EBD-USB allows easy control and logging with PC software, but won’t work without a PC; it is both a USB meter and also a load tester.
ZL1100 has a built-in tiny display (but still need an independent power source) and can also have its data logged into a PC, but there’s no pre-made software to automatically make graphs from those data. This is only a load tester (although it has some added functions, like USB protocol detection). Additionally it can be used to test wire resistance (USB cable).
The EBD-USB can also be used to check cable resistance, but you have to do the calculations yourself, whereas the ZL1100 automatically calculates it for you onscreen.
The ZL1100 can be used to check USB Type-C, but I’m not sure if it has much further use. The ZL1100P is supposed to add USB Type-C PD (power delivery) testing, so if that function really works, then I suppose it’s one of the first USB PD load tester (are there any other USB Power Delivery load testers out there [for non-professionals] ?)
In the above review, I don’t seem to notice reference to update the firmware of the EBD-USB+.
From browsing around, the procedure is as follows:
1) disconnect micro-USB cable from the EBD-USB+
2) there are four holes on the bottom of the EBD-USB+, short the outermost holes with a piece of wire
3) connect the micro-USB cable from PC to EBD-USB+
4) run the EB Tester Software, but do not press “Connect”
5) Menu: System => Firmware Update = Identify
6) if #2 above was done (shorted wire), clicking Identify will show the model “EBD-USB+” (if not shown, then maybe not done correctly)
7) press “Update” button.
8) remove the shorted wire before Connecting and using the EBD-USB+ again
I’m using EB Tester Software v1.8.5 (build 2017-06-05)
(software can be downloaded from official ZKETech website: http://www.zketech.com/nd.jsp?id=15#_np=101_304 http://pan.baidu.com/s/1nv1CvcX
click the rectangular box with down arrow (5.3M) to download the software package (it’s on the same line as “eb_v1.8.5en_0605.rar”)
In my case, my EBD-USB+ came with v3.2 (it’s partly shown on the lower right corner box of the EB Tester software).
After I updated, it’s still v3.2 (I think the firmware file is part of the EB Tester software package)
I don’t know the “changelog” between updated firmware and previous firmware (if any)…
~~~~
EB Tester software usage notes (based on my testing and browsing), that may not be readily obvious:
- in the graph, dragging the “Current” and “Voltage” labels, one can reposition the labels onscreen
- in the Auto-Test, double-clicking the Run Data will expand/shrink the chart table
- right-clicking on the graph will show data values for that position
- left-click and dragging on the graph will ‘zoom in’ that portion of the graph
Pardon if this is OT; but if you want to use the tester without being phsically connected to your PC you could try a ESP8266 module with ESP-Link firmware and a virtual com port.
Set ESP-link firmware to 9600 baud and 8E1 parity. (Not the "normal" 8N1!) And establish a virutal com port with HW groups VSP (single port version is free for personal use).
Downside seems to be that it requires futher trickery to work properly. I had to "overwrite" one of my bluetooth COM ports with the virutal one (no idea why that was allowed, its not allowed with non bluetooth ports) as the only ones listed in EB software are other Prolific2303 serial ports and bluetooth ports (and only COM ports below 20?). Alternatively its possible to start EB tester software, and remap the prolific COM port, and then create a vitual with the same number; pain in the * to do each time you start the EB tester software though.
Just wire the ESP8266 in parallell with the PL2303 chip, providing it with 5V, GND and take the Tx/Rx pins over to the ESP8266 and off you go.
Both ESP module like wemos d1 mini and the PL2303 use 3.3v logic level, but probably better to supply 5v than 3.3v to the PL2303. (or more to the point, not load the PL2303 3.3v regulator with the ESP)
I soldedered from PL2303 to Wemos D1 mini:
Pin 1 to GND
Pin 2 to Tx Pin 7 to 5v
Pin 4 to Rx
(Or just get a 3.3v HC05 module and wire that in as well, might work without trickery but I havent tested it. PL2303 pin 8 has 3.3v output for a BT module - provided PL2303 is fed 5v ofc)
The ZL1100P is supposed to add USB Type-C PD (power delivery) testing, so if that function really works, then I suppose it’s one of the first USB PD load tester
(are there any other USB Power Delivery load testers out there [for non-professionals] ?)
