West Mountain Radio CBA IV User manual

www.westmountainradio.com
1020 Spring City Drive
Waukesha, WI 53186
262-522-6503
[email protected]
©2021 West Mountain Radio, All rights reserved. All trademarks are
the property of their respective owners.
CBA IV
Computerized Battery Analyzer
CBA HR

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
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.
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

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
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
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

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
• 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 5160 / 8160 stick-on labels
• Dimensions: 3.5” H x 2.8” W x 3.6” D
• Weight: 16 oz.
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.
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

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
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 CBAnot 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.
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

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
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
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 5160 / 8160 stick-on labels
• Dimensions: 3.5” H x 2.8” W x 3.6” D
• Weight: 16 oz.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
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.
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.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
• 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.
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

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
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.
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.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
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.
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 found. The software should start with a “New Test” screen in the
“Auto-Check” prole.
4. 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.
5. On the TEST ribbon click on NEW TEST.
6. Click on the discharge icon on the left side and make sure the battery information on the right side is
correct.
7. Set the cut-o󰀨 voltage for when for when to stop the test. A 12V Lead-Acid battery is usually rated for
voltages down to 10.5 volts.
WARNING: Do not choose a higher discharge rate than the battery is capable of. See the the
battery manufacturer’s specications.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
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 software will prompt to lower the discharge current before starting
a test. The 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. The CBA HR will run tests up to 10 watts, with maximum voltage of 10 volts and
maximum current of 1 Amp.
8. Set the current draw for the test. This will depend on the battery type. For a car battery, select around
8 amps.
9. Click START to begin the test.
Chart Features
This screen shot shows three charts (les). Each can be selected by clicking on the tabs at the top. The chart
ribbon can be used to show all charts at the same time if desired.
The chart title at the top can be edited under chart properties.
The legend under the title can be turned on or o󰀨 and can be edited as well under Test Properties.
The red line is the test results and the green line if the cuto󰀨 voltage entered for this test.
The box with 11.7V in it was a note added by the user to the test. Notes can be added at any time and under
the chart ribbon they can be turned on or o󰀨.
Many of these features can be quickly accessed by right-clicking on the chart.
When the cursor is moved to a point on the test line, details from that point pop-up like the following:

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Quickly convert that data to a note by right-clicking and selecting annotate.
A number of other short-cuts are also available when right-clicking on a line.
The data on the right side are split into three groups by color:
Brown: Displays live battery data. This updates whether a test is
running on it and includes the Battery voltage and
temperature if an external probe is connected.
Blue: Test data for a completed test. Notice the line color at the
top. To see data for another test, click on that line.
Green: Test data for a test that is running.
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.
The software uses a ribbon menu system where the primary ribbons are as follows:
Click on the small down arrow above the menu to hide the ribbon and make more space on the screen. Click on
the ribbon title to access the functions under that ribbon. It is also possible to double click on a ribbon tab and it

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
will minimize the ribbon and vice versa.
The lower right status bar shows the currently selected CBA and the status. There will be a green check mark
if the USB cable is plugged in. The fan is moving if the CBA is running a test.
File Menu
Open:
Allows for opening any saved le. Old test les from previous version 1 of CBA software may be opened by
changing “Files of type” from .bt2 to .bt1. When open and displaying an old style .bt1 le, it will be converted
to the new .bt2 and saved in the new format.
Recent Files:
Re-opens a le that was recently open.
Close
Closes the le for the currently selected tab on the screen.
Close All
Closes all les shown on the screen.
Save
Saves the le for the currently selected tab on the screen.
Save As
Saves the le for the currently selected tab under a new name. The old le will still exist.
Delete File
Closes the le for the currently selected tab on the screen and then deletes the le from the disk.
Rename File
Rename the le for the currently selected tab on the screen on the disk.
Overlay File

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Asks for a le open, but then merges the data with the currently selected tab. If the tab has one test trace on
the screen and the selected le also has a single test trace, then the screen will now show both tests on top of
one another. The data is not saved, and it necessary to save the new merge by doing a Save. Only tests of
the same type can be overlaid.
Print
Prints an image of the currently selected tab to a printer.
Export as CSV
Creates a text le with comma delimited data for the currently selected le. In a spreadsheet program the data
would look like this:
Export as Image
Creates a bitmap (.bmp) image le for the currently selected chart.
Export Summary
Creates a text le, comma delimited with a summary of all the tests on the current le. In a spreadsheet, the
data would look like the following:
Test Menu
New Test
This is the function that starts a new test. For details, see the section “Test Conguration” of this manual.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Append Test
Append test adds a test to the current le, which may have multiple test traces.
Quick Load Test
This function starts a dynamic load test where the user can control the load current on the right side of the
screen. This is a fast way to cause the CBA to just start drawing current.
Test Properties
This will show the screen that was up for stating the test. Some information can be changed such as the
battery manufacturer. Other information is just shown for reference.
Start Test
Stop Test
Pause Test
These functions control the execution of the test.
Print Labels
From the main dialog box, select the tests to print labels for. Under Label Settings can specify the type of label
and what is include to print on the label.
It is also possible to include a company logo or any image on each label. If the lename is empty and the “Print
label with logo” option is selected, the software will print a label with a demo logo to give the user an idea of
how including a logo would look.
Export Test
This function creates a .CSV le for just one test on the chart.
View Menu

