On certain VeEX products, use the Diagnostic feature on the Web Remote Access to download the System Logs. Otherwise, contact our Customer Support team.
Even modern Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) batteries lose their maximum capacity over time. That capacity loss depends on their age, currents, usage, environmental conditions, charging/discharging behaviors, storage, etc.
Thankfully, they are called "smart batteries" for a reason. That's because they keep track of their real time usage and performance.
To check the maximum remaining capacity of an "old" battery, certain VeEX products offer access to detailed battery logs. To access them, connect the test set to the network (LAN) and point a web browser to its IP address, to get to its Web Remote Access page. On the left menu, click on Diagnostic, to download the veex_diagnostic.zip file.
Open the sys_power.csv inside of the ZIP file. On the spreadsheet, column E fulcap shows the maximum relative capacity attainable by the battery pack, compared to its original 100%. Scroll down to the latest timestamp (last row) to read the current value. A value of 8075 indicates 80.75% of the original capacity.
With the battery pack at its current 100% charge (column B, percent), users can also check the expected autonomy (in minutes) in column G time2empty. This is calculated using the current usage conditions.
When Should a VeEX Battery Be Replaced?
There are several factors to consider.
- Autonomy - Based on the way the instrument is used on a daily basis, users can use the current maximum capacity (fulcap) and autonomy (time2empty) to decide if the battery pack can still do the expected job. It is recommended to replace battery packs when their maximum capacity degrade below 60% or it no longer meets the autonomy requirements for the job.
- Safety - As Li-Ion battery cells age, they bring safety concerns. In general, this battery chemistry is considered safe, but age, storage, shock, impact, vibration, cracks, puncture, high currents, etc., can affect the cells. It is recommended to replace battery packs older than three (3) years.
- High impact (drops), shock, vibration, cracks, punctures, swelling, overheating are good reasons to get the battery packs inspected and replaced.
- Some VeEX products may require returning them to a service center for battery replacement.