Previous

Index

Next

5 Using Battery Console

The Battery Console software application is used to compile and load a test routine or program into the Battery Metric device. Once the routine has been loaded it is operated using the onscreen controls. A routine/program is a series of steps where each step performs a defined function with defined operating parameters. The routine also has battery details and routing information that allows the routine to advance to other steps when certain conditions are achieved. In this way the routines advance and loop back as required in order to execute the desired battery management task. While the routine is executing the various steps, the software application is polling the device on regular basis to retrieve data and results. This data is displayed on the screen and logged to data files and reports.

How the routine is actually used depends on how the routine is configured to operate. Typically it is set up to be fully automatic. For example, often all you need to do to begin the session is to connect the battery like you would with any battery charger. The device will detect the presence of the battery and begin to execute the routine according to how it was programmed. Often the START button is configured to begin the session if the battery is already connected. Sometimes the user will need to know some hints & tips on how to use the routine and what to expect. This information can be found in the Memo section of the routine. Click Routine Help button.

Begin use by setting up device with an selected routine or program. There are 3 separate ways this can be done, depending on the features and functionality required.

1. Quick Setup – This is a fast way to use default parameters by only entering 3 battery parameters. Type,No of cells, Rated Capacity. This setup method is good when unsure about what parameters to use.
• Select Quick Setup mode by clicking Quick Setup tab.
• Enter 3 battery parameters:Battery Type, No of cells, Rated Capacity.
• Load one of the Standard Routines using the menu/routine selections or equivalent on screen buttons: Charge, Discharge, Cycle.
• Manage the session using the On screen buttons: Start,Halt,Stop.
• Standard Routines can also be operated in Stand alone mode without a host PC connection by connecting and disconnecting batteries.

 

2. Profile Setup – This setup method allows for all battery test parameters to be specified as required. This setup method provides for more flexibility when the desired test parameters are known.
• Select Profile Setup mode by clicking Profile Setup tab.
• Profiles are saved in a database by name. Select desired profile and edit as required
• Start profile edits by selecting correct battery type. This will display associated fields.
• Load one of the Standard Routines using the menu/routine selections or equivalent on screen buttons: Charge, Discharge, Cycle.
• Manage the session using the On screen buttons: Start,Halt,Stop.
• Standard Routines can also be operated in Stand alone mode without a host PC connection by connecting and disconnecting batteries.

 

3. Program Setup – Select Program mode my clicking Program tab. Programs are custom routines that are prepared using a XML editor program. See Programming section for more details. When running programs the program will control all aspects of the battery test session. In program mode the Standard Routines do not apply. Standard routines are only available in Quick Setup or Profile Setup mode.
   • Select Program Setup mode by clicking Program tab. This will change the context for the left 3 controls to: Open,Preview,Load.
   • Open the program to make it available for preview and loading.
   • Preview program for inspection.
   • Load program into device for use.
   • Manage the session using the On screen buttons: Start,Halt,Stop.
   • Programs can also be written for use in stand alone mode without a host PC connection.