Sterling Power DBT12D User manual

Battery Tester DBT12D MANUAL
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DBT12D
12V Digital Battery Test Meter
Instruction Manual
DBT12D

Battery Tester DBT12D MANUAL
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DBT12D

Battery Tester DBT12D MANUAL
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DBT12D
1 Product Summary
1.1 Product Profile
The DBT12D Battery Tester utilises the world's current most advanced conductance testing technology to easily, quickly and accurately
measure the actual cold cranking amps capability of the vehicle starting battery, the healthy state of the battery itself, and the common fault
of the vehicle starting and charging systems. This information can help maintenance personnel to find problems quickly and accurately and
thus hastening vehicle repair.
This Battery Tester is able to;
1. Test all automotive cranking lead acid batteries, including ordinary lead acid battery, AGM flat plate battery, AGM spiral battery, Gel
battery, and EFB battery, etc.
2. Detect bad cells and batteries
3. Provide polarity reverse connection protection, reverse connection will not damage the tester or negatively affect the
vehicle and battery.
4. Directly test the battery for loss of electricity, no need to full charge before testing.
5. Testing standards include the world's majority of battery standards, CCA, BCI, CA, MCA, JIS, DIN, IEC, EN, SAE, GB.
6. Support multiple languages: English, Spanish, French, Italian, German and Polish
1.2 Product Function
Main functions of DBT12D battery tester include: battery test, cranking test, charging test and also other additional
functions.
Battery test is used mainly to analyze the battery health status, calculating the actual cold cranking capability of the battery and the aging
extent, which provide reliable analysis evidence for the test and maintenance of the battery. It warns and advises the user to replace
degrading batteries in advance when the battery is getting old and losing efficiency.
Cranking test is mainly to test and analyze the starting motor. Through testing the actual required cranking current and cranking voltage of
the starting motor, it can find out whether the starting motor works fine. There are several reasons why the starting motor could be abnormal:
it may be a fault in the lubricating system causing the starting loaded torque to increase or rotor friction on the starting motor causing the
increasing friction to itself.
Charging test is to check and analyze the charging system entirely, including the generator, rectifier, rectifier diode, etc., thus to find out
whether the output voltage of the generator is normal, the rectifier diode works fine and the charging current is normal. In the case
where one of the above mentioned parts is not in a normal situation, it will lead to over charge or incomplete charge of the battery, causing
battery damage quicker and also greatly shortens the lifespan of other loaded electrical appliances.
Additional functions include: Set language, voltmeter, screen brightness adjustment and
data printing
1.3 Technical Parameters
1. Cold Cranking Amps Measure Range:
Measure Standard
Measure Range
CCA
100-2000
BCI
100-2000
CA
100-2000
MCA
100-2000
JIS
26A17--245H52
DIN
100-1400
IEC
100-1400
EN
100-2000
SAE
100-2000
GB
30-220
2. Voltage Measure Range: 8-30V DC

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1.4 Working Environment Requirement
Working Environment Temp Range.: -20°C to 60°C
It is vital for automotive manufacturers, automotive maintenance and repair workshops, automotive battery factories, automotive
battery distributors, educational organizations, etc.
2 PRODUCT
INFORMATION
2.1 Tool Description
●Up / Down keys: Select upwards or downwards via UP and DOWN arrow keys.
●Exit key: Exit to previous menu via EXIT key.
●ENTER key: Confirm the selection via ENTER key
●Mini-USB Socket (in the side of the product): Connect to computer for print via USB cable.
2.2 Product Specifications
1). Display: LCD
2). Operating Temperature: 0 to 50°C (-32 to 122 F°)
3). Storage Temperature: -20 to 70°C (-4 to 158 F°)
4). Power—provided via detachable heavy duty OBD II cable
5). Dimensions:
Height: 110 mm (4.3"”)
Width: 7cm 70 mm (2.75"”)
Depth: 16mm (0.63"”)
6). Weight: 450g
2.3 Accessories Included
1) User Manual -- Instructions on tool operations

