PDP Reading Incorrectly over CAN
 

We are trying to use the PowerDistributionPanel Java class to read the current from the PDP. The Current readouts are much, much higher than they should be, but only on channels that seem to be incorrect at random. For example, the overall current for the board is usually around 30 amps, with channel 2 around 23 Amps. The temperature and voltage readouts seem correct. Any ideas?

Re: PDP Reading Incorrectly over CAN
 

You need to provide some more information. What values are present for all the channels at any given point in time? What is hooked up to each channel, and what is it doing? Do you have a meter to independently measure the current for a channel you believe is reporting incorrectly?. By itself, a single channel pulling 23 amps while the overall is at 30 amps could easily be done with a motor under load hooked up to that channel, and little activity on the other channels of the board.

Re: PDP Reading Incorrectly over CAN
 

Which thread would you like the responses to be posted to?

This one:
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=133169

or this one?
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=133172

Re: PDP Reading Incorrectly over CAN
 

The values change apparently randomly, and nothing is hooked up to the channels reading high. It should be drawing 0 amps, correct?

Re: PDP Reading Incorrectly over CAN
 

This thread, thank you.

Re: PDP Reading Incorrectly over CAN
 

Be sure to update PDP firmware.
Instructions for updating the firmware are here: http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ht=pdp+current

The ship firmware does not zero the currents, so they can wiggle by a couple amps.

Re: PDP Reading Incorrectly over CAN
 

Unfortunately, the PRO user manual doesn't state any expectations for reading channel current.

I would guess that, in this case, this current sensor is essentially floating, which means the value it returns is meaningless. Try putting a breaker in the channels that are reading incorrect and let us know if they are still incorrect. Then try hooking up a low-current device to the channels and see if they still read incorrect. It's just a guess, but I think putting a breaker in will be enough to stabilize the current sensor and give you the expected result.

Re: PDP Reading Incorrectly over CAN
 

Be careful and don't plug a motor straight into the PDB, it'll fry the current sensor!

Re: PDP Reading Incorrectly over CAN
 

Have you tried this already? It sure seems like the breaker should protect it against over-currenting the sensor, though I don't want to be the guinea pig to prove it.

Re: PDP Reading Incorrectly over CAN
 

Do not connect a motor directly to the PDP...

Bottom of section 2.2.1 and 2.2.2.
PDP User Manual
http://www.crosstheroadelectronics.c...ol_system.html