Difference between Opus BT-C3400 & BT-C3100 v2.1?

stephr1 · 2017-04-27T05:49:25.000Z

"Boo yao cutchee" (Mandarin for "You're welcome!" ;)

Yep (Thx for the link). Also found that out on a search that landed me on this thread candlepowerforums.com/ - Opus-BT-C3100-2-2-Comparison-New-and-Exchanged.

Expected a cheap P/S (but looks like my BT-C3100 is good, tho...LCD shows "2.2" on power up :) One of the other things about the cheap supplies is to save cost, they typically have little, or no, over-voltage, over-current and/or over-heat protection. Kick 'em hard a few times (like charging 4 high capacity batteries) and they'll eventually die an ugly (and prob'ly) catastrophic death :( I have a bunch of other supplies hanging around that I can use if/when that happens.

Re: Pix...nope, not hard, just xtra steps to get there. Other forums I've been on allow you to either insert directly into the post or attach them. Guess this forum either doesn't want the storage bogged down or has a security concern. I'll still get around to it in the next few days.

Cheers....

teacher:

Thanks for not making me wait stephr1… Now the possible/probable bad news for you. It appears you have the problematic one. :person_facepalming: That is why I wanted to see a pic &/or at least know the tag on it. Click the link below, it will take you to post #150 of this thread where is shown a picture of the trouble maker. Difference between Opus BT-C3400 & BT-C3100 v2.1? - #135 by wolfdog1226 . . Oh yeah, pictures are not really that hard. IF I can do/learn to do them… anybody can.

teacher · 2017-04-27T06:42:33.000Z

Yep… ‘Capolini’ on CPF is ‘wolfdog1226’ here on BLF. :+1:

snakebite · 2017-04-27T09:06:47.000Z

i see far too many of the cheap power supply “wall warts” causing trouble.
lots of them die early on routers,switches,ect because of bad design and cheap caps.
i dont have any in my place.all the network,dvr,ect stuff runs from an xbox power supply.and a lot of 12v stuff right from my solar battery bank.
the apd ones are at least acceptable.but they die of crap caps too in a few years.
that kys unit is a turd.but i cant complain.got several free security dvr’s because of those.
i dont ever try replacing the caps in those.just drop em in the trash and plug it into my 12v system.the kys power supply is always the problem.

wolfdog1226:

wolfdog1226:

So far mine has NOT done that.Neither the returned or New Opus.

I spoke too soon. That was yesterday! Did a Discharge/Test @ 1amp. I came in the room right after the 4 X 18650 Orbtronic were discharged and just went into CHARGE cycle. I noticed it was charging 500mAh and the Capacity data was NOT there. I set it back to 1000mAh. Came back in room 5 minutes later and it was 500mAh again! Set it back to 1000mah and this time I watched it. Three[3] times in a row the unit reset[shut off] and defaulted to 500mah again!

I am not sure whether it is the power supply , failing thermal sensor[?] or just over heating inside.The charger NEVER feels hot.

I think it is overheating because the power supply should be plenty according to HKJ. I asked HKJ earlier today if 12v/3a is enough for 4 batteries @ 1amp?:

“Easily, 12V 3A is 36 watt, 4 batteries with each 4.2V charged at 1A is 16.8 watt, there is a lot of spare power for display and heat”.

I am disappointed because this one had more accurate results w/ capacity tests and gave me a slightly higher charges. I called Jon from LIIONWHOLESALE and am getting another one on Monday! He is a very nice guy. So this will be my third one since March 2,2017!

If the Third one fails I am done with these chargers! He told me he does not get reimbursed for these. I feel bad for him.

People can say what they want about the less technologically advanced FENIX ARE-C2. They have longevity[3 years plus] and are consistent w/ no issues!.Must be the simpler technology!

HKJ · 2017-04-27T09:17:27.000Z

snakebite:

i see far too many of the cheap power supply “wall warts” causing trouble.

Here it may not be a question about a cheap power supply.
The charger needs a 3A supply that can deliver maybe 6A peak.
A charger that can deliver 3A and shuts down at 4A is a perfectly fine supply, but would not work with this charger and empty batteries.

stephr1 · 2017-04-27T15:57:47.000Z

Quality caps are only a part of the problem. There are numerous ICs available that are very capable of keeping the voltage fairly constant, handling a variety of over/under conditions and will implement a managed shutdown or “slowdown” as needed. However, most cheap supplies go as simple as possible (why they’re so cheap) and use less (sophisticated) parts. The only thing you get is typically voltage sensing to try to keep the output voltage constant…however, without capable control circuitry, even the voltage control isn’t very precise (pray there is some input voltage management designed into the device you’re trying to power with an external supply).

