How long should the analyzer's alkaline batteries last?
Because of the amount of power the printer requires, you should expect only 50 to 70 tests when using only alkaline batteries. For this reason, it is recommended to always print test results while connected to the vehicle battery. If the alkaline batteries have less than 5.5 volts, the ED-18 may not power up or print properly even when connected to a live vehicle battery. For instructions on replacing the internal batteries, see the Replacing the AA Batteries instructions.
I've noticed that when the internal batteries are low, the unit will not work properly, even when it's hooked up to the battery being tested. I thought that the ED-18 was designed to use the power from the battery being tested.
The ED-18 will not function if the internal batteries' combined voltage is lower than 5.5 volts, regardless of whether or not the analyzer is connected to an automotive battery because the ED-18 must perform initialization functions before it begins to draw power from the battery under test. The internal batteries must be replaced any time the "Warning Internal Batteries Low" message is displayed on the screen.
Is it possible for me to lose the data from the ED-18?
This situation is rare but can happen under the following conditions. If the alkaline batteries in the ED-18 are left out of the unit for more than four minutes, the clock settings may be lost. If the clock settings are lost or changed, the daily, monthly and previous month data can be erased. The ED-18 uses the clock information (calendar month) to determine when to erase old data.
For example, when the calendar changes from April to May, the ED-18 sees an even month changing to an odd month, so the even month of data (April) becomes last month, while the odd month data (May) will be written as current month data. In addition, the previous odd month data (March) is deleted. However, the grand total data is not lost and cannot be erased. Each test is saved to this "Totals" memory chip when performed.
Therefore, when changing discharged batteries, the new ones should be put in as quickly as possible. If you need to reset the clock, make sure you set it to the correct month because inputting the wrong month could result in data loss.
Can I test a battery that has just come off of a charge?
No, not unless all battery surface charge has been removed. With surface charge present, the battery's test results may be false. To remove battery surface charge in-vehicle, turn on headlamps for 2-3 minutes. Shut off all electrical loads and then retest. For out-of-vehicle, let the battery sit for 24 hours or apply 150 amps for 10-15 seconds, and then retest.
What's an algorithm?
An algorithm is an engineering formula or group of formulas that computes a simplified answer based on a set of variables.
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