I'm doing research on car battery testers (an NO, im not selling anything!)...

What type do you use in the shop? (ex. load testing?)
What brand/model?
In your opinion, would you see a need for a more accurate higher featured unit?

TIA

 

We use a fossilized BEAR ARBST- it works, it is basic- it can fool you if you are not familiar with the car you are testing with. We also have an even older VAT 40- all it is good for is load testing- barely worth hooking up. I have no experience with any other kind of battery/charging/starting testers. With my experience with Hondas- I see no need for a fancy unit- YET.


[Modified by fixhondas, 9:43 PM 8/8/2001]

 

Thanks for the reply.
We also use a Bear ABST here at Richmond Honda... I guess it's consistent with all Honda/Acura dealerships in NA.

My father(www.cadex.com) is working on building a battery tester which can measure SOH/state of health (size of gas tank) and SOC/state of charge (how much gas is in their) of a car battery. It would determine this in a matter of seconds (similar to a quick test). It would give back two percentages for both SOH and SOC.

As you probably already know, load testing is a very primitive way of testing the charge capacity of a battery.

Im basically doing some market research for him to see if there's a market for this type of product.

Do you know what the BEAR ABST costs?

 

We use the Nissan issue unit, very nice, diagnoses batteries out of car or in, and will also pick up charging system abnormalities in car.

 

How long does it take to test battery?
Does it give a pass/fail rating? or does it shoot out some voltages you have to interpret?

Cost?
TIA



[Modified by eg_hybrid, 3:08 PM 8/8/2001]

 

Snap-On AVR tester...........not sure the model number but it works great.......probably cost's a fortune too but i dont care........

 

Nice man... which dealership/service center are you at?
Oh ya, does it give a pass/fail rating?
how long does it take?

 

This information is good guys... anyone else?

 

Eg,, Im down the street from ya. You trying to do a swap for me, holla back or get at me on the IM (jebarco1). later

 

yo.. i IM'd ya.
email me man
mbuchman@hotmail.com

 

uses the midtronics hunk of ****. would like a good old vat-40 though.

 

Hi Samiam,
Funny that you mention that b/c Midtronics would be our direct competition. Can i email you a few questions about your experiences?

Thanks