HomeGrid - Procedure for Unbricking a Battery Module

Note: This guide may not apply to previous or future firmware releases. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Is My Module Bricked?
2. Before You Begin
3. Unbricking Process

Is My Module Bricked?

A ‘bricked’ battery module is an unresponsive battery module that is not detectable by the BMS Display an internal communication fault (error 20), may display null value firmware (0000), or may exhibit any one of the following: 

A bricked module may exhibit the following symptoms:

• The module switch is ON, but the green LED is OFF.

• The module switch is OFF, but the green LED remains ON.

• The firmware version reads as "0000" or is undetectable.

• An internal communication fault (Error 20) is present.

Before You Begin

1. Computer Requirements

To perform the unbricking procedure, you must use a Windows-based computer with the following specifications:

• Operating System: A Windows computer is required (Windows 10 or 11, 64-bit recommended).
  
  

  ⚠️ macOS and Linux are not supported. The programs and drivers are only compatible with Windows OS.
  

• USB Port: At least one available USB-A port is required to connect the Unbricking Tool (USB to RS485 converter).

• Internet Access: An internet connection will be needed to download required files or for remote assistance using TeamViewer.

2. Required Software + Driver Installation

Before beginning the unbricking process, ensure all necessary programs and drivers are installed on your Windows machine. Follow the link below for the full installation guide:

➡ Driver & Firmware Tool Installation Guide

If you already have the tools installed, verify that the drivers are functional and up-to-date before proceeding.

➡ HomeGrid TeamViewer Link (recommended if live technical support is needed)

3. Prepare the Unbricking Tool

⚠️ Do not connect the 'Unbricking Tool' to the battery module until later in the process

The unbricking tool consists of:

• A USB to Serial (RS485) converter (DB9).

• A custom serial DB9 to battery connector.

These two pieces will be connected to function as the 'Unbricking Tool'.

4. Isolate the Battery Module

You will need to isolate the unresponsive battery module(s) by completely disconnecting it from the rest of the stack, as shown in the image below. Depending on the location of the unresponsive module, you may need to remove modules. 

⚠️ Failure to isolate the battery module will result in failed attempts in ‘unbricking’ an unresponsive battery module.

Unbricking Process

1. Set the Address Switches on the Battery Module

After isolating the unresponsive battery module, leave the dip switches in the position that they are in, there is no need to change them.

Note: Only 1 battery module can be ‘unbricked’ at a time

2. Open the Program 'ProjectOne'

Follow the below file pathing from the original file download to locate the correct program.

1. Open the folder 'Upgrade Tools'

2. Open the folder 'Module Upgrade Tool (Gen 2 & Gen 3)

3. Open the folder '3.COM_IAP_host 2.6'

4. Run the program 'Project1'

3. Prepare the Program

1. The USB end of the unbricking tool 

2. The program should look like below when it first opens, we will change the settings in the next step.

3. Connect the Unbricking Tool to your laptop via the USB PORT, then 

1. In the application's window, locate the dropdown 'COM port' selector on the upper right side.
2. From the dropdown, select the COM port that corresponds to the 'unbricking' tool.
3. On the upper left side of the application's window, select the 'Open COM' button.

Tip: To make the identification of the COM port easier, disconnect any other unused USB cables connected to the computer. Following these steps will help you correctly select the COM port for the 'unbricking' tool.

Note: If the driver (RS485) for the 'unbricking tool' was correctly set up, you should see the message 'Open serial port successfully'

4. Uploading Firmware File

1. In the gray box at the far right, select it to choose and upload a firmware file.
2. Locate and select the appropriate firmware file for the battery module you're updating:
   • Navigate to the location where you have the necessary firmware file.
   • Choose the required firmware file based on the battery module type:
     • For Gen 2 battery modules, select the 'FS-48-100-15-V2.056.bin' file.
     • For Gen 3 battery modules, select the 'FS-48-100-15-V3.044.bin' file.
3. Confirm your selection by selecting the '??(O)' button.

5. Positioning the Unbricking Tool Connector (Do not fully insert)

1. Position the unbricking tool connector, but do not fully insert it at this stage.

⚠️ Ensure that the cable connector on the unbricking tool does not contact the top port of the unresponsive battery module. You should not fully insert it until directed to do so in the next step. To avoid accidental contact, position the connector at an angle until you are ready to fully insert it.

6. Initiating the 'Upgrade'

1. Ensure that 'Open COM' has been selected, and that you have established a successful COM connection before proceeding.
   • A message confirming 'Open serial port successfully' should appear.
2. Select the 'Upgrade' button. Immediately follow this by inserting the unbricking tool connector into the top connector port of the unresponsive battery module.
   • If done correctly, you should observe the progress bar and byte counter incrementing, indicating that the firmware is actively being pushed to the unresponsive module.

.

Once the update is complete, you should see a message 'module1: Download Successful!', confirming that the module has been successfully updated.

⚠️ If the procedure was not successful, and you see a 'failed' message, remove the unbricking tool's connector from the battery module's top port, and start again from Step 6.


Tip: To re-enable the 'Upgrade' button, press the 'Close COM' button, then press the 'Open COM' button

Post-Update Testing:

1. With the unbricking tool still attached to the top port on the Battery Module, turn the battery on, and if the light turns on, it indicates a successful update.
2. Perform an additional test by placing the updated battery back on the stack. You can either put another battery on top of it or the BMS. If it turns back on, the update has worked.
3. If you completed the entire update process, and it worked correctly, but after putting the battery back on the stack with another battery on top or the BMS, it does not turn on, you may need to consider replacing the battery.

In case of any issues or uncertainties, please reach out to us for further assistance.