A Forum run by Enthusiasts of MidNite Solar

Charge Controllers and Clippers => The "Classic" charge controller => Classic and Classic Lite BETA Firmware... => Topic started by: KyleM on June 07, 2017, 04:16:45 PM

Title: Classic Voice Software
Post by: KyleM on June 07, 2017, 04:16:45 PM
Please use the Forums for all questions, comments, bug reports, feature requests etc. Any other communication with Midnite's Support team on Voice will get you a one-way ticket back to here.
WARNING we have found that turning the volume above 70 in your MNGP can harm it. Please make sure you do not go above this volume level

***Feature request added** The Dusk to Dawn Feature has been added to the latest version of the downloader.

Current voice installation process will ONLY work on Windows Vista SP2, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10.
Other options will be coming soon, please let us know if you have a favorite OS you would like us to move to the front of the queue. 

Microsoft .NET Framework 4.6 is required for this update as well.... sorry Windows XP users. If you are not sure you have the latest, there is a link in the attached document.
The document is in Word format. If you have troubles with it please comment below, and I will pull out my carrier pigeon to deliver it in another format....  unless email would be faster.

Please remember that we will get back to your requests as soon as we can. IF you guys find bugs or have troubles with the process, please make sure you list the steps that got you there.

That being said....let the games begin

Thanks, Kyle

Title: Re: Classic Voice Software (place holder)
Post by: ClassicCrazy on June 07, 2017, 06:10:34 PM
Ready when you are

Larry
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: Westbranch on June 07, 2017, 11:51:39 PM
Ok, Robin said it is a 3 hr download. 

How big is the file and why so long to get it on a Removable Terabyte drive for install?

tks
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: Resthome on June 08, 2017, 12:33:35 AM
Quote from: Westbranch on June 07, 2017, 11:51:39 PM
Ok, Robin said it is a 3 hr download. 

How big is the file and why so long to get it on a Removable Terabyte drive for install?

tks

WB

The doc say that it is the install of the voice files to the Classic that take up to 150 minutes. The install files themself in zip format are only 54Meg and 7Meg and download to my Dropbox within a few minutes for the larger one.

150 minutes is a long time for things to go a muck. So not sure if I will attemp this on my only working Classic. Would much rather have a spare Classic to try this long of a firmware update on.
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: KyleM on June 08, 2017, 12:40:09 AM
CDN-VT

Please feel free to give it a try, every attempt I have tried to run the Voice Loader Tool on XP has failed.
-Kyle
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: KyleM on June 08, 2017, 12:46:29 AM
Resthome

I understand your hesitation, so far every problem I have run into has been reversed by reloading the current version of our released software
http://www.midnitesolar.com/firmwareIndex.php (http://www.midnitesolar.com/firmwareIndex.php)

-Kyle
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: Resthome on June 08, 2017, 01:01:50 AM
Quote from: KyleM on June 08, 2017, 12:46:29 AM
Resthome

I understand your hesitation, so far every problem I have run into has been reversed by reloading the current version of our released software
http://www.midnitesolar.com/firmwareIndex.php (http://www.midnitesolar.com/firmwareIndex.php)

-Kyle

Yeah my only hesitation is being out on the lake with no internet access to read the forums. I will have to make sure I have access to old and new files on my laptop.  I have the latest WIN 10 Creator installed and I did the last firmware update with the Classic Programmer for both the Classic and the MNGP without problems. 

Is there a real reason to go back to DHCP if I'm set up with a Static IP?
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: Resthome on June 08, 2017, 01:03:17 AM
Also is there any Docs on just what functions and Menu items has been loaded for Voice?
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: KyleM on June 08, 2017, 11:30:50 AM
Quote from: Resthome on June 08, 2017, 01:03:17 AM
Also is there any Docs on just what functions and Menu items has been loaded for Voice?

In our haste to get this out, we did not get a complete list of all functions yet. We are currently working on Spanish and French versions, I am hoping to have a completed list as those are completed.
-Kyle

and if you have already established a static IP connection you can keep it for this update. I wrote my instructions for people trying to set this up from scratch.
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: dapsyra on June 08, 2017, 03:37:19 PM
The "Leslie_Eng.bin" file is not inside the MNGPVoiceFileLoader-win32-x64 folder.  Please check.
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: KyleM on June 08, 2017, 03:46:21 PM
Quote from: dapsyra on June 08, 2017, 03:37:19 PM
The "Leslie_Eng.bin" file is not inside the MNGPVoiceFileLoader-win32-x64 folder.  Please check.

In an effort to cut down the size of that file I placed that .bin file in the 2151 folder sorry for the confusion.

-Kyle
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: ClassicCrazy on June 09, 2017, 12:42:27 PM
Have the firmware and MNGP updates done - voice stuff is flowing all according to directions - but no joke - takes a really long time ! I haven't been timing it - but should have - been way more than an hour so far.
Will check back in when it is all done !
Larry
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: ClassicCrazy on June 09, 2017, 11:04:05 PM
Okay - all done and working . It talks . I put it in Verbose mode and it reads most of the screens .
Maybe tomorrow will do my other Classic after I make sure that the charging stuff works right on this one - ha ha .

Is there a brief explanation of the voice features ?  I kind of can guess - Rick Mode minimal talking or none. Error - only  speaks out Errors ?
Verbose reads the screens from what I can tell , and I haven't really tried Chatty Cathy yet.

Larry
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: ClassicCrazy on June 09, 2017, 11:10:01 PM
Quote from: Resthome on June 08, 2017, 12:33:35 AM
Quote from: Westbranch on June 07, 2017, 11:51:39 PM
Ok, Robin said it is a 3 hr download. 

