Poll: What BMS(s) are you using in your system(s)? (LiFePO4 only)
Index of most commonly discussed BMS' on this forum, with pictures and links to relevant resources. (click to expand)
As best I can tell this unbranded/generic BMS has alternately been called the 'Battery Hookup BMS', the 'DYKB BMS', and 'Overkill Solar BMS,' which all refer to specific sellers not the manufacturer or model name (JBD-SP04S020). The manufacturer appears to be JBD / Jiabaida, and the model # is JBD-SP04S020. Forum megathread can be found here, and video of the BMS here.
If your BMS looks like this:
With a Bluetooth app that looks like this:
And references JBD, Jiabaida, or Xiaoxiang, and/or LLT Power or LithiumbatteryPCB your BMS is likely the JBD-SP04S020 or a close cousin.
Overkill Solar on Amazon (forum member and well regarded responsive seller)
DYKB Store on Aliexpress
JBD Store on AliexpressThe "Ant BMS" is an unbranded/generic BMS is not always easy to identify. It is sold through the DYKBhuang store, ICGOGOGO store, and others on Aliexpress and Ebay. Sometimes "Ant BMS" is printed on the PCB or on the label (or a little Ant head logo), sometimes it is not. Usually it is not mentioned in the product description or title. The Bluetooth App (I am told) references Ant BMS. Forum discussion of Ant BMS here, video review here.
There is more than one model of Ant BMS. Used here (and generally on this forum), Ant BMS refers to the one pictured above and featured in Will's video here. It can be identified by its balance lead connectors on the short side and flat rectangular heatsink.
There is another BMS by the same name (see here), which has the balance leads on the long side, and is often referred to as 'Ant BMS 2019 version' or 'new version'. To my knowledge, no forum members have purchased or tested this version of the Ant BMS.
update: there is an alternate (3rd party) app available in the play store for the ant BMS called VBMS (not sure if its available for apple). It is a paid app.The distinguishing feature of the Heltec Active Balancing BMS, is that it is the only commodity FET based BMS I am aware of that does true active balancing (i.e. transferring energy between cells, as opposed to burning off energy from high cells). It can be identified by the black metal case with either capacitors visible on the front or a cover over the capacitors with a QR code. I believe it is sold unbranded to some resellers, but can be bough directly from Heltec via Aliexpress, Alibaba, or Heltec-BMS.com. Heltec sells many other BMS, including high current models, which do not have active balancing but may be worth looking into. They also sell active balancers ("capacative" and "inductive").
Heltec, is also known as Chengdu Heltec Automation co. ltd., Heltec Automation, and Heltec BMS. I believe it is also sold under the alternate brand name JKONG or JiKong (with a little cloud logo).Catch all category for everything else, please specify and provide a linkIf you do not use a BMS with a DIY pack / raw cells choose none
Please keep responses concise and avoid discussion/commentary. Replies should follow the format:
- BMS Name
- Your Cell Configuration (system voltage)
- Rated Discharge Current
- Cost (including accessories--to clarify, not entire system just BMS accessories like relays, temp sensors, etc)
- Satisfied (Satisfied, Mostly Satisfied, Somewhat Satisfied, Not Satisfied)
- Optional link to product
For example:
I just ordered the same Heltec. The prices are rising. I paid $219.System #1
1. JBD Smart BMS w/Bluetooth dongle
2. 4S (12V) Common
3. 120A
4. $72.43 US delivered
5. Satisfied
6. https://a.aliexpress.com/_mqE7ZWr
System #2
1. Heltec
2. 16S Common
3. 200A 2A Active balance
4. $207.58 US delivered
5. TBD, waiting on cells to be delivered.
6. https://m.alibaba.com/product/62544207027/14-24S-200A-Smart-BMS-with-2A.html
CorrectThe overkill solar product is just a relabelled "JBD" unit, right? Which apparantly is the same as this
Smart BMS 4S 60A 80A 100A 120A 12V Lifepo4 Battery Protection PCB Bluetooth APP | eBay
4S 60A 80A 100A 120A BMS:it is only BMS. Note: this BMS with balance function. 1 x BMS Lifepo4 Battery Protection PCB Board. Double star positioning: GPRS+ Beidou positioning is accurate. Bluetooth module : if you use for phone app, need to buy.www.ebay.com
JBD being an acronym for a chinese mfr.
^You get support and a warranty from Overkill
Well thats worth something but warranties are generally marketing tools used by mfrs with substandard products, which it appears the JBD BMS is not. Toyota and Honda automobiles historically have had the shortest warranties in the industry, while mfrs like Hyundai and VW, when their products were faltering, offered 10 yr bumper to bumper protection.You get support and a warranty from Overkill
Can you elaborate? Should any BMS expect to survive a short circuit?JBD BMS 120A
4s
120A
~55$
not satisfied
Ali_Is_Here
Fried the BMS by doing a short circuit, 15 MOSFET's gone..., bad layout, bad cooling
I don't own an Overkill BMS or a JBD BMS.Well thats worth something but warranties are generally marketing tools used by mfrs with substandard products, which it appears the JBD BMS is not. Toyota and Honda automobiles historically have had the shortest warranties in the industry, while mfrs like Hyundai and VW, when their products were faltering, offered 10 yr bumper to bumper protection.
Perhaps thats a debate I wasnt looking to start, but when I buy a product, particularly one that requires assembly so to speak, the idea I might have to box it up and ship it back for a replacement isnt expected. It could happen but if I choose wisely and research reviews it usually doesnt.
I was thinking more along availability, as their website doesnt seem to have any idea when they will have more, and if thats the case, I dont know how the warranty situation would work right now anyway.
The shipping situation from China is a real mess presently and I know thats not their fault so Im not here to attack them, just verify that what they have isnt a proprietary product.