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West Mountain Radio
Operating Manual
Safety Precautions
The West Mountain Radio CBA is inherently safe but the batteries it tests are
not. Anything that stores energy is potentially dangerous! Some types of batteries
are safer than others but they are all capable of causing explosions or fires.
For technical information on a battery, refer to the Battery Manufacturers website to
get detailed information on the rating of the battery. Most battery labels have limited
information, but the manufacturer’s website may have more detailed information.
General Information on batteries is also available on the West Mountain Radio
CD.
Primary Safety Considerations:
•
Never discharge a battery at a higher discharge rate than it is designed for.
•
Never use a battery that has poorly insulated or frayed wiring or exposed
metal parts.
•
Never connect a battery with reverse polarity.
• Never test a battery near flammable materials.
•
Never allow a battery reach a temperature that causes it to get so hot that it
may be too hot to touch, or battery case softens or fumes.
•
Recharge the batteries immediately with an appropriate battery charger after
the test is complete. Some types do not like to sit discharged for extended
periods of time.
•
Never test or charge your batteries while unattended.
• Have a fire extinguisher nearby.
•
Never connect a battery with the polarity reversed!
•
Always connect the USB cable BEFORE connecting the battery!
•
Do not connect a battery to the CBA that is connected to something else
unless an isolated USB hub is used.
•
If using a USB HUB, make sure it is a powered hub. That means it will have a
separate power connection to the hub so it can fully power the CBA.
•
Operate the CBA in a cool dry location.
• Never allow fingers, metal parts or wiring of the battery come in contact with
the metal heat sink.
•
Never allow the cooling fan to be blocked or jammed.
•
Do not ignore the warnings that the software may report.
•
The CBA can get hot. Do not touch the metal heat sink while, or shortly after,
conducting a high power test.