How big is the file and why so long to get it on a Removable Terabyte drive for install?

tks

WB

The doc say that it is the install of the voice files to the Classic that take up to 150 minutes. The install files themself in zip format are only 54Meg and 7Meg and download to my Dropbox within a few minutes for the larger one.

150 minutes is a long time for things to go a muck. So not sure if I will attemp this on my only working Classic. Would much rather have a spare Classic to try this long of a firmware update on.

Yeah it took hours for the voice stuff to upload - but at least that is via IP instead of having to have computer plugged in to the short usb cable.

So my laptop  was plugged into router for voice upload  which also had Classic plugged in to same router. I didn't do any of this wireless - or didn't have any wireless links on it so can't comment on that how it would work. The upload software found the Classic no problem and transferring from file location was fine ( as stated before Leslie folder is in update file )

It does give a bar graph of progress and data amount at the bottom of the upload screen.
My questions would be - what happens if you interrupt voice download midway ?  Will you have to start all over from scratch or will it pick up from where it stopped ?
And I didn't try it because I didn't want to mess anything up - but what would happen if someone tried to connect via Local Status App while the voice stuff is uploading ?  Just won't connect or would it mess any of the data transfer up ?

Otherwise the regular firmware update and MNGP update were just like any others - I used Windows 10 for all of this and no problems.

Larry
Title: Classic Voice Software talks all night !
Post by: ClassicCrazy on June 10, 2017, 12:26:30 AM
Almost midnight here and I hear someone talking outside and wonder who is outside talking - and finally realized it is the Classic out in the shed talking !  What it was talking about I didn't hear . Changed it from Verbose to OFF ! For tonight anyway - what the heck -  that could keep someone up at night !

Larry
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: Resthome on June 10, 2017, 12:30:41 AM
Thanks for the updates Larry. Guess I'll give it a try next week.
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software talks all night !
Post by: ClassicCrazy on June 10, 2017, 09:07:29 AM
Quote from: ClassicCrazy on June 10, 2017, 12:26:30 AM
Almost midnight here and I hear someone talking outside and wonder who is outside talking - and finally realized it is the Classic out in the shed talking !  What it was talking about I didn't hear . Changed it from Verbose to OFF ! For tonight anyway - what the heck -  that could keep someone up at night !

Larry

I figured out that in the audio mode if I press Advanced  there are two numbers which represent minutes for automatic announcements. It was default set to 60 I think  and that is why it would start talking by itself reading the present screen every hour . There is also a timer for Error reports too ( think that is what it is )

The timer can be set in one minute increments from 1 to 24 hours . But there is no zero. I set it to one minute and yes every minute it will read off the screen. I guess if you set it to 24 hours you could make something of an alarm clock out of it talking . I though maybe Rick mode was to just read the screen once but have not been able to hear it talk at all in Rick Mode. If you press Enter in a voice mode you get a solid tone.  Seems like there must be some mode that will just read the screens once as you scroll through them via status button but I haven't figured that out yet.

Wondering  if Local Status App will be updated to configure voice settings ?

Larry
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: ClassicCrazy on June 10, 2017, 10:42:16 AM
Just started updating second Classic.
As with other - firmware and MNGP on Windows 10 loaded up as normal no troubles.
I experimented a bit with uploading voice files.
Briefly tried static by unchecking Auto Detect in voice upload program. Didn't get it to work but didn't really try it more than once . Set it to DHCP and then tried it with Local Status App already connected and that was no go .
Got it uploading with Local Status App off and it seemed to freeze up on file 7 of upload so restarted upload program and started voice files upload again and it went past file 7 and seems to be running smoothly.
I tried to connect Local Status App while voice uploading voice files and Local Status App won't see Classic - it does see other Classic that I updated yesterday . But that is no surprise because we already know Classic can only connect to one thing at a time on IP .
So will see how long this upload takes if I am around to catch when it is done.
I am unsure if Classic has quit  charging while this upload is happening because MNGP display is mirroring the Audio File upload of the computer program upload status and it won't show any other screens.
I will go put my clamp meter on battery cable to see if any charging is happening.
Yes it seems to still be charging according to the amp meter .
But if you are at all concerned about knowing what is going on with charging  I would recommend doing this update at night .

Just checked on MyMidnite and it continues to update online there while voice files upload so there is that way to monitor what the Classic is doing .

Later .....  - went to town - came back and found MNGP in Got Comm not communicating
Computer voice file upload program showed 44482 out of 62283  files loaded but it was stuck at that number and not uploading any more.
Tried to instantiate upload but nothing got it going again.
So unplugged MNGP and plugged back in and normal display screens were on.
Started voice files upload program again and - it is starting from zero again - so will see how this one goes .

Later again ....
Upload locked up again - maybe when I opened Local Status App to look at other Classic.
So took off 20 foot extension cable on MNGP -- put it on Classic with supplied short cable, did VMM , reloaded setpoints in with Local Status App, shut off Local Status app and now attempting third try of voice data files upload - see how this goes.

