CASP/2000 Universal, Programmable Battery Support System

VERSATILE CAPABILITY

CASP/2000 is available in a 0-42VDC/0-14A model and a 0-78VDC/0-10A model (CASP/2000H). Both models offer a full range of battery support capabilities. The CASP/2000's versatility is further enhanced with the recent availability of a training CD-ROM which offers comprehensive and interactive operating instructions providing even the first time user an easy method to learn how to program and operate the multi-functional CASP/2000. Each CASP/2000 is delivered with one copy of this CD-ROM.

BATTERY RECONDITIONING

CASP/2000 employs Christie's exclusive ReFLEX current cycling to rejuvenate badly faded NiCd batteries. This process substantially eliminates battery memory and actually restores the battery to a serviceable condition, often when it will no longer hold a charge. The same process is used to maintain NiCd's and prevent deterioration. This outstanding capability by itself justifies the use of CASP/2000.

BATTERY CHARGING

CASP/2000 charges any type of rechargeable battery. Up to six randomly intermixed batteries can be connected at the same time and charged sequentially. Charging is automatic. Each battery receives precisely the type and amount of charging it requires: ReFLEX, constant current, two-level constant current or constant potential. Optimized, fast charging or slow “trickle” charging can be selected, and batteries can be discharged for storage or shipment.

BATTERY RECOGNITION

CASP/2000 automatically recognizes the batteries it is processing by the types of cables used for interconnection.

BATTERY ANALYSIS

CASP/2000 analyzes the condition of any battery connected to the system. The battery can be analyzed in both charge and discharge modes, to determine the charge energy required and the useful ampere-hours in the battery.

SYSTEM PROGRAMMING

As supplied, CASP/2000 is programmed to handle many of the popular makes and types of batteries. However, the system can be conveniently reprogrammed from its own keyboard to accommodate other batteries, or new batteries as they are developed. The CASP/2000 can also be used to program the “GO/NO-GO” CASP/1000 series.

SYSTEM READOUTS

CASP/2000 features an integral LCD display that provides a broad array of information about the functions of the system. The messages available from the display include: battery description, battery ampere-hour capacity, battery voltage, and charge and discharge currents. An external printer can be used to plot battery charge and discharge characteristics.

FLEXIBLE POWER SOURCE

CASP/2000 can be used as a reliable power supply or “battery eliminator”, with programmable voltage and current. The system is capable of providing up to 350 watts on six parallel outputs.

CASP/2000 SYSTEM OPERATION   CASP/2000 has six input/output channels to which batteries may be connected. Up to six rechargeable 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 sensing circuit. This circuit identifies battery types and routes this information to the system microprocessor.   The microprocessor is the “brain” of the CASP/2000 and directs the charge, discharge, analysis, reconditioning and display functions of the system. The microprocessor is programmed and controlled from the integral keyboard, and can adapt the system to the parameters of any rechargeable battery.   An LCD display provides a readout for the information supplied by the CASP/2000. This display can serve, for example, as a digital voltmeter/ammeter, battery identifier, a process indicator or a programming guide. In addition, an internal speaker emits various tones for input verifications, errors and process termination.   The system keyboard allows the CASP/2000 to perform its many functions simply and efficiently. For example, if the operator wishes to know the voltage of each connected battery, the “VOLTS” key can be actuated, and the instrument stepped through each successive channel. The voltage and channel information appear, clearly identified, on the LCD display. In a similar manner, each of the system's processes can be initiated and monitored.   In addition to function keys, the CASP/2000 has an alphanumeric keypad which allows the operator to enter alphanumeric data into the system. It is also possible from this keyboard to generate a program for the CASP/1000 series, and to download the program.

SYSTEM BENEFITS

CASP/2000 performs more functions in the support of rechargeable batteries and offers far more battery information than any other support system on the market.

COST EFFECTIVENESS

By virtue of its many sophisticated capabilities, CASP/2000 saves the user a considerable amount of money. Foremost is the ability to return worn-out NiCd's to useful service. In addition, CASP/2000 charges batteries more quickly and more completely. With the ReFLEX method, NiCd batteries are more fully charged, stay cooler and have less cell imbalance, thus improving their reliability and extending their life.

ADVANCED PROCESSING METHODS

CASP/2000 provides charging power appropriate to the charging need. This includes Christie's ReFLEX charging process with its ability to erase “memory” and restore badly faded NiCd capacity.

UNIVERSAL APPLICATION

CASP/2000 handles every rechargeable battery make and type-­NiCd, lead acid, silver-zinc, lithium or any other. The system will also accommodate new battery developments, and hence never become obsolete.

UNATTENDED OPERATION

When the desired processing function is selected, CASP/2000 sequences through each channel indefinitely, processing all connected batteries. If a fully charged battery is removed and a discharged one installed, the system will recognize the new battery and charge it appropriately. The only attendance CASP/2000 requires is with the loading and off-loading of batteries.

WORLDWIDE OPERATION

CASP/2000 is small, lightweight and portable. The system accepts input power from 90 to 265VAC, at frequencies from 47 to 440Hz.

VOLTAGE DISCHARGE CURVE FOR 12-CELL NiCd BATTERY PACK AS PLOTTED BY EXTERNAL MATRIX PRINTER An RS-232 port on the CASP/2000 permits an optional serial printer to be connected. This printer can produce various reports, as well as graph battery charge and discharge curves. The battery discharge plot shown indicates several weak cells, and suggests that the reconditioning function of CASP should be used to balance the battery pack.

ReFLEX CHARGING METHOD The heart of Christie's unique CASP/2000 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 crystalline structure of the cadmium anodes. Charging efficiency is thereby greatly improved, and the battery actually undergoes electrochemical restoration.