OpenEVSE - Open Source Charging Station

[dzd]

Thought I would stop by and post my OPEN EVSE build. Thanks to all those in the thread who made this project possible. It has been educational and inspiriring. I have since started to learn ardunio and the AT architecture to make my own projects.

Wow, this is so pretty. Did you draw the red/black/blue/yellow lines? By the way, where are the two rings (ferrite beads) that supposed to be on the two big trunky cables going in/out to the box? Beautiful unit, I admire it.

Thanks. I didn't use the ferrite beads. I almost bought some but earlier builds didn't have any. And I was done with my Orders already to get hit with shipping again. Any reason that you must have them?

 

[mdinh]

I totally missed the workshop page. I'll start reading through that tonight. PM coming...

You may want to look at the "Workshop" page on the Open EVSE wiki- http://code.google.com/p/open-evse/wiki/OpenEVSE_Workshop?ts=1352676672&updated=OpenEVSE_Workshop" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. It has the parts list and links to what we used back in November. The Anderson connectors are not required, especially if the unit will be portable. Otherwise it is pretty much the same.

There is also http://code.google.com/p/open-evse/wiki/AssemblePlusV2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I have a somewhat detailed step by step instruction sheet that I can send you. It assumes basic knowledge of soldering, crimping and assembly. Send a PM with your email address.

Waidy,

Just curious if you/Darren have built the portable 30am Open EVSE and besides the relay/contactor, did you have to get additional parts? I, naively, embarked on an OpenEVSE build thinking: I'm an IT guy, I generally understand electronics concepts, so what the heck. I ordered the J1772 cable, OpenEVSE complete package, Diversified Stage enclosure. I started reading different OpenEVSE builds on the OpenEVSE page and they vary some. I have what I feel is my parts list together stitched from your post and also from http://code.google.com/p/open-evse/wiki/EVSE_by_mwolrich" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. However, before I order from DigiKey, adaFruit, and StayOnline, I wanted to see how your build went with the openevse plus v2 package, diversified stage enclosure, and Leviton cable.

-Mark

 

[diversifiedstage]

Open EVSE indoor and outdoor housings available for purchase.

http://ssl.diversifiedstage.com/estore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=3

**************************************************************************

 

[mdinh]

Thanks, A-91040, for the workshop instructions...very helpful in filling in the blanks. I have all my parts ordered except for the L6-30 pigtail ($20 shipping! and the receptacle installed by the Blink/Ecotality installer is a L6-50 250V receptacle), strain relief, and ground block.

I am not sure I want to make my unit portable or not. My plan is to go to a local big box hardware store OR electrical supply store to buy the remaining items. I'm guessing I have some time before the OpenEVSE package comes, so I'm going to take my time figuring out what NEMA receptacle/connector to use or just hardwire. Any suggestions in the Bay Area (preferably Oakland/East Bay) for an electrical supply store?

-Mark

UPDATE: I guess I should have just Googled. There's Brill Electronics (http://www.yelp.com/biz/brill-electronics-oakland" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false about a mile away from my work place. I'm going to check them out at lunchtime.

I totally missed the workshop page. I'll start reading through that tonight. PM coming...

You may want to look at the "Workshop" page on the Open EVSE wiki- http://code.google.com/p/open-evse/wiki/OpenEVSE_Workshop?ts=1352676672&updated=OpenEVSE_Workshop" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. It has the parts list and links to what we used back in November. The Anderson connectors are not required, especially if the unit will be portable. Otherwise it is pretty much the same.

There is also http://code.google.com/p/open-evse/wiki/AssemblePlusV2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I have a somewhat detailed step by step instruction sheet that I can send you. It assumes basic knowledge of soldering, crimping and assembly. Send a PM with your email address.

Waidy,

Just curious if you/Darren have built the portable 30am Open EVSE and besides the relay/contactor, did you have to get additional parts? I, naively, embarked on an OpenEVSE build thinking: I'm an IT guy, I generally understand electronics concepts, so what the heck. I ordered the J1772 cable, OpenEVSE complete package, Diversified Stage enclosure. I started reading different OpenEVSE builds on the OpenEVSE page and they vary some. I have what I feel is my parts list together stitched from your post and also from http://code.google.com/p/open-evse/wiki/EVSE_by_mwolrich" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. However, before I order from DigiKey, adaFruit, and StayOnline, I wanted to see how your build went with the openevse plus v2 package, diversified stage enclosure, and Leviton cable.

-Mark

 

[91040]

You are welcome.

A slightly updated version was just uploaded to the OpenEVSE site titled 3/18/13 OpenEVSE Workshop. http://code.google.com/p/open-evse/downloads/detail?name=3-18-13%20OpenEVSE%20Workshop.doc&can=2&q" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks, A-91040, for the workshop instructions...very helpful in filling in the blanks. I have all my parts ordered except for the L6-30 pigtail ($20 shipping! and the receptacle installed by the Blink/Ecotality installer is a L6-50 250V receptacle), strain relief, and ground block.
-Mark

 

[borland]

Making some slow progress with the silk screening. The screening supplies, including mesh screen can be bought at very little cost on eBay.

I'm using the Sun as a light source so, exposures are dependent on time of day and the weather conditions. Still expermenting with exposure times. I made these screens using 8x10 picture frames purchased at the 99 Cent Store.