.... Third time was the charm and it loaded and yes it took at least 3 hours.
I noticed it reading the input voltage wrong and also reads the Voc voltage wrong  . Maybe someone else can confirm this.  Also it just announced Float  79% State of Charge but the SOC is 99% .
Larry
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: Robin on June 10, 2017, 11:46:47 PM
Larry, you are the first to do this outside of MidNite. Thanks for sticking with it. We will be taking note of all the issues that you and others experience. Andrew in France is the engineer that did all the voice stuff. Kyle M is the one who has made sure things can actually be uploaded.
Keep it up and we will eventually have a pretty interesting product. You have already discovered that this can become a burglar deterrent when programmed in Chatty Kathy or Verbose. Chatty Kathy has some interesting things you will discover.
Rick mode should be totally silent. Rick hates lights, so we figured he would hate noise also, hence Rick Mode.
You do have the option to turn the volume down so you don't have to listen to Leslie all the way into the house.
Try finding the audio test mode. You will hear every word and phrase she knows. We have not taken advantage of all she knows yet, but she does know how to talk for about fifteen minutes. You all may have some ideas on what you would like her to say using the voice files already loaded in your Classic. By using the existing voice files, we can possibly have the Classic talk about many more things without having to reload the 3 hours of voice files. But, to add just one new word will probably force another total 3 hour upload. I am sure Kyle M and Andrew will be taking note on all you request.
Welcome to our new and weird feature. It has only taken eleven years to get here!
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: ClassicCrazy on June 11, 2017, 12:26:58 AM
Playing the test
What was that one
" I will let you know when things are going south " ha ha
and
waa waa waa

There should be a way for users to customize and string together the words and stuff   - now that would make it fun ! 

Frogs , Wallee , bubbling , drinks pouring  , "  Were going down captain ! " 

There are some good ones in there -  - good job !
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: CDN-VT on June 11, 2017, 12:30:15 AM
Chance Larry of uploading a You Tube ?

VT
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: ClassicCrazy on June 11, 2017, 11:28:29 AM
Quote from: CDN-VT on June 11, 2017, 12:30:15 AM
Chance Larry of uploading a You Tube ?

VT
Hey not a bad idea ! You ask you receive so here is a Youtube video of it in action.
My upload speed is slow so this is a short one but gives you the idea.
https://youtu.be/NaWmrLdqu4k

Larry
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: Resthome on June 11, 2017, 03:11:38 PM
Quote from: ClassicCrazy on June 11, 2017, 11:28:29 AM
Quote from: CDN-VT on June 11, 2017, 12:30:15 AM
Chance Larry of uploading a You Tube ?

VT
Hey not a bad idea ! You ask you receive so here is a Youtube video of it in action.
My upload speed is slow so this is a short one but gives you the idea.
https://youtu.be/NaWmrLdqu4k

Larry

Thanks Larry,

See what you mean about it not matching the data shown on the displays. Could be some kind of lag time between display readings and voice playback which isn't very impressive IMHO.
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: Vic on June 11, 2017, 03:23:30 PM
YES,  Thanks Larry for delving into the Classic Voice.

Interesting.   Looks like this was a lot of work for the MidNite Crew.   Good Work!

Will need to Update Classics here and try it.

Thanks for sharing.   73   Vic
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: binkino on June 11, 2017, 05:35:32 PM
sorry for that question :D but why would we need a talking Classic?

As it is much comfortable using the app from Graham for viewing the Classic and we still have not get a newer / better / overworked setup application (LA) ... I am wondering, why these things happen ...
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: binkino on June 11, 2017, 05:44:06 PM
QuoteMicrosoft .NET Framework 4.6 is required for this update as well.... sorry Windows XP users.
That is the right way... many users use an older laptop for accessing the Classic. Brilliant.
ignorant and the Framework crap ... lol
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: ClassicCrazy on June 11, 2017, 05:49:19 PM
Quote from: binkino on June 11, 2017, 05:35:32 PM
sorry for that question :D but why would we need a talking Classic?

As it is much comfortable using the app from Graham for viewing the Classic and we still have not get a newer / better / overworked setup application (LA) ... I am wondering, why these things happen ...

Don't need the voice . And it is optional so don't need to turn it on . But now that I have it on it is interesting sometimes to hear it tell you certain events like changing state of charge. I could see it being very useful for speaking out errors or alarms .
The voice talking feature was something advertised when the Classic first came out . So it took awhile and yes it does have some bugs that will probably be worked out.

The Watts error seems to be just putting decimal point into the number that doesn't need one.
As far as how it is getting those wrong Input voltage and Voc voltage don't know - maybe they are grabbing the wrong value of something else. I have heard it speak the correct numbers - maybe only happens when voltage is above a certain point.

Larry
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: Sunshine on June 12, 2017, 12:43:49 PM
Quote from: binkino on June 11, 2017, 05:44:06 PM
QuoteMicrosoft .NET Framework 4.6 is required for this update as well.... sorry Windows XP users.
That is the right way... many users use an older laptop for accessing the Classic. Brilliant.
ignorant and the Framework crap ... lol
There is no intention to make the upload of voice mandatory, just an option for those that do want it. We completely understand that for many, a 3 hour download is simply not an option. Rest assured, the latest version of the firmware will remain available, no voice required. We will also be offering an option for users to return their MNGP to us and for a small fee we will reprogram it for voice, for those who may not have the internet speed required but do want to have voice.
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: dapsyra on June 12, 2017, 02:58:25 PM
I took the plunge.  Uploaded the voice file to the MNGP.  I queued the file before going to bed and by morning, it was done.

There was no voice output even after configuring the voice menu to Chatty Kathy.  I opened up the MNGP and found the speaker cables disconnected.  Plugged in the cables and Classic 150 is been chatting thereafter.
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: KyleM on June 12, 2017, 03:54:29 PM
Quote from: dapsyra on June 12, 2017, 02:58:25 PM
I took the plunge.  Uploaded the voice file to the MNGP.  I queued the file before going to bed and by morning, it was done.

There was no voice output even after configuring the voice menu to Chatty Kathy.  I opened up the MNGP and found the speaker cables disconnected.  Plugged in the cables and Classic 150 is been chatting thereafter.

