FOXWELL BT780 Battery Analyzer User's Guide
Trademarks: FOXWELL is a trademark of Shenzhen Foxwell Technology Co., Ltd. All other marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Copyright Information: ©2018 Shenzhen Foxwell Technology Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer: The information, specifications, and illustrations in this manual are based on the latest information available at the time of printing. Foxwell reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice.
Visit our website at: www.foxwelltech.com
For Technical Assistance, send us email at: support@foxwelltech.com
One-Year Limited Warranty
Shenzhen Foxwell Technology Co., Ltd. ("FOXWELL") warrants its customer that this product is free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the original purchase date, subject to the conditions herein.
In the event of failure under normal use during the warranty period due to defects, FOXWELL will, at its sole option, repair or replace the product.
Terms and Conditions:
- Repaired or replaced products are warranted for the remaining original warranty period. No charges for replacement parts or labor incurred by FOXWELL.
- Warranty coverage is void if the product is subjected to: abnormal use, abnormal conditions, improper storage, moisture, unauthorized modifications or repairs, misuse, neglect, abuse, accidents, alterations, improper installation, or damage caused by shipping.
- Product damage from external causes like collision, fire, flooding, sand, dirt, windstorm, lightning, earthquake, exposure to weather conditions, Acts of God, battery leakage, theft, blown fuse, improper electrical source use, or use with non-FOXWELL products/supplies is not covered.
- The customer is responsible for shipping costs to FOXWELL. FOXWELL covers return shipping after service.
- FOXWELL does not warrant uninterrupted or error-free operation. For issues during the warranty period, customers should: a) Return the product to the place of purchase or contact a FOXWELL distributor. Visit www.foxwelltech.com for information. b) Include return address, phone/fax number, problem description, and original invoice with date and serial number. c) Charges may apply for parts/labor not covered by warranty. d) FOXWELL will repair within 30 days of receipt. If unable to repair or after multiple attempts, FOXWELL may replace the product or refund the purchase price less usage. e) If the product is returned for a non-warranty issue, an estimate will be provided, with shipping billed to the customer. If refused, the product will be returned freight collect. Post-warranty service follows normal policies with customer responsible for all shipping.
- Implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose are limited to the duration of this written warranty. This warranty is the consumer's sole and exclusive remedy, in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied. FOXWELL is not liable for special, incidental, punitive, or consequential damages, including loss of profits, savings, revenue, data, use of product/equipment, capital costs, substitute equipment, downtime, or third-party claims. FOXWELL is also not liable for delays in service or loss of use during repair.
- Some states do not allow limitations on implied warranty duration or exclusion/limitation of incidental/consequential damages. This limited warranty grants specific legal rights, and consumers may have other rights that vary by state.
Safety Information
For your safety and the safety of others, and to prevent damage to equipment and vehicles, read this manual thoroughly before operating the tester. Safety messages are reminders to exercise extreme care. Always follow all BCI (Battery Council International) safety recommendations.
Safety Message Conventions Used
Safety messages help prevent personal injury and equipment damage. Signal words indicate hazard levels:
- DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury to the operator or bystanders.
- WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury to the operator or bystanders.
- CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in moderate or minor injury to the operator or bystanders.
Important Safety Instructions
Always use your tester as described in the user's manual and follow all safety messages.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and accessories contain lead and lead compounds, which are known to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after use.
1 Using This Manual
This manual provides tool usage instructions. The following conventions are used:
1.1 Bold Text
Bold text highlights selectable items such as buttons and menu options. Example: Press the ENTER button to select.
1.2 Symbols and Icons
1.2.1 Solid Spot
Operation tips and lists are introduced by a solid spot. Example: When System Main Menu is selected, a menu listing all available options displays. Menu options include:
- BATTERY TEST
- VIEW/PRINT
- VOLTS METER
- LANGUAGE
- STORE NAME
- TECHNICIAN
- FIRMWARE UPDATE
- FORMAT CARD
- VERSION INFO
1.2.2 Arrow Icon
An arrow icon indicates a procedure. Example:
To change menu language:
- Scroll with the arrow keys to highlight Language on the menu.
- Press the ENTER button to select.
1.2.3 Note and Important Message
NOTE: Provides helpful information such as additional explanations, tips, and comments. Example: Test results indicate a faulty component or system.