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Notes Visible
Check to see the notes on the chart.
Expected Results
Check to see a model of the battery expected results. When the battery trace falls towards the lower bounds
of this shadow at the end of a discharge, then the battery is considered end of life. This is a new feature and
may require some tweaking as we are provided user feedback.
Combine to Ragone
Produce a Ragone chart showing the battery range, begin by running a number of tests on the same battery
with di󰀨erent loads. Then overlay each test on the same chart. Finally, click this icon and the chart will be
converted.
View All
Opens a window that shows the current status of all running tests.
Split Horizontal / Vertical
Show multiple charts vertically or horizontally.
Unsplit Window
pressing shift while holding the mouse down performs the other mode action. So If in zoom mode, shift will
cause it to pan and vice versa.
Pan/Zoom
When the icon reads Pan it is in zoom mode. Hold the mouse button down and draw a box around an area of
the screen, it will zoom into that area. When the icon reads Zoom, hold the mouse button down and move the
mouse to pan the screen. Pressing shift while holding the mouse down performs the other mode action. So If
in zoom mode, shift will cause it to pan and vice versa.

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
Zoom +/-
Executes a simple zoom in and out.
Reset
Resets the Zoom/Pan to full screen.
Chart Menu
Chart Properties
These settings a󰀨ect the way the chart appears. These settings are saved in the test le.
Combine
Appends one test to the end of the currently selected test.
Truncate
Click on a point on the test and this button will eliminate all data points after the point selected. In order to
change the le, it must be saved.
Extract Test
Click on one of the lines on the chart. This will create a new le with just that test in it. Use this function to
reverse an overlay.
Test Properties

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
This will show the screen that was up for stating the test. Some information can be changed such as the battery
manufacturer. Other information is just shown for reference.
Hide Test / Hide Other Tests
Unhide Tests
These functions are used to remove clutter from a chart. Click on a test line and then hide that line or hide all
the other lines.
Delete Test
Click on a test line and this button will remove that test from the chart. In order to change the le, it must be
saved.
Tools Menu
Preferences
These settings are global to the program as opposed to a chart le. Customize certain settings for the program,
such as:
Temperature Units to allow for selecting degrees in C or F. This applies to all tests. If an external temperature
probe is connected, place it on the battery and the any test or current draw would stop if the battery gets to
this temperature.
Save window size and position causes the program to come back with the same window the next time it
is opened.
Stop test when battery temperature reaches this applies to all tests. If an external temperature probe
is connected, place it on the battery and the any test or current draw would stop if the battery gets to this

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
temperature.
Print charts in black and white is for setting it to code the graphs for identity when not color coded.
Anti-alias chart text smoothens the text graphics.
General->Working Directory this is the directory used to save new tests to. If “Update Working directory
to Last le” is checked, then this will update automatically to the folder of the last le selected by the user.
Troubleshooting->Display PCB Temperature this displays the internal temperature of the CBA unit while
a test is running
Active Warnings this is a control list of all the toggle-able soft warnings that appear in the software.
CBA Devices
This is a list of the CBA devices known to this software installation. The green check mark indicates units that
are currently plugged in to the PC. The units marked Extended can use the extended features. To enable
extended features, click on a the line marked CBA and then click on License in the bottom of the window to
be prompted for a name and key. Enter the key exactly as provided.
This display can also be brought up by double-clicking on the USB icon in the lower right of the main program
window.
Unit Test
This function will run a self test of the CBA unit. It will be best to have a battery or power supply to connect to
the CBA for a very short test.
Open Cong Folder
This opens the directory of the PC that contains the program preferences and proles. Use this directory to
make or restore a back-up of the CBA settings.
Temperature Calibrate
This is used to calibrate the temperature sensor. Simply connect up the temperature sensor and run this
function. Enter the room temperature to calibrate. For highest accuracy, place a lab grade thermometer and
the CBA temperature probe placed in water heated to the temperature of interest for testing.
In the standard version of the software, the temperature is displayed and the temperature may be used as a
safety feature to automatically stop a test at a user’s set maximum battery temperature.
Cable Calibrate

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West Mountain Radio Operating Manual
During a high current test there can be a voltage drop between the battery and CBA. This does not a󰀨ect the
current readings. However, it can cause a test to stop earlier than intended. This feature allows for calculating
the resistance of the cable and then the software will account for the voltage drop.
Start a high current test running. Measure the voltage at the battery with a DVM. Then invoke this function
and enter the battery voltage. Click on OK and the resistance will be used. Complete this again any time a
cable is changed.
Web Menu
These buttons open a web browser link.
Test Conguration
The new test screen is as follows:
Proles
Once all the settings have been made in this window, save those settings as a prole in the upper left. The
prole can be loaded from this same area. <default-prole> is a special prole that represents the last set of
settings created.
Test name is the description for the test entered into the le. Filename is the le this test will be saved in.
Test name is of the format “Test_1” and each appended test simply increments the number: “Test_2”, “Test_3”,
etc.
File name is of the format “yymmdd_TestType_n” where yymmdd is a date code like 210401 for April 1st, 2021
and
TestType is the selected test. n is a number that gets incremented automatically for each new duplicate le.
Battery Description
On the right side in the blue area, various characteristics may be entered that are saved in the test le to help
document the test.