Advanced Battery and System Analyzer

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Which tester is ideal for testing 6V batteries?

The AA1000 series and AA360 testers are designed to test both 6V and 12V batteries. For testing 6V batteries used in automotive of heavy duty (electric vehicle) applications, the AA1000 or AA1000RP (with printer) is recommended.    

Are the AATPR20 and AATPR10 printers interchangeable?

No.  Though they appear nearly identical, these two printers are not interchangeable.  The AATPR10 will work only with the AA500P tester.  The AATPR20 includes newer features that are compatible only with the AA1000 series and AA360 testers.  

Which Argus tester is appropriate for testing UPS batteries?

The Argus AA1000RP is the correct tester for most 12V UPS battery applications.  Results may be displayed in units of internal resistance (ohms), siemens (MHO), or converted to other rating systems such as CCA, or A.  Importantly, the LPR test technology of the AA1000RP allows testing of 12V batteries while they remain on-line.  Using the Argus AA1000RP, there is no need to shut down the system and remove the batteries for testing. 

Will the CrankCheck technology work with diesel engines using glow plugs?

Yes, Argus testers and monitors using CrankCheck can be used on batteries for starting diesel engines.  Battery Bug, (BB-SBM) results and AA tester results of CrankCheck testing will not be affected by the glow plug loads prior to starting the battery. 

What types of batteries can be tested?

Any lead acid 12V battery with a nominal CCA rating of 200CCA or greater can be tested.  This includes wet/flooded, maintenance free, gel, and AGM batteries. 

Can the tester be used to measure batteries installed in parallel?

Argus AA series testers use Large Pulse Resistance to measure internal resistance.  The test will measure all resistance between the tester clamps including the resistance of the parallel connection cables. 

Set a reference value equal to the sum of the rated values of the parallel batteries, up to a total of 2000CCA.

For the most accurate results it is recommended that the parallel connection cables be removed and each battery be tested individually.  The testers also use the CrankCheck test.  For the CrankCheck test, the batteries can remain in a parallel configuration.

Can the tester be used to test two 12V batteries in series?

Yes.  To understand the performance of any series pack, each battery should be tested individually.  You need not disconnect the batteries from each other or from the vehicle to test.  After performing a Battery Life test on the second battery, perform the Cranking Health test.  Note: The AA tester may be damaged if connected to 24V.

How do I test 12V batteries connected together in a pack?

If the batteries are in series, you do not need to disconnect them from each other to test.  You can safely and accurately test each battery individually as long as you attach only across a single 12V battery.  CAUTION:  Connecting the tester to 24V of potential can fatally damage the tester.

If the batteries (12V) are in parallel, you can safely test the pack.  For pack testing, select a reference value that is the sum of the rated value of all parallel batteries.  In parallel configurations we suggest disconnecting the batteries from each other, and testing each battery separately to increase the accuracy of your measurements.

Does the tester work on GEL batteries?

Yes.  The AA300, 350, 400, 500P testers will test GEL and other types of batteries.  Select the WET/MF setting at the start of the test sequence and the tester will convert measured internal resistance to the selected rating standard.  

 

Is the paper for the AATPR10/20 of a standard size available on the market?

Yes and no.  The width of the paper is standard (58mm, 2.25in), as is the thickness (65u.)  The diameter of the roll is non-standard at 23mm, 13/16in.  You may purchase rolls of paper from Argus or from any Argus distributor.  If you wish to source paper in bulk and prepare your own rolls, be sure to roll the paper such that the thermally active side of the paper faces the center of the roll.  More on rolling your own paper.

 

Can more than one AA tester use the same printer?

The printer can be attached and removed in a matter of seconds from any tester with a printer port, much like a battery pack on a cordless drill.  Technically one printer may be easily shared by a number of compatible testers.  

 

Can I customize the AATPR10 printed test report to print our name and address?

Yes.  There are three lines of text at the top of the test report that can be programmed by the user.  Doing so is, of course, optional.  Instructions for how to program the custom report header can be found in the manuals for the tester or printer.  The instructions for programming the AATPR10 are here. 

Does the tester have a battery inside?

The AA500P, and AA1000/360 series testers each have a small 'coin battery' (CR-2032) inside.  This battery preserves the date and time memory that prints on the printed test report.  This battery will normally last 2 to 5 years.  An icon will be shown on the display when this battery needs to be replaced.  The internal battery does not power the test functions.  Power to operate the test is provided exclusively by the battery being tested. 

 

What happens if I connect the tester backwards?

Nothing.  The tester will not be damaged and will not operate until it is connected properly.

 

Does the tester discharge the battery during the LPR test?

No.  While all AA series testers apply a test load of approximately 100A to evaluate battery condition, the load is applied for less than one millisecond, so the total power consumed by the tester is immeasurably small.

 

Can the tester be used for bench testing batteries?

Yes.  Batteries can be tested on the bench by all AA series testers.  The AA350 and AA360 testers are specifically designed for bench testing, and do not include the cranking health and charging system testing features. 

All other testers can also be used for bench testing.  If the battery is not installed in a vehicle, the cranking health and and charging system tests are automatically bypassed in the test routine. 

 

Will the tester work on discharged batteries?

Yes, the AA500P series (500P, 400, 350) testers include algorithms that allow the testing of discharged batteries.  In most situations there is no need to charge a battery before testing. 

However, if the charge level is below 20% of a normally full battery, some test results will be automatically disabled.  If the resting battery voltage is below 6V the tester will not operate.  In this situation, the battery must be charged before testing. 

 

Can test results be printed?

Yes, if you are using the AA500P tester with the printer attached.  The optional test report printer, AATPR10, may be attached to the AA500P tester.  The printer is available as an option or can be purchased as a kit with the AA500P tester.  The part number for the combo kit is AA500PWP. 

 

Can I test 24V systems with an AA tester?

Yes. Most 24V systems are composed of two 12V batteries, and for accuracy, the batteries should be tested individually.  The batteries do not need to be disconnected from each other to test them one at a time.  Test the first battery, then the second, and then perform the cranking health test while the tester is connected to the second battery.  Do not connect the tester across 24V because high voltage can damage the tester and printer. 

 

Can I test 6V batteries with an AA500P, AA400, AA350, AA300, AA200 tester?

The AA500P series tester models are designed for testing only 12V nominal batteries.  Testing a 6V battery will not damage your AA tester, but most of the results of the tests will be omitted or not useful.  All testers will correctly display voltage, and the AA500P will correctly display the battery internal resistance (mOhm) and the Siemens (MHO) value.