Firmware Evolution: Enhancing the Gyrfalcon S8000 Charging Experience

We are excited to announce the latest firmware updates for the Gyrfalcon S8000 charger. These updates bring several improvements, making your device more efficient and user-friendly.

Let’s break down the key enhancements and features in these firmware updates.

Please note that the Gyrfalcon S8000 is not compatible with the Gyrfalcon S4000 Pro firmware.

GYRFALCON_S8000_TC_Definition_File_V1.7.2 Download
GYRFALCON_S8000_3.0.43_Firmware Download
GYRFALCON_S8000_TC_Definition_File_V1.7.1 Download
GYRFALCON_S8000_3.0.38_Firmware Download
GYRFALCON_S8000_3.0.35_Firmware Download
GYRFALCON_S8000_3.0.34_Firmware Download
GYRFALCON_S8000_3.0.33_Firmware Download
GYRFALCON_S8000_3.0.32_Firmware Download
TC(TestController) Download
UpdateTool_ Window Download

Firmware Version: 3.0.43 Highlights

The key improvement in firmware 3.0.43 is optimizes touch performance and quick operation logic, enhances Li150 battery safety detection, improves Break-in mode stability, adds a task completion beep toggle, and introduces a graphical PC interface integrated with TC.

1

Performance & Stability Enhancements

  1. Optimized display logic for quick operations.
  2. Improved touch IC driver for better stability and response speed.Enhanced touch key driver performance.
2

Improved safety detection logic for Li150 batteries.

1, Modified detection code to prevent incorrect insertion of NiMH batteries when set to Li150.

2, Introduced a new safety mechanism to detect NiMH batteries mistakenly inserted as Li150. However, heavily aged NiMH batteries may still cause detection inaccuracies.

3, Recommendation to recycle older NiMH cells that show voltage rise above 3V during charging.

3

Break-in Mode Optimization

Adjusted the comparison coefficient for capacity exceeding the set value in Break-in mode, preventing premature errors and improving stability.

4

User Experience Enhancements

1, Added “COMPLETION BEEP ENABLE” option in GSV to control task completion sound.

2, Introduced new commands:

  • CONFig:BEEPer:PROCesscompletion:ENABle
  • CONFig:BEEPer:PROCesscompletion:ENABle?
5

PC Interface Update

Released Revision 1.7.2 with a graphical PC interface integrated with TestController (TC).

Firmware Version: 3.0.38 Highlights

The key improvement in firmware 3.0.38 is Optimized the SCPI command set and released Revision 1.7 with a graphical interface integrated with TestController (TC).

1

Optimized SCPI module and enhanced command set for improved compatibility with TestController (TC).

Provides not only comprehensive control of the charger through the graphical interface but also supports a variety of script functionalities:

  1. Program Details: Automatically prints detailed program information.
  2. Generate Configuration Copy Script: Automatically generates configuration scripts for chargers, enabling quick synchronization of all program configurations across multiple devices.
  3. Generate Custom Configuration Script: Supports the creation of custom configuration scripts and allows tailored program configuration.
  4. Configuration Files for Control Script and Control Script Template: Convenient tools for experienced users to generate scripts for any test sequence following script prompts.
  5. Generate Custom Control Script: Automatically generates complete, customized test sequence scripts, enhancing flexibility and efficiency.
2

Released Revision 1.7 with a graphical interface integrated with TestController (TC).

1, Global Settings:

Contains most of the settings for the GSV charger.
Added four “Release Control To Channel #” buttons, allowing users to terminate and release control back to the specified channel when using control scripts to run the program.
Added the “Close The Program Configurator” button, which can close the program configurator at any time, similar to the “Exit The Program Configurator” button in the Configurator.

2, Program List:

Displays the names of up to 32 programs, making it easy to query.
The “Download or Sync Program Name” button allows the user to fetch the latest program list.

3, Configurator:

Enables easy configuration of programs and saves them to the specified program number (0-31) through the “Save to The Specified Program” option.
Users can customize the program name, with a maximum of 16 characters for long names and 10 characters for short names.
After configuration, click the “Save Program” button to save the settings.
The “Exit The Program Configurator” button can be used to exit the program configurator.
Note: After receiving data from the program configurator, the charger will perform validity checks.

4, CH# Super Controller:

Grants the user superuser privileges, allowing adjustment of key parameters of the currently running program.
The charger does not perform extensive safety checks after receiving data, so the user must be careful and know what they are doing.
The “Download or Sync Program” button synchronizes key parameters of the program running on the channel.
The “Start Process” and “Stop Process” buttons allow the user to start or stop the program.
The “Start Battery Activation Process” and “Exit Battery Activation Process” buttons can be used to start or stop the 0V battery activation process.

Firmware Version: 3.0.35 Highlights

1

The GSV-LDSP feature is now configurable.

2

The 0V activation function has been optimized.