IMPORTANT: Indicates a situation which, if not avoided, may result in damage to the test equipment or vehicle. Example: Do not soak product as water might find its way into the tester.
2 Introduction
The FOXWELL BT-780 Battery Analyzer is designed to test start-stop AGM and EFB batteries, 12V regular flooded, AGM flat plate, AGM spiral, and gel batteries, as well as 12V & 24V starting and charging systems. It features advanced conductance and ripple voltage tests for quick, easy, and affordable battery health checks and fault detection in starting and charging systems. A built-in thermal printer allows technicians to print test data anytime, anywhere.
2.1 Tester Description
This section illustrates the external features, ports, and connectors of the tester:
- A LCD Display: Shows menus, test results, and operation tips.
- B BACK Button: Exits a screen and returns to the previous screen.
- C Menu Button: Accesses the Main Menu options.
- D ENTER Button: Executes a selected option and proceeds to the next screen.
- E /H UP and Down Buttons: Selects an option or scrolls through menu options.
- F/G Left and Right Buttons: Moves the cursor left or right to select characters when inputting plate numbers.
- I Print Button: Prints the test result.
- J Power Switch: Turns the tester on/off for testing.
- K Memory Card Port: Holds a memory card for data backup and software updates.
IMPORTANT: Do not use solvents like alcohol to clean the keypad or display. Use a mild, nonabrasive detergent and a soft cotton cloth.
2.2 Accessory Description
The following accessories are included with the tester. Contact your local dealer if any items are missing:
- 1 BT-780 Battery Analyzer
- 2 User's Guide
- 3 0-1000A Current Clamp (Optional)
2.3 Specification
Feature | Specification |
---|---|
Display | 128 * 64 pixels, large, backlit display |
Working Temperature | -20 to 60°C (-4 to 140°F) |
Storage Temperature | -20 to 70°C (-4 to 158°F) |
Power Supply | 8-30V DC |
Dimensions (L*W*H) | 90*240*45mm |
Net Weight (without printer) | 0.8 KG |
Net Weight (with printer) | 1.0KG |
2.4 Current Clamp
To test cranking amps and charging current, connect the current clamp before tester start-up. Turn on the current clamp, connect the battery tester, press the reset key of the current clamp, and attach the clamp jaw to the anode wiring between the battery and the generator.
The minimum width of the current clamp jaw is 28mm. Ensure the connection cable or pole diameter is less than 28mm for a complete closure.
NOTE: 1. The current clamp jaw must close completely to avoid inaccurate test results. 2. The current clamp uses a 9V alkaline battery. Power off the clamp after use. 3. Before testing current, remove the current clamp from the battery positive connection cable and reset it.
3 Operation
This section describes how to use the tester for car batteries and 12V&24V starting and charging systems. The menu-driven display guides you step-by-step.
3.1 Connecting The Tester
The tester powers on automatically when correctly connected to the battery. The preferred test position depends on battery terminals. If the battery is not accessible, testing at jumper posts is possible, though power measurement may be lower.
To connect the tester:
- Clean the battery posts or side terminals.
- Connect the red clamp to the positive (+) terminal and the black clamp to the negative (-) terminal.
- Move the clamps back and forth to ensure a firm connection. A “CHECK CONNECTION” message displays if the connection is poor.
- When correctly connected, the tester boots up and shows the battery voltage.
NOTE: Do not connect the tester to a voltage source greater than 30V DC, as this may damage the tester.
NOTE: When testing inside a vehicle, ensure all accessory loads are cut off, the ignition key is not in the ON position, and doors are closed.
3.2 Battery Test
The Battery Test is used to check cold cranking capability and battery aging status, informing the user when to replace the battery.
▶ To start a battery test:
- Scroll with the UP or DOWN button to highlight Battery Test from the Main Menu and press the ENTER key.
- Scroll with the UP or DOWN button to highlight the desired option (e.g., Technician) from the Main Menu and press the ENTER key.
- Scroll with the UP or DOWN button to highlight OUT OF VEHICLE or IN VEHICLE from the BATTERY LOCATION menu and press ENTER to select the battery location.
- Scroll with the UP or DOWN button to highlight the TEST TYPE from the Main Menu and press the ENTER key.
