I have an old system (pre 2008) what should I know
First BionX systems are using I2C communication protocol and are not compatible with post-2008 components that are using CAN bus. Unfortunatly, we are not selling any I2C components available on this online store and are unable to give any support.
To determine if your system is a CANBUS system, look at the first four (4) digits on the battery serial number label located on the bottom of the battery and cross reference the numbers below:
Why RC3 & DS3 requires a specific motor firmware version?
When BionX introduced third generation controller (RC3 & DS3), the CAN bus protocol has been rewritten to accommodate new architecture (having 2 distinctive devices that behaves as a controller + Bluetooth module, etc). This new protocol was called BCP3 (BionX CAN Protocol 3rd generation). The motor firmware was rewritten too and renamed to a 'drive'. BCP3 protocol is not compatible with the original motor firmware or the G2 controller, that are using BCP1. So there are two categories of CAN bus components, that are running different sets of firmwares.
Regarding the battery, firmware revision 112 and less are BCP1 only, compatible with G2 only, but battery firmware 115 is hybrid and can be used with any of G2/DS3/RC3 contollers and any motor firmwares.
So before switching your G2 constroller to a RC3/DS3, plan for the need to reprogram your motor with the 'drive' firmware using BBI software.
I have an old 24/37v battery, can I buy a new one?
Yes, all BionX hardware parts are all compatible together as long as the communication protocol is the same (I2C or CAN). However, it's not recommended to buy a 48V battery to replace an old 24v one because the electronic in the motor is not intended to run at higher voltages. That being said, many customers are upgrading 24V systems to 48V without any issues.
Can I use my existing 37-volt charger to recharge the 48V batteries ?
Unfortunately not. The 37-volt chargers have a different output voltage. These newer 48-volt batteries require a new battery charger. Part number are 01-3635 and 01-4576.
Should I rebuilld my old 37V battery with new cells ?
Some independent battery shops are offering this service. They take an old 37V Lithium-Manganese battery and upgrade it with newer / high capacity Lithium-Ion cells. The main concern is that original LiMn BionX batteries are not using any battery monitoring/balancer circuit (SMC5 BMS), because the initial Lithium-Manganese, Sony 18650V1, 1.6Ah cells are completly safe in case of overcharge / disbalance of the cells. But this is not the case for Lithium-Ion cells that requires protection/balancer circuit to keep cell voltages flat and avoid overcharge events that lead to battery fire / cell venting. Furthermore, some rebuilders are using cheaper/counterfeit battery cells.So to be brief, most pack rebuilders are just not informed about the potential risks.
What is the "Deep Sleep" feature on 48V batteries?
In order to avoid draining Lithium-Ion cells during long storage periods, each 48V batteries will go in deep sleep after 2 month of non utilisation, or after 1 week if state of charge is below 10%. This enables shelf life of up to 2 years from a fully charged battery. To wakeup a battery from “Deep Sleep” state, simply connect the battery to the 26V / 48V BionX power supply.
Battery information & How to maximize battery life?
Should I keep my battery always fully charged?
No, as long as the battery is not getting deep discharged. It won't make any difference.
Should I discharge completely before charging?
No, in fact, the battery can give about 500 complete cycles, but 1000 half cycles. So this is not impacting total energy spent during the life of the battery.
I am planning to store my battery and not use it for a while;
When storing battery for long time, charge it around 75% and store it. The battery will self discharge a bit and then enter deep sleep mode by itself 2 month after not being used.
If your battery do not implement deep sleep mode (Prior 2013 models, Li-Mn, 37v). Charge it to 100% each 4 to 5 months.
Storing in cold temperature is always preferred to warm location.
All BionX batteries are using 18650 Lithium cells, so there is plenty information available on the web on this topic;See Battery University
BBI 'offline' is crashing when trying to choose a bike model? See procedure here.
More information to be added here as we receive your technical questions...