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2) USB cable -- Provides link to tool and computer for print.
2.4 Product Setup
The tool allows you to make the following adjustments and settings:
1) Language: Selects desired language.
2) Contrast adjustment: Adjusts the contrast of the LCD display.
3) Tool information: The screen shows the Software and Hardware version on the current model.
To enter the Tool Setup menu
From the second startup screen, press Exit button to enter Main menu. Press
Down button to select the Tool Setup function.
System Setup
Language
Contrast
Tool Information
Language:
1) From Tool Setup menu, use Enter button to select Language
Language
English
Finnish
Swedish
Dutch
2) Use UP and DOWN button to select the desired language and press ENTER button to save your selection and return to previous menu.
Contrast
1) From Tool Setup menu, use Enter button to select contrast.
2) Use UP and DOWN button to select the contrast value and press ENTER button to save your selection and return to previous menu.
Contrast
38%

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Tool Information
From Tool Setup menu, use Enter button to select Tool Information
Press exit to return the previous menu.
Tool Information
Software Version:
1.00
Hardware Version:
1.00
3 Battery Test
After entering a battery test program, the tester displays some options;
Tester will display the following contents in a sequence, select accordingly.
3.1Quick test
Used to quickly check the battery status and discover the voltage, CCA, electronic resistance, rated CCA, charging value, health value and
testing result quickly and easily. It only requires you to input theAH value, the battery rated capacity,which should be marked on the label of
the battery.
1). Press UP/DOWN key to select the Quick test, then press ENTER key to confirm.
Main Menu
1. Quick Test
2. Battery in Vehicle
3. Out of Vehicle
4. Review Data
5. Print Data
6. System Setup
2). Input the correct rated battery capacity “xxAH”, using the arrows keys to cycle through the options.
Input AH value
50 A-H
Please input the A-HR value in the
Label of the battery.
3). Whenthe correct AH is chosen, press the enter key. This engages the test, and the results will be displayed shortly.
The Battery test result will be one of the following 5 types:
1) Good Battery
Healthy:96% 490CCA
Charge:98% 12.64V
Internal R=6.1mΩ
Rated: 500A
GOOD BATTERY
The battery is without notable issue.

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2) Good, Recharge
Healthy:78% 440CCA
Charge:30% 12.20V
Internal R=7.2mΩ
Rated: 500A
GOOD, RECHARGE
Good battery but low current, recharge before using.
3) Replace Healthy:46% 490CCA
Charge:80% 12.68V
Internal R=18.1mΩ
Rated: 500A
REPLACE
The battery has nearly, or already has, reached the end of their life. Replace the batteryatthesoonestconvenienceorriskyoursetup.
4) Bad Cell, Replace
Healthy:0% 0CCA
Charge:20% 10.64V
Internal R=45.2mΩ
Rated: 500A
BAD CELL，REPLACE
Battery interior damaged likely causing a bad cell or short circuit, replace battery.
5) Charge, Retest
Healthy:39% 310CCA
Charge:20% 12.08V
Internal R=30.1mΩ
Rated: 500A
CHARGE-RETEST
An unstable battery giving very variable readings shall be recharged and retested to avoid one-test errors. If the same test result appears
after recharge and retesting, regard the battery as damaged. Replace the batteryatthesoonestconvenience.
Battery In-Vehicle or Battery Out-Of-Vehicle
Press UP/DOWN key to select the battery location, in vehicle or out of vehicle, then press ENTER key to confirm.
Battery in vehicle means battery is connected with vehicle generator or vehicle electrical appliance.
Main Menu
1.Quick Test
2.Battery in Vehicle
3.Out of Vehicle
4.Review Data
5. Print Data
6.System Setup
3.2 Battery in vehicle
Choose the battery in vehicle option and press the Enter key. The following menu will appear.

