HomeGrid - Guide for Unbricking a Generation 3 BMS

Note: This guide is designed for unbricking a Generation 3 BMS (HG-MC100-200M2) using a USB CAN Tool. The information and procedures contained in this guide may not apply to previous or future firmware releases.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Before You Begin
2. Unbricking the BMS

Before You Begin

1. Is the BMS Bricked?

If the BMS is bricked, it will show 0's in place of all normal values and will not operate. 

⚠️ If this is not the behavior that you see, do not continue with this guide. Contact HomeGrid Support

2. Laptop Requirements (Windows Only):

Please ensure the Windows laptop you plan to use meets the following minimum requirements:

Operating System: Windows 7 or Newer

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

Storage: At least 5GB of free disk space for software and data logs.

Ports: At least one functional USB Type-A port is required to connect the diagnostic cables.

Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is needed to download the required software and drivers.

User Permissions: You will need administrator rights on the laptop to install software and drivers.

Power Source: Please ensure the laptop is plugged in to avoid the battery running low during this process.

Sleep Mode: Ensure the laptop will not go to sleep during this, so as not to interrupt any active processes.

3. 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)

4. 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.

5. Remove Side Panels

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

6. Prepare the USB CAN Analyzer Tool

The tool requirements are below:

• A USB-A to USB-B cable
• CAN Analyzer to RJ45
  
  

⚠️ If you do not have this cable, contact HomeGrid Support.

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

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

Unbricking the BMS

Section 1 — Open the Program 'UpgradeTools-en V1.6'

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

1. Open the folder 'Upgrade Tools'

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

3. Run the application 'UpgradeTools-en V1.6'

Section 2 — Perform the Unbricking

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

2. We will reflash the firmware on the master board — configure the program with the following steps:

1. Click 'OpenDevice'
   • The button should go green and the text should change to 'TurnOffDevice'
     
     
2. Select the firmware selection button and locate the Stack'd Series latest firmware folder. Load the following firmware file:
   • V3-Mate-V40007-15S_2001_3.0-Lithion.bin
     
     
3. Select the drop-down for Protocol Version and change it from 'V1' to 'V2'.
   
   
4. Select the drop-down for Target Board and ensure it is set to 'Master'

3. Press 'Start'. If the unit is truly bricked, the update will likely not start like this. 

⚠️If the update begins progressing, allow it to complete and check the status of the display. If the screen looks normal afterwards, skip to Section 3 — Confirmation of Success. 

4. Using the BMS Power Button to unbrick the unit.

Note: You will need to close enough to the BMS with the laptop to press the power button and the 'Start' button on the laptop within a short period of time.

1. Power off the BMS at the power button.
   
   
   
2. On the upgrade tool press start, then within ~0.5 - 1.0 Seconds, turn the BMS back on at the power button.
   
   
   
3. Check to see if the update started. If the update begins progressing, allow it to complete and check the status of the display. If the screen looks normal afterwards, skip to Section 3 — Confirmation of Success.
   
   

⚠️ Feel free to try this process a few times. If it doesn't work, continue to step 5.

5. Physically moving the BMS to attempt to update.

1. Leaving the power button in the 'ON' position on the BMS, you will lift the right side of the BMS, just enough to disconnect the male and female communication ports.
   
   
   
2. On the Upgrade Tool, press start, then within ~0.5 - 1.0 Seconds, drop the BMS back into place.
   • This should power the BMS back on.
     
     
     
3. Check to see if the update started. If the update begins progressing, allow it to complete and check the status of the display. If the screen looks normal afterwards, skip to Section 3 — Confirmation of Success.
   
   

6. If none of these processes allowed the BMS to return to normal, please contact HomeGrid Support for further assistance.

Section 3 — Confirmation of Success

Once the process is completed and the program is no longer updating anything, the display should return to normal operation and show no error messages.

Reattach Side Panels

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

Reconnect the BMS to the Inverters

• Reconnect the battery to the inverter by turning on the battery breakers on the inverter(s).

⚠️  This will allow power to flow in and out of the BMS.

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