West Mountain Radio CBA IV User manual

www.westmountainradio.com
1020 Spring City Drive
Waukesha, WI 53186
262-522-6503
[email protected]
©2017 West Mountain Radio, All rights reserved. All trademarks are
the property of their respective owners.
CBA IV
Computerized Battery Analyzer
(and CBA HR)

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
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 scientic 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 amplier, 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 cuto󰀨.
The CBA is ruggedly built and supplied with 12 gauge wire and Powerpole®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 proles 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 ve 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.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Powerpole® is a registered trademark of Anderson Power Products
A CBA IV enables another test: Power Prole. 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 Amplier, Extended Software is required.
When using a CBA IV with a 500W Amplier, Standard or Extended Software will provide provisions for
operation with ampliers for testing at high discharge rates or doing destructive testing.
CBA HR
Specically 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 e󰀨ect. 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 cuto󰀨.
Standard Software is supplied with the CBA HR. In addition to the four basic test modes included with the
CBA IV (Mission Prole, Discharge, Charge Monitor, and Power Prole), 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 Ampliers. 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 Ampliers.
CBA IV Specications
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

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Hardware / Software
• 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 at 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) Specications
Electrical
• 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
Hardware / Software
• 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.

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West Mountain Radio 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 res.
For technical information on a specic 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 ammable 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.
• Never test or charge batteries while unattended.
• Always have a re extinguisher nearby.
CBA Operating Requirements:
• 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 o󰀨 explosive hydrogen gas when charged. A nearby or internal spark or
ame 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.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
NiCad, NiMh, and Alkaline Safety Warnings:
Adhere to all safety considerations, as these types of batteries can also be dangerous. If they are shorted
out or charged/discharged at too high a rate, they can overheat and explode. A single D size NiCad cell can
actually melt a 10 penny (9 gauge) nail (it is not recommended to attempt.)
Lithium Safety Warnings:
Reprinted with permission of the Academy of Model Aeronautics
Words in bold and ( ) were added by West Mountain Radio
Lithium Battery Fires
Lithium batteries are becoming very popular for powering the control and power systems in our models. This
is true because of their very high energy density (amp-hrs/wt. ratio) compared to NiCads or other batteries.
With high energy comes increased risk in their use. The, principal, risk is FIRE which can result from improper
charging, crash damage, or shorting the batteries. All vendors of these batteries warn their customers of this
danger and recommend extreme caution in their use. In spite of this many res have occurred as a result of
the use of Lithium Polymer batteries, resulting in loss of models, automobiles, and other property. Homes and
garages and workshops have also burned. A lithium battery re is very hot (several thousand degrees) and is
an excellent initiator for ancillary (resulting) res. Fire occurs due to contact between Lithium and oxygen in the
air. It does not need any other source of ignition, or fuel to start, and burns almost explosively.
These batteries must be used in a manner that precludes ancillary re. The following is recommended:
1. Store, and charge (discharge), in a reproof container; never in your model.
2. Charge (discharge), in a protected area devoid of combustibles. Always stand watch over the charging
(discharging), process. Never leave the charging process unattended.
3. In the event of damage from crashes, etc, carefully remove to a safe place for at least a half hour to
observe. Physically damaged cells could erupt into ame, and, after su󰀩cient time to ensure safety,
should be discarded in accordance with the instructions which came with the batteries. Never attempt
to charge (discharge) a cell with physical damage, regardless of how slight.
4. Always use chargers designed for the specic purpose, preferably having a xed setting for your
particular pack. Many res occur in using selectable/adjustable chargers improperly set. Never attempt
to charge Lithium cells with a charger which is not specically designed for charging Lithium cells.
Never use chargers designed for Nickel Cadmium batteries.
5. Use charging systems that monitor and control the charge state of each cell in the pack. Unbalanced
cells can lead to disaster if it permits overcharge of a single cell in the pack. If the batteries show any
sign of swelling, discontinue charging, and remove them to a safe place outside as they could erupt into
ames.
6. Most important: NEVER PLUG IN A BATTERY AND LEAVE IT TO CHARGE (DISCHARGE),
UNATTENDED OVERNIGHT. Serious res have resulted from this practice.
7. Do not attempt to make your own battery packs from individual cells. These batteries CANNOT be
handled and charged casually such as has been the practice for years with other types of batteries. The
consequence of this practice can be very serious resulting in major property damage and/ or personal
harm.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Primary Safety Considerations:
• Never discharge a battery at a higher discharge rate than it is designed for.
• Never use a battery that has poorly insulated or frayed wiring or exposed metal parts.
• Never connect a battery with reverse polarity.
• Be aware the heatsink of the CBA is at battery potential (positive terminal of battery).
• Never test a battery near ammable materials.
• Never allow a battery reach a temperature that causes it to get so hot that it may be too hot to touch.
• Recharge batteries immediately with an appropriate battery charger after tests are completed. Some
types do not like to remain discharged for extended periods of time.
• Never test or charge batteries while unattended.
• Always have a re extinguisher nearby.
Liability Disclaimer
West Mountain Radio will not be liable to you (whether under the law of contract, the law of torts or otherwise)
in relation to the contents of, or use of, or otherwise in connection with, the CBA (“product”):
• To the extent that the product may cause any bodily or equipment damage;
• For any indirect, special or consequential loss of any kind;
• For any business losses, loss of revenue, income, prots or anticipated savings, loss of contracts or
business relationships, loss of reputation or goodwill, or loss or corruption of information or data.
By using this product, you agree to the limitations of liability set forth in this disclaimer are reasonable.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Getting Started
It is recommended to read this entire manual and help les for a full understanding of the CBA and software
operation.
1. From the CD ROM opening screen, click on “Software and Hardware Installation”. Follow the instructions
on the screen to complete both the hardware and software installations.
2. Connect the CBA to the PC’s USB port using the supplied cable before connecting a battery.
NOTE: If the Windows message “Found new Hardware” appears, the previous step was not completed.
3. Start the West Mountain Radio CBA program.
NOTE: For a CBA III the green LED will come on when the program starts. For CBA IVHR the LED will light as
soon as the drivers are installed. e soware should start with a “New Test” screen in the “Auto-Check” prole.
4. In the “New test” window select the “Battery Type” (chemistry) and select or type in the “Capacity Ah”.
NOTE: To convert mAh (milliampere hours) to Ah (Ampere hours) divide by 1000. If the capacity rating is not
printed on the battery contact the manufacturer or visit their web page.
5. Connectthebatterywithveryshort,solid,lowresistanceconnectionsusingtheproperconnectorsandpolarity.
WARNING: Be certain that you have the polarity correct. For Standard convention: RED to RED,
BLACK to BLACK, and PLUS to PLUS, MINUS to MINUS.
6. The battery voltage will display the resting fully charged battery voltage on the right side of the screen. Click
the ‘Detect’ button for the software to suggest some baseline settings after selecting the chemistry type.
If the number of cells or average pack voltage is not correct, check that the proper battery type was
entered. If sure the average pack voltage or cell count is incorrect, change the software estimate to the
correct value in either the “Voltage” or “Cells”.
7. The discharge current in the “Test Amps” can also be suggested by the software by clicking ‘Suggest’.
This calculation is based on the battery capacity and chemistry type. If preferred to run a test at

