Kunkin - KP184 - Exe v1 - 0 - 17 - 0 User Manual

User Manual KP184.exe v1.0.17.
0 Interflexo, Lda – Mar 2021
Installation Instructions
• Download the setup executable installer to any directory with
permissions.
• Double click it to execute the setup installer.
• Follow all the prompts that appear.
• It is suggested that you follow all the defaults, but you can select an
alternate directory for the install.
• You are good to go.
Main Screen
Page 1
User Manual KP184.exe v1.0.17.0 Interflexo, Lda – Mar 2021
Configuration dialog button. Disabled when connected to COM port.
The standard Kunkin KP184 operating parameters are omitted from this
manual, please refer to the equipment manual for reference.
KP184 Address (1..250): Device communication address, must match the

value configured on Kunkin operating panel.
Page 2
Threshold voltage for Load OFF by software: The hardware threshold

voltage for Load OFF on the Kunkin KP184 is implemented with some weird
ramp that throttles down the current in an unstable way. This software option
lowers the KP184 hardware programmed value by 500mV to get it out of the
way and just cuts the load automatically when the programmed threshold
value is reached.
The screen values are always refreshed 3 times per second. The Data
capture sampling period refers to the .csv and plot graph data creation.
The captured data includes elapsed time in seconds, voltage, current,
capacity (Ah) and energy (Wh). I probably should add Power in Watts.
Check the CRC LSB First option if you experience difficulties establishing the
serial communication with KP184 later models (Firmware 2020 and up – can
be check at the Kunkin screen at startup)
File settings group: Default file names and folders for captured data, graph
images and battery capacity discharge test reports.
A verification is made to check if the folder and path are valid. In error case it
will default to “My Documents\KP184 Modbus\”.
All the data file names (.csv; .png; .pdf) are used as base file names,
numbers are automatically added in subsequent files to avoid overwriting
files.
Please use a decent USB serial adapter in the absence of a legacy COM
port. A FTDI or Silabs processor chips are far better than a low the cost
Page 3
Prolific or WCH. A Digitus DA-70156 USB 2.0 to Serial (FTDI/FT232RL) from

ASSMANN Electronic GmbH costs 8,67 EUR + Shipping on Amazon. Don’t
need to break the bank.
The serial COM is a high latency communication. The protocol used is a

Modbus RTU with CRC checks. COM Port configuration: 8,N,1 No
hardware/software flow control. It will work reliably across the KP184 limits
from 2400 to 115200. Please favor the higher speeds to keep the application
responsive depending on your adapter, cable and distances.
This unregistered product works in trial mode for 15 minutes, after the expired
period the data capture features are disabled. If you find out that this software
product is useful, you can register sending your registration ID from this
configuration dialog to interflexo@sapo.pt along with $30 USD by PayPal.
Interflexo will then email you back an unlocking registration KEY after
payment clearance.
Connects to the configured COM serial port
When connect the corresponding icon lights up on the LCD area.

When there is an adapter/cable/baudrate problem the icon first flashes during
five seconds trying to find the Kunkin KP184 then stays dimmed.
Exits the application
All controls have tool tips (hints) when you carefully hover the cursor over the
controls.
Page 4
Main LCD screen
Switches the electronic load ON/OFF. The dimmed image signals

the OFF state.
Remote/Local Toggles the voltage sense mode. Local uses the power
connectors and is affected by the voltage drop (proportional to the electronic
load current) on the cables, connectors, etc. Remote uses the independent
front BNC connector for voltage sense and is not affected by the voltage drop
because it does not carry any meaningful current. You may connect the
alligators directly to the battery (being tested) terminals, please respect the
polarity. The assembly bellow costs about 7 Eur.
Page 5
CV/CC/CW/CR Signals and Cycles through the four load modes. Constant
Voltage, Constant Current, Constant Power and Constant Resistance.
Toggles battery capacity test mode ON/OFF. Mode ON unlocks

