Argus Analyzers AA500PWP Support

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What battery type do I choose when there is no indication of battery type on the battery?

If you are testing a car battery, choose WET as nearly all car batteries are of this type.

How do I test 12 batteries connected together in a pack?

If the batteries are in series, you do not need to disconnect them from each other to test.  You can safely and accurately test each battery individually as long as you attach only across a single 12V battery.   

If the batteries are in parallel, you can safely but not accurately test a battery while it is connected to the other batteries.  In parallel configurations we suggest disconnecting the batteries to increase the accuracy of your measurements. 

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Why does a strange date and time print on the report?

If the printout indicates an unusual date and time, the likely cause is a discharged internal battery in the AA500P tester.  An internal small coin battery powers the internal date/time clock.   Replace the internal battery and reset the date and time clock.  See your product manual for details.  

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Why does my AA tester often indicate a failed alternator when testing batteries installed on motorcycles?

Because most motorcycles do not have alternators.  The software of the AA series that evaluate alternator performance is designed to look for specific wave patterns that result from the output of triple wound alternators.  Most motorcycles (except the very largest) use a device called a rectifier to generate DC voltage to charge the battery.  The output wave form of a rectifier will be considered a ‘fail’ by the AA series alternator test algorithms.  

When testing motorcycle charging systems, use the indicated battery voltage as your guide to determine correct function.  If the voltage is between 13.2 and 14.8 when the engine is running the charging system appears to be working correctly.

What battery type do I choose when there is no indication of battery type on the battery?

If you are testing a car battery, choose WET as nearly all car batteries are of this type.

Is the paper for the AATPR10 of a standard size available on the market?

Yes and no. The width of the paper is standard (58mm, 2.25in), as is the thickness (65u.) The diameter of the roll is non-standard at 23mm, 13/16in. You may purchase rolls of paper from Argus or from any Argus distributor. If you wish to source paper in bulk and prepare your own rolls, be sure to roll the paper such that the thermally active side of the paper faces the center of the roll. 

 

How many test reports can be printed from one roll of paper?

Approximately 20 test reports can be printed from a single roll.  Replacing the paper requires approximately 30 seconds.  

Can more than one AA500P use the same printer?

The AATPR10 can be attached or removed from any AA500P in a matter of seconds, much like a battery pack on a cordless drill.  Technically one printer may be easily shared across a number of AA500P testers.

How do I print a test report?

First check that the AATPR10 printer is firmly attached to the base of the AA500P.  Second check that a roll of paper is installed properly in the printer and the natural curl of the paper is towards top of tester. Please consult the <printer manual> for guidance.  Third, using the center button on the tester, advance the tester screen to display the SoC page, and then press the right browse button. 

 

Why are my test reports all blank?

The paper is installed backwards or the paper is not routed properly through the paper slot in the printer.  Please consult the <printer manual>.

 

I am trying to print, but the small print icon does not show in on the display, and I can not print.

The printer is out of paper or the paper is installed backwards.  Install paper such that the natural curl of the paper is towards the top of the tester.  Please consult the <printer manual> for paper installation guidance.

Why is the tester not turning on when I attach it to the battery?

The analyzer clamps are connected to the wrong poles of the battery.  Reverse the connections and try again.

The battery voltage is below 6V.  If the battery is drained below 6V, the tester will not turn on.  You must charge the battery above 6V before testing. 

Why do I get a different answer if I test the same battery again?

A very slight difference in the quality of the connection between clamp and battery terminal will have an impact on the internal resistance, capability (CCA, A), and battery life results. Generally these differences are quite small and can be ignored (less than 5%).  If the differences are large, repeat the test and ensure a high quality contact between clamps and the lead posts of the battery.   Note: Special attention to connection quality must be given to batteries with only side-pole terminals. 

How do I test 12 batteries connected together in a pack?

If the batteries are in series, you do not need to disconnect them from each other to test.  You can safely and accurately test each battery individually as long as you attach only across a single 12V battery.   

If the batteries are in parallel, you can safely but not accurately test a battery while it is connected to the other batteries.  In parallel configurations we suggest disconnecting the batteries to increase the accuracy of your measurements. 

Why does a strange date and time print on the report?

If the printout indicates an unusual date and time, the likely cause is a discharged internal battery in the AA500P tester.  An internal small coin battery powers the internal date/time clock.   Replace the internal battery and reset the date and time clock.  See your product manual for details.