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Operating Manual

The ultimate voltmeter

Battwatch is a product by 2bfirst technologies Operating instructions for Battwatch Version 1.1 Copyright 2008, 2bfirst technologies gmbh Print date April 2009

The ultimate voltmeter Dear customer:

e thank you for purchasing the Battwatch and for your trust in our product.

Please read these operating instructions carefully, since they contain important information for the application and especially for your safety.

Table of contents: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Introduction and functionality Installation LED display, display symbols and operating buttons Checking the battery status Control of the regulator function Control of the functionality of the generator and monitoring of the fan belt, connections and cabling. Short overview of status messages Technical data Guarantee Important addresses and phone numbers

Package contents Battwatch with connection plug for the cigarette lighter socket Holder Double-sided adhesive tape (mounting material) Operating instructions

The ultimate voltmeter INFORMATION FOR USERS OF THE MODEL Battwatch 1000: These operating instructions depict the model BATTWATCH 2000 for illustration purposes. In contrast to the model BATTWATCH 1000, the model BATTWATCH 2000 additionally has an LED display that indicates the voltage or the interior temperature; otherwise the technology of both models is identical (also see the explanations in chapter 3 on this subject). 1. Introduction and functionality For a better understanding of the Battwatch performance features, here is a short, simplified presentation of the functionality of the vehicles energy system and battery charging system: The generator is powered by the engine through a fan belt and thereby generates a voltage that is speed dependent. The voltage produced by the generator supplies the battery and the electricity consumers in the vehicle with energy (e.g. control devices, lighting, air conditioning). To prevent an overload of the battery at high engine speeds, a regulator is installed to regulate voltages above approx. 15 volts. Therefore in simplified form the vehicles entire energy system comprises the following components: Generator Fan belt Battery Regulator Connections Cabling

All of these components are constantly monitored by Battwatch. The Battwatch registers every change and analyzes whether the system is functioning flawlessly. Battwatch communicates the diagnoses resulting from the analysis to the user by means of different, function-specific illuminated displays and in critical cases, it also uses an alarm signal to alert the user that a part of the system is defective and has to be replaced

The ultimate voltmeter or repaired. In this way the Battwatch informs the driver in time before a breakdown that the battery or the energy system should be checked at a car repair shop as soon as possible. At the same time the Battwatch provides detailed, practical information about the source of the flaw and thus reduces a time and cost intensive search for the origin. While monitoring the entire vehicle energy system, the Battwatch monitors the current battery level not only through the applied voltage but uses an innovative technology that has been patented worldwide the determination of the discharge curve to display the actual battery level. Therefore the Battwatch can also determine, for example, whether the individual battery cells are functional or not. With a so-called virtual voltage diagram, where a traditional voltage meter would continue to display the voltage level as normal, the Battwatch can also recognize whether battery cells are already oxidized. Because in such an event this battery would no longer be strong enough to start the vehicle. The illuminated displays of the Battwatch provide the driver with clear information about the condition and possible sources of flaws of the vehicles energy system. The different displays are explained in the chapters 4 to 7 below in detail. 2. Installation The installation of the Battwatch is very simple: Connect the plug of the Battwatch directly to the cigarette lighter of your car and the Battwatch is already operational and can now monitor the entire energy system of the vehicle.

The ultimate voltmeter There are two possibilities of attaching the Battwatch to your vehicle. You can either attach the Battwatch directly to a suitable place on the dashboard of your car with the provided double-sided adhesive tape or you can alternatively install it on the dashboard with the holder included in the package (illustr. 1) in just a few steps. Here the Battwatch is attached at the upper rectangular surface with the enclosed double-sided adhesive tape. Then the oval bottom plate is affixed to a suitable spot on the dashboard, also with the enclosed adhesive tape. The hinged holder makes it possible for the Battwatch to be positioned at a viewing angle that is preferable to the driver. NOTE: To ensure that the status monitoring of the battery charging system is carried out with high precision, we recommend that the Battwatch is not connected to a multiple outlet. Permanent installation: Customers who dont wish to use the device through the cigarette lighter have the option of installing the Battwatch permanently. To do so, the plug of the Battwatch has to be removed first and the two plus and minus cables that are now available have to be connected to a live cable at a suitable spot behind the dashboard. Here it is important to make sure that no voltage is transmitted at the selected location when the ignition is turned off. We recommend that this permanent installation is only carried out by a specialist. POSITIVE CABLE: When looking closely, it is possible to recognize small numbers and letters on this cable. NEGATIVE CABLE: This cable is covered with dotted lines.
Abbildung 1

