Xtrema News!

Mark Jud is the new winner in our Xtrema Charger Giveaway!

2008-05-04T20:30:00.000-07:00

Mark Jud from Harlingen, TX is the latest winner of a brand new Xtrema Charger Wattmeter. Congratulations Mark, we will send out your Xtrema upon verifying your address. We will be offering another FREE Xtrema to a lucky person on December 14, 2008. If your name is selected you will receive this high end combination charger / wattmeter a $189.95 value!

If you have entered before you may simply enter again for another chance at our new giveaway.

The rules are simple: Void where prohibited by law. There is no cost to enter. You must be 18 yrs or older and a legal resident of the United States, Winner is responsible for all federal, state and local taxes. Winner agrees that TME may post his/her name on web or advertising. Entrants are allowed only one entry per giveaway. We respect your privacy and will not disclose your email address to to a third party. click here to enter (register by Midnight December 14, 2008)

How we select the winner: From the database generated by this web site, we import all the entries into a spreadsheet. We then select a number using the random number generator at random.org. The person who's entry has that line number in the spreadsheet is the winner

We're back from the Toledo Show

2008-04-10T13:05:00.000-07:00

We really enjoyed meeting many of you at the Toledo show this past week. All that came by had great questions about how our products connect to each other and why. This has prompted us to plan to create a series of videos to explain how our balancer connects to the Xtrema Charger to make the most flexible and safe balancing charger system on the market.

The photo is of our demo setup at the show. Attaching the components with Velcro onto a flat board or piece of Plexiglas is a great way to make things neat while charging. Keep checking back to see our charger in action.

And to those of you that came by to see us, thanks for making the show a big success.

Balancers are Shipping!

2008-02-13T06:52:00.000-08:00

We are very busy getting out our hundreds of back orders for our new balancer. So if you are one of the many that have ordered our new balancing system please bear with us just a little longer. We are performing our calibration and final test in small batches so that we can get our oldest orders out the door ASAP.

If you didn't place an advance order because we didn't have stock, the wait is over. We expect to get all caught up by the end of the week.

Our balancer when combined with our Xtrema Charger / Wattmeter is a combination that can't be beat. With many new features that will leave the competition scratching their heads. Like the capability of automatically detecting and handling up to 4 balancing pigtails of packs configured in series or parallel! All this power is configured fully automatic with cell count verification! It doesn't get any easier. All balancing connections are fully optically isolated so that worrying about balancer order and battery order are a thing of the past. A universal 0.1" spaced connector that fits most balancing plugs with an optional inexpensive 2mm spaced adapter that fits the remaining brands. No damage to battery or balancer if balancer plug is reversed, even when connected to four different battery packs! This system gives you unmatched safety when connecting balancer leads.

The balancer in stand alone provides many firsts for TME. Like a jumper to select between M1 cells from A123 or standard Li Ion/Polymer/Manganese batteries. Or an LED to signal how far out of balance your pack is that you can watch as it balances your pack. It also features our standard FREE updates for life with downloads available on the Internet.

Another BIG first is the ability to use the balancer with your PC! This gives you access to some hidden features like watching individual cell voltages while balancing! Or watching individual cell voltages while your battery is under pressure from YOUR systems load! Or how about customizing the min and max voltages of balance operation to your preferences. And there are other features planned to keep the competition worried! FREE to TME users of course!

The Xtrema Balancer, another reason the Xtrema is the leader of the pack!

Dave Barden is the winner of our December Xtrema Giveaway!

2007-12-16T07:57:00.000-08:00

Dave Barden from Seattle, Washington is the new winner of a brand new Xtrema Charger Wattmeter. Congratulations Dave, we will send out your Xtrema right away!

We will be offering another FREE Xtrema to a lucky person on May 3, 2008. If your name is selected you will receive this high end combination charger / wattmeter a $189.95 value!

