Cadex Electronic Spectro CA-12 User manual

CADEX ELECTRONICS INC.
Spectro CA-12 User’s Guide
For testing 12-volt automotive batteries
ENGLISH
2005 Cadex Electronics Inc.
22000 Fraserwood Way • Richmond
BC • V6W 1J6 • CANADA
Phone [phone] • Fax [phone]
www.cadex.com
Protected by US Patent No. 6,778,913
IMPORTANT NOTICE
This unit is designed to test Flooded Cells, 12V, 500-875 CCA and 50-160 RC
Spectro CA-12 Firmware Version 1

I
Trademarks
Spectro is a registered trademark of Cadex Electronics Inc.
Copyright
© 2005 by Cadex Electronics Inc. All rights reserved.
Revision Rights
Cadex Electronics Inc. reserves the right to revise this publication and make changes in the
contents thereof without obligation to notify any person of such changes. Please contact
Cadex Electronics Inc. ([email protected]) for suggestions or corrections.
Patent Information
Protected by US Patent No. 6,778,913
Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure that the information contained in this manual is
accurate and up-to-date, Cadex Electronics Inc. does not warrant or guarantee the
accuracy of the contents of this manual. Further, Cadex makes no warranties, either
expressed or implied, as to the merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose of the
Spectro CA-12 and it’s associated equipment, software and/or its documentation.
In no event will Cadex or its officers or employees be responsible for any consequential,
incidental, or indirect damages (including damages for loss of business profits, business
interruption, and the like) arising out of the use or inability to use the Spectro CA-12 and/or
its documentation.
Service
The Spectro CA-12 is covered under warranty (including parts and labor) for one year. To
obtain service, contact [email protected] or 1-604-231-7777, USA Toll Free 800-565-
5228.
Warranty
Cadex Electronics Inc. warrants your Spectro CA-12 against defective materials and
workmanship for one year from the original purchase date. The warranty does not cover:
• Damage caused by abusive operation, negligence, accident or improper installation.
• Damage caused by an attempted repair not authorized by Cadex.
• Cosmetic damage caused by normal wear and tear.
• Damage from external causes such as leakage spills, power fluctuations or failure,
inadequate packaging.
• If the product is without the appropriate model number, serial number or safety
markings.
• If the product is used for rental purposes.
• Changes or modifications to the equipment not expressly approved by Cadex
Electronics Inc.
Part Number: 89-207-5036 (PSMAN0042)

i
Table of Contents
Safety Notice iii
Use of Equipment iii
Modification of Equipment iii
Radio Interference iv
Disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) in the European Union iv
Using This Manual v
Conventions v
Terms v
Introduction 1
The Spectro CA-12 Package 1
Spectro CA-12 Features 2
Battery Testing 4
Before Testing 4
Testing the Battery 4
Test Results 5
Working with Saved Results 6
View/Print Results 6
Exporting Saved Results 6
Deleting Saved Results 6
Electrical Tests 7
Starter Test 7
Charge System Test 7
Continuity Test 8
Voltmeter 9
System Settings 10
Active Matrix 10
Result Options 10
User Information 12
Device Settings 12
Screen Contrast 12
Off Timers 12
Set Clock 13
Printer Port 13
Factory Defaults 13
System Info 13
Messages 14
Battery Results 14
Fault Messages 15
Matrix Error Messages 16
Memory Messages 16

ii
Troubleshooting 17
Maintenance and Service 18
Calibration 18
Charging and Replacing the Internal Battery 19
Changing the Fuse 19
Resetting the CA-12 20
Cleaning the clamps 21
Cleaning the unit 21
Upgrading the firmware 22
Resetting the Printer 22
Spare Components 23
State of Charge and Open Circuit Voltage 23
Using the SpectroCA-12 PC Companion Software 25

