FCSP RS485 port access Success!

[tearitupsports]

When you get it all done, post some pics!

And gives us the bottom line cost too, if you don't mind.

If my budget allows I might go for it.

I am set up with a manual transfer switch and the PPOB (240V 30A outlet in bed) which was very economical, but integrating solar, battery, V2X is interesting.

I already have a couple threads going on my Sigenergy (formerly Pointguard) system, but do plan on a full writeup and possibly my first video when I get the V2X added.
I can't really disclose my cost, but I will say I paid less than that advertised distributor, and did all my own work. It does require a certified installer who has an electrician license. Luckily my friend went through all the classes and helped me out.

Sponsored

 

[tearitupsports]

Honestly, there are better products now in the field. Patrick and Liv (don't think they're on this forum) from The Electric Duo did a video just before their trip to Munich in which they did V2G with their MME. Pretty sure that would work with the Lightning too.



And this system is DC charging/Discharging. Yes, I'm guessing it's going to be expensive, but seems to be reliable and follows official standards (which the FCSP and Home Integration System don't, AFAIK)

I'll ping them and see if they can add anything else to the info

Back on topic to this thread, and the fact that I own both the Ford/Sunrun and Sigenergy systems, I can say that there are some big differences for the two. One of the main keys for me was that both the Sigenergy load hub (automatic transfer switch) and inverter have native Ethernet communication. They also offer both wireless and wired (my choice) connections. You can even assign them static IP's.
On top of that they have a fully published Modbus TCP mapping where you can control the whole system yourself if you want. This works with or without internet connection.
It would be very easy to integrate into other software. I personally will be working on this with a software based PLC to play around with (which is overkill for this but that is what I do for work).

 

[chl]

Back on topic to this thread, and the fact that I own both the Ford/Sunrun and Sigenergy systems, I can say that there are some big differences for the two. One of the main keys for me was that both the Sigenergy load hub (automatic transfer switch) and inverter have native Ethernet communication. They also offer both wireless and wired (my choice) connections. You can even assign them static IP's.
On top of that they have a fully published Modbus TCP mapping where you can control the whole system yourself if you want. This works with or without internet connection.
It would be very easy to integrate into other software. I personally will be working on this with a software based PLC to play around with (which is overkill for this but that is what I do for work).

I think the video mentioned a quirk with the Rivian stopping the discharge after some period of time as well.

The big caveat, which they addressed near the end was that if Ford doesn't like it, they could block it with a software update. That is, it is not 'officially' allowed - not 'authorized.' Ford has their proprietary system so they might not want the 'competition' at some point.

All we could do is put pressure on Ford NOT to disable this system by contacting them if that happens.

It brings up the question: do we really OWN the trucks in whole to use anyway we see fit?
Or are we licensing the operating system they/Ford own that runs the truck?

A thorny issue for a court to decide some day.

 

[tearitupsports]

I think the video mentioned a quirk with the Rivian stopping the discharge after some period of time as well.

The big caveat, which they addressed near the end was that if Ford doesn't like it, they could block it with a software update. That is, it is not 'officially' allowed - not 'authorized.' Ford has their proprietary system so they might not want the 'competition' at some point.

All we could do is put pressure on Ford NOT to disable this system by contacting them if that happens.

It brings up the question: do we really OWN the trucks in whole to use anyway we see fit?
Or are we licensing the operating system they/Ford own that runs the truck?

A thorny issue for a court to decide some day.

The Rivian issue is with the truck in that it does not report back the state of charge properly over the CCS protocol. As a safety measure the Sigenergy shuts it down because it has not idea what the truck is doing.
I have heard from a couple of people that even with the latest walk away lock toggles update, the Lightning is still working and is actually one of the best performing.

I think that Ford would sell a lot more vehicles by showing this feature works, even if it is not their system. At the end of the day that is what they want. I know a good percentage of us bought this truck based on the power export capabilities. More so than the fact that it is just an EV.