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
di󰀨erent discharge rate, change the “Test Amps” window.
WARNING: Do not choose a higher discharge rate than the battery is capable of. See the the
battery manufacturer’s specications.
NOTE: If the no load battery “Voltage” multiplied times the “Test Amps” selected (Volts x Amps = Watts) exceeds
the wattage rating of the CBA, or the default recommended maximum discharge rate for a given battery type,
the soware will prompt to lower the discharge current before starting a test. e CBA will run tests at up to 150
watts, for short periods of time, with a battery that has a rated capacity of 1 Amp-Hr or less, up to 125 watts below
3.5 Amp-Hrs and 100 watts for any capacity battery. e CBA HR will run tests up to 10 watts, with maximum
voltage of 10 volts and maximum current of 1 Amp.
8. Type in a “Test Name” for the test that positively identies the test for future reference, perhaps write a
number on the battery and use that number, or a unique description of the battery and the test.
9. Press the “Start” button in the “New Test” window. Optionally press “OK” and use the button or
selecting “Test --> Start”
If the settings are correct notice the graph will appear and auto-scale. The red LED on the CBA will
come on and the fan will start. The virtual LED and fan on the right panel will start also. The “Current”
will ramp up to the “Test Rate” value and the voltage will start to record on the graph.
10. The test will continue until the test “Cuto󰀨 V” is reached. At that point the test will automatically
stop and the program will beep and display “Test Complete”. Everything will return to the
stopped condition ready for another test or to save the le. Disconnect the battery at this time.
WARNING: Do not ever leave a battery connected after a test completes! Leaving a battery in
a discharged state for prolonged period of time could over discharge and damage the battery.
CAUTION: The battery and the CBA may be HOT
11. When the test is complete go to the “File” menu and save the le if desired.
NOTE: e le name will default to the test name but it may be changed to another name if desired. If the
program is closed or another test is run, a prompt will ask if wanting to save the completed test already on the
screen. One lename can contain multiple test names.
12. To start another test, start at step 4 of these instructions. Click the button or “Test--> New.” . When
starting the new test, a prompt will ask if desire to save the previous test and start a new test or add that

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
test to the graph on the screen.
After running a discharge test on a rechargeable battery, the battery should be recharged. Most batteries are
rated for many recharge cycles depending on the battery type and on the discharge rates, sometimes 1000’s
of cycles. Most batteries should not be left at their fully discharged cuto󰀨 voltages but should be stored in a
partially charged state for maximum battery life. Discharged batteries should also be promptly disconnected
from the CBA to prevent its small parasitic draw from further reducing the battery voltage, which in some cases
could eventually decrease voltage to a point that might compromise battery life.
Program Features
The installation and basic operation is covered in the Getting Started section of this manual and Help le. This
section gives a detailed explanation of using the program and its features.
File Menu
New:
Starts a new test document. This will initialize a new blank graph.
Overlay:
Allows for opening a saved test document and to overlay the tests in that le over the test graph or graphs
already on the screen as long as they are the same type. Once there is a series of graphs for battery comparison
on the screen, these may be saved under an existing or new le name.