iii
Safety Notice
• Read, understand and follow all instructions in this manual before using the
Spectro CA-12 unit.
• Refer to the vehicle owners' manual or the battery manufacturer MSDS (Material
Safety Data Sheet) for specific handling and safety information.
• Gases produced by a battery are explosive. Test batteries in a well-ventilated
area and use extreme caution when working with batteries.
• Always inspect a battery for physical damage before testing a battery.
• Be sure vent caps are tight and level.
• Keep cords and cables clear from moving engine parts.
• Make certain ignition switches are turned to the OFF position.
• When testing an in-vehicle battery, always wear proper eye protection and
never lean over the battery.
Use of Equipment
The Spectro CA-12 is designed with adequate safeguards to protect the user from
shock and other hazards when used as specified within this document. However if
the equipment is used in a manner not specified by this documentation, the
protection provided by this equipment may be impaired. Please read this document
and equipment labeling before using the equipment.
Modification of Equipment
CE, FCC, CSA and other approvals apply only to Spectro CA-12 in the factory-
authorized configuration. Changes or modification to the equipment not expressly
approved by Cadex will void the approvals and void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment.

iv
Radio Interference
This equipment generates, uses, and radiates radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause interference with radio
communications. It has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class “A” digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15
of the FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable
protection against such interference when operated in a commercial
environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area may
cause interference, in which case the user, at their own expense, is
required to take whatever measures needed to correct the
interference.
EN55011 Warning: This is a Class A product according to EN55011.
In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio
interference, in which case the user, at their own expense, may be
required to take adequate corrective measures.
The equipment is designed with adequate safeguards to protect the
user from shock and other hazards when used as specified within
this document. If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by
the documentation, the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired. Please read the documentation and equipment labeling
before using the equipment.
Disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) in the European
Union
This symbol on the product and package indicates that this product
must not be disposed with unsorted municipal waste. Instead, it is
your responsibility to dispose of WEEE by handing it over to a
designated collection point for the disposal. The separate collection
and recycling of waste equipment will help conserve natural
resources and ensure that it is disposed in a manner that protects
human health and the environment. For more information about
where you can drop off your waste equipment for disposal, please
contact your local municipal office, waste disposal service or where
you purchased the product.

v
Using This Manual
Conventions
Result Screen Text
ESC A button on the Spectro CA-12
▲▼◄► Keypad direction keys
Terms
Ahr Ampere Hour. A European Capacity Standard.
Battery Type The manufacturer and model number of a particular battery.
CA Cranking Amps. The current a battery can deliver for 30
seconds at 0° C without dropping below 7.2V.
CCA Cold Cranking Amps. The current a battery can deliver for 30
seconds at –180C (00F) without dropping below 7.2V (12Volt
SLI battery standard)
DIN German Standard
EN European Norm standard
IEC International Electrical Commission
MCA Marine Cranking Amps
RC Reserve Capacity (expressed in minutes). The amount of
time a battery can supply 25 Amps of current without
dropping below 10.5V at room temperature
SAE Society of Automotive Engineers
SoC State of Charge. The amount of charge in a battery relative to
a fully charged battery

1
Introduction
The Spectro CA-12 is a 12V automotive battery tester for Lead Acid batteries.
It uses sophisticated algorithms to determine Cold Cranking Amps, Reserve
Capacity and State of Charge. It also has a Starter Test, a Charge System
Test, a Continuity Test and a Voltmeter.
The Spectro CA-12 Package
The CA-12 package consists of the following items:
• Main Spectro CA-12 Unit: this unit has an internal rechargeable Li-Ion
battery that is ready for use.
• Spectro CA-12 Battery Clamps
• Universal 12V Input Power Supply and Power Cord.
• A copper calibration shunt
• Spectro PC Companion Software
• An RS-232 Cable to connect the CA-12 to a PC
• This Users Guide
IMPORTANT NOTICE
- Use only the power-supply and power cord supplied with the CA-12
analyzer.
- The power cord is the disconnect device.
- The power outlet to which the charger is connected must be
accessible at all times.

