Celltron Essential ™ Stationary Battery Strings Analyzer CTE-1200 AT; CTE-2200 AT; CTE-3200 AT INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Table of Contents Introduction...................................................................................................... 1 Safety instructions..................................................................................................1 Important.............................................................................................................1 Guidelines............................................................................................................
Setting options in the UTILITIES menu............................................................... 11 Introduction........................................................................................................ 11 Options.............................................................................................................. 11 Accessing the UTILITIES menu........................................................................ 11 Setting the language (A. LANGUAGE).............................
Determining a test pattern....................................................................................22 Introduction........................................................................................................22 Setting the 2. TEST BATTERY option...............................................................22 Attaching the cables.............................................................................................23 Introduction....................................................
Guide to Tables and Figures Table 1. Parts of the panels............................................................................4 Table 2. SET PARAMETERS menu options...................................................5 Table 3. VIEW RESULTS menu options.........................................................6 Table 4. UTILITIES menu options..................................................................8 Table 5. Advantages of cables....................................................................
Introduction This manual provides descriptions and operating instructions for the Midtronics Celltron Essential CTE-1200 AT, CTE-2200 AT and CTE-3200 AT stationary battery string analyzers. It helps you understand the parts of the analyzer and how to use it to test batteries. Safety instructions Important Read the instructions below before you operate the analyzer.
Chapter 1: Description The Celltron Essential is a stationary battery string analyzer that measures the conductance and voltage of individual strings of three-cell (6 V) and six-cell (12 V) stationary, lead-acid jars to help identify those that: • Are good • Are serviceable • Need to be replaced Specifications Measurements The analyzer measures the status of a jar in voltage and conductance values. It displays conductance values in siemens (S).
Parts of the analyzer Panels The panels allow you to use, care for, and hook up the analyzer. Figure 1 displays the front, back, and top panels of the analyzer and their parts. Figure 1.
Parts on the panels Table 1 describes the parts of the panels. Table 1. Parts of the panels Part Description Screen Displays menus, options, and test results. UP Enables you to scroll up in a menu or number selections. DOWN Enables you to scroll down in a menu or number selections. ENTER Moves to the option you select or enters number selections. RETEST Opens a menu with options to retest the jar or strap you just tested. MENU Turns the analyzer on and off.
Note: All main MENU choices (except UTILITIES) lead to a list of sites, from 01. to 12. Option 13. ALL SITES (available for 1, 4, 6 and 7 only-SET PARAMETERS, PRINT, EXPORT, or CHANGE REF) allows you to apply the option to all 12 sites. SELECT SITE 01. SITE 01 02. SITE 02 03. SITE 03 1. SET PARAMETERS menu The SET PARAMETERS menu allows you to set values for a site so it is ready to test. If you do not, the analyzer tests the string against the last setting used.
2. TEST BATTERY option The TEST BATTERY option allows you to test a jar after you connect the cables to the jar posts. If you do not have the cables connected to the jar posts before you select TEST BATTERY, the screen prompts you to connect to a jar. 3. VIEW PARAMETERS menu The VIEW PARAMETERS menu displays the values you set up for a site under the SET PARAMETERS menu. This menu allows you to view the parameters only. For descriptions of these options, refer to “SET PARAMETERS menu.” 4.
6. EXPORT DATA option The EXPORT DATA option allows you to download test results through the infrared (IR) receiver to a PC. You can export data for individual sites or for ALL SITES. Note: For main MENU items 4, 5 and 6 (PRINT, VIEW, and EXPORT), if there are no stored readings for the site chosen, the following screen will appear: 03. SITE 03 0 Stored Readings CONTINUE Pressing ENTER returns to the main MENU. 7. CHANGE REF. option The CHANGE REF.
Table 4. UTILITIES menu options Option Description The screen displays three choices: LANGUAGE 1. ENGLISH 2. ESPAÑOL 3. FRANÇAIS DATE & TIME Current date and time set in the formats from the SET DATE FORMAT option. Formats for the date and time: SET DATE FORMAT • • MM/DD/YY (month/day/year) with a 12-hour clock, or DD/MM/YY (day/month/year) with a 24-hour clock The default is the current date and time in Central Standard Time (CST). The default format is MM/DD/YY with a 12-hour clock.
Chapter 2: Pre-testing Before you test a site with the analyzer, you need to: • Determine a reference value • Set options in the UTILITIES menu • Set values in the SET PARAMETERS menu Note: Make sure the jars you are testing are 6 or 12 V jars. Determining a reference value Reference values Reference values are average conductance values from a sample of strong jars similar in condition and age. You can compare reference values to test results from a site.
Note: The reference values from SITE SUMMARY and the website are guidelines only. Midtronics updates the website with new reference values as they are created. If you create a reference value for a jar model, e-mail the value and information to net@midtronics.com or fax it to 630. 323. 7752 (Attn: Reference value list). Testing a sample of jars To test a sample of jars for a reference value: 1.
