How useful is the CBA II for us flasholics?

[Luxbright]

What is your opinion of the CBA II Computerised Battery Analyser for non-RC related purpose, especially to us flasholics who are only using our batteries mainly for flashlights.

Appreciate your opinions.

Cheers,
Terry

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Terry,

Battery operated devices operate as good as the batteries used in them.

Not all batteries perform the same.

Battery testing allows you to get the best performance from your battery operated device.

The CBA is an inexpensive piece of test equipment that allows you to test and compare batteries.

If you value performance, battery testing is important.

The Cadex 7000 series is a more complete package, but I find the CBA does a pretty good job.

Tom

 

[Luxbright]

Hi Tom.

Thanks for sharing, googled the Cadex, must be an expensive but very high-end analyser.

Any idea what one would cost.

Terry

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Terry,

The 7000 series ranges from $1200 - 3500 US.

Tom

 

[Luxbright]

Thanks Tom, too expensive for my taste.

Terry

 

[Probedude]

Thanks Tom, too expensive for my taste.

Terry

I know you mean the Cadex, but I just wanted to say that you can pick up the CBA or CBAII used for cheap. I bought 2 CBA's for $50/ea and then sent them in to get upgraded to CBAII for $10 each (+ return shipping).

Dave

 

[Luxbright]

Hi Dave, just bought the CBA II, will try discharge one of my unprotected LG 18650s but was comtemplating at what rate should I discharged it.

Do I have to choose the Ah and voltage?

Any suggestions and help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Terry

 

[Anders]

Hello Luxbright.

Here is a picture:




Maybe (Guru)Silverfox can verify this.

Anders

 

[Probedude]

Hi Dave, just bought the CBA II, will try discharge one of my unprotected LG 18650s but was comtemplating at what rate should I discharged it.

Do I have to choose the Ah and voltage?

Any suggestions and help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Terry

Hi Terry,
Anders reply is good one. I haven't had to set the voltage since by choosing the correct chemistry and cell count, the voltage is set automatically. The software will pick an discharge current based on what you type in for Ah plus it warns you if you choose something higher than the 'recommended' discharge current for that chemistry/capacity.

For my RC lipos that can be discharged at a very high C rate (like 15-25!) my discharge current is pretty much always much higher than 1C. These packs are designed for high discharge though.

With higher discharge currents you can safely drop your cutoff voltage - to a point. Likewise with lower discharge currents you have to raise your cutoff voltage. The CBA software likes to pick a low cutoff voltage even with low discharge currents. I usually have 3.0 - 3.2V/cell for my RC Lipos.

Dave

 

[Luxbright]

Thank you Anders and Dave, you certainly are helpful, will try it out ASAP.