BMS VC1 Manual
October 2020
ThunderStruck motors
2985 Dutton Ave. Ste 3
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
(707) 578-7973
Version 1.4
Introduction
The Thunderstruck BMS VC1 is a microprocessor-controlled device which reads cell voltages
from one or more Valence™ battery modules
and selects an action based on a comparison
between reported cell information and BMS configured limits. Action options include opening
circuits in response to out of limit cell voltages or temperatures, making it possible to control
both charge and load circuits in a battery powered system. The BMS automatically initiates
module level cell balancing, but not inter-module balancing (between modules). This feature is
being investigated for a future release.
The BMS provides a simple user interface for setting voltage limits and for listing connected
modules and module cell voltages. Data connectors between modules in the pack are chained
together without concern for parallel/series orientation. The BMS connects to one end of the
chain, and the provided termination plug connects to the other end.
BMS Setup
PC/Mac Software
To communicate with the BMS, connect it to your computer using the provided micro USB
cable. The BMS will be recognized as a serial device with an assigned COM port. You can use
any serial terminal software to communicate with the BMS, however, we suggest using a free
open source program like Putty (Windows) or Coolterm (Mac).
The assigned COM port number can be found using the Windows Device Manager and then
entered into Putty. Coolterm provides a dropdown to select available ports on the Mac. See the
following document for applicable information about these two options.
http://www.thunderstruck-ev.com/images/companies/1/DD_SerialPortUtilities_v1.2.pdf
Android Software
To communicate with the BMS using an Android device you will need to install a serial terminal
app such as this, from Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.kai_morich.serial_usb_terminal
Connect the BMS to the Android device with an OTG micro USB serial cable. Make sure that the
host end of the cable is connected to the Android. For correct text alignment, set up the app to
use monospace font.