I will not go into how many times this got me in my testing but it was more than a few.  :D 

-Kyle
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: KyleM on June 12, 2017, 04:10:03 PM
Quote from: ClassicCrazy on June 09, 2017, 11:04:05 PM
Okay - all done and working . It talks . I put it in Verbose mode and it reads most of the screens .
Maybe tomorrow will do my other Classic after I make sure that the charging stuff works right on this one - ha ha .

Is there a brief explanation of the voice features ?  I kind of can guess - Rick Mode minimal talking or none. Error - only  speaks out Errors ?
Verbose reads the screens from what I can tell , and I haven't really tried Chatty Cathy yet.

Larry

Here is a tentative untested list of the menus:

Off - no voice

Rick Mode -  Arc Fault and Ground fault only.

Errors- Any "errors" no PV voltage, Over voltage etc plus everything above

Warnings - Errors and warnings. (Partial shading, current limit, etc.) Plus everything above.

Verbose - Menu help message the first time through menus.AKA " here is where you set ..."  Info (like status) and charge stage, plus everything above.

Chatty Cathy  - Menu help message every time through the menus, info(like status) and charge stage, everything above, plus random silly messages.

-Kyle
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: ClassicCrazy on June 12, 2017, 08:15:04 PM
Any idea why it reads input voltage okay sometimes and other times gives the wrong reading ? My only thought is maybe above a certain input voltage it does not read correctly . Right now 75 volts  is reading okay . Same with Voc -reading okay now at 75v in Resting state. Tomorrow when the sun comes back out I can try to watch and see if it goes flakey above a certain voltage.

Larry
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: Resthome on June 13, 2017, 03:41:29 AM
Updated the Classic and the MNGP and loaded the Voice file with the Voice Loader tonight. No issues with the updates. Voice file took 2 hrs to load.

One comment on the voice loader. it would be nice if it has a complete message. As it was 1 number off from the file size when it finish. I realize the Classic display changed but it was a little scrambled until a key wa press.

It was after sundown so no solar. At first the Classic was going into Float with 0 watts then it would go to Resting and some times it wouls say Bulk with 0 watts. Never remember seeing that before. It has finially settled on Resting for the night. I'll check it more closely when the sun comes up in the morning.

Yea, amazing the lake is coming up a foot/day and is only 12 feet from full so i was able to get a data signal with my phone for a HotSpot this evening.
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: mike90045 on June 13, 2017, 09:59:04 AM
Quote from: Sunshine on June 12, 2017, 12:43:49 PM
There is no intention to make the upload of voice mandatory, just an option for those that do want it. We completely understand that for many, a 3 hour download is simply not an option. Rest assured, the latest version of the firmware will remain available, no voice required. We will also be offering an option for users to return their MNGP to us and for a small fee we will reprogram it for voice, for those who may not have the internet speed required but do want to have voice.

That answers my greatest fear, being forced to "update" from XP to win 10 to install simple firmware.

Q)  Are there any plans to create a Linux flavor installer, that can run from any free, secure linux box ?  THAT would get my attention in a heartbeat, then I can scrap the old XP laptop that I install FW from.
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: KyleM on June 13, 2017, 01:44:59 PM
Quote from: ClassicCrazy on June 12, 2017, 08:15:04 PM
Any idea why it reads input voltage okay sometimes and other times gives the wrong reading ? My only thought is maybe above a certain input voltage it does not read correctly . Right now 75 volts  is reading okay . Same with Voc -reading okay now at 75v in Resting state. Tomorrow when the sun comes back out I can try to watch and see if it goes flakey above a certain voltage.

Larry

We have been seeing cases where the voltage reading is different than the listed voltage on the screen. We are looking into this.
-Kyle
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: Resthome on June 13, 2017, 09:37:05 PM
Quote from: KyleM on June 13, 2017, 01:44:59 PM
Quote from: ClassicCrazy on June 12, 2017, 08:15:04 PM
Any idea why it reads input voltage okay sometimes and other times gives the wrong reading ? My only thought is maybe above a certain input voltage it does not read correctly . Right now 75 volts  is reading okay . Same with Voc -reading okay now at 75v in Resting state. Tomorrow when the sun comes back out I can try to watch and see if it goes flakey above a certain voltage.

Larry

We have been seeing cases where the voltage reading is different than the listed voltage on the screen. We are looking into this.
-Kyle

I'm seeing that also, for stable reading that are not jumping around it seem to be okay. The current reading are noisy and i think is just behind what is on the screen. Don't know how offen the screen is updated but believe it is pretty fast.
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: Resthome on June 13, 2017, 09:40:00 PM
How often is Chatty Cathy suppose to speak when left on a single status screen?

And what are the Advance setting for?
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: ClassicCrazy on June 13, 2017, 11:18:46 PM
Quote from: Resthome on June 13, 2017, 09:40:00 PM
How often is Chatty Cathy suppose to speak when left on a single status screen?

And what are the Advance setting for?

The advanced setting is time between automatic announcements I think.
So if you set it to 2 it will read the screen every 2 minutes.

Larry
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: CDN-VT on June 14, 2017, 12:19:42 AM
Mr Larry ,
That was Great !!
Back from F1 In Quebec
Can I pick a nicer Ausi woman's voice ?? I tossed out the pass window the angry american yeller  (GPS) & got a tom-tom with a nice Auzi girls voice  ( Mistress ) !!! Ya  dream VT

VT
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: Westbranch on June 14, 2017, 12:42:00 AM
Nigel, what is F1?
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: CDN-VT on June 14, 2017, 10:58:49 AM
www.formula1.com

2017   Canadian Grand Prix    -  Formula One World Championship
Jun 11  -  Circuit Gilles Villeneuve  -  70 laps  -  190 miles

https://www.formula1.com/en/championship/races/2017/Canada.html

Large Go-Karts  ;)
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: boB on June 14, 2017, 08:31:25 PM

I wanted voice for many years and then I kinda didn't care so much, even when it was recently being developed..