If you’ve ever taken apart an Apple iPhone P/S or looked at a high quality bench supply (like Lambda, HP, etc.) you’ll notice there is a lot of circuitry in them. But that’s also why they provide fairly precise, reliable and capable output…and cost bucks. TBH, tho, these kinds of bench supplies are at the other extreme. However, if you can find them, there are P/S’s that provide good output, won’t self-destruct and are reasonably priced.

I recently spent ~$7.50 for an open-frame (circuit board mounted into a metal semi-case) supply from China (12V @ 5A) for another project. Same simple, cheap design (as the supply with the Opus charger). In fact, given the cost of the board, frame, parts and shipping, I’m surprised it cost under $10! Really not sure how long it will last.

Just a few additional thoughts…cheers….

HKJ:

snakebite:

i see far too many of the cheap power supply “wall warts” causing trouble.

Here it may not be a question about a cheap power supply.
The charger needs a 3A supply that can deliver maybe 6A peak.
A charger that can deliver 3A and shuts down at 4A is a perfectly fine supply, but would not work with this charger and empty batteries.

wolfdog1226 · 2017-04-27T16:27:06.000Z

My replacement-Only $10 and works like a charm!

Lite-On are a power supply OEM used by most major computer manufacturers. If your search on “LITEON oem” on eBay you will see power supplies they made for Acer, Apple, Cisco, Dell, Gateway, HP, IBM, Kodak, Lenovo, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, etc. That should help convince you of their reputation as a top-tier SMPS manufacturer.

teacher · 2017-04-27T17:11:45.000Z

wolfdog1226:

My replacement-Only $10 and works like a charm!

Lite-On are a power supply OEM used by most major computer manufacturers. If your search on “LITEON oem” on eBay you will see power supplies they made for Acer, Apple, Cisco, Dell, Gateway, HP, IBM, Kodak, Lenovo, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, etc. That should help convince you of their reputation as a top-tier SMPS manufacturer.

My name is ’teacher’ and I approve & second this message. :+1:
.

RollerBoySE · 2017-04-27T17:40:44.000Z

HKJ:

snakebite:

i see far too many of the cheap power supply “wall warts” causing trouble.

Here it may not be a question about a cheap power supply.
The charger needs a 3A supply that can deliver maybe 6A peak.
A charger that can deliver 3A and shuts down at 4A is a perfectly fine supply, but would not work with this charger and empty batteries.

Can you recommend one?

teacher · 2017-04-27T18:01:51.000Z

RollerBoySE:

Can you recommend one?

I can. RIGHT HERE

wolfdog1226 · 2017-04-27T18:23:59.000Z

RollerBoySE:

HKJ:

snakebite:

i see far too many of the cheap power supply “wall warts” causing trouble.

Here it may not be a question about a cheap power supply.
The charger needs a 3A supply that can deliver maybe 6A peak.
A charger that can deliver 3A and shuts down at 4A is a perfectly fine supply, but would not work with this charger and empty batteries.

Can you recommend one?

This is the Lite-on I have and I recommended this to a member on here from the UK. That is where it ships from. I would think they would ship it to you in Sweeden.

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Liteon12V-6A-12-V-6A-Power-Supply-UK-Mains-AC-to-DC-for-CCTV-LED-Strip-5A-5-A-/332092803982?hash=item4d52460b8e:g:ZmAAAOSwjDZYcweB

You will need these adapters because the Opus is 2.1mm and the Liteon is 2.5mm. They come from China. I got them shipped to the USA in 7 days. The charger will work w/ the Lite-on barrel connector,just not a secure fit and would serve you better w/ the 2.1mm adapters. They are only $3 US.

Link below:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/142340377628

teacher · 2017-04-27T18:27:19.000Z

wolfdog, have your angle adapters arrived yet? Mine have not, just checking.

HKJ · 2017-04-27T18:33:05.000Z

RollerBoySE:

HKJ:

Here it may not be a question about a cheap power supply.
The charger needs a 3A supply that can deliver maybe 6A peak.
A charger that can deliver 3A and shuts down at 4A is a perfectly fine supply, but would not work with this charger and empty batteries.

Can you recommend one?

Not really. Liteon is a good brand and as long as the power supply is rated at 5A or more I doubt you will get any problems with the current pulses.
The problem is finding a 3A power supply that will supply 6A for a short time and in my opinion that is the responsibility of the manufacturer ( i.e. Opus). Using a 5A or more supply will work as long as the supply has a honest rating.

wolfdog1226 · 2017-04-27T19:47:24.000Z

teacher:

wolfdog, have your angle adapters arrived yet? Mine have not, just checking.

No. I ordered them on the 18th of April. Pretty sure you ordered several days later.

The straight ones Gauss suggested arrived in 7 days!

I did not get the mail yet today.

