Inspired by Maine's report, I bought an Argus batter tester. It's an AA400, not a '500 like Maine's. The difference is mine lacks a printer interface, and doesn't report internal resistance and conductance. I have a vague recollection that it's possible to calculate these manually based on AA400 readings, but I may have been fantasizing; in any event, it's not important, I don't think. While you really want internal resistance to evaluate deep cycle batteries, I think the test is essentially the same, and the CCA rating performance will give you an excellent view of the battery's health.
I heard that these testers aren't available in the U.S any longer due to Argus losing a patent lawsuit, but I can't be sure that's so. The Argus website says "not offered in U.S." for all of these. The AA500P is no longer on Amazon, 'though the AA400 is, for about $290. I bought mine, new, in the box on eBay for $135. Caveat emptor! Support in the U.S. may be unavailable.
The device is neat! It is very well made, the design and build quality are superb. It is in a durable plastic case with rubbery features, and very nice test leads and clips with robust, molded rubber strain reliefs. The clips take a nice bite on the lead battery terminals. Included is a very nice woven nylon field case with a window so the device isn't removed for use.
There's no battery, it's powered from the battery under test. This is nice, but it also means it drops the test result when you disconnect it. I just write down results, or take a pic of the display with my iPhone.
It's easy to use, and the results are reasonably clear. One thing to be careful of is the quality of the connection of the device to the battery under test. Make sure it's solidly connected to the large, lead battery terminals, and rotate the clamped terminals back and forth a bit to make sure they are taking a good bite.
Setup is easy for what most of us will see in the U.S. - SAE standard CCA - Cold Cranking Amps. My new deep discharge batts have this rating on the label, so it's easy.
The device reports state of charge, battery voltage, battery life - percent of CCA achieved, I believe - and cranking health, if you perform an engine cranking test; if so, when the engine starts it reports on alternator function, i.e., voltage and ripple (indirectly, just saying O.K. or not).
So, my questions.
1. My motorcycle battery is an Excide maintenance-free battery rated at 12V/19Ah. I believe the Ah rating is based on a 10 hour discharge. What should I select for rating standard and value when testing this?
2. Is the CCA test a good indicator for life of a deep cycle battery?
Thanks,
jv
I heard that these testers aren't available in the U.S any longer due to Argus losing a patent lawsuit, but I can't be sure that's so. The Argus website says "not offered in U.S." for all of these. The AA500P is no longer on Amazon, 'though the AA400 is, for about $290. I bought mine, new, in the box on eBay for $135. Caveat emptor! Support in the U.S. may be unavailable.
The device is neat! It is very well made, the design and build quality are superb. It is in a durable plastic case with rubbery features, and very nice test leads and clips with robust, molded rubber strain reliefs. The clips take a nice bite on the lead battery terminals. Included is a very nice woven nylon field case with a window so the device isn't removed for use.
There's no battery, it's powered from the battery under test. This is nice, but it also means it drops the test result when you disconnect it. I just write down results, or take a pic of the display with my iPhone.
It's easy to use, and the results are reasonably clear. One thing to be careful of is the quality of the connection of the device to the battery under test. Make sure it's solidly connected to the large, lead battery terminals, and rotate the clamped terminals back and forth a bit to make sure they are taking a good bite.
Setup is easy for what most of us will see in the U.S. - SAE standard CCA - Cold Cranking Amps. My new deep discharge batts have this rating on the label, so it's easy.
The device reports state of charge, battery voltage, battery life - percent of CCA achieved, I believe - and cranking health, if you perform an engine cranking test; if so, when the engine starts it reports on alternator function, i.e., voltage and ripple (indirectly, just saying O.K. or not).
So, my questions.
1. My motorcycle battery is an Excide maintenance-free battery rated at 12V/19Ah. I believe the Ah rating is based on a 10 hour discharge. What should I select for rating standard and value when testing this?
2. Is the CCA test a good indicator for life of a deep cycle battery?
Thanks,
jv