Now I LOVE it !   It is very handy to have it tell me the status every so often (15 minutes now)

So, an English or Ozzie voice ?  Those are nice...   Kind of like turning on an italic font !

I haven't seen the wrong voltage being spoken but I did notice that when you press Force Float or
Force Bulk, the status skips that name being said.  ooops !   That's been forwarded onto the
speech team.

boB
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: Resthome on June 15, 2017, 12:14:18 AM
On the status screen with Watts the Watts spoken is off by a factor of 10.
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: ClassicCrazy on June 15, 2017, 01:15:41 AM
When it is 90 volts input it wll say  it is 70 something  - same with voc .
So for some reason when it gets above a certain voltage it reads wrong.
But I haven't watched it close enough to find where the point is when it goes goofy .

Since I don't have the Classic inside - I can now tell at dusk when it starts going from resting to float and back again and back - cause it tells me.   So yeah the voice can give you info while you are doing something else - you don't have to watch it .

Larry
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: Resthome on June 15, 2017, 04:16:06 AM
Quote from: ClassicCrazy on June 15, 2017, 01:15:41 AM
When it is 90 volts input it wll say  it is 70 something  - same with voc .
So for some reason when it gets above a certain voltage it reads wrong.
But I haven't watched it close enough to find where the point is when it goes goofy .

Since I don't have the Classic inside - I can now tell at dusk when it starts going from resting to float and back again and back - cause it tells me.   So yeah the voice can give you info while you are doing something else - you don't have to watch it .

Larry

My VOC is arround 42 volts so I won't see this one.  Amps seem to be the one that is most off because it is noisy and jumps around.  I also find that on the WBjr status screen it doesn't read the system Amps for me.  But the other info on that screen seem to be correct.
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: ClassicCrazy on June 15, 2017, 10:24:29 AM
Quote from: Resthome on June 15, 2017, 04:16:06 AM
Quote from: ClassicCrazy on June 15, 2017, 01:15:41 AM
When it is 90 volts input it wll say  it is 70 something  - same with voc .
So for some reason when it gets above a certain voltage it reads wrong.
But I haven't watched it close enough to find where the point is when it goes goofy .

Since I don't have the Classic inside - I can now tell at dusk when it starts going from resting to float and back again and back - cause it tells me.   So yeah the voice can give you info while you are doing something else - you don't have to watch it .

Larry

My VOC is arround 42 volts so I won't see this one.  Amps seem to be the one that is most off because it is noisy and jumps around.  I also find that on the WBjr status screen it doesn't read the system Amps for me.  But the other info on that screen seem to be correct.

Instead of reading 84.8 volts it is substituting 71 for the digit 8 so it reads  71 4.8 v  and does sort of the same thing for Voc instead of reading 98.8  it reads 72 instead of 9 so it says 72 8.8v . 

Yeah instead of reading System amps it reads the Net Amp hours from the More screen and it is also doing the 72 substitution for the 9 and instead of reading 95 % SOC  it reads 72 5 %

I wonder if there is some kind of logic involved in this because
71 instead of 8  if you add 7 and 1 = 8
72 instead of 9  7 + 2 = 9

Larry
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software talks all night !
Post by: Sunshine on June 15, 2017, 11:40:11 AM
Quote from: ClassicCrazy on June 10, 2017, 12:26:30 AM
Almost midnight here and I hear someone talking outside and wonder who is outside talking - and finally realized it is the Classic out in the shed talking !  What it was talking about I didn't hear . Changed it from Verbose to OFF ! For tonight anyway - what the heck -  that could keep someone up at night !

Larry
I talked with our software guy after reading this. Major flaw, our OOpS! Should have an update shortly that takes care of this. We have asked him to add a dusk to dawn feature so that the Chatty Little Miss will Shhhhhhhh and let you get your rest.
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software talks all night !
Post by: ClassicCrazy on June 15, 2017, 11:51:46 AM
Quote from: Sunshine on June 15, 2017, 11:40:11 AM
Quote from: ClassicCrazy on June 10, 2017, 12:26:30 AM
Almost midnight here and I hear someone talking outside and wonder who is outside talking - and finally realized it is the Classic out in the shed talking !  What it was talking about I didn't hear . Changed it from Verbose to OFF ! For tonight anyway - what the heck -  that could keep someone up at night !

Larry
I talked with our software guy after reading this. Major flaw, our OOpS! Should have an update shortly that takes care of this. We have asked him to add a dusk to dawn feature so that the Chatty Little Miss will Shhhhhhhh and let you get your rest.

Or maybe selectable quiet times so a person can set their own hours  ?

Larry
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: Resthome on June 15, 2017, 11:55:45 AM
Quote from: ClassicCrazy on June 15, 2017, 10:24:29 AM
Quote from: Resthome on June 15, 2017, 04:16:06 AM
Quote from: ClassicCrazy on June 15, 2017, 01:15:41 AM
When it is 90 volts input it wll say  it is 70 something  - same with voc .
So for some reason when it gets above a certain voltage it reads wrong.
But I haven't watched it close enough to find where the point is when it goes goofy .

Since I don't have the Classic inside - I can now tell at dusk when it starts going from resting to float and back again and back - cause it tells me.   So yeah the voice can give you info while you are doing something else - you don't have to watch it .

Larry

My VOC is arround 42 volts so I won't see this one.  Amps seem to be the one that is most off because it is noisy and jumps around.  I also find that on the WBjr status screen it doesn't read the system Amps for me.  But the other info on that screen seem to be correct.

