Hi,
After searching a ton of info about chinese clone MPPS versions I want to share
the bit of information that worked for me when had to purchase a good working MPPS clone for hobbyist use.
There are two versions you can buy today: V18 and V21.
V21: more modern but has caused thousands of people a ton of headaches by locking themselves after 10 uses and left them stranded with a 20 to 30usd plastic and not so heavy paperweight.
V18: a bit older and some people have reported issues, but others have not. Why?
It is hard to find but there is one chinese page that shows the difference between a good clone and a bad clone, hardware and software wise
Hardware: when looking for an MPPS cable to purchase, only do so for a V18 version and with pictures of their boards in the description or reviews. There are some clones that will change the circled resistors (511) for others like 101 or 102, which are not correct as per the original pcb. Also, the diodes circled sometimes are missing. They are ESD Can protector diodes PESD1CAN (3 pin) and PRTR5V0U2X (4 pin). If you get a bad clone, you can rework them with these components, but making sure to purchase a good one in first place will save you headaches. Some have been working without issues without the 4 pin diode, so if you get one withou it, it may be worth a try.
Software: a V18 MPPS HAS to be used with a V18 software. Sometimes they ship it with V21 software without notice and it'll kill it after 10 uses like has happened to other poeple. So make sure to verify your software before using it, and if this happens to you text the seller and ask him to send the correct software.
Hope this info is useful and that helps you make a good purchase.
Kind regards,