The rules are simple: Void where prohibited by law. There is no cost to enter. You must be 18 yrs or older and a legal resident of the United States, Winner is responsible for all federal, state and local taxes. Winner agrees that TME may post his/her name on web or advertising. Entrants are allowed only one entry per giveaway. We respect your privacy and will not disclose your email address to to a third party. click here to enter (register by Midnight May 3, 2008)

How we select the winner: From the database generated by this web site, we import all the entries into a spreadsheet. We then select a number using the random number generator at random.org. The person who's entry has that line number in the spreadsheet is the winner

Announcing the Xtrema Lithium Balancer System

2007-11-22T14:07:00.000-08:00

Finally, TME is proud to announce our new Xtrema Lithium Balancer (model XTR-BAL) has gone to production and will be available in January! The wait is over for Xtrema users that have wanted an integrated balancer. When you see all the incredible features packed into this little unit, allowing simple and safe operation, you will realize it was worth the wait.

TME's strength has always been the simplicity we incorporate into our high tech products. We now have the most advanced and feature rich, yet easy to use, Lithium balancer on the market. It is the first ever balancer to feature three modes of operation; Stand Alone, PC Controlled and the long awaited Integrated Xtrema Balance Charging System.

STAND ALONE

When plugged directly into your battery balance connector, it automatically balance up to 6s packs, has full reverse plug-in protection and supports M1 cells (A123 Systems) via a jumper option. On board STATUS LED constantly displays how much your cells are imbalanced, letting you know exactly how bad things are while the imbalance is going away! A TME first!

Standard 0.1” spaced square post pins plug into most popular balancer connectors (Apogee, Vampower, X-Caliber, Dualsky, Kokam and many others.) Adapters are readily available for connecting to Thunder Power, Apex and other non-standard spaced balance connectors.
PC CONTROLLED

With the optional Xtrema Data cable (XTR-232 or XTR-USB) you can monitor individual cell voltages, run tests and customize your balancer via a PC. You will know exactly which cell has a problem and know exactly what it is doing. Another TME first!

We also have a 100KHz I2C interface for engineers, experimenters and OEM applications. Email us for more information.

FREE updates for life has been the hallmark of the Xtrema brand. Whenever we add features or improvements to the balancer you may either send it back to us or update it yourself as a free download on the net. Many battery test and program discharge features are presently available with more battery tests planned for the future. FREE updates are a solid investment against planned obsolescence!

INTEGRATED Xtrema BALANCE CHARGING SYSTEM

Last but not least, our new balancer along with the new Xtrema Balancer Interface Module (XTR-BIM) brings fully integrated balancing to the Xtrema Lithium Charger. The optically isolated interface supports two balancers each and can be paired up to provide up to 4 optically isolated balancing connections! This means you can simultaneously balance up to 4 series or 4 parallel packs connected to separate balancers but charged as one giant pack! The isolation makes connecting balancers worry free since there is no way to get dangerous shorts if the sequence or polarity is wrong. Yet another TME first! Bringing the most sophisticated and flexible integrated balancing system to high end Lithium chargers on the market.

Quick Summary of Preliminary Features:

Three modes of operation- Stand alone, PC Interface and Integrated Xtrema Charger (via optional XTR-232, XTR-USB and XTR-BIM accessories)
Supports all lithium batteries M1/Lipo, Li Manganese via jumper select
LED indicator reports cell imbalance in 10 mv. Increments while balancing

FREE firmware updates for life!
Fully automatic balancing up to 6s cells prevents over and under Li cell voltage
Advanced DSP software Balances cells to within +/- 5 mv.
FAST .420 Amps per cell peak discharge rate!
Reverse current polarity protection!
Connector is standard .100” spacing with .025” square pins in cell voltage order
Monitor individual cell voltage via PC interface.
Adds integrated balancing to the Xtrema (with optional XTR-BIM) automatically supporting
up to 4 series or parallel packs in any order!
Programmable Max Volts from 3.000V to 4.200V in 1 mv steps via PC interface
Programmable Minimum voltage from 2.800V to 3.100V in 1 mv steps via PC interface
Programmable balanced discharge to any voltage from 3.000V to 4.200V in 1 mv steps via
PC interface
Fast opto isolated 100 kHz I2C interface for advanced users and OEM applications.
Many more PC controllable features!

NOTE: Specifications subject to improve and are based on development progress to date.