Instead of reading 84.8 volts it is substituting 71 for the digit 8 so it reads  71 4.8 v  and does sort of the same thing for Voc instead of reading 98.8  it reads 72 instead of 9 so it says 72 8.8v . 

Yeah instead of reading System amps it reads the Net Amp hours from the More screen and it is also doing the 72 substitution for the 9 and instead of reading 95 % SOC  it reads 72 5 %

I wonder if there is some kind of logic involved in this because
71 instead of 8  if you add 7 and 1 = 8
72 instead of 9  7 + 2 = 9

Larry

Just saw this this morning when it was reporting SOC  as 72 4. Instead of 94 percent.  You hit nail on the head Larry. Good find..
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: Westbranch on June 15, 2017, 12:03:41 PM
Larry, re #44....  good thing she just tallks and does NOT ASK QUESTIONS!  ::)   ;)
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: wagreg on June 15, 2017, 12:46:50 PM
i guess voice cannot be installed on the classic SL 150
because it has no ethernet port.
thanks
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: KyleM on June 15, 2017, 02:05:31 PM
Quote from: wagreg on June 15, 2017, 12:46:50 PM
i guess voice cannot be installed on the classic SL 150
because it has no ethernet port.
thanks

This version of the Voice installer only works through the Ethernet port. So yes our SL users can't load it yet. 

I will be transplanting an MNGP that has had the update to an SL for testing in the very near future. If it works correctly, our SL users can also enjoy a talking Classic. We would just have to swap out the MNGP.

-Kyle
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: wagreg on June 15, 2017, 08:29:57 PM
ok sounds good
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: KyleM on June 21, 2017, 06:57:21 PM
WARNING we have found that turning the volume above 70 in your MNGP can harm it. Please make sure you do not go above this volume level

I have updated the opening Post to reflect this alert as well

-Kyle
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: KyleM on June 27, 2017, 12:29:37 PM
By popular demand, we have added a Dusk to Dawn feature that puts the voices asleep and wakes them up at a specified times. 
To get this new update just go back and download the install2151 file again and rerun the MNGP update.
http://midniteftp.com/firmware/voiceloader/install2151.zip (http://midniteftp.com/firmware/voiceloader/install2151.zip)

The Dusk to Dawn feature is located at    MAIN MENU>  MISC >  AUDIO> ADVANCED> NEXT > activate D2D > set WAKE UP and SLEEP times

I have updated the opening post to reflect this change.

-Kyle
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: ClassicCrazy on June 27, 2017, 10:52:17 PM
Quote from: KyleM on June 27, 2017, 12:29:37 PM
By popular demand, we have added a Dusk to Dawn feature that puts the voices asleep and wakes them up at a specified times. 
To get this new update just go back and download the install2151 file again and rerun the MNGP update.
http://midniteftp.com/firmware/voiceloader/install2151.zip (http://midniteftp.com/firmware/voiceloader/install2151.zip)

The Dusk to Dawn feature is located at    MAIN MENU>  MISC >  AUDIO> ADVANCED> NEXT > activate D2D > set WAKE UP and SLEEP times

I have updated the opening post to reflect this change.

-Kyle

Sounds good Kyle - I will load it up sometime when I have a chance.
Were the problems with reading the wrong info also fixed ?
How about the volume control so it won't turn up so high to damage speaker ?

Thanks
Larry
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: KyleM on June 29, 2017, 05:51:59 PM
Quote from: ClassicCrazy on June 12, 2017, 08:15:04 PM
Any idea why it reads input voltage okay sometimes and other times gives the wrong reading ? My only thought is maybe above a certain input voltage it does not read correctly . Right now 75 volts  is reading okay . Same with Voc -reading okay now at 75v in Resting state. Tomorrow when the sun comes back out I can try to watch and see if it goes flakey above a certain voltage.

Larry

Looks like we have fixed the voltage reading bug with our latest update. So far the voice's reading matches my screen ...or within .1 of a volt if it is fluctuating.

-Kyle
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: ClassicCrazy on June 29, 2017, 07:48:22 PM
Kyle
Loaded up the updated 2151 on two different Classics - just the firmware and MNGP updates - did not have to redo the voice data. I also did not do a VMM - all the settings seem to have stuck in fine.
It all went okay and so far no problems . I set the times on dusk dawn and will see how that goes.
It would have been good to give this update a different number to avoid confusion with the older version .
So far it seems to be reading the screen much better .

Will the Local Status App be updated to be able to set the new voice features ?  Is there an updated modbus register for voice features ?

Thanks
Larry
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: ClassicCrazy on July 02, 2017, 09:49:09 AM
The dusk to dawn / time set feature works  for the most part but today I did notice it would speak the status change before it's set time.
I had it set for 9:30 am start time and a couple times before that it briefly announced status - I believe when it went from resting to Bulk.

Larry
Title: She got stuck
Post by: ClassicCrazy on July 09, 2017, 06:10:44 PM
She started to chant today - it is overcast late afternoon - guess Classic  was going between float and float mppt real fast  so she said
Charging status has changed to
Charging status has changed to
Charging status has changed to
Charging status has changed to...
and  repeating this over and over and over !
Finally I just turned on a big load for a couple seconds  and that got her to stop her never ending mantra

Larry
Title: Re: She got stuck
Post by: KyleM on July 10, 2017, 09:26:20 AM
Quote from: ClassicCrazy on July 09, 2017, 06:10:44 PM
She started to chant today - it is overcast late afternoon - guess Classic  was going between float and float mppt real fast  so she said
Charging status has changed to
Charging status has changed to
Charging status has changed to
Charging status has changed to...
and  repeating this over and over and over !
Finally I just turned on a big load for a couple seconds  and that got her to stop her never ending mantra

Larry

Sounds like that might need to be addressed   :)  Thanks for the update. We are still working on the interface between the local app as well.