Unfortunately, I think Ford will likely not give an official answer on this for a while. I believe if we keep the Sigenergy to the same 9.5 kW max rate, they really can't say much, because it won't technically be doing anything the HIS system doesn't already do. The overall stress of this compared to driving is trivial to the battery.

Just in case, since the truck now has all the features I could care for, I have gone and turned off automatic updates. Just in case they try something sneaky. Luckily I don't have a lot of faith in Ford being able to do something to shut this off in less than 3 years time.

 

[Aminorjourney]

Honestly, at this point I think ford should push Siemens for an OTA for the charge station pro. If we were allowed to use the on board USB with Ethernet, I suspect all would work.

 

[chl]

The Rivian issue is with the truck in that it does not report back the state of charge properly over the CCS protocol. As a safety measure the Sigenergy shuts it down because it has not idea what the truck is doing.
I have heard from a couple of people that even with the latest walk away lock toggles update, the Lightning is still working and is actually one of the best performing.

I think that Ford would sell a lot more vehicles by showing this feature works, even if it is not their system. At the end of the day that is what they want. I know a good percentage of us bought this truck based on the power export capabilities. More so than the fact that it is just an EV.

Unfortunately, I think Ford will likely not give an official answer on this for a while. I believe if we keep the Sigenergy to the same 9.5 kW max rate, they really can't say much, because it won't technically be doing anything the HIS system doesn't already do. The overall stress of this compared to driving is trivial to the battery.

Just in case, since the truck now has all the features I could care for, I have gone and turned off automatic updates. Just in case they try something sneaky. Luckily I don't have a lot of faith in Ford being able to do something to shut this off in less than 3 years time.

Agree 100% about what Ford should do.

If you disable all updates, you risk voiding the battery warranty according to the text, installing all the "power-up" updates in a timely manner is a duty of the owner and the warranty says:

----
"...The high voltage battery and eDrive systems of your vehicle
are covered by the Electric Vehicle Component coverage for eight
years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first...

What is Not Covered
...abuse and/or misuse of the vehicle and/or high voltage battery
pack, such as driving over curbs, overloading, racing or using
the vehicle as a permanent stationary power source

...failure to complete Ford Power-Up software updates within a
reasonable amount of time, typically 30 days..."
----

Of course using it as a backup now and then could hardly be called "permanent."

The Power-Up software could be an issue if they use that update as a way to disable Sigenergy systems. According to what I read the "Power-Up" software updates are the OTA software updates by definition.

Anyway, hope it does not come to that!

 

[tearitupsports]

...failure to complete Ford Power-Up software updates within a
reasonable amount of time, typically 30 days..."
----

The sheer irony of that statement is thicker than wet cement. I would challenge Ford to show that they can even perform (much less enforce the delivery of) a power up within 30 days to customers.

I have considered buying an EV just as stationary storage once I can get one for under $10k (we are pretty close to that). For now I drive my truck everyday, so I'm not concerned about that.

 

[chl]

The sheer irony of that statement is thicker than wet cement. I would challenge Ford to show that they can even perform (much less enforce the delivery of) a power up within 30 days to customers.

I have considered buying an EV just as stationary storage once I can get one for under $10k (we are pretty close to that). For now I drive my truck everyday, so I'm not concerned about that.

I know, given all the OTA update issues we've seen - how do we even know we missed one or it's been 30 days.

I suppose if we turned OFF automatic updates that would be a sign it was our fault and not theirs, eh? And I'm sure their servers are keeping track of what our trucks are doing.

You might be able to get an old Leaf for that purpose - some people with older Leafs are upgrading the battery to get 3 or 4 times the original range, others are just moving on to a different vehicle. Maybe the new battery installers sell the old batteries rather than trashing/recycling them since they still have some capacity?

I am still using my 2012 Leaf - still has approx. 85% battery capacity (of 24kWh so around 20kWh) after almost 14 years with low mileage garage kept. I only used it for local driving (range was about 100 mi on 80% charge local) and after I got it, I began working from home so no more commuting. It still has some usefulness for me so I am keeping it for a while and considering a battery upgrade someday - they are around $7500 installed right now, but tariffs are a big if since they are plug-n-play from China or Japan. LFPs.

