TP820CD LiPo charger problems and issue

[TooManyHobbies]

TP820CD LiPo charger problems/questions

Purchased new TP820CD charger.
- some general things we have tried.
We're asking for any suggestions as we're also contacting Thunder Power tech support.

Subject: Thunder Power TP820CD delivered Friday 13Apr12

Problem #1 = no text displayed on upon powering up using converted PC power supply with tested 11.0 VDC output
Charger was plugged in to power supply and then turned on PS.

Problem #2 Thunder Power FIRMWARE UPDATE USER INTERFACE
Downloaded from
Expanded zip file
Ran installer program Thunder Power RC CUI.exe
Created the following folders:
C:\program Files\Thunder Power RC CUI
C:\program Files\Thunder Power RC CUI\Driver\x86\silabenm.sys
C:\program Files\Thunder Power RC CUI\Driver\x86\silabser.sys
C:\program Files\ E:\Program Files\Silabs\MCU\CP210x
C:\Program Files\Silabs\MCU\CP210x\x86\silabenm.sys
C:\Program Files\Silabs\MCU\CP210x\x86\silabser.sys

"Thunder Power RC CUI" Interface appears to be installed successfully.
Launched program "Thunder Power RC CUI"
Turned on Thunder Power TP820CD and connected USB cable. COM/USB connection recognized and drivers loaded. NOTE: No choices given during the install of
Silicon Laboratories CP2101 USB to UART drivers, result is that Windows default drivers form … System 32 folder are used. Tried this on two computers, one running Win XP SP# and one running W7 32 bit.
Thunder Power RC CUI user interface appears and USB indicator turns green once connected.
Depressed +/- buttons on charger simultaneously, however "charger connected" indicator never turned green

Am questioning 1) faulty Thunder Power TP820 CD and 2) faulty Thunder Power RC CUI program installation. It is my opinion, that even though the digital display of the Thunder Power TP820CD is not functioning, the USB charger connection should function and recognize the firmware version on this particular build. Owners will note that there is no manufacturing code date or serial number on the Thunder Power TP820CD. I am wondering how the manufacturer will be able to track the build date, troubleshoot and resolve problems. Am questioning the quality control methods of Thunder Power and suggest that EVERY unit that they manufacturer undergo a power on & test quality check prior to shipment. Am suggesting that a "Tested" or "Passed" sticker with date be applied to every unit made. Considering the cost of these sophisticated pieces of electronic equipment, one would think that there is room for improvement.

Thanks for any input.

 

[TooManyHobbies]

A RMA return was requested by Thunderpower to ship the unit back.
This thread was posted to help all parties involved and others with any difficulties in relation to the charger and not meant to bash Thunderpower for the errors.

I'll keep you guys posted on the results of the process.
This TP820CD charger is supposedly one of the better choices for charging equipment at the current date.
Our DJI f550 hexa sits patiently awaiting it's second flight....