CBA IV
Computerized Battery Analyzer
(and CBA HR)
www.westmountainradio.com
1020 Spring City Drive
Waukesha, WI 53186
262-522-6503
sales@westmountainradio.com
©2017 West Mountain Radio, All rights reserved. All trademarks are
the property of their respective owners.
CBA HR
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the West Mountain Radio Computerized Battery Analyzer (CBA). The CBA is a powerful
test instrument that measures, graphs, and compares performance of both primary and secondary (rechargeable)
batteries and individual cells. The CBA allows for the precise measurement of battery capacity and takes the
guesswork out of choosing the best battery for your application.
The CBA is much more than a simple battery voltage tester or a battery load tester. It will test virtually any type
or size of battery, any chemistry or number of cells, up to 55 volts. Now anyone can do scientific battery tests for
a reasonable price.
The CBA alone is capable of tests up to a maximum of either 40 amps or 150 watts for short periods of time.
For continuous operation, suggested values are 20 amps or 100 watts, whichever is higher. When used with an
optional amplifier, tests can be done at 500 watts.
The CBA not only tests the total amount of energy stored in a battery (capacity in amp-hours), but also graphically
displays and charts the voltage versus time using a constant current load. Graphs may be displayed, saved
and printed, and the axis parameters can be changed at anytime. Multiple test graphs of the same battery, or
multiple batteries, may be compared or overlaid; a very useful feature. Battery test data may be printed in color
or black and white to paper or convenient test labels to put directly on the tested batteries. An optional external
temperature probe provides automatic over temperature test cutoff.
The CBA is ruggedly built and supplied with 12 gauge wire and Powerpole
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connectors for battery test
connections. It is small with a high performance cooling system and quiet fan. LED indicators are visible from
across a room that display communication and test status.
Standard software supplied with the CBA is easy to use, intuitive, and designed to protect both the CBA and
batteries being tested. It provides automatic sensing of battery cell count, a safety check of the test rate, and
recommends a minimum safe discharge voltage. There are user editable and recallable battery test profiles and
Capacity Discharge tests may be viewed in Amp Hours, Watt Hours or Minutes. The Charge Monitor Test mode
charts and records voltage rise during a charge or discharge. Lab calibration current adjustment is a standard
user feature to improve accuracy for testing at very low discharge rates, or for critical applications.
The optional Extended Software license provides all the features of the standard version, but adds five additional
test modes: Time Discharge, Duty Cycle, Constant Power, Multiple Discharge and Constant Resistance. Results
can be graphed as Voltage vs. Amp hours, Watt hours, Minutes or Ragone depending on the type of test. Ragone
graphs require the weight of the battery/batteries to be accurate.
West Mountain Radio
Operating Manual
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A CBA IV enables another test: Power Profile. This test is very useful for power supply testing or solar cell
analysis. The resulting graph displays Voltage vs. Amps or Watts. The Extended Software version also adds
the ability to graph battery temperature with CBA III and CBA IV (when the optional temperature probe is
connected). An additional lab calibration feature makes it possible to compensate for test lead resistance,
giving accurate readings at the battery terminals.
When using a CBA III with a 500W Amplifier, Extended Software is required.
When using a CBA IV with a 500W Amplifier, Standard or Extended Software will provide provisions for
operation with amplifiers for testing at high discharge rates or doing destructive testing.
CBA HR
Specifically designed to test and evaluate small cells and batteries – those capable of supplying quite low
discharge currents. Such small cells must be evaluated using even greater measurement precision than what
is capable with CBA IV model. Designed to precisely test virtually any small size battery, any chemistry or
number of cells, from 0.7 to 10 volts. The CBA HR is capable of testing batteries at load currents from 1 mA to
1000 mA, (10 watt maximum), in increments of 1 mA.
An optional 4-wire test harness improves voltage measurement accuracy by minimizing the voltage sensing
lead wire resistance effect. Some optional harnesses also include an external magnetic probe, which when
used with optional Extended Software allow logging of battery / ambient temperature and automatic over-
temperature test cutoff.
Standard Software is supplied with the CBA HR. In addition to the four basic test modes included with the
CBA IV (Mission Profile, Discharge, Charge Monitor, and Power Profile), the CBA HR adds two additional test
modes (Duty Cycle and Multiple Discharge) to allow user simulation of real world battery load variations found
in typical remote sensor sleep / transmit applications.
The optional Extended Software license provides the ability to graph battery temperature when the optional
magnetic temperature probe is connected. This optional temperature probe is included in selected test harness
assemblies and is connected to the CBA HR via a 3.5mm accessory input.
The CBA HR is not designed to be used with optional West Mountain Radio 500 watt CBA Amplifiers. For
higher test currents and voltages that exceed the CBA HR’s ratings - use the West Mountain Radior CBA IV,
which can accommodate one or more 500W Amplifiers.
