I see batteries being sold. The number of cycles is always specified. Now either this is a calculated figure (batteries that old, so many cycles per day on average, and so ... ) or there is a way of getting this information from the BMS.

I have a FreedomWon 10/8. This certainly supplies some information (including SOH) to the BMS, but I can't see a number of cycles. Is there some app I should download? And then how do I get this information - via a cable?

Hi @Bobster.,

The standard/easiest way of getting Cycle (and other) info, is via the RS232 port. Does the FW have such a port? If so, you can use a RS232/USB cable (got mine from Solar-Assistant) to your PC, and install PBMS tools, available from the download section. You results may differ, depending on how the FW sends the info. You may need to use a App specific for the F/W battery.

Edited April 8, 20242 yr by Sidewinder

4 minutes ago, Sidewinder said:

The standard/easiest way of getting Cycle (and other) info, is via the RS232 port. Does the FW have such a port?

It does not.

There's a port for comms with the inverter, and a USB port.

OK, then how does the F/W parallel to a second F/W? Using the USB port? Is it a genuine USB port, or just a USB port interface used as serial/rs485/? port?  

If std USB port, then try PBMS tools using std USB cable to PC perhaps.

The Freedom Won has an old USB printer cable aka USB type D. You need to download the Orion BMS Jr software from the Orion BMS website. Its freely available and comes with a heap of support. 

One of the main reasons FreedomWon is doing so well in this market is because of the Orion BMS. They scale from 48V Orion Jr  all the way to +800V dc Orion 2 for automotive and Industrial applications. Its found great success in the US market and is distributed worldwide. The Orion BMS is bulletproof. 

https://www.orionbms.com/resources/

 

FW eTower also uses Orion BMS? if not what could it be?

Pace BMS...

I would like to tag along with this post as I want to know the Battery Cycles on my Freedom Won 10/8 S/N: FW2022-37299. This has a USB-B port on the left hand side next to the Reset button.

PBMS Tools are installed.

When the USB cable is plugged into the laptop, it makes the sound denoting a USB device is connected.

Port defaults to Com3.

When I select the "Try Connect" button, it comes up with an error message.

The ADDR cannot be set.
Any suggestions?

Edited March 10Mar 10 by SRTosen
Added some information.

@SRTosen ,

In @Steve87 's port 3 above, he specifies how to "talk" to a FW 10/8. You can't use PBMSTools, as only the FW eTower has a Pace BMS.

50 minutes ago, Sidewinder said:

@SRTosen ,

In @Steve87 's port 3 above, he specifies how to "talk" to a FW 10/8. You can't use PBMSTools, as only the FW eTower has a Pace BMS.

@Steve87 , Orion JR prompted me to install Orion JR2 BMS. This was done and I connected to the FW, but could not download the configuration as the password used on PBMS Tools does not work - not that I want to change anything. Risks are too high with limited knowledge in this space.

The connection worked and I was able to see live data and other data which is visible on VRM.

There are a multitude of tabs and I am looking for the Battery Cycle/s - Or can this be calculated from a value/s in one of the tabs.

Thank you for the assistance.

On 2026/03/10 at 4:39 PM, SRTosen said:

@Steve87 , Orion JR prompted me to install Orion JR2 BMS. This was done and I connected to the FW, but could not download the configuration as the password used on PBMS Tools does not work - not that I want to change anything. Risks are too high with limited knowledge in this space.

The connection worked and I was able to see live data and other data which is visible on VRM.

There are a multitude of tabs and I am looking for the Battery Cycle/s - Or can this be calculated from a value/s in one of the tabs.

Thank you for the assistance.

Looks like the cycle count is not available.

1 hour ago, SRTosen said:

Looks like the cycle count is not available.

Is it not the case that "cycle" is defined by, in this case, FreedomWon and not by the BMS? They will guarantee you so many cycles and then the guarantee will define what a "cycle" is.

2 hours ago, SRTosen said:

Looks like the cycle count is not available.

It is there.

Look under the live text data tab.

Then select advanced parameters at the bottom.

53 minutes ago, Bobster. said:

Is it not the case that "cycle" is defined by, in this case, FreedomWon and not by the BMS? They will guarantee you so many cycles and then the guarantee will define what a "cycle" is.

That BMS counts the cycle according to how they define it

42 minutes ago, abd7 said:

It is there.

Look under the live text data tab.

Then select advanced parameters at the bottom.

Thank you. Total Pack Cyces = 823.

Then divide that number by 2 to extract the cycle count FW makes use of...

Very long story about the 5kWh Pace BMS FreedomWon E tower and the rest of the lite family. The E tower is exclusively made and assembled in China. The Lite family is assembled and made under FW factory here in SA. All Lites and Lite 2 have Orion BMS Jr for LV and Orion & Orion 2 for the HV units.

The Orion has massive pedigree and is made in the USA. It's a delight to work with because it's in good English and for a skilled operator can allow some pretty radical stuff. There is a password protecting the nitty gritty for good reason. In the wrong hands can cause some harm.

Of particular interest the Orion HV is an adaptation from the EV market in the US and hence the price if you are looking to source one can be north of R100k. It's a BMS that can harness individually to all +200s cells and features Active balancing. So pretty special one big monster unit.

The Chinese EV market adaptation is slightly different topology. They have a Modular way of BMS control. A BAU in some cases , BCU and BMU. Modular making it significantly cheaper if anything fails. Each can be around R30k to R5k depending on the module.

Some useless info but must say very intriguing to be exposed to both topologies and to each their own. I see good benefits on both sides of the fence.