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Test in Vehicle
1.Battery Test
2.Cranking Test
3.Charging Test
3.2.1 Battery test in vehicle
When a surface charge is detected by the tester, the screen prompts "SURFACE CHARGE, TURN LIGHTS ON"
Turn lights on as prompted to eliminate battery surface charge, tester will then display the following messages in a sequence:
Battery Test
1.Check surface charge, Turn lights on.
2. Take headlights on about 10 seconds.
3.Turn lights off.
When the tester detects the surface charge has been eliminated, turn lights off as prompted, then press ENTER key. The tester will test
automatically and ready a result reading.
OUT-OF-VEHICLE means battery is not connected with any of the vehicle’s load, i.e. battery connection is cut off.
Select Battery Type
After the battery charge status is selected, the tester will prompt you to select the proper battery type being tested, with
options including Regular Flooded, AGM Flat Plate or
AGM Spiral, Gel and EFB battery. Press UP/DOWN key to select battery type, then press the OK key to confirm
Battery Type
1.Regular Flooded.
2. AGM Flat Plate.
3.AGM spiral
4.GEL
5.EFB
Battery System Standard and Rating
The DBT12D battery tester will test each battery according to the selected system and rating.
Use the UP/DOWN keys to select the system standard and rating marked on the battery. See in the below picture.
CCA: Cold Cranking Amps, specified by SAE&BCI, most frequently used value for starting battery at 0°F (-18°C).
BCI: Battery Council International standard
CA：Cranking Amps standard, effective starting current value at 0°C
MCA: Marine Cranking Amps standard, effective starting current value at 0°C.
JIS：Japan Industrial Standard, displayed on the battery as combination of the numbers and letters, e.g. 55D23,80D26.
DIN：German Auto Industry Committee Standard
IEC：Internal Electro technical Commission Standard

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EN：European Automobile Industry Association Standard
SAE: Society of Automotive Engineers Standard
GB：China National Standard
Select Input
CCA
Rating range as following:
Measure Standard
Measure Range
CCA
100-2000
BCI
100-2000
CA
100-2000
MCA
100-2000
JIS
26A17--245H52
DIN
100-1400
IEC
100-1400
EN
100-2000
SAE
100-2000
GB
30-220
Input correct test standard and rating and press the ENTER key. The test will begin.
Setting Rate
500
CCA
It takes around 3 seconds to display the battery test result.
Battery Test Result
Battery test result will be one of these 5 following types
1) Good Battery
Healthy:96% 490CCA
Charge:98% 12.64V
Internal R=6.1mΩ
Rated: 500A
GOOD BATTERY
The battery is without notable issue.

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2) Good, Recharge
Healthy:78% 440CCA
Charge:30% 12.20V
Internal R=7.2mΩ
Rated: 500A
GOOD, RECHARGE
Good battery health but low charge, recharge when available
3) Replace
Healthy:46% 490CCA
Charge:80% 12.68V
Internal R=18.1mΩ
Rated: 500A
REPLACE
The battery is near to reaching or has already reached the end of its life cycle. Replace when able.
4) Bad Cell, Replace
Healthy:0% 0CCA
Charge:20% 10.64V
Internal R=45.2mΩ
Rated: 500A
BAD CELL，REPLACE
Battery interior damaged likely causing a bad cell or short circuit, replace battery.
5) Charge, Retest
Healthy:39% 310CCA
Charge:20% 12.08V
Internal R=30.1mΩ
Rated: 500A
CHARGE-RETEST
An unstable battery giving very variable readings shall be recharged and retested to avoid one-test errors. If the same test result appears after
recharge and retesting, regard the battery as damaged. Replace the battery at the soonest convenience.
Attention: If "Replace" resulted from IN-VEHICLE mode, it might be because the vehicle cable is not well connected with the battery.
Be sure to separate the cable and retest the battery under OUT-OF-VEHICLE before making a decision to replace battery.
NOTE: After testing, if need to Exit, press EXIT key to directly Exit to the startup interface.
After testing: if it's "IN-VEHICLE" test state, pressing the ENTER key will bring to Cranking
Test.
3.2.2 Cranking Test
Tester prompts as following:
Cranking Test
Start Engine
Afterstarting the engine as prompted, tester will automatically complete the cranking test and display the result.

