STS Instruments has introduced a new and cost effective battery element insulation tester that screens lead-acid batteries for internal defects which result in battery failures.
The new model 1656 replaces the previous generation 1652 model and uses a unique high voltage AC pulse test stimulus signal combined with a new, all-digital, EMF feedback voltage measurement system to detect potential isolator problems between positive and negative plates in a cell.
The use of a short duration, high voltage but low energy pulsed waveform eliminates the risk of heating of the element under test that is normally associated with conventional hi-pot testing. This allows for detection of insulator holes, tears, missing separators and other possible defects, all without damaging the unit under test.
Battery elements may be tested in formed or unformed conditions. An audible and visible fail signal alerts the operator to a defective element allowing the product to be tagged for rework.
The all new and all-digital Model 1656 builds on the legacy of the previous generation analog tester but provides a modern menu driven user interface with full color graphics, LCD display for setting parameters and displaying results. A USB interfaces is standard and RS232 is available as an option for remote control and quality data collection applications. More information at www.stsinstruments.com.