So how much will all this battery saving technology cost? The Xtrema Balancer (model XTR-BAL) will retail for only $34.95. The BIM - Balancer Interface Module (model XTR-BAL) capable of supporting two balancers plus two ribbon cables will retail for only $49.95. Additional ribbon cables will sell for $3.95. The data cable is the same one used by the Xtrema so if you already have one you are all set to go, otherwise they are already on our web site listed as XTR-USB or XTR-232. And, of course, we will have several bundle combos when you order direct online.

Now taking advance orders. Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter or enter our Xtrema Giveaway to be on our mailing list of special deals. We hate SPAM too so rest assured we do not rent or sell your email address and you may instantly unsubscribe at any time.

Our Support Forum is back up!

2007-10-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

We have done away with our old board and have transferred all our content to our new message forum. Our old forum had many security holes and was no longer supported leaving us vulnerable to cyber attacks by web robots. OK, I know that sounds dramatized a bit, but actually there are programs and people out there that do nothing but post porn and drug ads on open forums somehow bypassing all the security that was in place.

If you had a direct link to our forum bookmarked please note that the new link has changed to http://www.tmenet.com/forums This new forum has many cool options especially in the way of changing the look an layout of the board. Some themes mimic other boards you may already be use to. If you join our free open forum, be sure to look around in your profile so that you can fully customize your experience.

If you are a previous member of the old board please double check all the options and your avatar in your profile to make sure they are as you want them.

Albert

We have a new Xtrema Winner!

2007-09-01T08:42:00.000-07:00

John Michlitsch from Liberty, Missouri is the new winner of a brand new Xtrema Charger Wattmeter. Congratulations John, we will send out your Xtrema upon verifying your address.

We will be offering another FREE Xtrema to a lucky person on December 15, 2007. If your name is selected you will receive this high end combination charger / wattmeter a $189.95 value!

The rules are simple: Void where prohibited by law. There is no cost to enter. You must be 18 yrs or older and a legal resident of the United States, Winner is responsible for all federal, state and local taxes. Winner agrees that TME may post his/her name on web or advertising. Entrants are allowed only one entry per giveaway. We respect your privacy and will not disclose your email address to to a third party. click here to enter (register by Midnight December 15, 2007)

How we select the winner: From the database generated by this web site, we import all the entries into a spreadsheet. We then select a number using the random number generator at random.org. The person who's entry has that line number in the spreadsheet is the winner

New XtremaLog BETA Release Available

2007-08-13T20:03:00.000-07:00

There is a new XtremaLog update available on our download page. The new beta version 1.1.0b has several significant improvements. They are:

Added a button to “Check for Com Ports”. This makes it easy to find new USB ports plugged in while the XtremaLog is running.
The Print function will automatically scale to fill the page, and is not dependent on the current size of the XtremaLog program window.
Added the print dialog to select a printer rather than assuming the default printer.
Added a new popup panel on the Analyze tab when clicking to view the points. This is a panel that can be moved around on the screen by grabbing the blue border and dragging it to another location.
Changed all references to time to be in the Xtrema format of HH:MM:SS.
Added a button on the help box so that the instructions can be printed.
Changed the Capture output file for Watts mode. There will be the same number of columns regardless of if the Xtrema is in [STORED] mode or not.
Removed the dependency on the file “Interop.SHDocVw.dll”. This file is no longer required

If you would like to be alerted of new updates, you can sign up to be on our update list and get informed any time we release a new product improvement. You privacy is always respected and your email address will never be sold or rented to a third party. You will be able to remove yourself from the list at any time.

If you would like to be kept up to date of Private deals and RC tips and tricks, sign up for our newsletter and stay informed.

NEWS FLASH !

Our balancer is in Beta test so stay tuned for updates and be the first to own one.

NEW Xtrema Production Releases

2007-06-12T14:53:00.000-07:00

We have just uploaded new production releases of the Xtrema Charger/Wattmeter Firmware (Version 1.2.0) AND the latest Windows XtremaLog program (version 1.0.1) This new release set adds data logging features to the charger and wattmeter. (formerly in beta) If you have been running the beta version of the XtremaLog program we suggest you download and install the new production version as it fixes a small bug that caused a failed capture if the temperature probe was not plugged in. The new XtremaLog program also now features a convenient installer program making installing and un-installing much easier.

