Argus Analyzers AA1000-RP Support
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Testing Tips and Techniques
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How do I test Spiral or other AGM batteries?
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Using the AA1000/360 series tester you can test ANY battery regardless of the rating system published on its label. Follow these steps:
1. On the tester, select internal resistance, 'Ω' as the rating standard for this test.
2. Determine a reference value for the battery:
- from manufacturers specifications for the battery; or
- by testing an identical battery and recording the internal resistance as measured by the tester.3. Test the suspect battery after entering the internal resistance reference value during test setup.
Category: AA 1000 Series - Tips -
Why does the AA1000/360 series use internal resistance as the test standard for Spiral and other batteries?
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The AA1000/360 series can be used to test all 12V lead acid batteries. VRLA, flat plate AGM, spiral AGM, etc. The AA1000/360 series has a feature that allows battery life testing based on an internal resistance reference value.
For non-standard (other than WET/Maintenance Free for engine cranking) battery types and even for WET batteries designed for deep cycle applications research has shown that conversion factors based 'type' are not sufficiently specific to determine battery life accurately. For the same 'type' of battery, actual conversion factors can vary by more than 40%, from model to model and manufacturer to manufacturer. Using a pre-programmed 'type' selection often leads to significant errors in diagnosis and battery life - up to 100%.
By using an internal resistance based reference value, the inaccuracies of generic type conversions are removed, resulting in much improved test results.
Category: AA 1000 Series - Tips -
How should I test a deep cycle battery?
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Deep cycle batteries are often rated in Amp hours (Ah) and not rated using one of the rating systems that are pre-programmed into the AA tester.
Using the AA1000/360 series tester you can test ANY battery regardless of the rating system published on its label. Follow these steps:
1. On the tester, select internal resistance, 'Ω' as the rating standard for this test.
2. Determine a reference value for the battery:
- from manufacturers specifications for the battery; or
- by testing an identical battery and recording the internal resistance as measured by the tester.3. Test the suspect battery after entering the internal resistance reference value during test setup.
Category: AA 1000 Series - Tips -
Can the AA1000/360 series be used to test any type of 12V lead battery?
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Yes. The AA1000/360 series can be used to test all 12V lead acid batteries. VRLA, flat plate AGM, spiral AGM, etc. The AA1000/360 series has a feature that allows battery life testing based on an internal resistance reference value. This allows the most accurate battery life testing for ANY type of 12V battery. Once an internal resistance reference value is determined for a particular battery model, you can enter that reference value for a suspect battery and test for battery life.
This approach for battery life testing of 'non-standard' batteries overcomes a significant drawback of using pre-programmed conversion factors for different battery types. For non-standard (other than WET/Maintenance Free for engine cranking) battery types and even WET batteries designed for deep cycle applications - the conversions from internal resistance to a standard rating are highly variable. Even for the same 'type' of battery, conversion factors can vary by more than 40%. Using a pre-programmed 'type' selection often leads to significant errors in battery life - up to 100%.
By using an internal resistance based reference value, the inaccuracies of generic type conversions are removed, resulting in much improved test results.
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How can I test a battery with a rating other than those on the tester?
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You can test any 12V lead acid battery if you have 'some' reference value for it. The rating systems included with the tester are for the most common battery applications and for convenience automatically convert internal resistance measurements to a value using the rating system printed on the battery.
To determine the battery life of any battery without using an existing rating system: First - determine a reference value by testing a known good and charged battery of the same model. Use the reference value to test the suspect battery. The tester will then calculate the battery life.
Category: AA 1000 Series - Tips, AA Series - Tips -
How many test reports can be printed from one roll of paper?
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Approximately 20 test reports can be printed from a single roll. Replacing the paper requires approximately 30 seconds.
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Can more than one AA tester use the same printer?
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The AATPR10 and AATPR20 printers can be attached or removed from a compatible tester AA500Pin a matter of seconds, much like a battery pack on a cordless drill. Technically one printer may be easily shared across a number of compatible testers.
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How do I print a test report using an AA1000 Series tester?
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First check that the AATPR20 printer is firmly attached to the base of the tester.
Second check that a roll of paper is installed properly in the printer and the natural curl of the paper is towards top of tester. A 'printer' icon should appear on the display indicating the printer is connected and ready to print. Please consult the Printer Manual for guidance.
Third, at any time after a test has been started, press and hold the center [enter/print] button (until beep.)
If a report does not print, check that 'Print' or 'Print - Save' is selected as the Output Mode in 'SETUP'. If 'Save' only is selected, the report is saved to memory, but not printed. See Tester Setup Options to view and change the Output Mode
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How do I test 12 batteries connected together in a pack?
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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.
If the batteries are in parallel, you can safely but not as accurately test a battery while it is connected to the other batteries. In parallel configurations we suggest disconnecting the batteries to increase the accuracy of your measurements.