Battery tab.
Toggles Internal resistance test mode ON/OFF. Mode ON unlocks In

Resist tab.
0.000V/0.000A/0.000W/0.000Ω Shows the programmed load value
Toggles the Power up load state. OFF (dimmed) the electronic load
is always OFF at power up. ON the electronic load remembers the last state
when was power down and uses it at power up.
Toggles Kunkin KP184 key beep sound ON/OFF.
GEN/BAT/RES/CVL/DYN/COP/OCT Shows the Kunkin active test

mode. Toggles to CVL test mode.
0.000V Threshold voltage for load OFF programmed value. Please notice
the tool tip (hint) to check for hardware or software handling type. When using
the software type the indicator flashes red when stopping the load.
0.0 0.0 A/ms Current slew down rate and current slew up rate when
switching ON/OFF.
Page 6
Overpower indicator. Power > 410W.
Over voltage indicator. Voltage > 152V.
Over temperature indicator.
General Tab:
Load Settings Frame:
Set the:
Load Set Value: 0..150V;

0..40A; 0..400W; 0..8000Ω
Slew Up rate: 0..100A/ms
Slew Dn rate: 0..100A/ms
Threshold Voltage: 0..150V
and use the corresponding send button. The new setting is sent to
Kunkin KP184. This button can appear enabled or disabled according to the
setting entered string syntax validation and COM port communication status.
Page 7
Preset Memories frame:
Preset memory load button. Loads settings from preset memory

number (0..9) defined on the spin box and sends them to Kunkin KP184.
Preset memory save button. Saves settings from Kunkin KP184 to

preset memory number (0..9) defined on the spin box.
A non blocking pop up window

confirms the selected operation.
Settings involved on preset memories:
key_sound
power_up_state
voltage_sense
load_mode
cv_setting
cc_setting
cr_setting
cw_setting
threshold_volt
slew_up_rate
slew_dn_rate
dynamic_mode_1
level_1_cur
Page 8
level_1_tim
level_2_cur
level_2_tim
dynamic_mode_2
battery_mode
bat_end_volt
bat_go_half_cur
bat_cap_units
bat_test_over_signal
Data Acquisition frame:
Erases previous memory data. Start collecting new data.
Pauses/Resumes collecting data.
Saves collected data on a previously configured .csv file name and

folder. The file name is used as a base file name, numbers are automatically
added in subsequent files to avoid overwriting files. It can be used during data
acquisition to follow up during long processes. A progress window is shown
during the file creation process. The system can save more than 14.000
records per hour. Adjust the data sampling period (> 250ms) on the config
dialog according to your needs.
Saves the plot graph on a previously configured PDF file name and
folder. The file name is used as a base file name, numbers are automatically
added in subsequent files to avoid overwriting files. It can be used during data
Page 9
acquisition. A matching “.png” image file is also added for easier document
insertion. After file creation the PDF file is automatically opened on Adobe
Acrobat Reader or configured web browser.
Battery capacity discharge test PDF report. When using battery

capacity test mode this option also creates a detailed report page.
This PDF report is built based on a supplied html template file named
“Report.html” that must exist on the program directory. You can make minor
and careful changes to this template file to fit your particular needs. No
support will be given to accommodate these changes. This html template file
is used by the xhtml2pdf Python module. Please refer to the module
documentation here:
https://xhtml2pdf.readthedocs.io/en/latest/
The battery identification

details that will be used on the
test report can be filled on the
Rep tab.
These are simple text fields,

you can type anything you
want or leave them blank.
Page 10
The report creation is a silent operation. However a line is added to the

application log when the report is created.
The PDF battery test report is created if:
• Test mode is Battery capacity test mode.

• Operating mode is CC (constant current) mode.
• Load is OFF.
• Data recording is OFF.
• Discharge test capacity value in Ah is not null.
• Discharge test elapsed time is not null.
• The test result graph PNG file was successfully created.
The battery capacity discharge test may have ended automatically when the
end test voltage was reached, time limit was reached or test was user
terminated or temporary suspended by a load OFF command.
The report is saved on a previously configured PDF file name and folder. The
file name is used as a base file name, numbers are automatically added in
subsequent files to avoid overwriting files. After file creation the PDF file is
automatically opened on Adobe Acrobat Reader or configured web browser.
On the next page you can find an example of a dummy report test page.
Page 11
Page 12
The number of saved records is constantly updated as well as the elapsed

