The Vident iBT200 is a sophisticated 12V and 24V battery analyzer designed for comprehensive assessment of lead-acid starting batteries, their cranking systems, and charging systems. This device offers a user-friendly experience with its high-resolution LCD display and intuitive button operation, ensuring safe, clear, and convenient testing. It is an essential tool for professionals in battery sales, vehicle repair, and equipment inspection, particularly for systems reliant on lead-acid starting batteries.

Function Description

The primary function of the iBT200 is to determine the condition of a lead-acid starting battery by evaluating its capacity, cranking performance, and the integrity of the vehicle's charging system.

For Battery Capacity Test, the iBT200 assesses the battery's health based on its rated value. It guides the user through a process that ensures accurate readings by first recommending to turn off the engine and all devices. If the battery has recently been charged, the device suggests turning on headlights for 2-3 minutes to normalize the voltage before testing. The test results provide crucial information such as voltage, State of Charge (SOC), State of Health (SOH), internal resistance (Battery Ω), and the rated CCA (Cold Cranking Amps). The device categorizes the battery's health into "GREAT," "NORMAL," "CAUTION," or "SUGGEST REPLACE!" with corresponding LED indicators (GREEN, YELLOW, RED) for quick visual assessment. This allows users to quickly understand if a battery is in good condition, needs attention, or requires replacement.

The Cranking Test evaluates the battery's ability to start the engine by measuring cranking voltage and time. This test is crucial for identifying issues within the starting system. The iBT200 provides a "CRANKING GOOD" or "CRANKING ABNORMAL" indication based on voltage readings. For 12V systems, readings above 9.6V (or 16V for 24V systems) indicate good cranking. If the reading is below this threshold, the device suggests checking associated parts like connections, wires, the starter, and battery terminals for corruption. A detailed reference table helps interpret cranking voltage and ability, ranging from "Good" to "Very Bad," with recommended actions from "No Action" to "Replace It Immediately."

The Charging Test assesses the vehicle's charging system under both loaded and unloaded conditions. This helps determine if the alternator and other charging components are functioning correctly. The iBT200 displays ripple voltage, loaded voltage, and unloaded voltage, providing a "CHARGING GOOD" or "CHARGING ABNORMAL" status. A reference table for 12V systems offers guidance on engine performance based on battery voltage under different conditions (all electric system off or on, with or without depressing the accelerator). This test helps diagnose issues such as overcharging, undercharging, or excessive ripple, which can damage the battery and other electronic components.

Usage Features

The iBT200 is designed for ease of use and safety.

Intuitive Navigation: The device features clear buttons for navigation: "increase value / page up," "decrease value / page down," "BACK" (cancel/return), and "ENTER" (confirm/test). There's also a dedicated button to restart the unit or return to the main menu from any status.
Visual Indicators: Three LED lights (green, yellow, red) provide quick visual feedback on battery condition: green for good, yellow for warning, and red for bad.
Reverse Polarity Protection: This crucial safety feature prevents damage to the tester and the battery if the clamps are connected incorrectly, making operation safer for all users.
Language Setting: The device allows users to select their preferred language, enhancing accessibility.
Battery Type Selection: Users can select the specific battery type (e.g., VRLA/GEL/AGM/SLA, STANDARD LSI) and CCA type (e.g., CCA, IEC, EN, DIN, JIS, GB) to ensure accurate testing based on the battery's specifications.
Clear Display: The high-resolution LCD display presents test results and menu options clearly, making it easy to read and understand the information.
Portable Design: The compact design of the tester, with its integrated clamps, makes it convenient to carry and use in various automotive environments.
Power Source: The tester is powered directly by the vehicle battery, eliminating the need for an external power source during testing. It is recommended to connect the RED clamp to the positive terminal before the Black clamp to the negative terminal.

Maintenance Features

The iBT200 is built with durability and user safety in mind, requiring minimal maintenance but emphasizing important precautions.

Robust Construction: The device is designed to withstand typical workshop conditions.
Safety Guidelines: The manual outlines strict safety rules and precautions, including wearing proper eye protection, ensuring adequate ventilation during testing, and avoiding placement near hot engine parts or exhaust pipes.
Insulation Check: Users are advised to regularly check the insulating layer of the clamps for any damage, bareness, or disconnection to prevent electric shock. The device should not be used if its housing is not completely or correctly covered.
Environmental Considerations: To prolong the life of the tester and ensure safe operation, it should not be used or stored in conditions of high temperature, high humidity, combustibility, explosion, or strong electromagnetic fields.
No Internal Modification: Users are explicitly warned against modifying the internal circuit of the tester to prevent damage to the device and injury to themselves.
Accurate Readings: For accurate battery capacity tests, it is recommended to turn on headlights for 2-3 minutes if the battery has just been charged, allowing the voltage to normalize. This ensures that the test reflects the battery's true state rather than a temporary high voltage.
Negative Current Impact: The manual highlights that any negative current in the vehicle can affect test results. For the most accurate data, users should remove any negative current prior to checking.
Understanding Internal Resistance: The device's measurement principle, based on AC conductivity, is explained, differentiating it from traditional load test methods. This method is less harmful to the battery and can be used for a wider range of battery types, including low-capacity batteries. The tester does not predict the exact end of a battery's life but can indicate imminent failure through a sudden increase in internal resistance or decrease in conductance.

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