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Spectro Series Battery Rapid TestersOverviewSpecial FeaturesTest ResultsBatteriesSpectro PC SoftwareSpecsOrdering
Special Features

Hand-held Battery Rapid-Tester reads Capacity

Most rapid-testers evaluate the battery performance by measuring internal resistance (conductivity). The two common methods are DC load and single frequency AC conductance (singe frequency). While conductivity estimates cranking information for starter batteries, it does not disclose capacity. Capacity defines the energy a battery can store and offers the most comprehensive information regarding battery health. Capacity is also the most difficult to measure and in the past could only be obtained by means of a full discharge/charge cycle. This procedure is time consuming and wears the battery down.

Cadex realized the need for rapid capacity estimation and developed the Spectro™ technology. The resulting Spectro CA-12 is based on multi-model electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, a technology that has opened the door to an entirely new way of battery testing.

Detects batteries in fringe performance area
The strength of a battery tester is in identifying anomalies while the battery is still functioning. The Spectro CA-12 provides a linear state-of-health test range from 0 to 90%, meaning that the instrument can spot abnormalities before a performance drop is noticeable. This allows replacement of battery before failure occurs. The single-frequency method offers a typical operating range of 0 to 70% SoH. Encroaching anomalies in the critical 70 to 100% SoH range are hidden and a bad battery may check out as good. In many cases, an abnormality can only be identified after the battery has failed.
The linear test range of Spectro™ extends from 0 to 90% SoH. Anomalies are found before a performance drop is noticeable The linear test range of single frequency testers is limited to 0 to 70% SoH. This allows weak batteries to hide.



Supports many battery architectures
Randal components
The Spectro CA-12 services lead acid batteries in flooded, gelled, AGM and spirally wound systems. Typical applications are:
  • Deep cycle batteries for golf carts, scissor lifts, people movers, wheelchairs
  • Starter batteries for automotive, military, marine
Each battery system and group requires its own matrix. The CA-12 can accommodate matrices; additional matrices can be stored on the PC-Companion software for download to the CA-12.


Prints reports, interfaces with PC
sample Label
The printer interfaces to the CA-12 by an infrared link. A label sample is shown on the right.
Printer

The Spectro CA-12 comes with PC-Companion software to keep a database, download test results, print reports and upgrade firmware. RS232 or optional Bluetooth interface; infrared link to optional label printer.



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Spectro Series Battery Rapid Testers
Benefits & Applications
Reads capacity, conductivity and state-of-charge without discharging; reduces test time to seconds and finds hidden battery faults.

Find out more about how Cadex Battery Rapid Testers can help in these applications:

Benefits & Applications
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