time in the format hh:mm:ss.
Timer to turn Load ON/OFF:
Calendar date picker for timer to turn Load ON/OFF. Adjust this
setting prior to COM port connection. The settings below can be adjusted
during serial communications.
Timer disabled
Timer enabled to turn Load ON at a specific date and time
Timer enabled to turn Load OFF at a specific date and time
These last three buttons cycle through each other when the user clicks the
button. The tool tips (hints) are always updated.
The input text box accepts a time in the format hh:mm:ss. Adjust this setting
preferably with Timer disabled.
The input text box content is always checked for errors and in case of invalid
value the current time is used and the timer is disabled.
Page 13
Battery Tab:
Toggles battery
capacity test mode ON/OFF.
Mode ON unlocks Battery
tab.
The load test modes available

on battery test mode are
limited to CC (Constant
Current) and CW (Constant
Power).
Use the load mode toggles on the LCD area to set the load mode.
Test Settings Frame:
Fill the Load Set Value and End Test Voltage (LVC) and
use the corresponding send button. This button is enabled based on

the entered setting string syntax and COM port communication status.
The software supervises LVC value and finishes the test even if Kunkin
KP184 feels like going further.
The Max Duration input text box allows the user to specify a maximum test
duration in seconds. Zero disables this feature.
Page 14
To start the test use the Load Switch button:
When the test starts:

• The test stops automatically according to the programmed End Voltage
and Max Duration parameters.
• The data acquisition is started and terminated automatically.
• The selected capacity units for the plot graph are based on the current
choice for the LCD display Ah/Wh at the beginning of the test.
End Voltage Reached Frame:
Kunkin KP184 reports the memory register corresponding to this parameter

when changed through the Kunkin KP184 configuration menus but does not
change the internal parameter when the software sends the write memory
command.
This occurrence happens on several other features. Once again the Kunkin
software behaves in the exact same manner. There are no errors reported
through the Modbus protocol.
This feature was implemented by software.
“Stop test at once” option ends the test when the programmed end voltage
condition is reached.
Page 15
“Go half current until the next under voltage” option lowers the discharge
current to half the initially configured value at least 10mV prior to the test end
voltage reached mark. The next time the test programmed end voltage
condition is reached the test is ended. A specific log is added for this event.
In case of high voltage instability due to bad connections or other reasons the
10mV step may not be enough to avoid tripping prematurely the test end
voltage condition. Please check your electric connections.
End Test Signal Frame:
The radio buttons show the parameter value and allow the user to change it.
The options are:
• Buzz once
• Buzz until a key is pressed on the Kunkin KP184
• The PASS output electric signal is enabled after the test is finished
Under battery test mode:
• The plot graph displays a line for the voltage and another for the
capacity.
• On the LCD area the large Power indicator shows the battery capacity
(Ah). Clicking on it resets the capacity value to 0.0Ah.
• On the LCD area the Ah/Wh indicator allows the user to switch
between Ah/Wh when clicked. The alternate units and Power are
always displayed the battery tab.
Page 16
In Resist Tab:
In the LCD area:
Toggles Internal
resistance test mode
ON/OFF. Mode ON unlocks
In Resist tab.
Fill the “Set Current 1” and

“Set Current 2” step pulse
values. Use large and
differentiated paired values
like 1A and 2A or 5A and 10A depending on the specification of the equipment
you are testing. Use remote voltage sense to rule out cable and connectors
voltage drops and calculate meaningful results.
The current steps have about 1 second duration to allow for voltage settling.
The result in ohms (Ω) is displayed on the bottom under “Internal resistance”.
To start the test use the Load Switch button:
The test stops automatically.
The user can start data acquisition previous to the test start on the General
tab and log the process.
Page 17
This mode is implemented in software. It is impossible to change the Kunkin