CBA IV Specifications
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Electrical
Maximum continuous discharge rate: 100 watts
Maximum limited term discharge rate with < 3500 ma-hour battery: 125 watts
Maximum limited term discharge rate with < 1000 ma-hour battery: 150 watts
0-3 amp accuracy: typically better than + - 10 mA
3-40 amp accuracy: typically better than + - 45 mA
0-5 volt accuracy: typically better than + - .005 volts
5-15 volt accuracy: typically better than + - .01 volts
10-60 volt accuracy: typically better than + - .05 volts
Maximum operating voltage: 55 Volts (48 Volt Lead Acid Telecom supported)
Maximum discharge rate: 40 Amps (Battery dependent, 100 watt continuous)
Minimum discharge voltage to maintain 30 Amps 0.9 Volts (Battery dependent)
Minimum Voltage for a 40 Amp discharge: 2 Volts at completion of test (Battery dependent)
Minimum discharge rate: 0.01 Amps (10 mA)
Residual current drain, battery connected while not in use: < 3 mA @ 12 volts
Powerpole® is a registered trademark of Anderson Power Products
West Mountain Radio
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Operating Manual
Hardware / Software
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High performance micro controller with USB interface and 12 bit A/D conversion
USB powered: CBA does not use battery being tested to run the CBA or fan
Computer Interface: USB Type A to B (Cable Included)
Load Connections (Battery Test): Powerpole (+) / (-)
I/O Port: 5 pin flat header for Temp Input & Serial Port
LED indicators: System ready and Test in progress, viewable from across a room
Internal over temperature sensing and protection
Internal user replaceable fuse: ATO / ATC 25 Amp ; ships with spare 40 Amp
Graph printing on any standard color or B&W printer
Battery test label printing on standard 5110
CBA HR (High Resolution) Specifications
Electrical
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Maximum continuous discharge rate: 10 watts
Maximum discharge current: 1000 mA (1.0 Amp)
Minimum discharge current: 1.0 mA (0.001 Amp)
Discharge Current Accuracy: better than +/- 20 uA @ 1 mA discharge
Maximum operating test voltage: 10 volts
Minimum operating test voltage: 0.7 volts
Voltage reading accuracy: better than +/- 0.01 volts
Residual current drain, battery connected while not in use: < 200 uA @ 9 volts
High performance micro controller with USB interface and 12 bit A/D conversion
USB powered: CBA does not use battery being tested to run the CBA or fan
Computer Interface: USB Type A to B (Cable Included)
Load Connections (Battery Test): Powerpole (+) / (-)
I/O Port: 3.5 mm for Temp Input & Remote Voltage sensing (4-wire) – when using temperature input, remote
voltage sensing harness must also be used
LED indicators: System ready and Test in progress, viewable from across a room
Internal over temperature sensing and protection
Internal user replaceable fuse: ATO / ATC 2 Amp
Graph printing on any standard color or B&W printer
Battery test label printing on standard 5160 / 8160 stick-on labels
Dimensions: 1.5” H x 2.8” W x 3.6” D
Weight: 4 oz.
Hardware / Software
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West Mountain Radio
4
Operating Manual
Safety Precautions
The West Mountain Radio CBA family of battery testers are inherently safe, but the batteries being tested are
not. Any system that stores energy is potentially dangerous. Some types of batteries are safer than others, but
all are capable of causing explosions or fires.
For technical information on a specific battery, refer to the Battery Manufacturers website. Most battery
labels have limited information, but the manufacturer’s website usually includes more detailed technical
information. General information for batteries is also available on the West Mountain Radio CD. Select Battery
Information and FAQs.
Primary Safety Considerations:
Never discharge a battery at a higher discharge rate than it was designed for.
Never use a battery that has poorly insulated, frayed wiring, or exposed metal parts.
Never connect a battery with reverse polarity.
Never test a battery near flammable materials.
Never allow a battery to reach a temperature that is too hot to touch.
Recharge batteries immediately with an appropriate battery charger after the test is completed. Some
types do not like to remain discharged for extended periods of time.
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Never test or charge batteries while unattended.
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Always have a fire extinguisher nearby.
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CBA Operating Requirements:
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Never connect a battery with the polarity reversed.
Always connect the USB cable to the CBA BEFORE connecting the battery.
Be aware the heatsink of the CBA is at battery potential (positive terminal of battery).
Never connect a battery to the CBA if that battery is connected to something else.
Contact West Mountain Radio for support before connecting to a USB hub.
Operate the CBA in a cool dry location.
Never allow metal parts or wiring of the battery to come in contact with the metal heat sink of the CBA.
Never allow the cooling fan to be blocked or jammed.
Do not ignore the warnings from the CBA Software.
The CBA can get hot. Do not touch the metal heat sink while, or shortly after, conducting a high power
test.
Lead Acid Battery Safety Warnings:
Adhere to all safety considerations with lead acid batteries, especially while charging. These batteries, especially
automotive and marine types, give off explosive hydrogen gas when charged. A nearby or internal spark or
flame can cause a lead acid battery to explode sending liquid acid and lead shrapnel in all directions. This is
particularly dangerous and frequently causes blindness or severe scarring injuries.
Never use a standard lead acid battery without proper ventilation. Sealed lead acid batteries such as gelled or
AGM (absorbed glass mat) types are much safer. Automotive and marine types are not as safe and should be
used in protective ventilated housings.
Never make the last connection to a lead acid battery that may cause a spark on the terminal. Always connect
the load or charger last, and at a safe distance away from the battery.
West Mountain Radio
5
Operating Manual
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