-Kyle
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: ClassicCrazy on July 11, 2017, 11:14:22 AM
Kyle ,
If someone is working on Local Status App - maybe they could fix small bug that John had identified in data download ?
It is explained here
http://midniteftp.com/forum/index.php?topic=3137.0

thanks
Larry
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: KyleM on July 11, 2017, 12:51:56 PM
Quote from: ClassicCrazy on July 11, 2017, 11:14:22 AM
Kyle ,
If someone is working on Local Status App - maybe they could fix small bug that John had identified in data download ?
It is explained here
http://midniteftp.com/forum/index.php?topic=3137.0

thanks
Larry

Looks like Andrew is already all over it.

Thanks,
Kyle
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: Resthome on July 12, 2017, 03:02:04 PM
Quote from: ClassicCrazy on July 02, 2017, 09:49:09 AM
The dusk to dawn / time set feature works  for the most part but today I did notice it would speak the status change before it's set time.
I had it set for 9:30 am start time and a couple times before that it briefly announced status - I believe when it went from resting to Bulk.

Larry

Saw the same thing as you Larry. It was talking in the early morning after the sun came up and I had it set to not talk until 9:00AM

And yes it apparently was when it when from resting to bulk.
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: ClassicCrazy on July 12, 2017, 07:21:24 PM
I am getting so used to that voice I guess I can ignore it and  sleep right through it now !

Larry
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: KyleM on July 12, 2017, 07:27:18 PM
I do not even hear her anymore.

We have a couple of ideas working that will curb that announcement a little.

-Kyle
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: Westbranch on July 12, 2017, 09:48:46 PM
Good, I am getting tired of hearing about it.... let alone hearing it... ;)  ;D

If anyone is getting bored, they can read about our local  holocaust, multiple massive forest fires, all hardly 50% contained,  they can read about it here:  http://www.wltribune.com/
and for an overview...http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status  click on the map on the right hand side to see the entire province...
Roll the mouse wheel for a close up....  look for highway 20  and Kleena Kleene ,
we are on the lake due East of Perkins Peak...
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: ClassicCrazy on July 12, 2017, 10:02:19 PM
Quote from: Westbranch on July 12, 2017, 09:48:46 PM
Good, I am getting tired of hearing about it.... let alone hearing it... ;)  ;D

If anyone is getting bored, they can read about our local  holocaust, multiple massive forest fires, all hardly 50% contained,  they can read about it here:  http://www.wltribune.com/
and for an overview...http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status  click on the map on the right hand side to see the entire province...
Roll the mouse wheel for a close up....  look for highway 20  and Kleena Kleene ,
we are on the lake due East of Perkins Peak...

hang in there - hope you aren't in fire prone zone. Opposite here in Wisconsin - rain rain rain though the sun has been coming out in between to keep the batteries happy

Larry
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: Westbranch on July 12, 2017, 10:17:06 PM
We are safe ... for now.... just have to run through the biggest fire, ~ 30 miles of it, to get to the city for supplies , just back to the lake this afternoon, as wife can not stay in that dense smoke for much more than a few hours.., asthma, left home windows buttoned up as the city is under evacuation alert, they expected it would become an ORDER this afternoon, we got in and out in under 20 hrs... Clean air out here still...
Title: Re: She got stuck
Post by: boB on July 13, 2017, 02:47:28 AM
Quote from: ClassicCrazy on July 09, 2017, 06:10:44 PM
She started to chant today - it is overcast late afternoon - guess Classic  was going between float and float mppt real fast  so she said
Charging status has changed to
Charging status has changed to
Charging status has changed to
Charging status has changed to...
and  repeating this over and over and over !
Finally I just turned on a big load for a couple seconds  and that got her to stop her never ending mantra

Larry


That drove me nuts too.

That problem has been fixed.  I like the voice, now.

boB

Title: Re: She got stuck
Post by: ClassicCrazy on July 16, 2017, 06:14:54 PM
Quote from: boB on July 13, 2017, 02:47:28 AM
Quote from: ClassicCrazy on July 09, 2017, 06:10:44 PM
She started to chant today - it is overcast late afternoon - guess Classic  was going between float and float mppt real fast  so she said
Charging status has changed to
Charging status has changed to
Charging status has changed to
Charging status has changed to...
and  repeating this over and over and over !
Finally I just turned on a big load for a couple seconds  and that got her to stop her never ending mantra

Larry


That drove me nuts too.

That problem has been fixed.  I like the voice, now.

boB

Kyle - when will you be releasing the update voice with the repetition above that Bob mentioned that  has been fixed ? I am cooking with inductive hot plate  now and she is continually chanting again every time the temperature control turns the heater on and off which is every second or so .
Seems to be the worst when it goes between Float and Float MPPT  but of course every time there is a change of  mode it makes an announcement. Would love to load up the fix.
Larry
Title: Re: She got stuck
Post by: KyleM on July 17, 2017, 12:14:58 PM
Quote from: ClassicCrazy on July 16, 2017, 06:14:54 PM
Quote from: boB on July 13, 2017, 02:47:28 AM
Quote from: ClassicCrazy on July 09, 2017, 06:10:44 PM
She started to chant today - it is overcast late afternoon - guess Classic  was going between float and float mppt real fast  so she said
Charging status has changed to
Charging status has changed to
Charging status has changed to
Charging status has changed to...
and  repeating this over and over and over !
Finally I just turned on a big load for a couple seconds  and that got her to stop her never ending mantra

Larry


That drove me nuts too.

