Ring Automotive have introduced two important new items of battery equipment, a DC to DC battery charger and an innovative battery analyser.

The new charger will prove useful in the growing number of instances where a vehicle has more than one battery. For example a second auxiliary battery is often used for lights and appliances in caravans or motorhomes or as power unit for specialist applications in welfare or utility vehicles.

The traditional method for recharging and maintaining this battery is to use a split relay system. However, using this method can have an effect on efficient charging, as there is a loss of voltage through resistance within the long wiring. Ring’s new DC-to-DC Charger the RSCDC30, is a dedicated SmartCharger for charging auxiliary batteries providing a more efficient charging solution. 

It takes the energy from a vehicle's main battery and converts it into multistage output for charging an additional battery. The charger compensates for any voltage drop in order to maximise charge to an auxiliary battery.

Being a SmartCharger it will charge multiple battery types, making it appropriate to be fitted to a wide range of vehicles. It also goes through a multistage charge cycle to intelligently manage the charging cycle of the battery to optimise the battery performance. The unit produces 30amps of charging current to charge large capacity 12v batteries and includes a wide input voltage range allowing it be used in many applications, including commercial vehicles. The units also has a LCD display automatic shut off and a sleep mode for when not in operation. It also offers the option of a secondary solar power input.

Also new to range is the RBAG700, a 12v Graphical Battery Analyser with printer for performance testing vehicle starting systems. This unit is different to other analysers in that it uses an intuitive graphical interface making it easier and quicker for technicians to diagnose faults. The microprocessor control can analyse and test the battery capacity without applying a load, providing fast, accurate results on batteries up to 1700CCA.

A low range setting is included for testing motorcycle batteries and batteries can be tested in or out of the vehicle and reverse polarity protection is built in.

RBAG700 will test not only the battery cranking performance, but also the alternator (including a diode ripple test), starter and earth system, providing a complete health check of the battery system to help mechanics diagnose potential faults.

The backlit LCD Screen means the readings are clearly visible even in the dark or low levels of light and results can be printed more quickly via the integrated printer or a full report produced via the PC link. This software enables the printed reports to be customised to show the garage and vehicle details. The unit will store up to 80 vehicles test results at once allowing multi-vehicle testing before downloading, ideal for large dealerships and workshops.

Battery testing is a simple way to boost business and improve customer satisfaction and the RBAG700 provides a comprehensive and effective testing option.