2
Spectro CA-12 Features
Figure 1. Spectro CA-12 Features
1 OFF/ON Turns the CA-12 ON and OFF.
2 Enter To start tests, confirm settings and select menu
items.
3 ESC To exit menus and result screens.
4 Directional keys To scroll through menus and results.
5 Battery Clamps Connect these clamps to the battery terminals.
The red clamp connects to the positive (+)
terminal and the black clamp to the negative (-)
terminal.
6 Main Display LCD viewing panel
1
2
3
4
5
6

3
Figure 2. Spectro CA-12 Rear
7 Serial port To connect to a computer.
8 Battery clamp port Connect the battery cable to this 15-pin port.
9 Infrared printer port Place the infrared printer in front of this port.
10 Input Power Port Connect the external power supply here.
7
8 10
9

4
Battery Testing
Before Testing
1. Look on the battery label or the battery specification sheet for the CCA
(Cold Cranking Amps). Note down the Reserve Capacity (in minutes) if it is
available. An inaccurate entry will result in inaccurate measurements.
2. Make sure that the battery has at least 70% SoC (approximately 12.45V or
see page 23). Charge the battery if necessary.
3. If testing the battery in-vehicle, turn off any vehicle loads such as heaters,
lights, audio or video equipment and ensure that the vehicle ignition is in
the OFF position.
4. Clean the battery terminals with a wire brush. Dirty or worn contacts may
result in false readings.
5. For best results, connect the clamps directly to the battery terminals.
Do NOT attach clamps to a battery bus bar. This may result in inaccurate readings.
Temperature Compensation: When moving the unit from one temperature extreme to
another (for example from freezing weather to room temperature), allow the unit to stabilize
five minutes before testing. This unit can operate from 0oC (32F) to 40oC (104F).
Testing the Battery
1. Turn on the CA-12
2. Use ▲▼ to select Test Battery. Press Enter.
3. Firmly connect the red clamp to the positive terminal (+) of the battery.
4. Firmly connect the black clamp to the negative terminal (-) of the battery.
5. Use ▲▼ to select the CCA Rating for the battery. Press Enter. If the CCA
rating is not available on the CA-12, use the closest setting. For example,
if the CCA on the battery is 638, choose 650.
6. Use ▲▼ to select the Reserve Capacity for the battery. Select 0 if the
Reserve Capacity is not available.
7. Press Enter to start the battery test.
8. A battery test takes 30 seconds.

5
Test Results
After the battery test completes, a screen displays the battery condition (see
page 14 for detailed messages):
1. Press ►to view the CCA, SoC (State of Charge) and the RC (Reserve
Capacity) if it was entered:
2. Press ►to display the CCA in graphics with the Voltage and
Temperature readings:
3. Press ►to display the SoC (State of Charge) and RC (Reserve Capacity)
and in graphics mode. The RC will not be displayed if it was not entered.
4. Press Enter to save the results. The data is automatically sent to the IR
port when the data is saved. Press ESC to return to the main menu
without saving the results.
GOOD BATTERY
CCA 686 Good
RC 115 Good
SOC 100% Good
d
98%
CCA ________________
0 700
CCA : 686
Volts : 12.85
OC : 21
d
104% 115Min
RC ________________
100%
SOC ________________
GOOD BATTERY
<>=More Enter=done

6
Working with Saved Results
The CA-12 can store 25 results.
View/Print Results
To view or print results, follow this procedure:
1. From the main screen, use ▲▼to select Saved Results. Press
Enter.
2. Use ▲▼to select View/Print. Press Enter.
3. The columns show the test number, date, time and CCA. Use ▲▼to
select the result.
4. Use ◄► to select Print or Press Enter to view the result. When
viewing the result, use ◄► to view the RC and SoC screen.
Exporting Saved Results
To export data using the Spectro CA-12 PC Companion Software, refer to PC
Companion software for details.
The Export feature sends data to a PC Terminal program through the serial
port. Use the following procedure.
1. Connect the CA-12 to the PC using a serial cable and start the PC
terminal program.
2. From the main screen, use ▲▼to select Saved Results. Press
Enter.
3. Use ▲▼to select Export. Press Enter.
4. Press
Enter to begin exporting or use ◄► to select No to exit the
screen.
Deleting Saved Results
To clear all data, follow this procedure:
1. From the main screen, use ▲▼to select Saved Results. Press
Enter.
2. Use ▲▼to select Clear. Press Enter.
3. Press Enter to begin clear all data or use ◄► to select No and then
press Enter to exit the screen.