That problem has been fixed.  I like the voice, now.

boB

Kyle - when will you be releasing the update voice with the repetition above that Bob mentioned that  has been fixed ? I am cooking with inductive hot plate  now and she is continually chanting again every time the temperature control turns the heater on and off which is every second or so .
Seems to be the worst when it goes between Float and Float MPPT  but of course every time there is a change of  mode it makes an announcement. Would love to load up the fix.
Larry

I will post when I get the new SW loaded onto the FTP server for download.

If it gets too bad you can change off Chatty Cathy to verbose I think that will help.

-Kyle
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: ClassicCrazy on July 17, 2017, 02:12:09 PM
Ha ha - she isn't in Chatty Cathy  - she is in Verbose !
It usually isn't too bad - has to be just the right conditions where it goes between float and float mppt from what I can tell and that is when it gets going on and on .

Larry
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: KyleM on July 17, 2017, 02:14:27 PM
DRAT!!! 

:D
Kyle
Title: Re: She got stuck
Post by: boB on July 17, 2017, 04:45:09 PM
Quote from: KyleM on July 17, 2017, 12:14:58 PM
Quote from: ClassicCrazy on July 16, 2017, 06:14:54 PM
Quote from: boB on July 13, 2017, 02:47:28 AM
Quote from: ClassicCrazy on July 09, 2017, 06:10:44 PM
She started to chant today - it is overcast late afternoon - guess Classic  was going between float and float mppt real fast  so she said
Charging status has changed to
Charging status has changed to
Charging status has changed to
Charging status has changed to...
and  repeating this over and over and over !
Finally I just turned on a big load for a couple seconds  and that got her to stop her never ending mantra

Larry


That drove me nuts too.

That problem has been fixed.  I like the voice, now.

boB

Kyle - when will you be releasing the update voice with the repetition above that Bob mentioned that  has been fixed ? I am cooking with inductive hot plate  now and she is continually chanting again every time the temperature control turns the heater on and off which is every second or so .
Seems to be the worst when it goes between Float and Float MPPT  but of course every time there is a change of  mode it makes an announcement. Would love to load up the fix.
Larry

I will post when I get the new SW loaded onto the FTP server for download.

If it gets too bad you can change off Chatty Cathy to verbose I think that will help.

-Kyle

I had to turn her OFF when those constant messages were being announced.

Not bad at all now...  However, I think that the SOC%  is not coming up now which
I want.  I bet there is a newer version that I do not know about that fixes that
as well.

boB
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: ClassicCrazy on November 22, 2017, 10:26:15 PM
Anything new on the voice firmware or a Local Status App that will work with it ?

I shut off the voice a couple months ago because of the constant chant that happens when the status changes in float and float mppt.

A fix for this was mentioned but never saw anything posted.

So far I have installed

2154 6/26/17  MNGP
2151  5/26/17  Classic
2122 Network

Larry
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: CDN-VT on November 23, 2017, 11:03:00 PM
Quote from: ClassicCrazy on November 22, 2017, 10:26:15 PM


So far I have installed

2154 6/26/17  MNGP
2151  5/26/17  Classic
2122 Network

Larry

Links Larry ?
Please
they are hidden off the main site

VT
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: ClassicCrazy on November 23, 2017, 11:41:57 PM
Quote from: CDN-VT on November 23, 2017, 11:03:00 PM
Quote from: ClassicCrazy on November 22, 2017, 10:26:15 PM


So far I have installed

2154 6/26/17  MNGP
2151  5/26/17  Classic
2122 Network

Larry

Links Larry ?
Please
they are hidden off the main site

VT

In the very first post of this topic there is a download of instructions called Voice Beta . docx  and the link to downloads is in that document . I think there may be another post on this topic with network update  or else it is along with the others.

Larry
Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: krementz on November 25, 2017, 03:07:24 PM
Wow, the "voice update" crapware seems like unmitigated horror.

PLEASE, PLEASE do not EVER make that talking krap obligatory. I don't want a firmware even with that option turned off.  NEVER NEVER NEVER.

This is representative of the kind of mismanagement that bankrupts companies by driving away customers. I have two MN Classics, about to get a third. Can I order WITHOUT the crapware? If not, I will get something else.







Title: Re: Classic Voice Software
Post by: ClassicCrazy on November 25, 2017, 07:25:50 PM
Quote from: krementz on November 25, 2017, 03:07:24 PM
Wow, the "voice update" crapware seems like unmitigated horror.

PLEASE, PLEASE do not EVER make that talking krap obligatory. I don't want a firmware even with that option turned off.  NEVER NEVER NEVER.

This is representative of the kind of mismanagement that bankrupts companies by driving away customers. I have two MN Classics, about to get a third. Can I order WITHOUT the crapware? If not, I will get something else.

It isn't that big a deal - the firmware is the same as you would update any others. If you don't want to you don't have to upload the voice files or use the talking voice features. It won't effect any of the operation . You can turn it on or off as you please.
Anyone who is blind would appreciate this feature more than you could imagine .
As for anyone else - after using it for awhile I can see some advantages that are a convenience . When I turn it on and am in the area I can hear what is going on with the solar system - no need to stop what I am doing or clean  up my hands to push buttons and read the screen.   Doesn't sound like a big deal but the info and alarms if set up are nice when audible is needed.
Why not ? It didn't cost me any extra to have new feature .

The firmware is Beta and there were a few issues but have mostly been resolved - that is why they put it out Beta.

Go ahead and get your new Classic - the voice is still in Beta and not installed on any Classics as far as I know.

Larry