Given the new battery tech coming along, I would wait though for a home install use. They'll be safer and cheaper and last longer, eventually.

 

[ktom]

Will try more addresses later. going to sit and reflect on the new findings.

Have you had any more success with these codes?

Specifically, how to close the DC relay on the charger? I don't have the the FCSP installed as the tesla charger was first and installed. Is that controlled by the app?

What tool did you use to communicate with it? USB dongle to rs232/485?

 

[cjueden]

No I never made any more progress. Yes I used a usb to rs485 dongle off amazon.

 

[Aminorjourney]

Honestly, I'm losing patience with these f'ing things.
The unit that died and which @Ford Motor Company says is "PERFECTLY FINE AND FUNCTIONAL" because it "charges the vehicle" is still dead and unwilling to connect to the smartphone app or truck, rendering it COMPLETELY USELESS

The replacement I had as a spare? It's just started the same BS today. I did do a test to make sure it will power the home in an emergency - it will - but if I do a factory reset, it's game over.

 

[chl]

Honestly, I'm losing patience with these f'ing things.
The unit that died and which @Ford Motor Company says is "PERFECTLY FINE AND FUNCTIONAL" because it "charges the vehicle" is still dead and unwilling to connect to the smartphone app or truck, rendering it COMPLETELY USELESS

The replacement I had as a spare? It's just started the same BS today. I did do a test to make sure it will power the home in an emergency - it will - but if I do a factory reset, it's game over.

I sympathize.

Perhaps your problems would fall under your states consumer protection laws?

Not sure what written warranty the HIS came with, but it seems like it never really worked as promised.

If it were me, I'd probably ask Ford for my money back and if they refused, consult with an attorney about suing or getting a settlement.

I know there are others here and on other forums and social media who have had the same kind of issues your are having, so a class action might even be a possibility.

Many lawyers will do that sort of thing on a contingency basis and you'd only pay for the court filing fees.

Something to consider before too much time has passed - there might be a statute of limitations running. Seems like you have documented all the problems from the beginning here and in videos, so plenty of evidence.

Something to consider.

Good luck.

 

[Ford Motor Company]

Honestly, I'm losing patience with these f'ing things.
The unit that died and which @Ford Motor Company says is "PERFECTLY FINE AND FUNCTIONAL" because it "charges the vehicle" is still dead and unwilling to connect to the smartphone app or truck, rendering it COMPLETELY USELESS

The replacement I had as a spare? It's just started the same BS today. I did do a test to make sure it will power the home in an emergency - it will - but if I do a factory reset, it's game over.

Sorry this is so frustrating... Once folks are back from TG break, I'll send them this thread. Hopefully I can help spin up some solutions.

 

[Aminorjourney]

Sorry this is so frustrating... Once folks are back from TG break, I'll send them this thread. Hopefully I can help spin up some solutions.

Thanks.

It looks like there's been some churn, so some of my contacts have left or moved departments - but right now, neither the FCSP on my desk nor the one on the outside of the house works as it should. People spent $10,000 on this system... and it's about chocolate teapot status.

 

[chl]

Sorry this is so frustrating... Once folks are back from TG break, I'll send them this thread. Hopefully I can help spin up some solutions.

Thank you Brian.
You might also look on this forum and others for posts about problems with the HIS, I know I have seen some others saying it stops working intermittently.

I vaguely remember that Ford was doing a survey about the HIS - it was mentioned on one of the threads.

A suggestion I have is for Ford to license other home backup system makers to use the Ford battery access programs and certify their systems.

For example the Sigenergy V2X:

https://www.sigenergy.com/en/index/v2x_compatibility

Now it could be that Ford has an exclusive deal with Delta/Sun Run to use their set up. But if not, opening it up to competition would be a win-win for Ford and us Lightning owners, eh?

Chris

Sponsored