Setting options in the UTILITIES menu Introduction Before testing, you can set the options in the UTILITIES menu. If you do not set up values for the site in this menu, the analyzer uses the defaults when you test the site. For information about the defaults and descriptions of the values in the UTLITIES menu, refer to “Menu options” in Chapter 1. Options In the UTILITIES menu you can: • Select a language (A. LANGUAGE) • Set the date and time (B. SET DATE & TIME) • Set the date and time format (C.
Setting the language (A. LANGUAGE) The default is ENGLISH. To set the language. LANGUAGE 1. Pressor to scroll to A. LANGUAGE in the UTILITIES menu and press ENTER. 1. ENGLISH 2. ESPAÑOL 3. FRANÇAIS 2. Press or to scroll to the language you want and press ENTER. Setting the date and time (B. DATE & TIME) The default is the current date and time in Central Standard Time (CST). To change the date and time on the analyzer: SET DATE & TIME 09/27/04 10:07 AM 1. Press or to scroll to B.
Setting percentages for warnings and failings (E. SET WARN/FAIL %) To set percentages for warnings and failings: 1. Press or to scroll to E. WARN/FAIL % in the UTILITIES menu and press ENTER. 2. Press or to scroll to the site you want to change. 3. To set WARN and FAIL percentages for the jars in the site, press or and press ENTER after each selection. Press ENTER to move to the next parameter, the WARN and FAIL percentages for the site. 4.
Adjusting the screen contrast (H. CONTRAST) To change the screen contrast: CONTRAST 1. Press or to scroll to H. CONTRAST in the UTILITIES menu and press ENTER. LOWER HIGHER TO SET 2. ������ Press to decrease or to increase the screen shade. Return to the main MENU (I. MAIN MENU) Scrolling to this option and pressing ENTER takes you back to the top, or main MENU. Setting values in the SET PARAMETERS menu Introduction Before testing a site, you need to enter its test parameter values.
Accessing the SET PARAMETERS menu To access the SET PARAMETERS menu: 1. Press and hold the MENU button. MENU MIDTRONICS 1. SET PARAMETERS 2. TEST BATTERY 3. VIEW PARAMETERS CTE ALPHA © 2003 MIDTRONICS If a menu other than the main MENU is displayed, press or to scroll to the MAIN MENU option and press ENTER. Note: 2. Press ENTER to select 1. SET PARAMETERS. 3. P����� ress or to scroll to the site you are setting up. Select ������� 13. ALL SITES to make the selections apply to all 12 sites.
Setting the site temperature (3. TEMP:) To set the temperature of the site: 1. Use the temperature sensor to measure the temperature of one of the jars in the site. 2. Press or to scroll to selection 3. TEMP: in the SET PARAMETERS and press ENTER. SET TEMPERATURE 25 °C 77 °F 3. Press or to select the temperature in either Celsius or Fahrenheit and press ENTER. Temperature will convert automatically to Celsius or Fahrenheit as you set it.
Selecting the battery to test (6. SELECT BATTERY) To select the jar you want to test: 1. In SET PARAMETERS menu, press or to scroll to 6. SELECT BATTERY and press ENTER. SELECT VENDOR ALPHACELL OTHER Press or to scroll to ALPHACELL or OTHER and press ENTER to select model. SELECT MODEL 85GXL 165GXL-3 165GXL-4 3. Press or to select model the model of the jars and press ENTER: SET REFERENCE 600 SIEMENS 4. Press or to select the reference value for the string, and press ENTER.
Selecting the TEST BATTERY option After you complete the test setup by selecting parameters in the DEFINE BATTERY submenu, you have the option of exiting and testing the site’s strings later, or testing immediately. To begin testing immediately, p����� ress or to select 1. TEST. The analyzer will prompt you to connect to the first jar to start the test with the saved settings. Refer to “Chapter 3: Testing.” Editing a vendor name (EDIT VENDOR NAME) To edit a vendor name: 1.
Chapter 3: Testing Testing a site requires consistent practice of the procedures in this section, and keeping records of the test results. Midtronics recommends that you establish a testing routine to monitor conductance loss and prevent failures. Power outages can affect test results. Do not test the site if a power outage recently occurred and the site is boost-charged. Note: Labeling jars and straps The analyzer assigns labels to strings, jars and straps based on the order in which you test them.
Recommendations Recording jar information Because conductance values vary with such factors as age, temperature, and site conditions, record the following information about the jars you are testing each time you test: • Power load • Physical condition of the jars • Site condition • Jar rating For convenience, print the results for each test, make notes, and tape the printout to one of the jars.
2. From Table 5, select a cable type based on the type of testing you are doing. Table 5. Advantages of cables Probes Clamps (optional) Quick testing of jars and straps in a site Retest without reconnecting Make contact with small posts or straps Attach to straps and post and free both hands to use the analyzer keypad 3. When using the probe cable, do one of the following: • Select AUTO START from the SET PARAMETERS menu to keep both hands free to hold the probes.
