If you thought the previous posts were dry, you have not seen anything yet. As I start to collect data, I came to the realization, I am no scientist, I am just a guy in a garage with a multi meter. Scientist are meticulous about tests and observations. My initial collection techniques have a flaw. As you may know, batteries build up a surface charge during charging. This charge can take up to 12 hours post charging to dissipate. Measuring a batteries voltage right after charging will give voltages higher than the actual capacity of the battery. You need to wait at least 12 hours for an accurate reading or at least take a sample at the same time. In my initial readings which follow in this post,
I have waited a long period of time post charge, but I do not know how long
. I can say, the charger is off and cool at 7 AM and I took the voltages after 4 PM. This is a mistake which I will rectify for future readings with the Battery Life Saver (BLS). I will collect voltages through the day to look for trends. The important numbers will be voltages after a ride with my LAB assistant. I am sharing these numbers with the technical folks from BLS for advice.
All voltages below are 8.
xx, I am only showing the two digits (xx) to the right of the decimal point for the individual batteries in these charts.
May 4, 2011 Voltages after charge, cart has sat 9+ hours
Code:
??:?? pm 42 45 46 42 46 41 50.6
Battery Lifesaver Installed on May 4 after usage and before overnight charge
May 5, 2011 Voltages after charge, cart has sat 9+ hours
Code:
??:?? pm 43 46 47 42 47 42 50.6
May 7, 2011 Voltages after charge, cart has sat 9+ hours
Code:
??:?? pm 43 45 46 41 47 42 50.6
May 9, 2011 Voltages after charge, cart has sat 9+ hours
Code:
??:?? pm 37 40 39 35 42 37 50.2
No conclusion drawn here. The problem is, exactly when did I take the May 5 and 7 readings compared to the May 9 readings? In theory, this could cause an issue, although 4 tenths of a volt is quite a swing that I would not expect. I am suspicious that the BLS is pulling the voltage down during the day, but I have been told the amp draw is very low. I have no evidence of this yet and will save that test for later.
Now we wait.......