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Cranking Test
RPM Detected
Normally, a cranking voltage value lower than 9.6V is regarded as abnormal and it is normal if it is higher than 9.6V.
Test result of the tester includes actual cranking voltage and actual cranking time.
Cranking Test
Times 780ms
Cranking Normal
10.13V
When cranking test is abnormal, battery test result will also be displayed at the same time.
Cranking Test
Times 1020ms
Cranking Low
Replace 10.13V
This is for the convenience of the maintenance personnel to quickly know the whole state of the starting system according to the data.
After testing finished, do not shut down the engine, press the ENTER key to enter Charging Test.
3.2.3 Charging System and Rectifier Diode Test
When you wish to enter the charging test, please choose "Charging Test"
Test in Vehicle
1.Battery Test
2.Cranking Test
3.Charging Test
Press ENTER key again to start the charging test.
NOTE: Do not shut down the engine during the test. All electrical appliance and device should be in the OFF state. Turning on/off any
electrical appliance in the vehicle during the test will affect the accuracy of the test result.
Tester will do the following tests in a sequence:
Ripple Test
95mV 14.32V
For ripple test, tester will display the real time ripple and meanwhile, shows ripple volt and charging volt values at the bottom line.
It takes approx. 6 seconds for the ripple test.
After the ripple test, tester will automatically start the loaded voltage test.
Charging Test
Loaded Testing
****
Loaded Volt Test takes approx. 3 seconds, then it will ask you to "Step on accelerator to increase engine rotating speed"

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Charging Test
Increase RPM to 2500 r/min
And keep for 5 second.
Press OK to continue.
Operate accordingly to increase the engine rotating speed to 2500RPM or above, and keep for 5 seconds.
Tester starts the charging volt test after the RPM increase is detected.
Charging Test
Testing
****
After the test is finished, tester displays the effective charging volts, ripple test result and charging test result.
Cranking Test
Loaded 14.16V
Unloaded 14.39V
Replace 15mV
Charging Normal
NOTE: If no increase rev detected, it is likely due to be a fault of the generator regulator or a connection with the battery failed. Tester will try
3 further times to detect. If still a fail, it will skip the increase rev detect and the test result displays "No Volt Output". See below:
Check the connection between generator and battery, then retest.
Charging Test Result:
1) Charging Volt: Normal
Charging system shows the generator output normal, no problem detected.
2) Charging Volt: Low
Charging volt of the system is low.
Check the drive belt of the generator. Check the connection between generator and battery is normal. If both the drive belt and the
connection are in good condition, follow the manufacturer's suggestion to eliminate generator fault.
3) Charging Volt: High
Generator output volt is high.
Since most of the vehicle generators use an internal regulator, the generator assembly may need to be replaced. (Some old style cars use
external regulators, replace these directly.)
The normal high volt of the voltage regulator is maximum 14.7±0.5V. If charging volt is too high, it will overcharge the battery. Therefore the
battery life will be shortened and may cause damages to the system or battery.
4) No Volt Output:
No generator volt output is detected. Check the generator connection cable and the drive belt.
5) Diode Test:
Through the test of charging current ripple, tester will find out whether the diode is normal or not. When ripple volt is too high, it proves at
least one diode is damaged. Check and replace the diode.
3.3 Battery out of vehicle test
OUT-OF-VEHICLE means battery is not connected with any of the vehicles load, i.e. battery connection is cut off.
Choose the battery out of vehicle test