The ultimate voltmeter NOTE: The LED display of the Battwatch generates some warmth. Therefore a slight warming of the Battwatch is normal. PLEASE NOTE: In most vehicles there is no longer a charge in the cigarette lighter once the ignition is turned off. For that reason the Battwatch can also remain in the cigarette lighter when the vehicle is parked. But in a few vehicle models the cigarette lighter carries a charge even when the ignition is turned off. In that case, the display does not shut off when the ignition is switched off; with these vehicles we recommend that the Battwatch is removed from the cigarette lighter upon leaving the vehicle. 3. LED display, display symbols and operating buttons (1) The Battwatch has four display symbols for the status of the vehicles energy system: (2) The display of the Battwatch can show the current voltage or alternatively t h e interior temperature of the vehicle in Centigrade (or Fahrenheit). (3) The MODE button serves for the seAbbildung 2 lection of the desired category (voltage / interior temperature C/F) to be displayed. The different display categories can be selected sequentially through a repeated pressing of the MODE button. (4) Illuminated display of whether the selected interior temperature is shown in Centigrade or Fahrenheit. (5) In situations that may lead to an imminent breakdown, a shrill alarm signal will sound. The driver can switch off the pervasive beeping sounds by pressing the MUTE button so as not to be distracted from traffic.

The ultimate voltmeter INFORMATION FOR USERS OF THE MODEL Battwatch 1000: The Battwatch 1000 (illustr. 3) has no display to indicate the voltage or the interior temperature. But the four display symbols are identical with that of the model Battwatch 2000 that is depicted in these operating instructions. All explanations in the following chapters 4 to 7 correspond to the functionality of the Battwatch 1000. The function of the MUTE button is identical to the functionality of model Battwatch 2000. The MODE button is only significant if there is a flaw in the device (in a guarantee case). The button is programmed to have no function for the user himself.

Abbildung 3

4. Checking the battery status NOTE: Please check the battery status only with a cold engine, since a precise analysis of the battery quality can only be carried out under that condition. The engine should have been non-operational for at least one hour. Connect the Battwatch to the cigarette lighter. Only then turn on the ignition, but dont start the engine yet. Switch on the low beams and turn off all other consumers (heated seats, blower, etc.). After about 10 seconds, the Battwatch shows the user the current battery status. The

The ultimate voltmeter Battwatch can show three different battery qualities or battery charge levels: z good (green), weak (yellow), almost empty (red). If the display shows red, an additional shrill alarm signal will sound to make the driver aware of the critical battery charge level. PLEASE NOTE: The Battwatch doesnt just monitor the current battery level by means of the applied voltage but also has the patented technology of determining the discharge curve to show the actual battery level. For that reason the headlights have to be turned on when the battery level is checked, so that the battery is undergoing a discharge process. Here the voltage displayed on the Battwatch shows the batterys decrease in voltage that is caused by the drain. That is the foundation for the determination of the actual battery level. Battery status okay If the voltage is more than 11.5 Volts, the Battwatch shows the green OK symbol for the user, this means that the battery level is okay and the vehicle can be started without any concerns.
Abbildung 4

The ultimate voltmeter Battery status weak The display of the yellow Battwatch symbol (LOW) appears when the voltage is between 11.3 11.4 volts and shows that the battery capacity is low. Although the vehicle can be started, we recommend that it be driven for approx. 30 minutes so that the battery can be recharged again through the generator. When Abbildung 5 the yellow symbol is displayed, we recommend that the engine is not idling for a long time; instead you should begin driving immediately if possible. If the engine is idling for a longer period, the battery is discharged further and may even lead to a complete discharge depending on the battery level. Then the vehicle would no longer be capable of being driven. Battery almost empty or empty (display with alarm signal) If the red X symbol is displayed, accompanied by a shrill alarm signal for a displayed voltage of less than 11.2 volts the Battwatch signals that the battery is now almost empty. In that case the user has to drive for much more than 30 minutes to properly recharge the battery again. Abbildung 6 But if the user checks his car battery with the Battwatch on two or more subsequent days and the red X symbol appears every time, this means that the car battery has reached the end of its life cycle or - if the battery is still relatively new - that there is a defect and that it can no longer be charged with the generator. In

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The ultimate voltmeter that case we urgently recommend that the user have his battery checked or replaced at a car repair shop. PLEASE NOTE: After you have finished checking the battery status, turn off the headlights and start the engine. With nearly all vehicle models, the red X symbol will flash for a fraction of a second and a short beep will sound when the engine is started. This is caused by the high strain on the battery at the moment when the engine is started; it is quite normal and not an indication of any defect. 5. Control of the regulator function Regulator function is flawless When the engine is switched on, the Battwatch indicates a flawless functionality of the vehicles energy system with a green display of the Chg. symbol. Here the green OK symbol shows the intact condition of the charging system. If different electricity consumers are turned on before the vehicle is driven e.g. Abbildung 7 air conditioning, hi-fi system, etc. the green Chg. display turns off. This has no negative significance for the vehicles energy system but only shows that the Battwatch constantly monitors the energy system of the vehicle and registers every change. (Model Battwatch 1000: the flawless function of the vehicles energy system is shown only by the green OK symbol; the Chg. symbol does not glow in green.) The same applies after the vehicle starts driving. During a slow drive (below 50 km/h) and if several electricity consumers are switched on,

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The ultimate voltmeter the green Chg. symbol will be turned off here too. In this case there is also no adverse effect on the vehicles energy system. The following applies for the user of the Battwatch in general: as long as only green symbols are displayed, the results of all technical checks by the Battwatch are flawless or, in other words: everything is in the green range.