You can use this adapter to get USB Type-C: https://aliexpress.com/item/ATORCH-USB-tester-meter-ammeter-capacity-monitor-Instruments-parts-Lightning-Type-c-Micro-MiNi-USB-cable/32824738373.html
As usual, there’s no changelog, and comparing the file sizes of the previous one and this new one, there’s only minor difference, so we’re not sure what’s added (perhaps just added support for some new ZKE Tech devices…)
There's a new version of the EB Tester Software (Build 2017-12-01) http://www.zketech.com/nd.jsp?id=15#_np=101_304 "EB Software(English).rar" As usual, there's no changelog, and comparing the file sizes of the previous one and this new one, there's only minor difference, so we're not sure what's added (perhaps just added support for some new ZKE Tech devices...)
As usual, there’s no changelog, and comparing the file sizes of the previous one and this new one, there’s only minor difference, so we’re not sure what’s added (perhaps just added support for some new ZKE Tech devices…)
Hi BLF.
I couldn’t find the build 2017-12-01 file in the provided link. Could someone post an alternative link to download it please. Thanks.
Mozart
As usual, there’s no changelog, and comparing the file sizes of the previous one and this new one, there’s only minor difference, so we’re not sure what’s added (perhaps just added support for some new ZKE Tech devices…)
Hi BLF.
I couldn’t find the build 2017-12-01 file in the provided link. Could someone post an alternative link to download it please. Thanks.
Mozart
Thanks for pointing out, the software download web page appears to have been changed to another page on the same website here: www.zketech.com/nd.jsp?id=14#_np=7_302
Just found this forum and your post about the EBD-USB+. I have one and have used it to load batteries under test. I have also seen others using it to monitor batteries while being charged, i.e. monitoring and graphing the voltage and current of the battery being charged. I would also like to use it to monitor batteries during charge but I have found no information anywhere as to how to do this. A few videos show that the female connector on the side of the EBD-USB+ is used for battery charge monitoring but no connection details. Any information would be welcome. Thank You
Just found this forum and your post about the EBD-USB+. I have one and have used it to load batteries under test. I have also seen others using it to monitor batteries while being charged, i.e. monitoring and graphing the voltage and current of the battery being charged. I would also like to use it to monitor batteries during charge but I have found no information anywhere as to how to do this. A few videos show that the female connector on the side of the EBD-USB+ is used for battery charge monitoring but no connection details. Any information would be welcome. Thank You
You connect the battery to the “usb out” connector and then you select “monitor” in the PC program
—
My website with reviews of many chargers and batteries (More than 1000): https://lygte-info.dk/
Wouldn’t this show only the voltage and not the current?
The idea with the out connector is that it measures current, the voltage will not be that precise due to connection and cable resistance (That is just me, I like a lot of correct digits).
—
My website with reviews of many chargers and batteries (More than 1000): https://lygte-info.dk/
So to set this up, you would need a way to route the current to the out connector, like two wires with an insulator in between at one end of the cell. Right?
So to set this up, you would need a way to route the current to the out connector, like two wires with an insulator in between at one end of the cell. Right?
You would need to route then source current to the input connector and the char current from the output connector. There is no need for any extra isolator, you just need to draw all your current from the output connector, without any connections to the input connector.
—
My website with reviews of many chargers and batteries (More than 1000): https://lygte-info.dk/
You’re talking about measuring from the USB port, not from a cell, right? Because if not, I’m not clear on how this would work to monitor the current at the cell.
If you want to measure how a battery charger works (the actual CC/CV curve used to charge the battery) you would insert the EBD-USB between the charger terminals and the battery, not between the USB power supply and charger power supply input. For this you need to come up with some cable adapters as the meter only has USB ports.
Here’s how you would connect it (just using a different meter and lots of unnecessary adapters, keep them to a minimum and use as short and thick cables as is practical)
You’re talking about measuring from the USB port, not from a cell, right? Because if not, I’m not clear on how this would work to monitor the current at the cell.
It is done the same way as maukka so nicely illustrates. Just be aware that there will be some resistance in the setup, i.e. the charging will not be exactly the same as without it.
