[eugenebrooks]

We load test our batteries at 20A, with a cutoff voltage of 11 volts. It is easy to build a load tester using some high power resistors, a fan, some relays, a resistor divider for voltage sense, and that aging EDU controller you probably have laying around. The cutoff voltage is high to avoid wear and tear on the battery from the load testing. We record the number of seconds that the battery remains above 11 volts with the load applied. We also use a 5 bank three stage charger and don't fall into a situation where a battery is used for two matches before charging. We do note good years, and bad years, for batteries from the load testing performance. The capacity can vary by 20% or more, but we have never had a battery fail during a competition event.

Eugene