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ISDT SC-608 and SC-620 LiPo Charger Firmware Update
#1
There have been many report of problems with the new popular LiPo charger SC-608(150W) and SC-620 (500W), I Strongly recommend to update to the latest version to get these bugs fixed and avoid damaging your unit during usage. (for bugs that have been fixed please see last part of this post)

If you are still wondering if you should buy it, Here is my review of the SC620.
Link to the SC-620 charger product page.

[Image: mGLqTAVl.jpg]

What you need to update firmware
  • 1x SCLinker (made specifically for this charger), or you can DIY it if you want (detail below)
DIY SCLinker for the ISDT LiPo Charger

This SCLinker is basically a 4-pin 3.5mm jack with a FTDI adapter. 3 of the 4 pins are used on the plug: TX, RX and GND, this how it works:

[Image: Vkmy71Cl.jpg]

If you don't want to spend extra money, you can DIY this linker. For some stupid reasons they used 3.5mm jack rather than micro USB port. But no worries it's not hard to make. You will need:
You can buy that 4-pole 3.5mm jack or recycle one from your old headsets. I found one and it worked like a charm. Make sure it's a 4-pole (4-pin) plug, normally it also has a mic that's why it's 4-pole.

[Image: eRSNh6Ul.jpg]

Remove the stem and expose the solder joints. 

[Image: TUb60sJl.jpg]

Solder the female header pin servo leads on them. Test each cable, make sure they link to the corresponding contacts on the plug, and not shorting each other.

[Image: QnbcXO9l.jpg]

Label TX and RX and make it pretty Smile

[Image: TtG0cokl.jpg]

And now you can connect the DIY 3.5mm jack to your FTDI USB adapter. RX to TX, TX to RX, GND goes to ground.

Firmware Download

Now get the latest firmware at the very bottom of this page: http://www.isdt.co/scLinker.html


Firmware Update

Now we have everything ready!

[Image: SpVV615l.jpg]

Before we start, check your current firmware version, and make note of it. Power off the charger after you have done it.

[Image: WaRZk3wl.jpg]

Unzip the file you just downloaded, and there is a EXE file name "SCU.exe", open that.

[Image: lX60Je4l.jpg]

The firmware update program should pop up, because it's in Chinese and my computer couldn't read it, but that's not important. 

Now connect your FTDI programmer to the computer, make sure the COM port appears before you move to next step. If no COM appearing, you might need to download the latest FTDI firmware.

[Image: reg3tj7l.jpg]

Now connect the 3.5mm jack into the charger's LNK port, and power on the charger (make sure you connect the FTDI adapter to your computer, before powering on the charger this is important. I power on the charger with a 4S LiPo battery)

Now you can press "Update Firmware" on firmware program on your computer and it should just update it.

[Image: 8dSWrW4l.jpg]

And on your charger it should show you this screen:

[Image: KARzUrdl.jpg]

Check firmware version again to verify.

[Image: oTr8qYCl.jpg]


You can also change the name of the charger using the firmware program (name is displayed on top of the screen), 8 characters max.

[Image: Vlj5a1ul.jpg]


Firmware history and bug fixes

Here is the list of bugs that have been fixed

Code:
SC-620 V2.0.3.56
update content:
1 , modified in some cases , charging interface can not be stopped by a menu bug.
2, the amendment of individual system bug, enhanced system security.
3 start up faster - One thing I like about 2.0.3.76, is the charger no longer goes through the self test every time you power it up. You can run the self test called "Self-testing" at he bottom of the System Setting menu if you want to.
4 fixed self-reboot problem

V2.0.3.51
1 , adjust up self-test project .
2 , System Setup menu manually increase the self-test.

V2.0.2.73
1. Adjust NiMH / Cd battery charge and discharge processes and parameters.
2. Added Traditional Chinese support.
3 , adjust the POST parameters.
4 , increase the firmware sharing.

V2.0.2.11
1 , lithium fast charge process parameters to fine-tune .
2 , to enhance PC and notebook class power compatibility.
3 , adjust the charging is completed tone.