—
My website with reviews of many chargers and batteries (More than 1000): https://lygte-info.dk/
Just found this forum and this post. I, for the life of me, cannot get my EBD-USB+ to work … I think my computer see’s ‘it’ … it autodetects com port 3 (and if i change the com port in the deveice manager settings the software seems to ‘follow’ the new com port) but the software simply will not connect to any load I put on it … i get nothing.
I can confirm that the load tesing, USB female slot works, as I can attach an actual load to the male usb out and it works off the source battery i attach to the usb female input plug. And if i assume that the micro-sub port to attachj ti to my computer, then i am not sure what’s wrong.
I kind of feel like it’s a computer/com prot issue … i’m using windows 10 and i’m not sure how it treats a USB plugged in device as a com port (is there a setting i need to change). I will try to try using older EDB-USB software and i will try a firmware update … if i click on the firmware update buttonm in the software, it actually doesn’t let me select any type of device ..o perhaps my micro-usb connection isn’t working? I’ve tried 2 different cables but will try a third to see if that works.
Hi, Just found this forum and this post. I, for the life of me, cannot get my EBD-USB+ to work ... I think my computer see's 'it' ... it autodetects com port 3
I have EBD-USB(not plus) for about 2 years, and I'm not happy due sudden disconnect from COM-port. Software indicators become frozen, and device continue to draw current. Very disappointing to begin spoiled test again and again. Tried everything, different PCs, Windows, cables, drivers. Defective device? Don't know. Not using now. Got TEC-06, run it w/o PC connection.
Sad. Good device...
Btw, to clean out COM ports on Windows 7/8 (not sure abt 10, make backup first) there is a script, just as example:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\COM Name Arbiter] "ComDB"=hex:00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\ 00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00
COM assignment will be reset, make sure you don't have vital things there (printer, modem, etc)
EBD-USB allows easy control and logging with PC software, but won’t work without a PC; it is both a USB meter and also a load tester.
ZL1100 has a built-in tiny display (but still need an independent power source) and can also have its data logged into a PC, but there’s no pre-made software to automatically make graphs from those data. This is only a load tester (although it has some added functions, like USB protocol detection). Additionally it can be used to test wire resistance (USB cable).
The EBD-USB can also be used to check cable resistance, but you have to do the calculations yourself, whereas the ZL1100 automatically calculates it for you onscreen.
The ZL1100 can be used to check USB Type-C, but I’m not sure if it has much further use. The ZL1100P is supposed to add USB Type-C PD (power delivery) testing, so if that function really works, then I suppose it’s one of the first USB PD load tester (are there any other USB Power Delivery load testers out there [for non-professionals] ?)
In the above review, I don’t seem to notice reference to update the firmware of the EBD-USB+.
From browsing around, the procedure is as follows:
1) disconnect micro-USB cable from the EBD-USB+
2) there are four holes on the bottom of the EBD-USB+, short the outermost holes with a piece of wire
3) connect the micro-USB cable from PC to EBD-USB+
4) run the EB Tester Software, but do not press “Connect”
5) Menu: System => Firmware Update = Identify
6) if #2 above was done (shorted wire), clicking Identify will show the model “EBD-USB+” (if not shown, then maybe not done correctly)
7) press “Update” button.
8) remove the shorted wire before Connecting and using the EBD-USB+ again
I’m using EB Tester Software v1.8.5 (build 2017-06-05)
(software can be downloaded from official ZKETech website:
http://www.zketech.com/nd.jsp?id=15#_np=101_304
http://pan.baidu.com/s/1nv1CvcX
click the rectangular box with down arrow (5.3M) to download the software package (it’s on the same line as “eb_v1.8.5en_0605.rar”)
In my case, my EBD-USB+ came with v3.2 (it’s partly shown on the lower right corner box of the EB Tester software).
