Facts and Infos about the Opus BT-C3100 Charger

LEDSchlucker

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Joined
Dec 20, 2018
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157
Hi guys,

as I bought my first Opus I didn't know much about it, and over time I read many facts about it in different Threads. Therefore, I thought it would be nice to have all that Facts and knowledge about the Opus in one thread. So I decided to create this thread for that Info, and I will keep this post up to date with all your suggestions. So feel free to tell what you found out about the Opus.



General Info (for newbies):
The Opus BT-C3100 is a good Charger / Capacity Tester for Li-Ion, NiMH and NiCd (also LiFePO4 and LiHV) batteries (cylindrical cells, form factor: 10340, 10440, 14500, 16340, 18500, 18650, 26650, 26500 and more.)

It charges at 200mA, 300mA, 500mA, 700mA and 1A on all four slots, and if only slot 1 and 4 are used, it charges also at 1.5A and 2A.
It discharges at 200mA, 300mA, 500mA, 700mA and 1A.
User Manual
The modes are: CHARGE, DISCHARGE, CHARGE TEST, DISCHARGE REFRESH and QUICK TEST.
CHARGE TEST mode charges the cell first, then measures the capacity while discharging and charges the cell again.
DISCHARGE REFRESH mode cycles the cell 3 times, starting with discharging.
QUICK TEST mode tests the IR (Internal Resistance). This mode is not recommended because of the inaccurate readings, especially if you don't have the wire mod.
The Opus BT-C3100 costs about $30. If an offer is rated way more expensive or cheaper don't trust it!
Here's REALLY detailed review for the nerds :D
I just realized, that there is also a detailed Review and discussion about the Opus from rebelrider.mike
Some Issues discussed in this tread


Facts:

Functions you may not know:
  • LCD backlight always on function (If you press the DISPLAY button for a two sec, the backlight will stay on.)
  • Select all Slotways set the Opus on one side because that way the air can move better and mostly s (If you press the MODE button for two sec, all slots will be activated to set the mode)


Hidden / Unknown features:

Mods:

Tips:
  • I always set the Opus on one side because that way the air can move better and mostly it doesn't stop while discharging. (Not needed if you have the Fan Mod)

Documents:
View attachment 3





Please correct me if I'm wrong and tell me what I've missed :)

Cheers!
LEDSchlucker
 

Attachments

  • Opus_BT-C3100v2.2.pdf
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Thanks LEDSchlucker. I stuck this on the top of the section for easy view for others ;)

I also fixed a couple of your links. Was an extra [/url] tag in there throwing it off a bit.
 
Good work. Side not is that all info above can be found on lyssaker.dk or what the site name is :)
 
Lygte is the go to place for all about lithium in terms of tests of chargers or cells. It has alot :)
 
The overheating is clearly the main problem of this charger that must 1st go away.
I found that pausing doubles testing time and it was the only time when I used it without proper cooling.
I just added a PSU 80mm fan on top of it while testing and there was no pause whatsoever. So this is a way to use it properly without modding anything.

Other than that, it would of been really nice to have more options for current selection for proper testing of a wider range of cells.

Note: setting/selection of all slots it's not a hidden feature, it is documented in the charger's manual.
 
Dont put a fan om top over the cells. Cooling should be under the Opus or om the back
 
Overmind said:
[...]
Note: setting/selection of all slots it's not a hidden feature, it is documented in the charger's manual.
Yeah, your right. I updated it.


daromer said:
Dont put a fan om top over the cells. Cooling should be under the Opus or om the back
+1
You're absolutely right.

@Overmind: For cooling without modding we can screw the bottom off and cool the circuit board with a fan. Otherwise, we can't check for heaters.
 
Another note. If you are discharging cells the heat from the discharge can heat cells. Giving a false positive for a heater.
 
LEDSchlucker said:
  • LCD backlight always on function (If you press the DISPLAY button for a two sec, the backlight will stay on.)

Thanks LEDSchlucker, I didn't know about that really handy feature. Unfortunately it doesn't remember after a reboot, but still useful.
 
Geek said:
Another note. If you are discharging cells the heat from the discharge can heat cells. Giving a false positive for a heater.
Yeah, that's another good reason for the fan Mod, but mine without any Mod got never that hot (maximum 40 C).

watts-on said:
LEDSchlucker said:
  • LCD backlight always on function (If you press the DISPLAY button for a two sec, the backlight will stay on.)

Thanks LEDSchlucker, I didn't know about that really handy feature. Unfortunately it doesn't remember after a reboot, but still useful.
Yeah, it's a handy feature especially for time-lapse.
 
LEDSchlucker said:
Geek said:
Another note. If you are discharging cells the heat from the discharge can heat cells. Giving a false positive for a heater.
Yeah, that's another good reason for the fan Mod, but mine without any Mod got never that hot (maximum 40 C).

It really depends on ambienttemperature. I only use the 500ma test. So heat isn't a real issue. I also raise the rear of the Opus, so convection helps the heat escape.
 
I test them at 1A, so I can use them at 1A in my Powerwall.

Yesterday, I did a quick and dirty Fan Mod, which helped against the heat stops, and while discharging, the batteries were around 28 C.

image_sogwgy.jpg

image_fkaaqe.jpg
 
LEDSchlucker said:
I test them at 1A, so I can use them at 1A in my Powerwall. :huh:

LEDSchlucker,
Maybe i am wrong in this but I think you have schlucked too many LEDs.
A1A per cell powerwall WOW. Even if you had all3500mAh cells that would only give you ~3.5 hrs of use and all your cells would be depleted.
So lets say you have a 14s100p bank with 3500mAh cells that would give you 350Ah so you plan on pulling 100A continuously?
What kind of growhouse are you running in Switzerland?
Also to recharge the cells within a reasonable time you need to stuff 100 amps back in for at least 3.5 hrs probably 4 hrs.
Am I wrong here?
I am building a powerwall to supply me with ~250mA per cell and hope to have an average of 2500mAh available per cell that should give me ~10 hrs of run time. Hopefully enough for the next morning when the sun comes out to recharge the pack.
Just wondering.

Wolf
 
LOL
I do NOT plan to use it ALWAYS at 1A, but I will be able to use it... for cooking... vacuum cleaning... cooking water... etc.

Planning to build a 7s60p which will give me roughly 1.5kW @ 1A per cell. I'm also planning to double it after the first 7s60p which will reduce the amps...

Hope you'll be able to understand what I mean, sonst schreibe ich es einfach auf deutsch.
 
LEDSchlucker said:
LOL
I do NOT plan to use it ALWAYS at 1A, but I will be able to use it... for cooking... vacuum cleaning... cooking water... etc.

Planning to build a 7s60p which will give me roughly 1.5kW @ 1A per cell. I'm also planning to double it after the first 7s60p which will reduce the amps...

Hope you'll be able to understand what I mean, sonst schreibe ich es einfach auf deutsch.

Ahha Ich verstehe jetzt! Aber einfach und deutsch gehen nicht zusammen. :p

You are looking to have a potential of 1A per cell surge.
Just don't write in french or italian or any of those romance languages i might get the wrong idea. :D
LOL ....cooking water.... I like that.

OK back to the OPUS discussion.
Wolf
 
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