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VAG heater on Zombie

Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2025 12:45 pm
by Rustybkts
According to the parameters this option is in the code but has anyone tested it yet as I'm getting no-where at the moment.

Its wired as described on the VAG heater page https://openinverter.org/wiki/Volkswagen_Heater

The heater LIN comms wire is I assume connected to the LIN Zombie terminal 24.

Param 75 Heater set to VW, 76 Control is Enable, 77 HeatPwr is set to 2000W, 78 HeatPercent is set to 50% and 98 GP12vInFunc set to HeatReq.

At the moment the HV current is zero with 12v on GP12vInFunc terminal. Spot values shows HeatReq is enabled but no Heater comms for Temp etc.

Re: VAG heater on Zombie

Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2025 1:38 pm
by J0hannes
There is a bug in the 2.20 release, so the LIN doesn't work properly. Also you may need physical modification on your Zombie board, depending on the board you have.

A resistor and a capacitor
https://openinverter.org/wiki/Zombieverter_hardware

Re: VAG heater on Zombie

Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2025 5:24 pm
by Rustybkts
J0hannes wrote: Fri Mar 14, 2025 1:38 pm There is a bug in the 2.20 release, so the LIN doesn't work properly. Also you may need physical modification on your Zombie board, depending on the board you have.

A resistor and a capacitor
https://openinverter.org/wiki/Zombieverter_hardware
Looks as if @tom91 has sorted the LIN issue on an update he just sent me. I have to sort an air lock in the heating loop but is pulling a nice 10A on the HV line.
Also relieved that the heater is operating on 260v as its minimum rating is 280v on the specs. Not an issue for the heater of course but may have had low volts sensing in the controls.

Edit.
Since re-booting the Zombie I don't have any LIN comms in Spot values but the heater is working but maybe uncontrolled. Will test more tomorrow.

Re: VAG heater on Zombie

Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2025 3:42 pm
by Rustybkts
Just followed @J0hannes suggestion and note that I must have an older board as R50 is 1802 (18K) so guess C45 is also incorrect.

R50 should be 1K and C45 1n.

@tom91 please ignore my earlier post and I will swap the parts over.

Re: VAG heater on Zombie

Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2025 6:29 pm
by J0hannes
Just that we get information in the same thread. I tested the VAG heater with V2.31TH and I can confirm that the heater works. I have swapped fore mentioned C45 and R50.

This is not just for you Rusty, but also to others who may come to this thread looking for answers:
So to reiterate what Tom91 had replied in my build thread.
The release 2.20 has a software bug and fix is being tested by Damien to be implemented in next official release.

In addition to the software being fixed, any Zombieverter board ordered before 140324 has wrong values for resistor R50 and capacitor C45. They should be 1K and 1 n. See Wiki on Zombie hardware

If you haven't confirmed that they are correct on your board, the LIN doesn't work properly and that'll remain a likely source for malfunction even after the software is fixed.

Re: VAG heater on Zombie

Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2025 12:42 pm
by Rustybkts
The size code for these 2mm long parts is 0805 (2012") and will add to the Wiki description when I receive them on Monday to confirm this is correct as there are many different SMD sizes.
We seem to be at the same point on our Leaf Stack testing. ;)

Re: VAG heater on Zombie

Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2025 5:59 pm
by Rustybkts
Anyone planning to use the VW heater MUST install it upside down that is with the power sockets at the bottom as you get mini explosions due to inner airlocks inside the heater. It works brilliantly when installed correctly controlled by LIN comms.

Hopefully the the next Zombie update will include the LIN fix and also badly needs a fix to send the Leaf stack to sleep as my total load is almost 1.5A with ignition off. Leaf stack plus Zombie plus Orion BMS requires a maintenance charger to be permanently connected.
I can't be the only one.

Re: VAG heater on Zombie

Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2025 6:01 pm
by tom91

Re: VAG heater on Zombie

Posted: Thu May 01, 2025 1:35 pm
by alexbeatle
Rustybkts wrote: Tue Apr 22, 2025 5:59 pm Anyone planning to use the VW heater MUST install it upside down that is with the power sockets at the bottom as you get mini explosions due to inner airlocks inside the heater.
Should the coolant flow be reversed then too, to enter through the physically lower port and exit via the physically higher port? Or doesn’t matter?

Also, if this is the same heater as used in the audi etron this is how weirdly they mount them- one for battery heating, another for the cabin heating.
IMG_6344.jpeg

Re: VAG heater on Zombie

Posted: Thu May 01, 2025 5:22 pm
by Rustybkts
alexbeatle wrote: Thu May 01, 2025 1:35 pm Should the coolant flow be reversed then too, to enter through the physically lower port and exit via the physically higher port? Or doesn’t matter?

Also, if this is the same heater as used in the audi etron this is how weirdly they mount them- one for battery heating, another for the cabin heating.
IMG_6344.jpeg
Its interesting that the Audi pic has the heaters at around 45 degrees although this would I assume ensure that no air is trapped around the heater elements. It certainly doesn't like being horizontal with the plugs at the top!

Normally you would ensure that coolant entered the lower port and exited the higher port. This would also ensure that any air is flushed out.