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Main Menu
1.Quick Test
2.Battery in Vehicle
3.Out of Vehicle
4.Review Data
5. Print Data
6.System Setup
3.3.3 Select Battery Type
After the battery charge status is selected, the tester will prompt you to select the battery type i.e.
AGM Spiral, Gel, EFB battery, etc. Press UP/DOWN key to select battery type,then press OK key to confirm
Battery Type
1.Regular Flooded.
2. AGM Flat Plate.
3.AGM spiral
4.GEL
5.EFB
Battery System Standard and Rating
DBT12D battery tester will test each battery according to the selected system and rating.
Use UP/DOWN key to select according to the actual system standard and rating marked on the battery. See where indicated in the
below picture.
CCA: Cold Cranking Amps, specified by SAE&BCI, most frequently used value for starting battery at 0°F (-18°C).
BCI: Battery Council International standard
CA：Cranking Amps standard, effective starting current value at 0°C
MCA: Marine Cranking Amps standard, effective starting current value at 0°C.
JIS：Japan Industrial Standard, displayed on the battery as combination of the numbers and letters, e.g. 55D23,80D26.
DIN：German Auto Industry Committee Standard
IEC：Internal Electro technical Commission Standard
EN：European Automobile Industry Association Standard
SAE: Society of Automotive Engineers Standard
GB：China National Standard
Select Input
CCA

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Rating range as following:
Measure Standard
Measure Range
CCA
100-2000
BCI
100-2000
CA
100-2000
MCA
100-2000
JIS
26A17--245H52
DIN
100-1400
IEC
100-1400
EN
100-2000
SAE
100-2000
GB
30-220
Input the correct test standard and rating, press ENTER key. The tests will begin, and the word TESTING will show. See below:
Setting Rate
500
CCA
It takes around 3 seconds to display the battery test result.
Battery Test Result
Battery test result includes 5 types as following:
1) Good Battery
Healthy:96% 490CCA
Charge:98% 12.64V
Internal R=6.1mΩ
Rated: 500A
GOOD BATTERY
The battery is without notable issue.

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2) Good, Recharge
Healthy:78% 440CCA
Charge:30% 12.20V
Internal R=7.2mΩ
Rated: 500A
GOOD, RECHARGE
Good battery health but low charge, recharge when available
3) Replace
Healthy:46% 490CCA
Charge:80% 12.68V
Internal R=18.1mΩ
Rated: 500A
REPLACE
The battery is near to reaching or has already reached the end of its life cycle. Replace when able.
4) Bad Cell, Replace
Healthy:0% 0CCA
Charge:20% 10.64V
Internal R=45.2mΩ
Rated: 500A
BAD CELL，REPLACE
Battery interior damaged likely causing a bad cell or short circuit, replace battery.
5) Charge, Retest
Healthy:39% 310CCA
Charge:20% 12.08V
Internal R=30.1mΩ
Rated: 500A
CHARGE-RETEST
An unstable battery giving very variable readings shall be recharged and retested to avoid one-test errors. If the same test result appears after
recharge and retesting, regard the battery as damaged. Replace the battery at the soonest convenience.
3.4 Review Data
Choose the function of Review Data
Main Menu
1. Quick Test
2. Battery in Vehicle
3. Out of Vehicle
4. Review Data
5. Print Data
6. System Setup
Review Data will show a history of results.

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Healthy:96% 490CCA
Charge:98% 12.64V
Internal R=6.1mΩ
Rated: 500A
GOOD BATTERY
3.5 Print Data
Before choosing the print data function, it is necessary to connect the tester to the computer via USB
cable. You will also need to download the program from our website.
1. Install the USB driver from the folder
2. Then open the Print software
3. Choose the COM Port NO.
If there is some data history in print software, please clear them.
4. Choose the function of Print Data on the tester
Main Menu
1.Quick Test
2.Battery in Vehicle
3.Out of Vehicle
4.Review Data
5. Print Data
6.System Setup
5.Once the data is transferred to the computer, the print software will show the recorded information
You will then be asked to confirm
Press exit to return

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