Firmware Version: 3.0.34 Highlights

The key improvement in firmware 3.0.34 is the splitting of the strong protection function into two distinct parts to better cater to different battery types.

1

LISP (Li-ion and LiFePO4 Batteries Protection)

The “LISP DISABLE” option in the GSV allows users to disable the strong protection feature for Li-ion batteries. When disabled, the charger will start charging as long as the battery voltage is above 0.25V, instead of waiting for it to reach the standard safe threshold (2V). The default is set to No (enabled), providing maximum safety.

2

LDSP (LI150 Batteries Protection)

The “LDSP DISABLE” option in the GSV allows users to disable the strong protection feature for Li-ion 1.5v batteries. When disabled (set to Yes), the charger will start charging as long as the battery voltage is above 0.25V. The default is set to No (enabled), providing maximum safety.When the battery type is a 1.5V Li-ion battery and a Li-ion battery is inserted into the charger, a “voltage too high” warning message will be displayed if the battery voltage exceeds the safe threshold. This important safety feature is designed to prevent battery damage and ensure optimal performance.

Firmware Version: 3.0.33 Highlights

The firmware version 3.0.33 introduces a script configuration feature that significantly enhances how you interact with the charger, offering more flexibility and convenience.

1

Script Configuration Feature

This feature allows users to set up and configure charging programs quickly without pressing any physical buttons on the device. By automating the process, users can streamline program configurations, saving time and reducing errors.

2

Script Control Function

This enables users to send test programs directly from their PC to the charger, enhancing automation and remote control. You no longer have to manually configure test programs—everything can be done via the connected PC, boosting productivity.

3

Cycle through the display options in the CSV (SOV) menu.

Firmware Version: 3.0.32 Highlights

Version S8000_3.0.32 brings several crucial enhancements and new features aimed at improving data retention, safety, and performance.

1

Retain Data When Cells Are Removed

  • New feature: If the charger detects that the cell is removed, or the voltage drops to 0V, the parameters such as CAPACITY, ENERGY, and TOTAL TIME will not be erased. This ensures critical data is preserved even if the cell is removed prematurely.
  • How to access the data: Users can access these parameters by clicking the channel button to enter the CSV (SOV) interface.

This feature is especially beneficial when using the discharge function to test the capacity of protected cells, such as 1.5V Li-ion batteries, ensuring that data is not lost in the process.

2

Strong protection for 1.5V Li-ion Batteries

When the battery type is 1.5V Li-ion, and a Li-ion battery is inserted into the charger, a “voltage too high” warning message will be displayed if the voltage exceeds the safe threshold. This crucial safety enhancement helps prevent battery damage and ensures optimal performance.

3

PC Data Logging Capabilities

This update introduces the ability to log and visualize data using a PC. Users can now generate data tables and charts based on their charging data, allowing for detailed analysis and better tracking of charging cycles.

Steps to Enable Data Logging:

  1. Download and install Java: https://www.java.com/en/download/
  2. Open TestController.jar
  3. In the Load Devices tab, select the correct port number.
  4. Go to the Commands tab -> Log and start recording data.
4

Firmware Update Tool for Windows

The new update introduces a simple firmware update tool for Windows, making the firmware update process faster and more user-friendly.

How to Use the Firmware Update Tool:

  1. Select the correct port number and click Connect.
  2. Click Browse to select the appropriate firmware file.
  3. Click Update Firmware to start the update process.
5

Improved Touch Sensitivity

The touch IC initialization parameters have been fine-tuned to improve the touch response of the charger. This adjustment ensures a smoother, more responsive interface experience.

Firmware Version: 3.0.31 Highlights

Version S8000_3.0.31 firmware update enhances battery recovery and charging flexibility by introducing features for 0V reactivation, disabling strong protection for Li-ion batteries, improving backlight control, and updating 1.5V Li-ion battery logic.

1

Activate Battery Function (0V Reactivation)

A new “ACTIVATE BATT ENABLE” option has been added to the GSV. When this feature is enabled, you can revive protected batteries that have been discharged to 0V by pressing ENTER+CNB (Channel Number Button). The channel will activate with a 200mA current for 2 minutes, reactivating the battery from 0V. The default is set to No (disabled).

2

Strong Protection for Li-ion Batteries

The “LISP DISABLE” option in the GSV allows users to disable the strong protection feature for Li-ion batteries. When disabled, the charger will start charging as long as the battery voltage is above 0.25V, instead of waiting for it to reach the standard safe threshold (2V). The default is set to No (enabled), providing maximum safety.

3

Improved Display Backlight Control

If the display backlight turns off due to inactivity, the first button press will now reactivate the backlight without performing the associated button action, avoiding unintended operations.

4

Updated Logic for 1.5V Li-ion Batteries

The default parameters, display logic, and termination logic for 1.5V lithium batteries have been updated to improve accuracy and performance during charging.