CASP/1200 Universal Battery Support System

TOTAL BATTERY SUPPORT

CASP/1200 is a microprocessor-based precision instrument for maintaining any rechargeable batteries at the peak of performance. As such, it is vital to the operation of video and television equipment, aircraft systems, medical devices, communications gear, portable computers and other battery powered equipment. Through the systematic use of CASP/1200, battery operated equipment becomes more reliable, safer and far more cost effective. In a word, CASP/1200 optimizes the effectiveness of batteries as a component of electronic systems.

FUNCTIONS OF THE CASP/1200

CASP/1200 has six channels, which automatically process up to six batteries of any type sequentially. The system performs the following functions:

BATTERY RECONDITIONING

By virtue of Christie’s ReFLEX charging technique, the system can be used to recondition, or “rejuvenate”, NiCd batteries, even when these batteries have deteriorated to the point that they will no longer hold a charge. This dramatic capability by itself literally justifies the use of CASP/1200.

BATTERY RECOGNITION

When a battery is connected to any one of the channels, the system senses the type of battery, which is involved, and automatically provides the kind of processing that the battery requires.

BATTERY ANALYSIS

The system can analyze the condition of a battery, and report that condition on an optional serial printer. It can be determined from the display or the hard-copy printout what action should be taken. In this mode, the system can analyze and report battery discharge capacity and battery charge capacity.

BATTERY CHARGING

The system has the capability for different types of charging, as appropriate to the kinds and conditions of the batteries being processed. This capability includes fast charge, slow charge, dual-rate charge, and simultaneous charge of up to six batteries. Charging can be very rapid, and many NiCd's can be charged in as little as 30 minutes.

FEATURES and BENEFITS

CASP/1200 is a sophisticated instrument, designed to make the care and maintenance of rechargeable batteries simple and straightforward. The system offers a number of key features and benefits as follows:

COST EFFECTIVENESS

An outstanding benefit of CASP/1200 is that it saves its own cost by rejuvenating worn-out NiCd's, allowing them to be returned to useful service, and by charging batteries more completely, improving their reliability and extending their life.

ADVANCED PROCESSING METHODS

Christie’s exclusive ReFLEX charging process has numerous advantages over other battery charging methods. Foremost among these is the ability to erase “memory” and restore badly faded battery capacity. With the ReFLEX method, batteries also get charged faster, are more fully charged, stay cooler, have less cell imbalance and last appreciably longer.

UNIVERSAL APPLICATION

CASP/1200 handles every rechargeable battery make and type ~ NiCd, Nickel Metal-Hydride, Lead-Acid, Silver-Zinc, Lithium, or any other. The system will also accommodate new battery developments, and hence will never become obsolete.

CASP/1200 SYSTEM OPERATION The CASP/1200 system has six input-output channels to which batteries may be connected. Up to six batteries of varied types may be connected simultaneously to the system. A sequencer circuit automatically polls each connector in a predetermined sequence, providing inputs to the battery recognition circuit. This circuit identifies battery types and provides this information to the system microprocessor. Depending on the function, or operating mode, which has been selected for the system, such as “Charge”, “Analyze”, or “Recondition”, the microprocessor instructs the system circuitry to conduct the desired process.

In the case of “Analyze”, for example, the preprogrammed current/voltage source performs discharge and charge functions necessary to the correct and complete diagnosis of every battery connected to the system.The sequencer multiplexes the necessary inputs and outputs to the relevant channels and batteries. All operations of the CASP/1200 are initiated and controlled by the front keyboard: An LCD display provides readout of Battery Identification as well as Function, Task, and Completion Codes. In addition, an internal speaker emits tones for input verifications, errors, and process termination. All functions, which are being performed, as well as the condition of each battery connected to the system, can be printed out on an optional serial printer. The CASP/1200 can be accessed through an RS-232 port for uploading or remote operation. Uploading may be accomplished by using a CASP/2000 or personal computer. Remote operation is also possible, allowing the CASP/1200 to be operated from a computer. Software for use with IBM compatible and Apple II personal computers is available from Christie Electric Corp. The CASP/1200 is highly sophisticated in performance, yet extremely easy to understand and simple to use. All in all, the system is the most advanced battery support equipment on the market today.

UNATTENDED OPERATION

In using CASP/1200, the operator first selects the processing function. The system sequences through each channel, processing all connected batteries. If a fully charged battery is removed and a discharged battery installed, the system will recognize the new battery and charge it appropriately. The only attendance CASP/1200 requires is the loading and off-loading of batteries.

WORLDWIDE OPERATION

The lightweight, portable CASP/1200 operates on mains power anywhere in the world. The system accepts inputs from 90 to 265VAC, at frequencies from 47 to 440Hz.

ReFLEX CHARGING METHOD

The heart of Christie’s unique CASP/1200 system is the ReFLEX charging method. With this method, sharp, negative-current, discharge pulses are alternated with positive-current charging pulses. This process prevents the formation of gasses across the plate area of NiCd batteries, and restores the crystal structure of the cadmium anodes. Charging efficiency is thereby greatly improved, and the battery actually undergoes electrochemical restoration.