Used a staple gun to attach the screens to frames.

The photo mask was made with laser printer on transparency film.

With a transparency placed on the cover, here's an idea of what the cover should look like after screened with color ink.

Update

Here's the cover silk screened with ink...

 

[Kenneth]

Regarding the EVSE upgrade to 240 volt capability. The upgrade plug does not appear to be able to plug into a standard dryer outlet. Can some sort of adapter be purchased to make this connection possible?

 

[davewill]

Regarding the EVSE upgrade to 240 volt capability. The upgrade plug does not appear to be able to plug into a standard dryer outlet. Can some sort of adapter be purchased to make this connection possible?

Wrong thread. Try: Adapters for Ingineer's L1 to L2 EVSE mod NOW AVAILABLE.

 

[91040]

Uploaded a Guide for assembly and usage of the EV Simulator: http://code.google.com/p/open-evse/downloads/detail?name=EV%20Simulator.doc&can=2&q=" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

All Downloads are at http://code.google.com/p/open-evse/downloads/list" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A slightly updated version was just uploaded to the OpenEVSE site titled 3/18/13 OpenEVSE Workshop. http://code.google.com/p/open-evse/downloads/detail?name=3-18-13%20OpenEVSE%20Workshop.doc&can=2&q" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Thanks, A-91040, for the workshop instructions...very helpful in filling in the blanks. I have all my parts ordered except for the L6-30 pigtail ($20 shipping! and the receptacle installed by the Blink/Ecotality installer is a L6-50 250V receptacle), strain relief, and ground block.
-Mark

 

[91040]

Looking for advice:

I have this box that was recommended for a 75A EVSE: http://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/NBE-10563/377-1146-ND/387065" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The outside dimensions of the box are 11"L x 7.5"W x 5.5"H. It has an insert with a hinged metal plate that partitions the lower part of the box. The depth is approximately 4 5/16". This does not take into account a mounting plate. Above the partition there is about an inch of clearance to a clear cover.

The specs for the 75A contactor recommend a minimum enclosure volume of 853 cubic inches. This box is ~466 cubic inches. Will that be a problem? I am told that the contactor coil will use about 12 watts and OpenEVSE will use about 2.5watts.

Also, the contactor will not fit under the metal plate. So the choices are...

1. Not use the insert and metal cover. The display would be on stand offs or attached directly to the clear cover.

2. Use the insert and metal cover. Would need to cut a hole for the contactor to fit through that would be large enough to avoid contact with the line in and J1772 out power connections (insulate the edge of the metal cover?). The display would be attached to the metal cover.

3. Select a different box.

Any recommendations?

 

[borland]

How about mounting the contactor on a bracket so it fits inside the box sideways? You didn't say what contactor your using or its size.

 

[91040]

75A Contactor 8910DPA73V09 - Definite Purpose Contactor http://www.superbreakers.net/8910dpa73v09.html?gclid=COrCtO_enbMCFUOK4AodbwUANA" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Height 5.26", Width 3.39", Depth 4.76" (depth is the dimension causing the problem)

Thanks for the idea- Sideways is possible but that means piercing the box for the mounting bolts and the contactor would have to be about a 1/2" from the wall to clear the insert. Also, with the contactor on its side, the connections next to the back are hard to access.

Any thoughts on the heat issues?

How about mounting the contactor on a bracket so it fits inside the box sideways? You didn't say what contactor your using or its size.

 

[garygid]

What box and relay did Darren (not Darin) use?

 

[waidy]

What box and relay did Darin use?

Not sure if you mean for Darren, our 75Amp Open EVSEs use Digikey part no. 377-1147-ND [BOX ABS/PC 15.68X11.73X6.30" GRY] and Digikey part no. NBX-10987-ND [PANEL INTERNAL 10.4" X 14.3"]. I occasionally check the temperature on the box 1-2 hours into charging, and it's not even warm.

 

[mitch672]

It's the box I picked from my build: http://code.google.com/p/open-evse/wiki/75AOpenEVSE" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It's rather large, but the truth is, it came in handy when dealing with and routing the #3 copper THHN wiring...

 

[garygid]

Yes, Darren, and what Relay did you use?
Thanks.

 

[mitch672]

Gary, click on the link I posted, all will be revealed

 

[garygid]

Thanks for the detailed parts list and links to all the sources.

This 75a 3-pole (we only use 2 poles) Square D contactor is listed at $121 here:
http://www.superbreakers.net/8910dpa73v09.html?gclid=COrCtO_enbMCFUOK4AodbwUANA" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cheers

 

[evnow]

Will there be anyone offering full EVSE based on open EVSE design ? I wonder how much they would charge ...

 

[mitch672]

Thanks for the detailed parts list and links to all the sources.

This 75a 3-pole (we only use 2 poles) Square D contactor is listed at $121 here:
http://www.superbreakers.net/8910dpa73v09.html?gclid=COrCtO_enbMCFUOK4AodbwUANA" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cheers

Yes Gary, that's the one I used

evnow, I have a few builds in progress, are you looking for just a 30A MAX version?
I can probably get you one of those for not much more than the parts cost (I enjoy building them), the 75A version is a lot more work.