Battery Conductance Tester

[tuberider]

i have a battery conductance tester i just bought but you have to enter the cca of the battery. is there a chart somewhere that will convert ah to cca so i can use it on ah rated batteries.

[NewMoon]

There's not a very consistent relationship between AH and CCA ratings - it depends on the design of the battery.

[tuberider]

what would be the cheapest tester out there that will do a conductance test on all battery types, including 6v. i don't need one that prints out your results.

[CharlieJ]

Last time I checked, a Midtronics conductance tester that could be used on UPS banks and test for Ahr capacity remaining was north of $2k.

[tuberider]

i just want to check for dead cells mostly.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by tuberider

i just want to check for dead cells mostly.

You just need a voltmeter and a hydrometer to check that.

[Maine Sail]

Originally Posted by CharlieJ

Last time I checked, a Midtronics conductance tester that could be used on UPS banks and test for Ahr capacity remaining was north of $2k.

Yep for a "real" conductance tester, that is actually pretty accurate the Midtronics stuff is where its at. You used to be able to buy a decent one from Argus but Midtronics sued them for stealing their "secret sauce" or something along those lines and the Argus analyzer has been pulled.

[tuberider]

sailmonkey, i need something for testing sealed batteries

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by tuberider

sailmonkey, i need something for testing sealed batteries

If you're checking sealed batteries for a dead cell, just let them sit for 24 hours, and measure the resting voltage.

If you are needing to know percent of life remaining.......well it looks like life has gotten expensive

[CarlF]

A friend has one of these that he says tests CCA. Only about $70 on Amazon. It doesn't look like it uses a resistance load. To those who understand these such things, does it seem like it could work?

http://www.cloreautomotive.com/sku.php?id=307

Carl

[Maine Sail]

Take it to any West Marine. Deka/East Penn West Marine's battery supplier, provides each WM store with a Midtronics tester. They can test the batts for you especially if you're a good customer.

[tuberider]

Sailmonkey, what voltage drop are you looking at. If you had a 12v battery are you saying that the voltage will keep dropping the longer it sits, or will it drop a couple of volts.

[HopCar]

I used one of these for a couple of years until one of my customers bought it off me. It worked very well but you do need to know the Cold Cranking Amps of the battery being tested. If the CCA isn't on the battery's label, you can get it off the manufacturers website. It's not cheap. I think it sells for about $600.


Digital Battery Analyzer

The Digital Battery Analyzer (model DBA) is an essential tool for all DC system installers, technicians and battery dealers. Simple to use, it performs a complete analysis of battery condition in mere seconds, then displays conclusive data on a large clear LCD readout.

The DBA analyzes 12 and 6 volt lead-acid, gel-cell and AGM batteries of all types with ratings from 100-1400 CCA. It provides information on battery voltage, battery condition and available battery power. This gives you empirical data to assure your customers that their batteries are fine, or to support your recommendation that they be replaced.

The unit is housed in rugged ABS plastic, yet is light-weight and compact for use in cramped battery compartments and portability in tool kits. It comes equipped with 32” polarity color-coded test leads and quick-connect clamps. The DBA indicates whether the clamps have proper contact with battery posts.

Single-battery banks or batteries connected singly in series may be tested without disconnection. Parallel batteries must be disconnected prior to testing.

No internal battery nor external AC power source is required. Clear and concise operating instructions are provided.

Features:
• Analyzes 12 volt and 6 volt lead-acid batteries of all types: flooded, gel-cell or
AGM; deep-cycle or gen/engine start
• Simple three step test procedure provides a comprehensive analysis of batteries in
seconds. (See below.)
• No need to recharge batteries prior to testing; accurate results for batteries in any
state of charge down to 5.5 volts
• Uses sophisticated conductance technology; will not harm or discharge batteries
• Rugged, compact, light-weight case; easy to use even in hard-to-access battery compartments
• Temperature compensation setting when testing batteries below 32˚F (0˚C)
• Handy water-resistant carry-case with shoulder strap provided

Specifications:
Model: DBA - Digital Battery Analyzer
Battery Type: 12 or 6 VDC nominal, lead-acid (flooded, gel or AGM), deep-cycle or gen/engine start
Battery Capacity: 100-1400 CCA (Cold Cranking Amps)
Operating Range: 5.5 - 14.0 VDC
Input Power: Operates on power of battery under test, down to 5.5 VDC
Display Type: LCD
Temp. Range: 32-120˚F (0-50˚C); temperature compensation provided below 32˚F
Protection: Will not be harmed by accidental reverse polarity connection
Case Material: Acid resistant ABS plastic
Size: 9" x 4" x 2.5"
Weight: .9 lb., .4 kg.
Warranty: Two YearsSimple Testing Procedure
1. Clip DBA leads to battery terminals
2. Using touch pad, select battery CCA rating
from display menu
3. Press start test button.
In less than a minute, the unit analyzes then displays:
1. Battery voltage
2. Available power (in CCA)
3. One of the following battery condition readouts:
GOOD BATTERY
GOOD-RECHARGE
CHARGE & RETEST
REPLACE BATTERY
BAD CELL-REPLACE BATTERY

[RUSTYNAIL]

Once you use the MIDTRONICS or NEWMAR tester you will be surprised how well they work. It's best to test your batteries when they are new, then follow the MCA's or CCA's over the life of the batteries. A normal 27 battery should be over 600 MCA's, but you should be able to get a ballpark idea by looking at similar batteries, then check yours. This isn't an exact science but very close. I've tested lots of batteries with the tester. Did one today, a 27 and it was supposed to be 675 and tested at 99 MCA. The charged battery still ran a Rule 1100 pump for an hour straight to pump rain water out of a boat. It magically measures the plate capacity, not the actual voltage charge. Way over my head.

[tuberider]

The tester looks perfect except half the batteries i come across are rated in amp hours. I need to find a chart that will give me a rough estimate of changing ah to cca so i can use the tester on ah rated batteries.i've noticed some batteries have both ratings on the label but not many.