AccuPower IQ338XL

Zebretta · 2019-09-29T20:43:12.000Z

Hi folks,
As a long time owner of these chargers and having just received a new one, I have to point out something with them that has changed.

For reasons unknown, the manufacturer decided that the LCD display should now blink rapidly after charging is complete.
The one I have from several years ago does not do this.
The problem is that now it is VERY hard to read the final data on the battery such as Discharge and charge current, time to cycle, Battery Resistance etc.

The flashing is bright and so it is impossible to see the LCD display except when it’s lit.

I personally find this EXTREMELY annoying because after a charge cycle I want to see and read the data.
What were they thinking? You tell me.

If they had simply added a feature so that pressing a button stops the flashing it would have probably been ok….but there is no way to stop the flashing other than to remove the batteries.
Which also means the data goes away.

The old version didn’t do this. If you wanted the LCD on, you simply pressed a button and it would come on for 15 seconds then turn back off.

In order to read the new version’s LCD, I now must get a flashlight and hold it on the LCD the entire time to read the data.

To me this is a major step backwards. I’m even considering returning it it’s so bad.

If I keep it I can only hope they are smart enough to realize their mistake and issue a firmware update to stop that blinking.

Otherwise, it’s a decent charger and useful.

video: IQ338XL_whatWereTheyThinking on Vimeo

Johnny_Bravo · 2022-03-02T13:38:31.000Z

Hm, my 338XL blinks a bit, dunno how long, but then it just light bright and don´t blink anymore

Edit: It looks like really it blinks till all cells are replaced, if one cell is finished it stay in bright mode

Terry_Oregon · 2022-03-02T15:52:27.000Z

I also have two IQ338XL. And I also have one of the newer ones that blink when finished - and one that doesn't. The note (one of the left) says "display flashes when done, this one only".

I've never noticed a problem with reading the display though. That being said, the blinking can be annoying in the middle of the night. I used to place something over the display for that. It bothered my wife more than me.

The first one was purchased through Amazon Sept 2017, the second one (that blinks) Oct 2017, also through Amazon.

Johnny_Bravo · 2022-03-03T07:58:13.000Z

Yes, I agree, readable is possible every time.

To bad there´s no Firmware version or Hardware revision displayed, it would help to identify the version of the charger.

A question: Are all bays functional on your XLs? I have an unfunctional slot and read about this problem also in user feedback/review at some shops

Terry_Oregon · 2022-03-03T15:05:42.000Z

Johnny_Bravo:

Are all bays functional on your XLs? I have an unfunctional slot and read about this problem also in user feedback/review at some shops

Yes, all eight slots work fine. Haven't had any problems with either unit.

Johnny_Bravo · 2022-03-03T18:54:00.000Z

OK, sounds better than my experience