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West Mountain Radio
Operating Manual
Temperature Probe
Temperature Graphing (Extended Software Version)
If an Extended License and the Temperature Probe accessory have been purchased, the option of graphing
an external temperature and stop a test if an external temperature hits a user-specified threshold is available.
Simply click the ‘Graph Temperature’ radio button when setting up a Discharge Test. If running a standard
Discharge Test, there is also “Recovery Time” check box and time box. Recovery time allows a load test which
has been completed to continue for additional time to record any overshoot in the battery’s temperature rise.
It will also allow a running test which has paused due to over temperature (as set in Tools > Preferences) to
continue after cooling.
CBA IV - Plug the temperature probe two-pin flat connector into the right most pins (closest to the LEDs) of the
available pins in the cover slot. It does NOT make any difference which way it goes in as long as it is plugged
in to the far right two pins. The extra pins are for future options.
NOTE: If using this software with a CBA II, do not remove the blue jumper. CBA III and CBA IV do not have
this jumper.
For CBA HR, the optional temperature probe is connected via a 3.5 mm accessory jack located near the
Powerpole connectors. Be advised - when a 3.5 mm plug is inserted, you MUST also implement 4-wire remote
voltage sensing. This is required since the 3.5 mm input serves two purposes - temperature and remote voltage
input. When the plug is inserted, the CBA HR’s internal voltage sensing (normally connected internally to the
Powerpole connectors) is disconnected and routed out via the 3.5 mm plug. Thus using a temperature probe
ALSO requires use of a remote 4-wire type battery load sensing connection harness. See
CBA HR Auxiliary Inputs
Calibration - Allow the probe sit in a location away from any heat source for enough time to acclimate to room
temperature. Have a good thermometer nearby, to determine an accurate temperature reading. For laboratory
quality measurements, consider calibrating near the temperature of interest by submersing both the probe a
high accuracy thermometer in the water warmed to near the temperature expected during your test.
With a temperature probe connected to the CBA, go to “Tools”, “Lab Calibrate”, “Calibrate Temperature Probe”
and enter the accurate reference temperature reading in either degrees C, or F, the reference temperature
reading and click OK to save that calibration. This will serve to “teach” the CBA software to associate the exact
temperature with the resistance reading of the thermistor in the probe.
Note: Temperature Probe should not need to be recalibrated as long as the same CBA unit is being used.
To use the probe, attach it in close physical contact with the center of the battery, or battery pack being
tested. Hold it in place with the probe’s magnet (most round cells are magnetic), or with tape or a rubber band
(for better contact and more accurate readings thermal compound may be used). Be certain it stays in close
contact with the battery during the test. The CBA temperature readings are quite accurate over the range that a
