In my quest to capacity test my LiFePO4 batteries I first started with one of those simple capacity testers that you find that are a open board with LCD screens, connection terminals, fan and a couple of micro buttons to operate it. It would work after watching and reading several online tips on setting the durn thing up (button pushes did not always bring up correct setup sequences). However after a few tests it burned out and stopped. so I looked online for a better quality tester and decide to try out the East Tester ET5410A+ upgrade model. It costs quite a bit more than the open board style ~$160.
It arrives without test leads, no software (none online at East testers web page) to download test results though it hints about it and a very minimal operation booklet. I bought some banana plug test leads that I put ring terminals on them to attach to a battery. After a lot of reading over and over the booklet I could fuddle my way through the setup for a battery load test (limited to either setting a constant amperage, resistance or time for test no constant power unfortunately). Well and good so I preceded to run my first battery capacity test. Not having the B1, B2 or B3 part of the load test setup explained in the manual I simply set B1 to my cutoff voltage of 24vDC and the amperage of 8A and preceded to run the test by pushing the 'On" button. The test began.
Good thing I kept a eye on it because after reaching the B1 minimum voltage and amperage it cycled into B2. This could have been disaster if I was not there to suspend the test since the default 1A 12vDC minimum of B2 would for my 24vDC battery would have sucked it into damage area. With the voltage drop of the leads the minimal voltage cutoff setting means the voltage after shutoff jumps back up to battery voltage due to no amperage draw so getting a accurate shutdown voltage is not possible.
My issues are this. This tester has no ability to output test results other than its own display of AH and Wh in very small side bars on the test screen. The main screen simply shows in large the voltage, amperage and watts during test run. This is not near as nice as the simple board mounted load tester I previously used. The next issue is the voltage drop of the test leads, it has no way to be allowed for since there is no separate connection point to monitor for voltage drop during testing. Online someone had mentioned that this tester has a compensation setting found in the menu section. I accessed the Menu, selected compensation by either pushing the enter button or the set button and nothing came up that did anything. There is minimal explanation in the manual and I could make no sense of its use especially during battery capacity testing.
It is a nice looking professional designed case and controls. It just sucks as being an easy to use battery capacity tester. I do not recommend it to anyone. Waste of my money. I do wonder why the electronic designers of these test devices are so clueless on creating a straightforward unit. If they designed a TV set it would be so hard to setup and turn no one would buy it.
It arrives without test leads, no software (none online at East testers web page) to download test results though it hints about it and a very minimal operation booklet. I bought some banana plug test leads that I put ring terminals on them to attach to a battery. After a lot of reading over and over the booklet I could fuddle my way through the setup for a battery load test (limited to either setting a constant amperage, resistance or time for test no constant power unfortunately). Well and good so I preceded to run my first battery capacity test. Not having the B1, B2 or B3 part of the load test setup explained in the manual I simply set B1 to my cutoff voltage of 24vDC and the amperage of 8A and preceded to run the test by pushing the 'On" button. The test began.
Good thing I kept a eye on it because after reaching the B1 minimum voltage and amperage it cycled into B2. This could have been disaster if I was not there to suspend the test since the default 1A 12vDC minimum of B2 would for my 24vDC battery would have sucked it into damage area. With the voltage drop of the leads the minimal voltage cutoff setting means the voltage after shutoff jumps back up to battery voltage due to no amperage draw so getting a accurate shutdown voltage is not possible.
My issues are this. This tester has no ability to output test results other than its own display of AH and Wh in very small side bars on the test screen. The main screen simply shows in large the voltage, amperage and watts during test run. This is not near as nice as the simple board mounted load tester I previously used. The next issue is the voltage drop of the test leads, it has no way to be allowed for since there is no separate connection point to monitor for voltage drop during testing. Online someone had mentioned that this tester has a compensation setting found in the menu section. I accessed the Menu, selected compensation by either pushing the enter button or the set button and nothing came up that did anything. There is minimal explanation in the manual and I could make no sense of its use especially during battery capacity testing.
It is a nice looking professional designed case and controls. It just sucks as being an easy to use battery capacity tester. I do not recommend it to anyone. Waste of my money. I do wonder why the electronic designers of these test devices are so clueless on creating a straightforward unit. If they designed a TV set it would be so hard to setup and turn no one would buy it.
