Battery monitoring software/hardware?

[Woody]

In J.B.'s videos on youtube, I see some very cool computer based battery monitoring tools. I know John has said he is using the West Mountain CBA for discharging, but which model is it?

Also, it appears the software used for monitoring CHARGING is different than that used for discharging. Does anyone know what that might be, if it is different?

Thanks,

-Woody

[Tom C]

In J.B.'s videos on youtube, I see some very cool computer based battery monitoring tools. I know John has said he is using the West Mountain CBA for discharging, but which model is it?

Also, it appears the software used for monitoring CHARGING is different than that used for discharging. Does anyone know what that might be, if it is different?

Thanks,

-Woody

The CBA 4 will do discharge and charge monitoring, that is what I use. its in the software. John is using software called METERVIEW it works with radioshack meters that have serial output.

Tom C

[Woody]

Thanks Tom. Do you have the CBA 4, or the CBA 4 pro? Also, do you or John use the extended software available for the unit?

Thanks again,

-Woody

[Tom C]

stndard software. CBA 4.

Tom C

[Woody]

Thanks Tom. Got one on the way!

[Tom C]

I use mine ALL the time you will not be dissapointed.

Tom C

[Gpilot]

Is this what you would recomend to buy?
CBA IV 4 Computerized Battery Analyzer [CBA4] - $159.99

[John_Koorn]

Yes, that's the one.

John K.

[Woody]

Ok, another question: Can the radio shack meter and/or the CBA IV devices be left connected to a battery that is being charged radiantly (like by an SSG) without damaging them?

Thanks,

-Woody

[Tom C]

I leave my CBA attached to watch charging curves, just for a few cycles.
Tom C

[Woody]

Thanks Tom! I received my CBA today but they sent the CBA III instead of the CBA IV. Shoot. Now I have to send it back and wait for a backorderd CBA IV. As the Tom Petty song goes....."The waiting is the hardest part."

-Woody

[Martin B]

Tom, John, Woody,
Have you ever used your CBA to monitor a charge cycle on a big SSG. I have a solid state charger that draws 2.5~3 Amps and would like to monitor it's charging but I'm worried about blowing my CBA4. The input impedance on most digital multimeters is 10Mohms and we know they survive. But the CBA4 (probably the CBA3 too?) is only 10Kohms!

Thanks,
Martin B

[Tom C]

Tom, John, Woody,
Have you ever used your CBA to monitor a charge cycle on a big SSG. I have a solid state charger that draws 2.5~3 Amps and would like to monitor it's charging but I'm worried about blowing my CBA4. The input impedance on most digital multimeters is 10Mohms and we know they survive. But the CBA4 (probably the CBA3 too?) is only 10Kohms!

Thanks,
Martin B

I have never done huge banks, I am sure if you caled west mountain they would be able to answer your questions.

Tom C

[John_Koorn]

Tom, John, Woody,
Have you ever used your CBA to monitor a charge cycle on a big SSG. I have a solid state charger that draws 2.5~3 Amps and would like to monitor it's charging but I'm worried about blowing my CBA4. The input impedance on most digital multimeters is 10Mohms and we know they survive. But the CBA4 (probably the CBA3 too?) is only 10Kohms!

Thanks,
Martin B

Hi Martin B,

I only have a CBA2, but I've never had a problem monitoring charge cycles on big batteries with a big SG. I've used it to do charge monitor tests on a 10 coiler drawing 6A @ 24v into a large bank without any problems.

John K.

[Dave Wing]

Hi all,

Just wanted to through my 2 cents in here as well. When charging a battery bank with the CBA attached always make sure you have a rock solid connection with the SSG and the battery, you cannot afford one radiant spike to enter the CBA... I know this because a spike took out my CBA and travelled through the USB into my computer and took out anything attached to the USB system. My mouse, keyboard were totally destroyed electronically and I am not sure about the other parts of the computer as I have not taken it in for repairs yet. I know I am going to see a hefty bill and I am a little annoyed at this prospect.

Perhaps use a old designated computer just for CBA testing and not your expensive computer or laptop, because this can happen if you are not careful.


Dave Wing