KP184 parameters by serial port regarding this test. Once again the Kunkin
software behaves in the exact same manner.
In CV C Lim Tab:
This is a software current

limited CV test.
Kunkin is hardware
configured to CC and a PID
configurable loop holds the
configured CV setting by
permanently adjusting the CC
load.
Please understand that with

an update period of 250ms this process is only viable for fairly stable circuits.
GEN/CVL/... Toggle the test mode indicator to access CVL test. It unlocks
In CVL tab.
Fill the CV Setting voltage and the current limit.
Kp, Ki, Kd adjusts the PID gains on the fly.
Page 18
Proportional on Measurement: To eliminate overshoot in certain types of

systems, the application can calculate the proportional term directly on the
measurement instead of the error.
To start/stop the test use the Load Switch button:
Cycle Tab:
The dynamic Cycle mode allows the user to program a custom variable CC
load profile of unlimited steps, ramps and repetitions.
Page 19
Toggle the test mode indicator to access the special test modes GEN / CVL /
CYC. CYC unlocks the Cycle Tab
The format is simple and can be edited on the multiline text box.
Any empty lines are ignored. All lines beginning with ‘#’ are treated as a
comment.
A step current is programmed with a current value in A and a pulse time in

seconds. Both integer or floats can be used separated by spaces.
A null current of 0A indicates an OFF time.
A current ramp is programmed with two current values in A and a duration

time in seconds. Both integer or floats can be used separated by spaces.
The programmed profile can be repeated any number of times and stops
automatically or indefinetly and must be stopped with Load Switch button.
Use the checkbox and edit box to enter the cycle repetition information.
The load commands are sent in real time through the serial interface. Use
115200 baud to reduce the lag as much as possible. The minimum
programmable time step is 0.1s
The log tab records all relevant load changes.
To start/stop the test use the Load Switch button:
Page 20
Log Tab:
The log tab allows the user to

keep a track record of the
current session activities and
results. Events as over
temperature, over power and
over current are also logged
as well as its recoveries.
Right click on the text widget

and select “Copy to clipboard”
to export the complete log in
text format.
Page 21

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User Manual KP184.exe v1.0.17.

0 Interflexo, Lda – Mar 2021

Configuration dialog button. Disabled when connected to COM port.

KP184 Address (1..250): Device communication address, must match the

Threshold voltage for Load OFF by software: The hardware threshold

Prolific or WCH. A Digitus DA-70156 USB 2.0 to Serial (FTDI/FT232RL) from

The serial COM is a high latency communication. The protocol used is a

Connects to the configured COM serial port

When connect the corresponding icon lights up on the LCD area.

Exits the application

Main LCD screen

Switches the electronic load ON/OFF. The dimmed image signals

Toggles battery capacity test mode ON/OFF. Mode ON unlocks

Toggles Internal resistance test mode ON/OFF. Mode ON unlocks In

0.000V/0.000A/0.000W/0.000Ω Shows the programmed load value

Toggles Kunkin KP184 key beep sound ON/OFF.

GEN/BAT/RES/CVL/DYN/COP/OCT Shows the Kunkin active test

Overpower indicator. Power > 410W.

Over voltage indicator. Voltage > 152V.

Over temperature indicator.

Load Settings Frame:

Load Set Value: 0..150V;

Slew Up rate: 0..100A/ms

Slew Dn rate: 0..100A/ms

Threshold Voltage: 0..150V

Preset Memories frame:

Preset memory load button. Loads settings from preset memory

Preset memory save button. Saves settings from Kunkin KP184 to

A non blocking pop up window

Settings involved on preset memories:

Data Acquisition frame:

Erases previous memory data. Start collecting new data.

Pauses/Resumes collecting data.

Saves collected data on a previously configured .csv file name and

Battery capacity discharge test PDF report. When using battery

The battery identification

These are simple text fields,

The report creation is a silent operation. However a line is added to the

The PDF battery test report is created if:

• Test mode is Battery capacity test mode.

The number of saved records is constantly updated as well as the elapsed

Timer to turn Load ON/OFF:

Timer enabled to turn Load ON at a specific date and time

Timer enabled to turn Load OFF at a specific date and time

The load test modes available

Test Settings Frame:

use the corresponding send button. This button is enabled based on

To start the test use the Load Switch button:

When the test starts:

End Voltage Reached Frame:

Kunkin KP184 reports the memory register corresponding to this parameter

This feature was implemented by software.

End Test Signal Frame:

Under battery test mode:

In the LCD area:

Fill the “Set Current 1” and

To start the test use the Load Switch button:

The test stops automatically.

This mode is implemented in software. It is impossible to change the Kunkin