Along with the new program releases we have updated the Xtrema Instruction Manual and have expanded it to 35 pages! In the new manual we added instructions on how to update the firmware and added operation instructions for the XtremaLog program. We also have a breakdown of the file format for captured files in case you would like to import the data into your favorite spreadsheet program.

As usual the new programs and instructions can be found in our downloads section of our web site.

Xtrema Li - Balancer Introduced at SEFF

2007-04-26T17:55:00.001-07:00

Yes you have all been asking about it and we are finally showing our hottest new product and our next big upgrade to the Xtrema. The Xtrema Balancer is a 2-6 cell Li Balancer that balances all Li rechargable batteries down to 2.8 volts/cell. Like the Xtrema we are offering free updates for life so that you can feel secure that you will always have the latest technology and the coolest new features. It can operate in three modes: stand alone, stand alone with data cable, and integrated with the Xtrema via the BIM (Balancer Interface Module) (( Yeah I know it has a NASA type techie name but guess what? Engineers from Florida are geeks so it's OK!))

Stand alone with the optional data cable the Xtrema Balancer offers some cool features never seen before: (same cable as used with the Xtrema) You can start or stop balance from your computer while watching the indiviual cell voltages displayed. It will also discharge to a specified voltage. (another way to get storage charge) You can also specify a programmable maximum voltage to allow you maximise the life of your cells. And like the Xtrema, data cable owners will be able to download updates FREE from Internet without having to return the unit to us.

When the Balancer is connected to the Xtrema with the BIM you will be able to gang one or two of them together to get up to 12 cell balancing (M1 cells) fully integrated into the Xtrema Charger/Wattmeter. It will also add bullet proof cell count verification to the Xtrema. The BIM provides all the necessary opto isolation and communications channels to allow you to hook up your stacked packs with out fear of accidental shorts.

While this design is still under development we hope to have it fully tested and in production by the end of the summer. While we have not fully gone through a costing of the balancer we hope to have it retail for under $35. The BIM and all the necessary connection cables to support up to two balancers should be under $49.

Stay tuned for release dates:

New Xtrema Giveaway Winner!

2007-04-21T08:13:00.000-07:00

Ryan Stokes from Two Rivers, Wisconsin is the new winner of a brand new Xtrema Charger Wattmeter. Congratulations Ryan, we will send out your Xtrema upon verifying your address.

We will be offering another FREE Xtrema to a lucky person on September 1, 2007. If your name is selected you will receive this high end combination charger / wattmeter a $189.95 value!

The rules are simple: Void where prohibited by law. There is no cost to enter. You must be 18 yrs or older and a legal resident of the United States, Winner is responsible for all federal, state and local taxes. Winner agrees that TME may post his/her name on web or advertising. Entrants are allowed only one entry per giveaway. We respect your privacy and will not disclose your email address to to a third party. click here to enter (register by Midnight August 31, 2007)

How we select the winner: From the database generated by this web site, we import all the entries into a spreadsheet. We then select a number using the random number generator at random.org. The person who's entry has that line number in the spreadsheet is the winner

John Glezzelis Wins 2007 E-TOC

2007-04-14T20:36:00.000-07:00

As one of the proud sponsors of the 2007 E-TOC event we are pleased to announce that John Glezzelis has won the title of World Champion of the Electric Tournament of Champions. Congratulations John for your hard work and your amazing freestyle. In addition to winning the title, a trophy and a check , John has won a brand new Xtrema Lithium Charger / Wattmeter.

Check out his winning freestyle performance below!

XtremaLog Version 1.0,0b is Here!

2007-03-09T01:00:00.000-08:00

You can now download the beta version of the XtremaLog Charge and Power Analyzer program. This one program communicates with the Xtrema Li Charger-Wattmeter and provides firmware updates, plots your charge sessions and plots your wattmeter with powerful analyzing tools.

Click here to download.

Sneak Peak at the new XtremaLog program!