After I updated, it’s still v3.2 (I think the firmware file is part of the EB Tester software package)
I don’t know the “changelog” between updated firmware and previous firmware (if any)…
~~~~
EB Tester software usage notes (based on my testing and browsing), that may not be readily obvious:
- in the graph, dragging the “Current” and “Voltage” labels, one can reposition the labels onscreen
- in the Auto-Test, double-clicking the Run Data will expand/shrink the chart table
- right-clicking on the graph will show data values for that position
- left-click and dragging on the graph will ‘zoom in’ that portion of the graph
Thanks for the FW update info. Will have to check mine.
Pardon if this is OT; but if you want to use the tester without being phsically connected to your PC you could try a ESP8266 module with ESP-Link firmware and a virtual com port.
Set ESP-link firmware to 9600 baud and 8E1 parity. (Not the "normal" 8N1!) And establish a virutal com port with HW groups VSP (single port version is free for personal use).
Downside seems to be that it requires futher trickery to work properly. I had to "overwrite" one of my bluetooth COM ports with the virutal one (no idea why that was allowed, its not allowed with non bluetooth ports) as the only ones listed in EB software are other Prolific2303 serial ports and bluetooth ports (and only COM ports below 20?). Alternatively its possible to start EB tester software, and remap the prolific COM port, and then create a vitual with the same number; pain in the * to do each time you start the EB tester software though.
Just wire the ESP8266 in parallell with the PL2303 chip, providing it with 5V, GND and take the Tx/Rx pins over to the ESP8266 and off you go.
Both ESP module like wemos d1 mini and the PL2303 use 3.3v logic level, but probably better to supply 5v than 3.3v to the PL2303. (or more to the point, not load the PL2303 3.3v regulator with the ESP)
I soldedered from PL2303 to Wemos D1 mini:
Pin 1 to GND
Pin 2 to Tx Pin 7 to 5v
Pin 4 to Rx
(Or just get a 3.3v HC05 module and wire that in as well, might work without trickery but I havent tested it. PL2303 pin 8 has 3.3v output for a BT module - provided PL2303 is fed 5v ofc)
You can use this adapter to get USB Type-C:
https://aliexpress.com/item/ATORCH-USB-tester-meter-ammeter-capacity-monitor-Instruments-parts-Lightning-Type-c-Micro-MiNi-USB-cable/32824738373.html
And this to switch QC voltage:
https://aliexpress.com/item/2016-New-arrive-QC2-0-QC3-0-MTK-PE-Trigger-USB-tester-Charger-Power-Bank-Test/32656980037.html
https://aliexpress.com/item/1PCS-QC2-0-qc3-0-Tester-Automatically-Detect...
There’s a new version of the EB Tester Software (Build 2017-12-01)
http://www.zketech.com/nd.jsp?id=15#_np=101_304
“EB Software(English).rar”
As usual, there’s no changelog, and comparing the file sizes of the previous one and this new one, there’s only minor difference, so we’re not sure what’s added (perhaps just added support for some new ZKE Tech devices…)
I installed it... Nothing has changed apparently
http://bit.ly/dodgereviewsyt
http://discord.gg/fqJEDyy
we need more BLF'ers!
Hi BLF.
I couldn’t find the build 2017-12-01 file in the provided link. Could someone post an alternative link to download it please. Thanks.
Mozart
Thanks for pointing out, the software download web page appears to have been changed to another page on the same website here:
www.zketech.com/nd.jsp?id=14#_np=7_302
d_t_a
Thanks for the link.
Will try the new build.
I’m looking at picking one of these up, does anyone know where the best place to buy is?
Find all my reviews of flashlights and more gear at www.bmengineer.com
Banggood has it, but several AliExpress stores also carry it usually at a somewhat better price, but select a store with a higher feedback rating.
Hello HKJ,
Just found this forum and your post about the EBD-USB+. I have one and have used it to load batteries under test. I have also seen others using it to monitor batteries while being charged, i.e. monitoring and graphing the voltage and current of the battery being charged. I would also like to use it to monitor batteries during charge but I have found no information anywhere as to how to do this. A few videos show that the female connector on the side of the EBD-USB+ is used for battery charge monitoring but no connection details. Any information would be welcome. Thank You
You connect the battery to the “usb out” connector and then you select “monitor” in the PC program
My website with reviews of many chargers and batteries (More than 1000): https://lygte-info.dk/
Wouldn’t this show only the voltage and not the current?
