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View Full Version : Co-op for Computerized Battery Analyzer?

Bill_B
20-09-2011, 16:04
Is there a Connecticut team with the Computerized Battery Analyzer 3 CBA III (http://www.powerwerx.com/batteries-chargers/computerized-battery-analyzer-3-cba-iii.html)that will loan it to us for a week? My first thought under GP influence, was that if I bought one, I'd offer it to local teams. But then I wondered if there were already machines available in the area.

I just re-read some threads about how many batteries various teams use as I wondered just how impoverished we are with three "good" ones and three definitely dead ones. Then I saw notice of teams buying 6 or ten new ones each year. Yikes! Now I', imagining getting a group bulk buy of a pallet full of batteries, but I have no idea how the other teams in our area buy them. Meanwhile, I have to hope our meager trio will get us through the Bash at the Beach in a couple of weeks.
Fletch1373
20-09-2011, 16:33
I'm sure there's a CT team with one somewhere. My first thoughts go to Uberbots, TechnoTicks, Aces High, Paragon, Buzz, and Bobcats. I doubt they all have one, but somebody should. I really like the pallet of batteries idea. Let me know if you get any further with it, I think my team(3555) might be interested in getting a few.


Good Luck!
DonRotolo
21-09-2011, 16:56
West Mountain Radio (they make the CBT3) is in CT; perhaps they can be approached for a loan? They're a nice bunch of folks.
Bill_B
22-09-2011, 22:09
Search for West Mountain Radio finds a site with shipping address of
1020 Spring City Drive
Waukesha, WI 53186

You may be thinking of battery junction .com which is based in CT and does sell the CBA and accessories from west mtn.. None of this means that the CBA is not made in CT by some company that I haven't found yet. They might be putting WMR's name on it, for all I know.
DonRotolo
23-09-2011, 21:50
Wisconsin?
Wow. They were in CT for the longest time. I guess they moved/sold/whatever. Sorry about that. :o
Al Skierkiewicz
26-09-2011, 08:55
I talked with West Mountain reps at a hamfest this summer. They were not aware that I was recommending their products or that robot teams are using them. If you talk to them, remind then that many FIRST teams are using their products. I had also suggested that they help sponsor Milwaukee team(s).
Jon236
26-09-2011, 09:01
I talked with West Mountain reps at a hamfest this summer. They were not aware that I was recommending their products or that robot teams are using them. If you talk to them, remind then that many FIRST teams are using their products. I had also suggested that they help sponsor Milwaukee team(s).

Have them talk to Kate Pilotte and see what they could donate to the KOP!
jwfoss
27-09-2011, 07:29
Bill, please keep FRC2168 in the loop on this, we would be interested in "renting" the unit from you. Perhaps we can get a couple teams to put in some money and share it. If you are going to Bash@theBeach, stop by and talk to myself or our team leader.
Dad1279
04-10-2011, 11:27
We have a CBAII (replaced by the CBAIII?) and they were definitely in CT. when we bought it. I'd highly recommend getting one for your team, you'll want to test batteries before every season.

While the CBA system is a great plug and play system, I also think this could be duplicated with some programming and the hardware we are using now..... Crio will monitor battery voltage, and you could use a jaguar in current mode, with a resistive load like this:
http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/370x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_2279.jpg
($25 at harbor freight)

Then plot the voltage during discharge vs time, and calculate capacity by the time it gets to cutoff voltage.
plnyyanks
04-10-2011, 22:33
Nope, we don't have one. If you do find one, however, keep us updated. It could be useful...
Best of luck!