CIM motor testing

[efoote868]

I'm looking to create a test to calculate (and hopefully rank) the performance of the many CIM motors in our robot closet.

The approach would be to have a CIM hooked to a winch, and hoist a known load up a known distance, and measure the time it takes.

I've assigned several students the task to determine what these values should be, based on the datasheet curves and gearboxes we already have laying around. I'm going to try and target the test taking about 3-5 seconds, while using the FRC robot control system and components.

I'm looking for any advice others might have, specifically how to control confounding variables that might skew the test results.

One item I've already identified is battery discharge over the course of testing; I'm looking at purchasing a power supply to run the motor (in lieu of a battery).
Was wondering if powering the setup from this would work (having trouble finding anything above the 1000W 12V range):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RC-POWER-SUP...-/301361360478

Keeping in mind that I'm not looking to stall the CIM for any amount of time.
Also I'm wondering what sort of variations we'll see.

Once again any advice is appreciated, I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts.