Neey 4a active balancer "Request device information failure"

[Wolfpack7483]

I have a "runner cell" in each of my 2 Eco-Worthy server rack batteries (V1 & V2), as well as in my Vatrer, so I thought I'd give the Neey a shot. I installed alligator clips on all the leads, and hooked it up to my V1 EW battery. I double checked voltages and lead placement and everything seems good to go. No matter what I do, I immediately get the flashing red light, just after the blue light starts flashing. I sent the following to Neey tech support, but wondered if anyone else has run into the same issue?

"I have connected the 4a active balancer to an Eco-Worthy 16s server rack battery. I downloaded the app to my iPad & enabled the search function. I have verified all connections and voltages are correct (2x). When I connect the wiring harness to the balancer, the blue light starts flashing, there are 4 "beeps" and the red light flashes continuously. An error message pops up with "request device information failure". The device is connected to the Bluetooth on my iPad. I have tried multiple times with the same result. I tried deleting and re-installing the app with no change. I have tried plugging the connector with the B+ cable 1st, and I've tried plugging it in 2nd, with no change in results."

 

[marionw]

Have you connected to the Neey using the App on your phone. You will be required to enter a password then set the parameters and hopefully the read light will go out.
In addition if any one of the balance leads is installed incorrectly (on a wrong cell) or one of the alligator clips does not have good contact with the balance lead (should be soldered, not crimped) you will also get an error.

Also make sure if you have labeled the alligator clip ends that they are labeled correctly.

On my EnerKey the first black wire is B- and the second black wire is cell 0 (the negative end of the battery), both blacks connect to the same point. Each wire working from the double blacks is the next cell - third wire (gray) would be cell 1.

 

[Wolfpack7483]

Have you connected to the Neey using the App on your phone. You will be required to enter a password then set the parameters and hopefully the read light will go out.
In addition if any one of the balance leads is installed incorrectly (on a wrong cell) or one of the alligator clips does not have good contact with the balance lead (should be soldered, not crimped) you will also get an error.

Also make sure if you have labeled the alligator clip ends that they are labeled correctly.

On my EnerKey the first black wire is B- and the second black wire is cell 0 (the negative end of the battery), both blacks connect to the same point. Each wire working from the double blacks is the next cell - third wire (gray) would be cell1

On the Neey 16 & B+ are common, but only 1 lead on B-. I've double checked the leads, and they're correct. I did use cramped ring connectors with heat shrink ring terminals. Could 0.1 ohm make that much difference?

 

[marionw]

On the Neey 16 & B+ are common, but only 1 lead on B-. I've double checked the leads, and they're correct. I did use cramped ring connectors with heat shrink ring terminals. Could 0.1 ohm make that much difference?

Your picture is showing just the blue led and the red is out so it appears you have it hooked up correctly.
The yellow will start flashing once you have the settings via the App set as necessary to balance cells and the balancer starts doing it's thing

 

[Wolfpack7483]

Red was definitely flashing. Picture must of caught it on the "off" portion of the flash.

Your picture is showing just the blue led and the red is out so it appears you have it hooked up correctly.
The yellow will start flashing once you have the settings via the App set as necessary to balance cells and the balancer starts doing it's thing

 

[Wolfpack7483]

I think the alligator clips may be part of the issue. I noticed on a few that there was some resistance between the ring terminals and the jaws. Since I am replacing the BMS anyway, I decided to just go ahead mount the ring terminals directly to the cells. Of course the nut on cell 15, which is the runner, just spins and spins - along with the bolt. At least all the others broke free without issue. Any recommendations on fixing the "spinner"?

 

[marionw]

I think the alligator clips may be part of the issue. I noticed on a few that there was some resistance between the ring terminals and the jaws. Since I am replacing the BMS anyway, I decided to just go ahead mount the ring terminals directly to the cells. Of course the nut on cell 15, which is the runner, just spins and spins - along with the bolt. At least all the others broke free without issue. Any recommendations on fixing the "spinner"?

That is one issue I have faced with a balance lead nut that "spins" on the stud. I have suggested, before trying to remove balance lead nuts on the balance lead studs, apply a small amount of nail polish remover or acetone which will hopefully soften the "lock-nut" used. Do not be liberal, just a drop on top of the nut.

 

[Wolfpack7483]

Put some acetone on the nut, but fear the horse is out of the barn, since the whole stud already spins..

 

[marionw]

Put some acetone on the nut, but fear the horse is out of the barn, since the whole stud already spins..

In my case I ended up pulling the entire stud and using a nut and bolt. You could drill and tap the bus bar. In my case I used a nut and bolt (very short bolt) through the stud hole.

 

[Wolfpack7483]

I think I discovered why my unit doesn't work. I just noticed this sticker on the side of the Neey. I assume that "invalid" f torn up, means that it was labeled as defective, but was sent to me anyway.

 

[Wolfpack7483]

I think I discovered why my unit doesn't work. I just noticed this sticker on the side of the Neey. I assume that "invalid" f torn up, means that it was labeled as defective, but was sent to me anyway.
View attachment 277123

Returned the Neey & bought an Enerkey on Amazon. It had the same sticker, but is was clearer to read. It actually says Invalid IF torn up. I guess you invalidate the warranty if you open the case & the sticker is torn. Don't know what was wrong with the Neey, but the Enerkey worked perfectly.