2007-02-18T09:02:00.000-08:00

We have been promising you that the Xtrema will offer powerful charge and power analyzer features via our optional data cable and your computer. Well, after a few more tweaks we will be releasing it to our beta testers. Here is `a sneak peak of a screen capture of the XtremaLog output displaying a graph of a 10s1p "m1" pack that was charged.

Click on the images to enlarge...

Xtremalog will also log data while the Xtrema is being used as a wattmeter Have you ever tried to use a wattermeter to study a new motor/battery setup and realized you had to write a bunch of changing numbers while you ran up your motor to see if your system was in spec? With the XtremaLog program used as a power analyzer, you can let your computer log the numbers and analyze your results later! The dual superimposed display lets you compare your performance to a previous run for more powerful analysis! The XtremaLog will be released to beta test as soon as we put in all the finishing touches and make sure it works well for us.

Remember, the best part is that this is a FREE update for Xtrema data cable owners.

If you own a data cable please be sure to sign up for update announcements on our special sign up page.

USB data cables are available!

2007-02-15T09:04:00.000-08:00

We have recently released a new version of our data cable that comes bundled with an USB to RS-232 adapter. We also make the adapter available separately for those that already have one. Click here to order.

Xtrema Beta Version 1.2.0b Released!

2007-01-15T15:32:00.000-08:00

We have just released a firmware update that adds one of the biggest new features that will become very visible in the weeks ahead. This version adds output capabilities to the Xtrema during charger and wattmeter operation. A new windows application will be released soon, called XtremaLog, that will use this data to turn your Xtrema into a charge and power analyzer!

Of course the XremaLog will be a FREE utility to be used with the data cable and the Xtrema. This one release makes the Xtrema a charger, a wattmeter and a charge and power analyzer with your PC. Lots of exciting stuff will be announced this year so keep checking back.

Albert

We have a new Winner!

2006-12-16T10:05:00.000-08:00

Bill Raines from Nashville, Tennessee is the new winner of a brand new Xtrema Charger Wattmeter. Congratulations Bill, we will send out your Xtrema upon verifying your address. Merry Christmas Bill.

We will be offering another FREE Xtrema to a lucky person on April 21, 2006 If your name is selected you will receive this high end combination charger / wattmeter a $239.95 value!

The rules are simple: Void where prohibited by law. There is no cost to enter. You must be 18 yrs or older and a legal resident of the United States, Winner is responsible for all federal, state and local taxes. Winner agrees that TME may post his/her name on web or advertising. Entrants are allowed only one entry per giveaway. We respect your privacy and will not disclose your email address to to a third party. click here to enter (register by Midnight April 20, 2007)

How we select the winners: From the database generated by this web site, we import all the entries into a spreadsheet. We then select a number using the random number generator at random.org. The person who's entry has that line number in the spreadsheet is the winner!

The Xtrema Data Cables are Ready!

2006-11-13T13:03:00.000-08:00

The first batch of Xtrema Data Cables #XTR-232 have just passed final test in production and are available for direct order online from our special order form. Now you can update your Xtrema as new features and functions are added by simply connecting your Xtrema to your Windows PC. Current firmware versions support A123 M1 batteries so here is a good way to update your charger without having to ship it back to us. The next Xtrema update will add data logging capabilities while charging and analyzing your motor. Data can be saved or printed to compare with future performance.

As an introductory special we are offering free first class shipping to any address in the US and only $5 shipping to anywhere in the world.

Also for a limited time we will give away a free data cable with the purchase of a new Xtrema Charger / Wattmeter when ordered direct online. As always the Xtrema qualifies for FREE shipping in the US. So if you want the hottest new charger on the market order direct and save!

Xtrema Reviewed in FLY RC Magazine

2006-11-06T18:28:00.000-08:00

We are excited to announce that the first review of the Xtrema is out and it gets very high marks.

"The Xtrema performed flawlessly in the many tests we subjected it to—we give it two thumbs up."

Tom Atwood - FLY RC Magazine August 2006

Click here to read the full review ( 2.7 mb pdf file courtesy of FLY RC Magazine) and don't forget to sign up to win a free Xtrema to be given away on December 15, 2006. Also we will announce the availability of the Xtrema data cable later this week so keep checking back!