7
Electrical Tests
There are three electrical tests and a voltmeter available on the CA-12. The
electrical tests are a Starter Test, Charge System Test and Continuity Test.
Starter Test
To run the Starter Test, follow this procedure:
1. From the main screen, use ▲▼to select Electrical Tests. Press
Enter.
2. Use ▲▼to select Starter Test. Press Enter.
3. Firmly connect the red clamp to the positive terminal (+) of the battery.
4. Firmly connect the black clamp to the negative terminal (-) of the battery.
5. Press Enter and start the vehicle immediately.
6. A Starter Test takes 30 seconds.
7. The result displays the float voltage, the crank voltage and idle voltage as
in the following diagram. This information cannot be saved.
8. Press ESC to return to the Main Menu.
Charge System Test
The Charge System Test contains four other tests that are about 10 seconds
each. To perform this test, follow this procedure:
1. Turn off all electrical loads in the vehicle such as the radio, windshield
wipers and lights.
2. From the main screen, use ▲▼to select Electrical Tests. Press
Enter.
3. Use ▲▼to select Charge System. Press Enter.
4. Firmly connect the red clamp to the positive terminal (+) of the battery.
CRANK TEST
Float Voltage: 12.73V
Crank Voltage: 9.54V
Idle Voltage: 14.49V

8
5. Firmly connect the black clamp to the negative terminal (-) of the battery.
6. Start the vehicle and let it idle.
7. On the CA-12, Press Enter to start the Curb Idle No Load test.
8. After the above test is complete, turn on the high beams and Press
Enter to start the Curb Idle High Beams test.
9. After the above test is complete, turn OFF the high beams and Rev to
2000 RPM Press Enter to start the 2000 RPM No Load test.
10. After the above test is complete, turn on the high beams and Rev to 2000
RPM Press Enter to start the 2000 RPM high beam test.
11. After the above test is complete, the Idle Test results display with the float
voltage and ripple, the load voltage and ripple as in the following diagram.
The ripple voltages are peak to peak:
12. Press ►to display the Rev Test results as in the following diagram. The
ripple voltages are peak-peak:
13. Press ESC or Enter to return to the Main Menu. Results are not saved.
Continuity Test
The continuity test measures resistance between two points in a vehicle. To
run the Continuity Test, follow this procedure:
1. From the main screen, use ▲▼to select Electrical Tests. Press
Enter.
Idle Test
Float Voltage: 14.52V
Float Ripple: 180mV
Load Voltage: 14.47V
Load Ripple: 194mV
Rev Test
Float Voltage: 14.52V
Float Ripple: 124mV
Load Voltage: 14.48V
Load Ripple: 139mV

9
2. Use ▲▼to select Continuity. Press Enter.
3. Firmly connect the red clamp to the first test point in the vehicle.
4. Firmly connect the black clamp to second test point.
5. Press
Enter to start the test. This test takes about 10 seconds.
6. The result is the resistance as in the following diagram.
7. Press Enter to return to the Main Menu. Results are not saved.
Voltmeter
The Voltmeter displays the terminal voltage readings if connected to a battery.
The voltmeter reads to a maximum 16V.
Do NOT connect a battery more than 16V to the terminals. This may damage the CA-12 and
is not covered by warranty.
To use the Voltmeter, follow this procedure:
1. From the main screen, use ▲▼to select Electrical Tests. Press
Enter.
2. Use ▲▼to select Voltmeter. Press Enter to display the voltage
3. To determine the minimum or maximum reading, use ◄to select On and
then press Enter.
4. Use ◄► to select Min or Max to record the lowest or highest voltage
respectively and then press Enter.
5. Use ◄► to select Reset or OFF to resume readings.
6. Press
ESC to return to the Main Menu.
Cable Check
Resistance:
3.3 mOhms
Pr
ess
ENTER