- Scroll with the UP or DOWN button to highlight TOP POST or SIDE POST from the POST TYPE menu and press ENTER to select the battery post type.
- Scroll with the UP or DOWN button to select the battery type (e.g., REGULAR, AGM, GEL) from the BATTERY TYPE menu and press ENTER to confirm.
- Scroll with the UP or DOWN button to select the battery standard (e.g., CCA, BCI, CA, MCA, JIS, DIN, IEC, EN, SAE, GB) from the BATTERY STANDARD menu and press ENTER to confirm. Not all rating systems are available for each application.
Global Rating Systems
No. | Standard | Description | BT780 Testing Range |
---|---|---|---|
1 | CCA | Cold Cranking Amps, as specified by SAE. The most common rating for cranking batteries at 0°F (-18°C) | 100-2000 |
2 | BCI | Battery Council International standard | 100-2000 |
3 | CA | Cranking Amps standard. The effective starting current value at 0°C (32°F). | 100-2000 |
4 | MCA | Marine Cranking Amps standard. The effective starting current value at 0°C (32°F). | 100-2000 |
5 | JIS | Japanese Industry Standard, shown on a battery as a combination of numbers and letters | 26A17--245H52 |
6 | DIN | Deutsche Industrie-Norm | 100-2000 |
7 | IEC | International Electrotechnical Commission | 100-2000 |
8 | EN | Europa-Norm | 100-2000 |
9 | SAE | Society of Automotive Engineers | 100-2000 |
10 | GB | China National Standard | 100-2000 |
- Use UP or DOWN button to change the measure range until you enter the correct range for your battery. Press ENTER to start the test.
- View test results on the screen. Depending on battery status, one of the following test results may display:
No. | Test Results | Interpretation |
---|---|---|
1 | GOOD BATTERY | The battery is in good condition. |
2 | GOOD-RECHARGE | The battery is in good condition but low current. Fully charge the battery. |
3 | CHARGE & RETEST | Fully charge the battery and retest. Failure to fully charge the battery before testing may result in inaccurate results. If you still get CHARGE & RETEST message after you fully charge the battery, replace it. |
4 | REPLACE BATTERY | The battery is almost dead or the connection between the battery and the battery cable is poor. Replace the battery and retest; or disconnect the battery cables and retest the battery with the out-of-vehicle test mode before replacing it. |
5 | BAD CELL-REPLACE | The battery may be damaged such as broken cell or short circuit. Replace the battery and retest. |
- Use UP or DOWN button to check the second page of battery test results, which includes State of Health (SOH), State of Charge (SOC), and Resistance (RES).
- Press the BACK button to return to Main Menu. Or, press the ENTER button for cranking test if you are processing an in-vehicle test.
NOTE: The tester keeps the results of the last test only. When you start a new test, the last results are overwritten.
3.3 Cranking Test
NOTE: Before starting the test, inspect the alternator drive belt. A belt that is glazed or worn, or lacks proper tension, will prevent the engine from achieving the RPM levels needed for the test.
After an in-car battery test, the display alternates between the battery test results and the message PRESS FOR CRANKING TEST.
▶ To start cranking test:
- Press the ENTER button for cranking test.
- Start the engine when prompted.
- The tester displays the decision on the starter system, cranking voltage, and cranking time in seconds. Example: Starter system: REPLACE BATTERY, Cranking voltage: 10.76 V, Cranking time: 0.86 S.
No. | Test Results | Interpretation |
---|---|---|
1 | CRANKING NORMAL | The starter voltage is normal and the battery is fully charged. |
2 | LOW VOLTAGE | The starter voltage is low and the battery is fully charged. |
3 | CHARGE BATTERY | The starter voltage is low and the battery is discharged. Fully charge the battery and repeat the starter system test. |
4 | REPLACE BATTERY | Battery must be replaced before the starting system can be tested. |
5 | NO START | No vehicle starting detected. |
6 | CRANKING SKIPPED | A start was not detected. |
- Press ENTER button to proceed with the charging system test, Print button to print test results, or BACK button to return to the main menu.
NOTE: For an in-vehicle test, the display alternates between test results and messages. Press ENTER for charging test.
3.4 Charging System Test
After completing an in-vehicle test, the display shows battery test results and prompts to press ENTER for charging test. Press ENTER to proceed.