Speed4goal · 2017-04-27T19:56:11.000Z

My supernigjt came today in two days from Oregon to Mississippi. Works great so far. My opus PS has been redesignated to gboom speaker duty. I wasn’t going to get a new one but that one crapped out and the opus worked and was the right output.for 6.99 shipped seller katewu or something like that

teacher · 2017-04-27T19:58:00.000Z

wolfdog1226:

teacher:

wolfdog, have your angle adapters arrived yet? Mine have not, just checking.

No. I ordered them on the 18th of April. Pretty sure you ordered several days later.

The straight ones Gauss suggested arrived in 7 days!

I did not get the mail yet today.

OK, I misunderstood… it was your straight ones that arrived. :+1:
I just checked, I ordered the angled ones on the 19th of April; same day I ordered the LiteOn.
Thank you my friend.

stephr1 · 2017-04-27T20:03:09.000Z

Quick note (and suggestion) wrt to connectors (between charger and P/S)….buying connection adapters is an easy option and works fine (as long as you can find the right one for both sides). Another option which provides the exact connector for the Opus or other charger (if you have any soldering ability at all) would be to cut the connector from the failed P/S (with min. of 6” of wire attached) that came with the Opus (or other) charger, then solder it onto the new P/S (minding polarity…center is usually +). If the new P/S is to be used with other equipment, just splice the old connector wires onto the new P/S. Otherwise, snip the connector of the new P/S and solder in the old one. When soldering, make sure to offset the solder connections and add heat shrinkable tubing (before soldering) to cover the connections.

One thing to consider when using connector adapters, especially if there are high current requirements for the equipment, is that every non-soldered connection added in the “string” can cause potential connection issues over time (i.e. increased contact resistance by oxidation, weakened connector force, wear-and-tear, etc.) and could reduce supply voltage to the unit (I x R = V, with R=resistance, I= Current, V= Voltage). As an example…3A (multiple batteries) of current pushed thru 1/2 Ohm (500 milliOhms) of connection resistance (between charger and P/S) results in a 1.5VDC drop. So, 12VDC -> 10.5VDC. Most of the time, this prob’ly won’t be a problem, especially if the charger/equipment is designed to be tolerant enuf. However, there could be moments when odd things may happen…looks like it works, but really doesn’t.

Anyways, just some thoughts to consider……cheers….

wolfdog1226 · 2017-04-27T20:07:21.000Z

Speed4goal:

My supernigjt came today in two days from Oregon to Mississippi. Works great so far. My opus PS has been redesignated to gboom speaker duty. I wasn’t going to get a new one but that one crapped out and the opus worked and was the right output.for 6.99 shipped seller katewu or something like that

You got it from the same dealer as I did. I Also got it in 2 days and I live in suburban Philly[NFL DRAFT!]

It worked fine for me. I just decided to get a better quality one[Lite-on 12v/5.5a/66w] and my supernight will be my back up.

Keep us posted and I hope it serves you well as a primary SMPS.

wolfdog1226 · 2017-04-27T20:18:09.000Z

Gauss,where have you been? You have not posted on this thread since April 20th!!!

A lot of good posts since then,pictures of my new adapters.

I thought you moved or went to Germany for some more Electrical engineering seminars!

stephr1 · 2017-04-27T20:22:35.000Z

You’re right. It isn’t likely, but not improbable. Just wanted to put my 1.5VDC/cents in….
Your suggestion about the screw terminal approach is a reasonable one. Still, need to make sure no stray wires are floating around to cause any shorts. Other than that, good alternative suggestion…

gauss163:

^(stephr1) It’s highly unlikely that the adapter’s added resistance will cause any problem in this particular application.

As for splicing on a correctly sized 5.5/2.1mm barrel plug, for those who don’t have a soldering iron you can also use a DC barrel connector with a screw-terminal (be sure you get the polarity correct - the tip is positive). They’re less than $1 on eBay.

RollerBoySE · 2017-04-27T22:54:56.000Z

wolfdog1226:

RollerBoySE:

HKJ:

snakebite:

i see far too many of the cheap power supply “wall warts” causing trouble.

Here it may not be a question about a cheap power supply.
The charger needs a 3A supply that can deliver maybe 6A peak.
A charger that can deliver 3A and shuts down at 4A is a perfectly fine supply, but would not work with this charger and empty batteries.

Can you recommend one?

This is the Lite-on I have and I recommended this to a member on here from the UK. That is where it ships from. I would think they would ship it to you in Sweeden.

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Liteon12V-6A-12-V-6A-Power-Supply-UK-Mains-AC-to-DC-for-CCTV-LED-Strip-5A-5-A-/332092803982?hash=item4d52460b8e:g:ZmAAAOSwjDZYcweB

You will need these adapters because the Opus is 2.1mm and the Liteon is 2.5mm. They come from China. I got them shipped to the USA in 7 days. The charger will work w/ the Lite-on barrel connector,just not a secure fit and would serve you better w/ the 2.1mm adapters. They are only $3 US.

Link below:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/142340377628

Thanks for the links!