10
System Settings
The System Settings customizes the CA-12 for your use. The system
settings are to select the active matrix, result options, user information, device
settings, calibration and counters. To access the System Settings, in the main
menu, use ▼▲to scroll to System Settings. Press Enter.
These settings can be adjusted easily through the Spectro CA-12 PC
Companion Software. See the Spectro CA-12 PC Companion Software help
file for more details.
Active Matrix
The CA-12 can store five matrices for different types of batteries. The default
matrix that is provided in the CA-12 is for applications with the SAE CCA: 500-
875A and SAE RC: 50-160. Cadex can create specific matrices for specialized
applications or vehicles. Please contact your local representative to learn about
this process.
To select a different Active Matrix, do the following:
1. In the main menu, use ▼▲to scroll to System Settings. Press
Enter.
2. Use ▼▲to scroll to Active Matrix. Press Enter.
3. Use ▼▲to scroll to the required matrix. Press Enter to select the
matrix.
4. Press Enter to save the settings or use ►to select No to exit without
saving.
Result Options
The result options allow the user to select different crank units and
temperature. Using the setpoints, pass/fail criteria can be set for the CCA, RC
and SoC.
The CA-12 can display the Crank Units in the following formats:
CCA Cold Cranking Amps. This is the default setting.
CA Cranking Amps
EN European Norm

11
IEC International Electrical Commission
DIN German Standard
BCI Battery Council International Standard
MCA Marine Cranking Amps
The CA-12 can display the Temperature in the following formats:
oC Centigrade. This is the default setting.
oF Fahrenheit
To change the result options, do the following:
1. In the main menu, use ▼▲to scroll to System Settings. Press
Enter.
2. Use ▼▲to scroll to Result Options. Press Enter.
3. Use ▼▲to select between Units or Setpoints. Press Enter.
4. If
Units has been selected, use ◄► to move between the Crank
Units and Temperature. Use ▼▲to select the values in each field.
5. If
Setpoints has been selected, use ◄► to move between GOOD and
MARG (Marginal) columns. Use ▼▲to select the values in each field. The
LOW column cannot be selected.
6. Use ▼▲to scroll to select the appropriate settings.
7. Press Enter to confirm the settings.
8. Press Enter to save the settings or use ►to select No to exit without
saving.

12
User Information
Enter the contact information in this area. The information on this screen will
appear on printer outputs. To change the User Information, do the following:
1. In the main menu, use ▼▲to scroll to System Settings. Press
Enter.
2. Use ▼▲to scroll to User Information. Press Enter.
3. Use ▼▲to select a line and press Enter to edit the line.
4. Use ◄► to select the letter to edit. Use ▼▲ to scroll through letters.
5. Press ESC or Enter to accept the changes on each line.
6. After accepting the changes on each line, use ▼▲ to scroll through the
various lines.
7. Press
Enter to confirm the settings. Press Enter again to save the
settings or use ►to select No to exit without saving.
Device Settings
The device settings setup other features of the CA-12. To access the device
settings, do the following:
1. In the main menu, use ▼▲to scroll to System Settings. Press
Enter.
2. Use ▼▲to scroll to Device Settings. Press Enter.
3. Use ▼▲to the various device settings. Press Enter. The details for
each device settings are described below:
Screen Contrast
Adjust the screen contrast using the ▼▲ keys.
Shortcut: Press the ◄►key when the startup screen is displayed to jump to
the contrast adjustment screen. Then use the ▼▲ keys to set the screen
contrast.
Off Timers
This feature will turn off the backlight or the unit after a programmed time.
Move between the BackLight and Power Off time using ◄►. Adjust the
off-timers using the ▼▲ keys.

13
Set Clock
This feature sets the time. By default, the clock is set to PST (GMT-8). Move
through the data and time using ◄►. Adjust the time using the ▼▲ keys.
Printer Port
This feature determines which port will print test data. Select the IR PORT or
Serial Port device using the ▼▲ keys. Press Enter to save the settings or
use ►to select No to exit without saving.
Factory Defaults
This option will reset all options in the Menu and Matrix to factory defaults.
Follow the prompts on the screen to reset the unit to factory defaults.
When resetting to factory defaults:
a. All results are deleted.
b. All customized items such as screen contrast and off timers are reset
to factory default settings.
The following items are retained during a reset:
a. Matrices are not deleted.
b. User Information is not deleted.
System Info
The system info displays the firmware revision, the number of tests performed
and the last date of calibration.
A ‘Recalibration Needed’ message will appear if the date is more than 6
months old or it has been 2000 tests since the last calibration. Refer to page 18
for the calibration procedure.
The Current Count is the total number of tests the cable has performed
since first used. This number is not reset during calibration.
The Calibration Count is the total number of tests the cable has performed
since the last calibration. This number is reset during calibration.