Determining a test pattern Introduction Before you attach the cable to the jar, you should determine a testing pattern to make testing a consistent and fluid process. Step 1 in Figure 4 shows a connection between the positive and negative posts. Step 2 of the first jar of string A shows a connection between the negative post and the strap end attached to the next jar. This connection ensures that you test the entire strap and its connections. Steps 3 through 15 repeat steps 1 and 2.
Attaching the cables Introduction After you turn on the analyzer and set the test battery option, you are ready to test. To start testing at a site, you need to attach the clamp or probe cables to the first jar in the site. Note: The figures in this section show probes connecting to the jar posts or straps. However, you can connect the clamps in the same positions.
Screen if the analyzer is in MANUAL START: BATTERY TEST READY TO TEST SITE 01 J01A START TEST 3. If you selected MANUAL START when you set values in the UTILITIES menu, press ENTER to start testing. BATTERY TEST BATTERY TEST --SELF CALIBRATING-- --AUTO RANGING-- The analyzer beeps twice when the test is done.
Figure 6. Attaching the cable to a strap Retesting jar posts or straps Introduction You can retest jar posts or straps if you get test results you think are not accurate. Test results can vary due to factors such as operating conditions, site conditions, or manufacturer changes. If you accept results under these conditions, your maintenance routine might not have an accurate history.
3. Press the RETEST button. 4. Select the site. 03. SITE 03 REVIEW DATA SET 13.24 V J02B 860 S 86 % REF For information about this screen, refer to “Interpreting test results” in Chapter 4. Note: 5. Press or to scroll through the test results to find the set of jar posts or strap you want to retest. BATTERY TEST CONNECT TO BATTERY J01A TO RETEST OR PRESS TO CANCEL 6. Press the RETEST button. 7. Follow the steps under “Attaching the cables” to retest the set of jar posts or strap.
Chapter 4: Test Results After you test a site, you can: • View test results • Interpret test results • Archive test results Viewing test results Introduction After you test a site, the analyzer saves the test results that are displayed on the screen. You can view the test results for a site as many times as you want, until you either choose to erase the data or attempt to change the test setup (in SET PARAMETERS), which will also erase your current test data for that site.
• To view the test results as the analyzer displayed them when you tested the site, scroll to REVIEW DATA SET and press ENTER. 03. SITE 03 REVIEW DATA SET 13.24V J02B 860 S 86 % REF Interpreting test results SITE SUMMARY The values in the SITE SUMMARY option are a summary of values, such as averages, from all jar posts and straps you tested in the site. For descriptions of these values, refer to “Menu options” in Chapter 1. To view all summary values in SITE SUMMARY, press or .
Table 6. Strength of the site % of the reference value > 80 % Jar strength Good condition Action Check the jars to look for physical damage.
4. Press or to scroll to PRINT RESULTS and press ENTER. MENU 4. PRINT RESULTS 5. VIEW RESULTS 6. EXPORT DATA CELLTRON ESSENTIAL NOTES: _________________ Printing will begin after selecting a site. ������������������������������������������� ________________________ ________________________ PRINT RESULTS STRING NAME: 02. SITE 02 BATTERY MANUFACTURER: ALPHACELL IN PROGRESS 5.
Chapter 5: Troubleshooting The sections below describe how to troubleshoot and maintain your Celltron Essential. If you have problems with the printer or temperature sensor, refer to their manuals or call Midtronics Customer Service at 1-800-776-1995. Screen does not light during testing Possible causes If the screen does not light when you test a jar, check the connection to the jar.
Probe tip is bent or stops retracting Replacing a probe tip To replace a probe tip: 1. Use pliers to grasp the probe tip at the top of the sleeve that encases it. Caution: Do not grasp the sleeve. You can damage the probe. 2. Pull the tip straight out. 3. Grasp the replacement tip with the pliers and insert it into the sleeve. 4. Push the probe tip into a soft surface, such as cardboard, until the tip reaches the bottom of the probe sleeve.
Chapter 6: Specifications Power Requirements: Model Number: CTE-1200 AT; CTE-2200 AT; CTE-3200 AT One 9-volt high capacity/heavy duty lithium battery or rechargeable battery pack accessory Applications: Environmental Operating Range: Tests individual lead acid cells or monoblocs (6, 12 volts) in any common configuration 0 to +40°C, 95% relative humidity, non-condensing Voltage: Storage Temperature: 1.0–15.
Patents Made in the U.S.A. by: Midtronics, Inc., protected by one or more of the following U.S. Patents: 6,456,045. 6,441,585. 6,392,414. 6,359,441. 6,323,650 B1. 6,316,914. 6,310,481. 6,304,087. 6,172,505 B1. 6,163,156. 6,091,245. 6,051,976. 5,914,605. 5,598,098. 5,592,093. 5,572,136. 5,343,380. 5,140,269. 4,881,038. 4,816,768. Canadian Patents: 2,091,262. 1,280,164. European Patent: 0,548,266. EP: C382.130026. WO: C382.13-0040. China Patent: C382.13-0027. Hong Kong Patent: C382.13-0038.