See the Xtrema at the Don Lowe Masters

2006-10-02T08:58:00.000-07:00

We will be at the Don Lowe Masters in SC. Come by and visit our booth and say hello. We will be offering FREE updates at the show! So if you want your Xtrema updated to version 1.1.1 with support for the new M1 cell then just bring it to our booth.

While you are here, don't forget to register online for the Free Xtrema Giveaway

We have a New Winner!

2006-09-16T06:30:00.000-07:00

Ron Schuur from Anaheim, CA is the new winner of a brand new Xtrema Charger Wattmeter. Congratulations Ron, we will send out your Xtrema upon verifying your address.

We will be offering another FREE Xtrema to a lucky person on December 15, 2006 If your name is selected you will receive this high end combination charger / wattmeter a $239.95 value! The rules are simple: Void where prohibited by law. There is no cost to enter. You must be 18 yrs or older and a legal resident of the United States, Winner is responsible for all federal, state and local taxes. Winner agrees that TME may post his/her name on web or advertising. Entrants are allowed only one entry per giveaway. We respect your privacy and will not disclose your email address to to a third party. click here to enter

How we select the winners: From the database generated by this web site, we import all the entries into a spreadsheet. We then select a number using the random number generator at random.org. The person who's entry has that line number in the spreadsheet is the winner!

Xtrema Version 1.1.1 Released!

2006-08-31T12:54:00.000-07:00

The Xtrema is now shipping with version 1.1.1 firmware. Beta testing on the added support for the new M1 cells from A123 Systems went well and quick.

Other than the M1 changes, the only other change made to the Xtrema from the original release version 1.0.0 is cosmetic. In the "Are You Sure?" screen just before charging we changed the safety timer from displaying "min" to show "abt". That means that the Safety Timer abort setting of 120 minutes will now display "120abt" instead of "120 min". It was felt by one of our beta testers that a novice user might misinterpret the "120min" to be an estimated charge time and not an abort timer used for safety.

Don't forget to register for the Free Xtrema Giveaway

Xtrema Charges M1 Cells!

2006-08-11T06:52:00.000-07:00

Not only are we busy getting out our first production run of Xtrema's out the door, but we have already been working on our first product update. We have been charging the new incredible M1 cells manufactured by A123 Systems. Also known as A123 Hypersonic Lithium Batteries and used by Dewalt in their new 36 Volt series. These batteries can accept pulse discharges of up to 60C (138 Amps) and 30C (69 A) continuous!

This makes us the first American manufacturer to produce an intelligent programmable multi-cell charger for these cells. Testing is underway so keep checking back for more updates!

Don't forget to register for the Free Xtrema Giveaway

Xtrema Shipping!

2006-07-29T21:48:00.000-07:00

Finally our first production run is ready for shipment!

If you have reserved an Xtrema, you will be contacted very soon. (we have not forgotten you!) If you did not reserve one, then simply go to your favorite dealer and DEMAND that he carry this state of the art charger!

By the second week in August they will be fully available to dealers via our distributors in the US. Your favorite local or mail order dealer should have quick access by then. But hurry, our production runs will be limited until we can gauge what our volume will be.

Don't forget to register for the Free Xtrema Giveaway

Here are a bunch of Xtrema's waiting to be packaged.

GIVEAWAY UPDATE

2006-07-01T05:21:00.000-07:00

The deadline for the first Xtrema giveaway is over. The winner is
Steve Williams from Edmore, MI. Congratulations Steve you will get an Xtrema from our first manufacturing run.

Due to the success of this first giveawy we will be offering another FREE Xtrema to a lucky person on September 1, 2006 If your name is selected you will receive this high end combination charger / wattmeter a $239.95 value!

The rules are simple: Void where prohibited by law. There is no cost to enter. You must be 18 yrs or older and a legal resident of the United States, Winner is responsible for all federal, state and local taxes. Winner agrees that TME may post his/her name on web or advertising. Entrants are allowed only one entry per giveaway.

We respect your privacy and will not disclose your address to to a third party.
click here to enter