THE PROBLEM
Battery weakness can compromise readiness before it is obvious
Armored vehicles may rely on battery power for hotel load, electronics, communications, and restart after long idle periods. A battery can still crank today while losing the reserve energy needed for the next mission or service interval.
THE CADEX SOLUTION
Validate reserve energy before the vehicle is needed
Spectro CM-24 tests battery health by comparing the battery to a model matrix and estimating capacity, CCA, and state-of-charge. For armored vehicle starter batteries, the pass/fail level is typically set around 50%, giving a practical service threshold before failure.
HOW IT WORKS
A 30-second, non-invasive capacity check
The tester uses Multi-Model EIS to scan the battery and compare the result to a matrix. Results can be stored locally or shared through CadexCloud with vehicle numbers, work orders, and battery history. QR-coded batteries can also bring up past readings and model-specific matrices.
WHY IT MATTERS
Capacity gives the readiness signal
Capacity is the leading health indicator. Many starter batteries fail by capacity fade while CCA can still appear acceptable. Do not rely on cranking strength alone when the vehicle must be mission-ready.
BENEFITS
What users gain
Support maintenance and combat readiness.
Identify weak batteries before the next deployment.
Reduce risk from hotel load and restart failure.
Use QR-code to track battery history.
Share results with maintenance supervisors.
Ideal for
Defense fleets, armored vehicle maintenance teams, military depots, security contractors, and organizations responsible for mission-critical vehicle readiness.
Speak with Cadex
Keep armored vehicles ready when called
Use Cadex Spectro to assess battery capacity, identify risk earlier, and support better service decisions across armored vehicle fleets.
Getting Vehicles Combat Ready
Batteries are improving but lifespans are unknown
The Spectro CM-24 tests battery health by modeling a battery against a matrix to validate Minimum Operational Reserve Energy (MORE) based on capacity, the leading health indicator. The 30-secong test is non-invasive.
The pass/fail level for starter batteries on armored vehicles is usually 50%. A PASS gives a grace period to next service; FAIL calls for replacement even if cranking is still strong.
The Spectro CM-24 comes with a matrix of choice. Other matrices can be downloaded from the Matrix Library by the CadexCloud, a web app that also stores test results and vehicle numbers to share with owners and fleet supervisors.
Batteries in commercial vehicles can be QR-coded to review historic reading and download model-specific matrices by scanning. This feature turns the Spectro CM-24 into an open platform to test virtually any battery.
Cause of Battery Failure
Statistics reveal that 48% of starter batteries fail by capacity fade while only 12% quit by low CCA (Cold Cranking Amp). The Spectro CM-24 reads both values and also detects anomalies.
Matrix Choices
A generic matrix checks starter batteries in consumer auto while custom matrices service large vehicles, machinery and marine vessels. The Spectro CM-24 also tests deep cycle batteries in lead acid and lithium-based chemistries.
How does Spectro work?
Spectro™ deploys Multi-Model EIS by scanning a battery to draw a Nyquist plot that is modeled against a matrix to extract battery capacity, CCA and state-of-charge (SoC). Accuracy is governed by the Matrix Integrity Level (MIL), a value that can be improved by scanning additional batteries of same mode.
Connectivity
Settings are entered through the host with test results shown in numbers and by graphics. The system works in local mode by storing test data in the host with optional connection to CadexCloud to share test results with fleet supervisors.
Saved data includes battery status, charge levels, internal battery resistance and temperature, as well as VIN records and work orders. Compatible printers produce print reports and labels.
How do Batteries Age?
The graph on the right reflects capacity fade of 175 starter batteries, tested by a German luxury car maker. Capacity loss follows the arrow passing through the Capacity End-of-life gate while most CCA readings remain in operating range. A CCA test alone is incomplete.
Capacity assessment with multi-model EIS is of special interest when testing large batteries of up to 300Ah, enabled by EIS Direct Drive. Furthermore, the SoC range for starter batteries has been extended down to 50%.
Specifications
- Uses multi-model electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to read capacity, CCA and SoC.
- Test time 30 seconds with scanning frequency of 2,000Hz to 4Hz. Frequencies to 0.1Hz is available.
- Includes matrix of choice. Other chemistries are on request.
- Capacity and CCA thresholds are 50%. Other settings are on request. Battery must have 50% SoC.
- Test range: 3–12V; 24V on request; 35–300Ah, CCA 2000A. System is non-invasive and stays cool.
- Internal Li-ion battery provides 250 tests with full charge.
- Unit connects to the host by Bluetooth and connects to CadexCloud by Wi-Fi.
- 1 meter (40”) test cable connects to DB15; USB-C charges internal battery with AC adapter.
- D: 182mm (7.16“); W: 96mm (3.78“); H: 47mm (1.85“).430g net (0.94 lb.). Comes in transit case:
- Complies with CSA/UL/CE. RoHS. REACH, RED, WEEE, ISTA 3A, IP52 and FCC Type A.