This time last year, we ran a product spotlight on our great PL2112 12V 1.0A Battery Maintainer called “The Secret to a Fun Toy Season” where we highlighted the importance of proactively maintaining your batteries so that, when you have a window to use your favorite toy, it’s ready to go. This month, we’re spotlighting the other side of the coin for such pursuits, which is the importance of having a good handle on the health of your batteries.
The way we like to look at it, proactive maintenance charging and regular battery testing go hand in hand. Together, they give you a level of control and predictability that can virtually eliminate a surprise that would ruin your day on the water, on the trails or on the open road. And, for our money, the perfect battery tester for a home shop is our BA9 Digital Battery and System Tester. Lightweight and portable, it goes anywhere, yet it is amazingly accurate and covers a ton of battery types.
Here’s a quick rundown of the BA9:
- 12V Battery and System Testing
- Tests battery capacities from 40-1200 CCA
- Tests Flooded, AGM, Spiral Wound, Gel Cell, Start-Stop AGM and EFB batteries
- Tests to various standards, including CCA, CA/MCA and more
- Tests starting system performance and assesses charging system output (cars, SUVs, trucks, more)
The real beauty of the BA9 is how quick and easy it is to use. As mentioned, its small size makes it easy to store and easy to transport. Super intuitive, it essentially walks the operator through the testing process, enabling almost anyone to use it successfully without hassle. Its sequence for battery testing goes like this:
- What type of battery are we testing? Choose your type (example: AGM).
- What rating system are we testing against? Choose your rating system (example: CCA).
- What is the battery rated? Choose your rating (example: 600).
- Hit enter and the BA9 will run its analysis of the connected battery. Two seconds later, you have a result.
It provides both an independent numerical result as well as a pass/fail assessment based on the data provided during setup. It also provides an internal resistance value that can be very useful in tracking battery health over time. As the battery’s tested internal resistance rises as it ages, you can predict when it is nearing the end of its useful life. We wrote a quick article about it here.
This ability to accurately predict battery readiness and capability can really make the difference between delayed fun (as you waste extra hours acquiring and installing a new battery when you want to be having fun) and having a great day without incident. In addition, the BA9 can also help you troubleshoot problems in the moment, as seen in this story sent in by Mark in Florida. The BA9 really is a versatile tool that can bring great value to those who have fun toys (and the batteries that power them).
Protect Your Summer Fun… Beat the Battery Blues… with the BA9.