Interpreting Display and Results
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Why is the tester failing nearly every battery when I know they are 'good'?
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- A wrong value was entered as the reference value for the test. Check the battery label and re-test.
- The rating standard set in the tester is incorrect. Check the battery label and enter the correct rating standard (CCA, CA, EN, EN2, DIN, Ω)
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Why does the analyzer indicate 'Fail' after capacity test, but 'PASS' after the cranking test?
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This can be caused by:
1. A wrong value entered as the reference value for the capacity test.
2. The battery performance has dropped below the manufacturer's specification, but it still retains enough capability to start the vehicle.
Troubleshooting
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Why is the tester failing nearly every battery when I know they are 'good'?
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- A wrong value was entered as the reference value for the test. Check the battery label and re-test.
- The rating standard set in the tester is incorrect. Check the battery label and enter the correct rating standard (CCA, CA, EN, EN2, DIN, Ω)
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Why does the analyzer indicate 'Fail' after capacity test, but 'PASS' after the cranking test?
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This can be caused by:
1. A wrong value entered as the reference value for the capacity test.
2. The battery performance has dropped below the manufacturer's specification, but it still retains enough capability to start the vehicle.
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Can the AA1000/360 series be used to test any type of 12V lead battery?
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Yes. The AA1000/360 series can be used to test all 12V lead acid batteries. VRLA, flat plate AGM, spiral AGM, etc. The AA1000/360 series has a feature that allows battery life testing based on an internal resistance reference value. This allows the most accurate battery life testing for ANY type of 12V battery. Once an internal resistance reference value is determined for a particular battery model, you can enter that reference value for a suspect battery and test for battery life.
This approach for battery life testing of 'non-standard' batteries overcomes a significant drawback of using pre-programmed conversion factors for different battery types. For non-standard (other than WET/Maintenance Free for engine cranking) battery types and even WET batteries designed for deep cycle applications - the conversions from internal resistance to a standard rating are highly variable. Even for the same 'type' of battery, conversion factors can vary by more than 40%. Using a pre-programmed 'type' selection often leads to significant errors in battery life - up to 100%.
By using an internal resistance based reference value, the inaccuracies of generic type conversions are removed, resulting in much improved test results.
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Why does my AA tester often indicate a failed alternator when testing batteries installed on motorcycles?
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Because most motorcycles do not have alternators. The software of the AA series that evaluate alternator performance is designed to look for specific wave patterns that result from the output of triple wound alternators. Most motorcycles (except the very largest) use a device called a rectifier to generate DC voltage to charge the battery. The output wave form of a rectifier will be considered a �fail� by the AA series alternator test algorithms.
When testing motorcycle charging systems, use the indicated battery voltage as your guide to determine correct function. If the voltage is between 13.2 and 14.8 when the engine is running the charging system appears to be working correctly.
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How do I print a test report using an AA1000 Series tester?
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First check that the AATPR20 printer is firmly attached to the base of the tester.
Second check that a roll of paper is installed properly in the printer and the natural curl of the paper is towards top of tester. A 'printer' icon should appear on the display indicating the printer is connected and ready to print. Please consult the Printer Manual for guidance.
Third, at any time after a test has been started, press and hold the center [enter/print] button (until beep.)
If a report does not print, check that 'Print' or 'Print - Save' is selected as the Output Mode in 'SETUP'. If 'Save' only is selected, the report is saved to memory, but not printed. See Tester Setup Options to view and change the Output Mode
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Why are the printed test reports all blank?
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The paper is installed backwards or the paper is not routed properly through the paper slot in the printer. Please consult the printer manual: AA500P series; AA1000/360 series.
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I am trying to print, but the small print icon does not show in on the display, and I can not print.
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The printer is out of paper or the paper is installed backwards. Install paper such that the natural curl of the paper is towards the top of the tester. Please consult the appropriate printer manual for paper installation guidance.
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Why is the tester not turning on when I attach it to the battery?
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1. The analyzer clamps are connected to the wrong poles of the battery. Reverse the connections and try again.
2. The battery voltage is too low. If the battery is drained below 4.5V, the tester will not turn on. You must charge the battery above 6V before testing.
3. The cables or clamps are damaged. Replace the cable set.
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Why do I get a different answer if I test the same battery again?
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A very slight difference in the quality of the connection between clamp and battery terminal will have a small impact on the measured resistance. Generally these differences are quite small and can be ignored (less than 5%). If the differences are large, repeat the test and ensure a high quality contact between clamps and the lead posts of the battery.
If the clamps are not connected directly to the lead of the battery terminals these differences can be more significant. Note: Special attention to connection quality must be given to batteries with side-pole terminals and batteries where the lead posts are covered by steel battery terminals.
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