Regulator function is defective (with alarm signal) An interference or a defect in the regulating system is recognized by the Battwatch when the engine is turned on. As soon as the displayed voltage exceeds 15.1 volts, the display of the Chg. symbol switches to red and a shrill alarm signal will sound. This visual and acoustic alarm signal alerts the driver that Abbildung 8 an error has occurred in the regulating system, since the regulator is unable to stabilize the charging voltage, which causes an overload of the electrical system. If the voltage gets too high, this can lead to damages in the vehicles electrical system and especially the vehicles electronics. If the Battwatch displays such a signal, we therefore recommend that a nearby car repair shop should be visited as soon as possible so that the regulating system can be checked before this results in greater damages to your vehicle.

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The ultimate voltmeter 6. Control of the functionality of the generator, the fan belt and the connections and cabling Defect in the area generator/fan belt/connections/cabling

Abbildung 9

Abbildung 10

Abbildung 11

As long as the battery charging system functions flawlessly, the green OK symbol, as a sign of a functional charging system, indicates that there are no errors (illustr. 9). The Battwatch recognizes an error or a defect in the generator, a lost or torn fan belt and defective connections or cablings when the engine is running. If there is a defect inside the battery charging system, the vehicle is unable to receive the discharged energy. At that moment the vehicle uses the energy from the battery, which makes the battery charge level drop continuously while the Battwatch battery capacity indicator switches from green/OK (illustr. 9) to yellow/LOW (illustr. 10) and then to red/X (illustr. 11). When the red X symbol appears, a shrill alarm signal will also sound. This visual and acoustic alarm signal alerts the driver that there is a defect in the area of the generator (fan belt, connections, cabling). In that situation, we urgently recommend that the user visit a car repair shop nearby to have the battery charging system checked before the battery is completely discharged.

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The ultimate voltmeter NOTE: In this kind of situation we recommend that the driver turns off all nonessential consumers on the way to the nearest car repair shop in order to extend the functionality of the battery. If the battery is completely discharged, the vehicle will come to a standstill. This can lead to a dangerous situation in road traffic. Electricity consumers that are not essential to drive the vehicle include e.g. the air conditioning, the radio or the hi-fi system and the heated seats.

7. Short overview of status messages Displays when the vehicles energy system is flawless or only (only Battwatch 2000)

See the explanations in chapter 5 for more information. Displays of the battery capacity Battery OK: Battery low: Battery almost empty: Monitoring of the regulator Regulator OK: or no message: z or no message an alarm signal will also sound

an alarm signal will also sound

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The ultimate voltmeter Monitoring of the generator, the fan belt, the connections and cablings. No defect: no display If there is a defect: The display changes from green to yellow and then to red an alarm signal will also sound if it is red. 8. Technical data European CE/FCC certificate and approval mark for the compliance with the hazardous materials regulations (RoHS) Casing: - Molded thermoplastic ABS+PC-V0 casing, recyclable material - vibration proof and fire resistant - Dimensions: L 95 mm x W 60 mm x H 18 mm Weight: Battwatch main device: - Battwatch 1000: 38,2 g / Battwatch 2000: 48,0 g - Cable and plug 42,6 g - Holder: 11,8 g Colors of casing: Standard colors: matte black and silver Special colors (only Battwatch 2000): carbon look and high-gloss black Operational voltage 12 V nominal Power demand 0,1 A (100 mA) Power use - Battwatch 1000: 58 mA - Battwatch 2000: 79 mA - Battwatch 2000 (special color model with illuminated keys): 85 mA Operating temperature: -20 C ~ +70 C

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The ultimate voltmeter LED display for voltage indicator (only Battwatch 2000) The Battwatch indicates the voltage between 8.0 volts and 18.5 volts on the display. If the voltage drops below 8.0 volts there is no voltage indication. If the voltage is above 18.5 volts, only 18.5 volts will be indicated, The Battwatch calculates the voltage to two decimal points, but only one decimal point will be displayed. LED display for temperature indicator (only Battwatch 2000) Display of the temperature from -9.9 C +60.0 C below -10 C - Lo is displayed over 60 C Hi is displayed Temperatures below 0.0 C with minus symbol Temperature displays in Centigrade with one decimal point Temperature displays in Fahrenheit in whole numbers Tricolored LED status display of the vehicles energy system green/yellow/red Alarm signal installed acoustic alarm signal 9. Guarantee The guarantee of the Battwatch applies to defects and malfunctions for 24 months starting with the purchase date. However, the guarantee does not apply to malfunctions caused by damages from an accident, a misuse or a damage that was caused by non-compliance with the operating instructions. If the Battwatch is opened, the guarantee becomes void. Battwatch is a product by 2bfirst technologies gmbh. 2bfirst technologies gmbh Am Alten Bahnhof 4 D-77694 Kehl phone +49 78 51 8 99 99 0 fax +49 78 51 8 99 99 29 www.2bfirst.com info@2bfirst.com

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