To start charging system test:
- Follow on-screen prompts to Rev the engine.
- Turn on high beams headlights and the blower fan.
- Rev engine with loads on.
- Idle engine and turn off loads.
- The Charging System decision is displayed at the end of the procedure.
No. | Test Results | Interpretation |
---|---|---|
1 | NO PROBLEMS | System is showing normal output from the alternator. |
2 | NO OUTPUT | No alternator output detected. Check all connections to and from the alternator, especially the connection to the battery. If the connection is loose or heavily corroded, clean or replace the cable and retest. If belts and connections are good, replace the alternator. (Older vehicles with external voltage regulators may only need regulator replacement.) |
3 | LOW OUTPUT | Alternator not providing sufficient power for the system's electrical loads and to charge the battery. Check belts to ensure alternator rotation with engine. Replace broken or slipping belts and retest. Check connections from alternator to battery. If loose or corroded, clean or repair cable and retest. |
4 | HIGH OUTPUT | Alternator voltage output exceeds normal limits. Ensure no loose connections and normal ground connection. If no connection problems, replace the regulator. Most alternators have built-in regulators requiring alternator replacement. For older vehicles with external regulators, only the regulator may need replacement. |
5 | EXCESSIVE RIPPLE | Excessive AC ripple detected. One or more diodes in the alternator are not functioning, or there is stator damage. |
- Use UP or DOWN button to check the RIPPLE.
- Press ENTER to print test results or BACK to return to the main menu.
4 View/Print Test Results
The View/Print menu allows you to view and print test results.
▶ To view and print test results:
- Scroll with the UP or DOWN button to highlight View/Print from the Main Menu and press the ENTER key.
- Review test results on the screen. Use the UP or DOWN button to scroll back and forth through Battery Result, Charging Result, and Cranking Result.
- Press the Left button or Right button to check different test results.
- To print test results, press the Print button on the unit.
- Select Yes to type in the plate number for the test ticket to show the exact plate number. Select No to skip typing the plate number.
- Follow the on-screen prompt to input the plate number.
- After entering the plate number, the test result will be printed.
NOTE: The built-in battery is an Alkaline Zinc-Manganese Dry Battery 9 volt. If it has no power, please change it. Results will be recorded even if the battery has no power. Connect to a vehicle battery if needed to print test results.
5 Volts Meter
The Volts Meter menu allows you to view the voltage of the battery.
▶ To use the Volts Meter:
- Scroll with the UP or DOWN button to highlight Volts Meter from the Main Menu and press the ENTER key.
- Review the test results on the screen.
6 Language
The Language menu lets you choose the system language. The default setting is English.
▶ To change the language setting:
- Scroll with the UP or DOWN button to highlight Language from the Main Menu and press the ENTER key.
- Use the UP or DOWN button to select the desired language and press the ENTER key to confirm and return. Press BACK to return without saving.
7 Store Name
The Store Name menu lets you input your workshop name, which will be printed with the test results.
▶ To input workshop name:
- Scroll with the UP or DOWN button to highlight Store Name from the Main Menu and press the ENTER key.
- Follow the on-screen prompt to input the Store name. Press the Back key to delete if a wrong character is input.
- After entering the Store name, it will be printed with the battery test.
8 Technician
The Technician menu lets you input the name of the technician, which can be printed with the battery test.
▶ To input technician name:
- Scroll with the UP or DOWN button to highlight Technician from the Main Menu and press the ENTER key.
- Choose one option from the list and press ENTER key to input the technician name (maximum of four technicians).
- Follow the on-screen prompt to input the name. Press the Back key to input the technician name. (Please fill the full spaces).
- After entering the Technician name, it will be printed with the battery test.
9 Firmware Update
The Firmware Update menu lets you install the latest software in the tester.
▶ To update the firmware:
- Format the TF Card on the tester.
- Connect the TF Card with a computer via a card reader.
- Download the software from the FOXWELL official website.
- Insert the TF card into the tool, turn it on, and select FIRMWARE UPDATE from the Main menu.
- Input the password 1234 and click the Enter button. After the machine restarts automatically, the software is updated successfully.
10 Version Info
The Version Info menu lets you view software information of the tester.
▶ To check the software version:
- Select Version Info from the main menu. The following screen shows the version of the tester.