HomeGrid - Upgrading Stack'd Battery Modules w/ RS485 Cable

Do I Need An Update?

In order to tell if you are in need of a firmware update, you will need to check the current firmware status on the system.

To check with the RS232 Cable and the EMS Tools Program, navigate to HomeGrid - Checking System Status with RS232 Cable

To check manually on the stack (For Generation 3 BMS Controller Only):

1. Set the ‘INV SET’ dipswitches temporarily to: ( ON | OFF | ON | ON | ON | ON )
   
   
2. Watch the firmware versions (VER S.) on the controller. Anything older than the following needs to be updated:
   • BMS Board: 100 - 02009
   • Display Board: 101 - 01098
   • BMS Main Control Board 102 - 04007
   • Battery Module:
     • Gen 3: 03044
     • Gen 2: 02056    
       
       
3. Reset the ‘INV SET’ dipswitches to their original position. No power cycling required.

Before You Begin

1. Computer Requirements

To perform the update 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 RS485 Cable.

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

• Sleep Mode: Ensure the laptop will not go to sleep during the update process as this will cancel the update and brick the battery module.

2. Required Software + Driver Installation

Before beginning the update 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. Isolate the BMS from the Inverters

• Isolate the battery from the inverter by turning off the battery breakers on the inverter(s).

⚠️  This prevents power from flowing in or out of the BMS, ensuring the update can start without issues.

4. Power Off the BMS

Use the front power button to power off the BMS, ensure all of the battery modules remain powered on.

⚠️ The update will not work if the BMS is powered on.

5. Remove Side Panels

• Remove the right side panel(s) on the BMS units to access ports and dip switches.
  
  

6. Prepare the RS485 Cable

The tool requirements are below:

• A USB to RS485 Cable
  
  

Connect the cable to the port labeled 'DBG-COM' 

Other cables (like the Parallel Cables or Inverter communication cables) can remain connected

Upgrade Process

1. 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'

2. Prepare the Program

1. The program should look like this when it first opens — we will change the settings in the next step.

2. Connect the RS485 cable 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 RS485 Cable.
3. On the upper left side of the application's window, select the 'Open COM' button.

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 RS485 Cable.

If the driver (RS485) for the RS485 Cable were correctly set up, you should see the message 'Open serial port successfully'

3. 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.

⚠️If you are unsure what generation module you have, please contact HomeGrid support before proceeding.

4. Initiating the 'Upgrade'

1. Set the 'start ID' and 'end ID' to the modules that need to be upgraded.
   • The program will push the upgrade to all of the modules in between the indicated numbers as well.
2. 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.
     
     
3. Select the 'Upgrade' button.
   • If done correctly, you should observe the progress bar and byte counter incrementing, indicating that the firmware is actively being pushed.

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Once the update is complete, you should see a message 'module1: Download Successful!', confirming that the module has been successfully updated. Once it completes each module, the program should automatically move on to the next until it is completed.

⚠️ If the procedure was not successful, and you see a 'failed' message, please contact HomeGrid support to avoid prevent any uncessary issues..


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

5. Confirmation of Success

Once the process is completed and the program is no longer updating anything, power the BMS back on using the front power button.

If the BMS will not power back on, power cycle the first addressed module, then try again. The BMS will time out after being left off for a long period of time.

If the process was successful, the BMS should turn back on, and the display should show no error messages.

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