Dsinned
Well-known member
Being a JuiceBox owner, one of the best features of the competing OpenEVSE is that it apparently has a RTC function in hardware.
This feature is not (yet?) available in a JB; not even in the so-called "Premium" unit. Because of this I have to repeatedly set "the clock" running in software to the correct time, so the timer initiates a charge at the actually scheduled time. Setting the time can be easily accomplished with the Remote Key Fob and menu driven user interface on the uLCD, but still a PITA, because it has to be done so often. I'm told with the WiFi option, the JB will eventually be able to set/maintain the actual time via an Internet connection, as well as self-update to newer versions of firmware. Once that is available JuiceBox will surely become more popular with the EV community.
In order of priority, with perhaps an increase in total cost, here are my "wish list" items for the JuiceBox:
1. Real time clock
2. iPhone App
3. Larger display screen
4. Safety Agency approval
5. Dual J1772 (40A total) outputs for charging two EVs in a load sharing mode, or sequentially
The first four are probably in the works for release to production by early next year. The last is truly a wish list item but would be a highly desirable enhancement for those of us that already own/drive two EVs. The time it takes to fully recharge my two EVs on average is around 4 hours each, so a dual output EVSE should still be able to complete an overnight charge of both cars during off-peak rate periods.
This feature is not (yet?) available in a JB; not even in the so-called "Premium" unit. Because of this I have to repeatedly set "the clock" running in software to the correct time, so the timer initiates a charge at the actually scheduled time. Setting the time can be easily accomplished with the Remote Key Fob and menu driven user interface on the uLCD, but still a PITA, because it has to be done so often. I'm told with the WiFi option, the JB will eventually be able to set/maintain the actual time via an Internet connection, as well as self-update to newer versions of firmware. Once that is available JuiceBox will surely become more popular with the EV community.
In order of priority, with perhaps an increase in total cost, here are my "wish list" items for the JuiceBox:
1. Real time clock
2. iPhone App
3. Larger display screen
4. Safety Agency approval
5. Dual J1772 (40A total) outputs for charging two EVs in a load sharing mode, or sequentially
The first four are probably in the works for release to production by early next year. The last is truly a wish list item but would be a highly desirable enhancement for those of us that already own/drive two EVs. The time it takes to fully recharge my two EVs on average is around 4 hours each, so a dual output EVSE should still be able to complete an overnight charge of both cars during off-peak rate periods.