DGonz

100 µW
Joined
Jun 20, 2013
Messages
7
Location
Cambridge, MA, USA
Hi everybody!

This Is How I Programmed A Sevcon Gen 4!!! (Link)

[youtube]yMH7Z1aJeSs[/youtube]

I am pretty new to the forums, so let me first introduce myself. I am a senior in Mechanical Engineering at MIT, and a member of the MIT Electronics Research Society, which is a makerspace for MIT students to work on their own personal projects for fun. I've built a few robots and electric vehicles, but this summer I have been converting a 1979 Honda CB750K to electric using EV parts I've acquired through MITERS. The motorcycle will be rideable soon, but this post isn't about that.

This post is about the taming of the elusive Sevcon Gen4. Unfortunately, it really is a matter of using their proprietary software and USB-CAN converter. But the results are incredible, and this is a really kick-ass controller.

Please feel free to ask me anything about the process, I'm all ears.
 
... ZombieSS is resisting the urge of purchasing a Sevcon even more now...

Thanks for sharing, it's much appreciated information.
 
I have just bought size 6 version for my motorcycle :twisted: I have already downloaded all files from Heinzmann site, read the manual and bought IXXAT interface.

Now I need the DVT software and also the right settings for ME913 motor. Can someone please share it with me or tell me where to get it?

Thanks
 
Cool need more people involved in programming sevcons.
 
Arlo1 said:
Cool need more people involved in programming sevcons.

Not as badly as we need economically prices Sevcon's, or something as capable or better to apply downward pressure on prices. It is a box of cheap electric parts that they should want to crank out by the millions instead of 10's of thousands while they enjoy a competitive advantage.
 
John in CR said:
Arlo1 said:
Cool need more people involved in programming sevcons.

Not as badly as we need economically prices Sevcon's, or something as capable or better to apply downward pressure on prices. It is a box of cheap electric parts that they should want to crank out by the millions instead of 10's of thousands while they enjoy a competitive advantage.
They spent big money getting that box of cheep parts to work as good as it does. There is a thread with size 4 hall sensor type sevcons for 400 ea. That's a decent amount of power I road Dougs XU with a size 4 cranked up and it was fast.
 
I will let you know how it goes with the programming. I just got aluminium heatsink today and ordered connector. And most important, file with settings for ME913 motor :D :D

But I still need DVT software :roll: :roll: I really need your help with that.
 
Dear everyone: The Sevcon DVT software can be found for free download here: http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=48904

There's a link in that thread, and a username and password you can use to get the software. That's how I did it in the summer, and it worked fine at the time.
 
I have read your "how to program Sevcon manual" several times 8) It gives me enough courage to give it a try.

No, you can not download it from Heinzmann site anymore. That password does not work for Sevcon software file. That is why I am looking for other source.
 
Hi,

I'm working with a GEN4 size 4 and I don't have the software DVT. tchimiche
Anybody can send me a link to download it? at
I'm desperate. G
Personal project and I don't have the $900 to get there kit. mail
Thank you! com

Tche
 
The issue is not finding the old software, but finding the right cable.

The newest software from Sevcon needs a key and anew version of the cable. The older software does not require a key, but it does require the older IXXAT cable.

Old cable (to be used with old software):
http://www.ixxat.com/usb-to-can-compact-interface_en.html

New cable (to be used with new, keyed software):
http://www.ixxat.com/usb-to-can-v2_en.html

Its doubtful you'll find an older cable without waiting on ebay for one to come up. New ones are available through IXXAT, but you'd need to contact sevcon for software +key.
 
FIY I contacted sevcon for the software and key and they simply said they do not support individuals and I would need to see my OEM.
Most DIYs will need the old software and old IXXAT. Unless you know people....
 
I'm in touch with an Australian company who can supply the original ixaat cable

Hi Steven,
From the web search I found this link, please use it at your own risk, as we do not supply third party software:
http://www.heinzmann.com/en/electric-motors-and-hybrid-drives/downloads

We can take payment in any currency but there will be additional inward remittance charges as with our accounts in Euro and USD we have a lower inward remittance cost.
If you wish to pay in GBP we will offer in GBP with additional inward remittance cost in addition to your bank charges.

If you want them we have 4 in stock. (New, in bulk pack – bubble pack only, user manual and driver CD will be supplied on request. )
Price each GBP210.00 Ex works
Courier (Toll Global) DDU basis: GBP45.00

Payment: 100% prior to dispatch by EFT/Wire transfer
Bank charges payable by you.

Inward remittance additional charges: GBP 20.00 per transaction.

We await your instructions.

Best regards


Madhusudan Giri
CAN Automotion Pty Ltd
Factory 2, 21-29 Railway Avenue
Huntingdale VIC 3166
Australia
T: 03 95684432
F: 03 95684667
M: 0400744301
W: http://www.canautomotion.com.au
E: mgiri@canautomotion.com.au



From: Steven Ward [mailto:wardquinn@btinternet.com]
Sent: Tuesday, 10 March 2015 9:19 AM
To: Madhusudan Giri
Subject: Re: IXXAT USB-to-CAN Original model

Thanks for the reply Madhusudan

That's great info.i was unaware that the v2 now works as a few people had reported not being able to get comms.
I think I can have it without galvanic isolation.
Can you supply the dvt software also?
Can you convert to British pounds regarding price?approximate will do.
Regards
Steve.

Sent from my iPad

On 9 Mar 2015, at 03:17, Madhusudan Giri <mgiri@canautomotion.com.au> wrote:

Hi Steve,
Thanks for your e-mail.
Sometime back we were dealing with an Australian system integrator of Sevcon who was after the old version of IXXAT USB to CAN Compact with Sub D9. We have the model 1.01.0087.90007 (this is similar to IXXAT 1.01.0087.10100) in bulk pack, without galvanic isolation.
They wanted the version with galvanic isolation, which is something we had just sold out completely.
Instead they took delivery of the new version (V2 IXXAT USB to CAN P/N 1.01.0281.22001) and confirmed that Sevcon has introduced a new version DVT which solved his problem of software compatibility with the version of VCI being used.

Can you confirm if you can accept the version without galvanic isolation? See attached pics with the Minimon test screen shots of all the 4 interfaces from stock.
Kindly check and confirm.
As these products are out of production we cannot accept them back for return if you change your mind.
Best regards


Madhusudan Giri
CAN Automotion Pty Ltd
Factory 2, 21-29 Railway Avenue
Huntingdale VIC 3166
Australia
T: 03 95684432
F: 03 95684667
M: 0400744301
W: http://www.canautomotion.com.au
E: mgiri@canautomotion.com.au



From: Clem Berenger [mailto:clem@canautomotion.com.au]
Sent: Monday, 9 March 2015 10:05 AM
To: Madhusudan Giri
Subject: Fwd: IXXAT USB-to-CAN Original model



-------- Original message --------
From: Steven Ward
Date:09/03/2015 6:24 AM (GMT+10:00)
To: sales@canautomotion.com.au
Subject: IXXAT USB-to-CAN Original model

Hi I would like to purchase the above tool for programming a gen4 sevcon controller.im from Scotland in the United Kingdom.can you send me info on how to purchase.
Regards
Steven ward.
< >
Sent from my iPad
<WP_20150218_001.jpg>
<USB2CAN.zip>
 
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