Got one of these batt testers

[wirelessF]

Solar BA7 battery and system tester. Nice little toy. I was debating getting a 130A handheld carbon pile tester or a pulse shooter. Select "batt", choose battery type, CA or CCA test, enter in amps and hit enter and voila the tested amp reading. Not sure if it load tested the battery or its a better tester than a carbon pile unit.

I wonder how it compares to the more expensive brands?

 

[The_Jeff]

Got a pic? JHZR2 posted a comprehensive review on the HF version.

If it has skinny leads with two wires per alligator clip it's likely a fancy internal impedance measuring doohickey.

 

[Donald]

IMHO if you have the time to fully charge the battery on an AC charger, then a carbon pile is probably better. But if you are a shop and need a test regardless of the charge state, then one like you got is better.

 

[JHZR2]

The problem is that the unit bought does not give you an actual value of impedance which is what is valuable...

A carbon pile can calculate impedance based upon voltage drop under load, if done carefully.

 

[wirelessF]

So I got to play with it with two Optima Redtops. Group 34/78, a 1 1/2 year old Redtop and a used Made in USA redtop. Both batteries were charged and sat for a couple hours. Note the second battery is not connected. The truck has a dual battery setup with the second battery not hooked up.

Voltage at 12.46

CCA test read 1021

12.55v

733CCA

 

[SIXSPEED]

I just ordered one of these BA7 testers. Appears to be a pretty capable device for the price and the reviews look pretty good.