Looking for a battery analyzer
#1
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I'm not into too much RCs anymore but I still do tons of things with batteries. I'm looking for something that can give me accurate life on batteries. I'm looking to match cels, mostly Sub C ones and cel phone batteries. I'm also spending a lot of money on UPS and would be nice to see how much life those batteries have left.
So far the only modern one i've found is the west mountain CBA 4 (http://www.westmountainradio.com/pro...oducts_id=cba4). It seems great for matching NiMH and probably would work with Cel Phone batteries too. I think it will be decent for UPS batteries too, but it can only do 120W so i'll need to get attachments to give it a true load of around 200-300W.
I love the PC hookup and this seems to be one of the few left that can support that.
I've seen many DIY auriuno options, but I don't think i have time to build one and would be heavy duty enough for UPS 12v Pb. Also I hate programming
Anyone seen any other options, possible with a charger built in also?
So far the only modern one i've found is the west mountain CBA 4 (http://www.westmountainradio.com/pro...oducts_id=cba4). It seems great for matching NiMH and probably would work with Cel Phone batteries too. I think it will be decent for UPS batteries too, but it can only do 120W so i'll need to get attachments to give it a true load of around 200-300W.
I love the PC hookup and this seems to be one of the few left that can support that.
I've seen many DIY auriuno options, but I don't think i have time to build one and would be heavy duty enough for UPS 12v Pb. Also I hate programming

Anyone seen any other options, possible with a charger built in also?
#2
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Check out the FMA Powerlab chargers because I think they have a regen that will use CBA format to get a graph. They are amoung the top chargers too.
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i use the CBA II and it works great. You are able to plug it intot he computer and do all your adjustments and monitor the discharging from there. It is a cool analyzer. The customer service is excellent too! 
Hope that helps,
Mike

Hope that helps,
Mike
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The internal resistance value is only used as a guide which ever way it's tested. You will get a different measurement when the battery is used in it's specific application.
Different ambiant temps change the values, colder temp higher value. different C rated packs will have a difference in readings.
but as a whole, taken a log of the readings every 3-4weeks at the same voltage point in the charge.
If the readings rise a bit quickly from previous recordings, it's not going good
If one cell is weakening that's easier to see as the reading is there in real time.
But it is a guide and you need to look for changes that are occurring with the charges at the same voltage point. You can set the power lab to beep at 40-100% fuel level with 2%increments, i have mine set at 90% and if i'm nearby i take a note of the reading.
Different ambiant temps change the values, colder temp higher value. different C rated packs will have a difference in readings.
but as a whole, taken a log of the readings every 3-4weeks at the same voltage point in the charge.
If the readings rise a bit quickly from previous recordings, it's not going good
If one cell is weakening that's easier to see as the reading is there in real time.
But it is a guide and you need to look for changes that are occurring with the charges at the same voltage point. You can set the power lab to beep at 40-100% fuel level with 2%increments, i have mine set at 90% and if i'm nearby i take a note of the reading.
#6
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ORIGINAL: Goldenduff
Hey Guver, does the FMA powerlab 8 test internal resitance accurately? Thanks
Hey Guver, does the FMA powerlab 8 test internal resitance accurately? Thanks