Find all my reviews of flashlights and more gear at www.bmengineer.com
The idea with the out connector is that it measures current, the voltage will not be that precise due to connection and cable resistance (That is just me, I like a lot of correct digits).
My website with reviews of many chargers and batteries (More than 1000): https://lygte-info.dk/
So to set this up, you would need a way to route the current to the out connector, like two wires with an insulator in between at one end of the cell. Right?
Find all my reviews of flashlights and more gear at www.bmengineer.com
You would need to route then source current to the input connector and the char current from the output connector. There is no need for any extra isolator, you just need to draw all your current from the output connector, without any connections to the input connector.
My website with reviews of many chargers and batteries (More than 1000): https://lygte-info.dk/
You’re talking about measuring from the USB port, not from a cell, right? Because if not, I’m not clear on how this would work to monitor the current at the cell.
Find all my reviews of flashlights and more gear at www.bmengineer.com
If you want to measure how a battery charger works (the actual CC/CV curve used to charge the battery) you would insert the EBD-USB between the charger terminals and the battery, not between the USB power supply and charger power supply input. For this you need to come up with some cable adapters as the meter only has USB ports.
Here’s how you would connect it (just using a different meter and lots of unnecessary adapters, keep them to a minimum and use as short and thick cables as is practical)
It is done the same way as maukka so nicely illustrates. Just be aware that there will be some resistance in the setup, i.e. the charging will not be exactly the same as without it.
My website with reviews of many chargers and batteries (More than 1000): https://lygte-info.dk/
Thanks so much, that’s way smarter than what I was trying. Time to track down some parts!
Find all my reviews of flashlights and more gear at www.bmengineer.com
Many thanks to HKJ, bmengineer and maukka for the posts clarifying the EBD-USB+ battery current monitor connections.
Mike Nash
Hi,
Just found this forum and this post. I, for the life of me, cannot get my EBD-USB+ to work … I think my computer see’s ‘it’ … it autodetects com port 3 (and if i change the com port in the deveice manager settings the software seems to ‘follow’ the new com port) but the software simply will not connect to any load I put on it … i get nothing.
I can confirm that the load tesing, USB female slot works, as I can attach an actual load to the male usb out and it works off the source battery i attach to the usb female input plug. And if i assume that the micro-sub port to attachj ti to my computer, then i am not sure what’s wrong.
I kind of feel like it’s a computer/com prot issue … i’m using windows 10 and i’m not sure how it treats a USB plugged in device as a com port (is there a setting i need to change). I will try to try using older EDB-USB software and i will try a firmware update … if i click on the firmware update buttonm in the software, it actually doesn’t let me select any type of device ..o perhaps my micro-usb connection isn’t working? I’ve tried 2 different cables but will try a third to see if that works.
Thanks for any help, advice and sugestions.
Cheers.
Use these drivers and follow the instructions carefully:
http://www.ifamilysoftware.com/news37.html
Firmware updating only works after you short some pads on the PCB.
Sad. Good device...
Btw, to clean out COM ports on Windows 7/8 (not sure abt 10, make backup first) there is a script, just as example:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Ports]
"FILE:"=""
"LPT1:"=""
"LPT2:"=""
"LPT3:"=""
"XPSPort:"=""
"Ne00:"=""
"Ne01:"=""
"Ne02:"=""
"Ne03:"=""
"FOXIT_Reader:"=""
"Ne04:"=""
"COM1:"="9600,n,8,1"
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\COM Name Arbiter]
"ComDB"=hex:00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,\
00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00
COM assignment will be reset, make sure you don't have vital things there (printer, modem, etc)
On 10 it is easier:
Use device manager, first select “Show hidden devices”, then you can right click on each and just remove it.
My website with reviews of many chargers and batteries (More than 1000): https://lygte-info.dk/
The new download URL for the PC software is:
http://www.zketech.com/nd.jsp?id=14#_np=7_302
the English software version is marked “eb_setup_v1.8.5en_20190301.exe”
Thanks for the update! Any major changes?
Find all my reviews of flashlights and more gear at www.bmengineer.com
I haven’t used the tester in years. I can’t see any major changes in the software.
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