Attached Files Thumbnail(s)
                                   
Don't be a LOS'er, be an FPV'er :)  My Gear - Facebook - Instagram - Twitter
[-] The following 3 users Like Oscar's post:
  • locthanh3005, fftunes, BigglesFPV
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#2
Just out of curiosity, apart from bug fixing, does it add some new features? Does it need any calibration (A, V) after?
Find me on Youtube and Instagram. I currently fly: DRC Aura, NOX5R, Minimalist 112 and drive a scrap RC car
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#3
(21-Sep-2016, 01:20 PM)Konrad Stepanajtys Wrote: Just out of curiosity, apart from bug fixing, does it add some new features? Does it need any calibration (A, V) after?

no new features as far as i know. 
calibration is not needed, it reads the voltage quite accurately on my unit (before and after firmware update). I don't think it has the capability to even calibrate A and V.
Don't be a LOS'er, be an FPV'er :)  My Gear - Facebook - Instagram - Twitter
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#4
Thanks for your help, Oscar,

My SCLinker is on the way. However, I quickly made that cable and updated my SC-608 successfully! :-)
[-] The following 1 user Likes destbr's post:
  • Oscar
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#5
Quick question - was FTDI set to 3,3V or 5V?
Find me on Youtube and Instagram. I currently fly: DRC Aura, NOX5R, Minimalist 112 and drive a scrap RC car
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#6
doesn't matter, VCC is not connected to the charger, only GND/TX and RX are connected, because the charger is powered by a LiPo.
Don't be a LOS'er, be an FPV'er :)  My Gear - Facebook - Instagram - Twitter
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#7
(26-Sep-2016, 02:23 AM)Oscar Wrote: doesn't matter, VCC is not connected to the charger, only GND/TX and RX are connected, because the charger is powered by a LiPo.

Ah true, thanks!
Find me on Youtube and Instagram. I currently fly: DRC Aura, NOX5R, Minimalist 112 and drive a scrap RC car
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#8
(26-Sep-2016, 02:23 AM)Oscar Wrote: doesn't matter, VCC is not connected to the charger, only GND/TX and RX are connected, because the charger is powered by a LiPo.

Actually you need to be sure if the GPIO pins on the mcu inside the charger is 5V tolerant or not.
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#9
(30-Sep-2016, 11:54 AM)HSPalm Wrote: Actually you need to be sure if the GPIO pins on the mcu inside the charger is 5V tolerant or not.

good point, I was using 3.3V if anyone is interested.
Don't be a LOS'er, be an FPV'er :)  My Gear - Facebook - Instagram - Twitter
[-] The following 1 user Likes Oscar's post:
  • KonradS
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#10
Oscar,
Thanks for taking the time to do this tutorial, however, I have a question about your connections. 
I've just received the same FTDI module you are using but I noticed in your tenth attachment (charger, module, usb cable) that the ground is connected to ground, that's fine, but you have your RX lead connected to the TX terminal and the TX lead connected to the RX terminal.
Is your module layout out the same as mine, see below.

Cheers,
Tom.

[Image: FTDI%20Pins.jpg]
Reply
#11
(10-Oct-2016, 11:26 AM)Tommygunn Wrote: Oscar,
Thanks for taking the time to do this tutorial, however, I have a question about your connections. 
I've just received the same FTDI module you are using but I noticed in your tenth attachment (charger, module, usb cable) that the ground is connected to ground, that's fine, but you have your RX lead connected to the TX terminal and the TX lead connected to the RX terminal.
Is your module layout out the same as mine, see below.

Cheers,
Tom.

[Image: FTDI%20Pins.jpg]

I think we have the same module. 
Try it. if RX/TX isn't connected correctly it simply won't connect. Swap them if that's the case.
Don't be a LOS'er, be an FPV'er :)  My Gear - Facebook - Instagram - Twitter
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#12
All is working and I've upgraded to version 2.0.3.76. However, it's strange that my TX/RX connections are definately the other way around to yours.
I also did a little bit of surgery to tidy things up and keep a servo cable as is. I cut the trace for the DTR connection and soldered a jumper wire from the DTR over to the Ground connection. This allowed me to keep the servo plug/wires intact.

[Image: Modded%20FTDI%20Module.jpg]



Mind you, I am encountering some problems with the charger prior and post the update:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost....tcount=262

Tom.
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#13
Well people, hopefuly i can find some insight here in this fine comunity..
Bought an sc 608 from aliexpress.. Looks like a nice thing to have. Unfortunatly i got the chinese version.
I made that diy cable an managed to upgrade to latest FW but that didnt help.
I heard some chatter of a way to change the language...
Any one here got to that knoledge?
Thanks.
BK
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#14
You are not alone, a lot of people got sent the "Chinese version" by mistake.
You cannot change language by flashing firmware, but need to enter some sort of un-lock code according to this user: https://oscarliang.com/review-isdt-sc-62...ment-12861

I think you might have to contact the manufacturer / seller directly to resolve this issue.
Don't be a LOS'er, be an FPV'er :)  My Gear - Facebook - Instagram - Twitter
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#15
You might want to have a look on RC Groups, that last page or so here: https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthre...st36017632

Tom.
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