Best way to charge batteries

[Mr V]

Originally Posted by ILAMtitan

Thanks to everyone who pointed out the shortcomings of the Autozone test. My team uses a CBA, and I've just heard it recommended around the pits.

I personally like the CBA, but it really only measures ampacity via a low current draw, not real robot loads. It has the amplifiers, but those are out of the price range of most teams.

Does anyone have recommendations on a good way for a team to do their own controlled 150A discharge test? Even the Beak only does an 18A load test.

Spend the $20 bucks on a load tester at Harbor Freight. http://www.harborfreight.com/100-amp...l#.UzMU04WtJCA That is the closest you'll come to finding out how your battery performs with robot like loading. Yes that is a 100a unit but you can find 125a and 150a units too, but will likely pay much more since you'll have to go someplace other than Harbor Freight.

The CBA might be great for testing the battery against its designed usage but we don't use the battery anywhere near that discharge rate. The Beak is a great way to test the SOC and internal resistance but that only tells part of the picture.