GENERAL
Battery support
Q I have a ‘pro’ type diagnostics tablet which I have been using on various vehicles with each session lasting only a few minutes to retrieve codes or reset service indicators. I have seen reference to ‘battery support’ to be provided for longer sessions to ensure that anomalies are not raised by the battery voltage becoming lower.
I think there may be several ways to support the vehicle battery during a long session, but I have the following questions:
Can a‘smart’ battery charger be used for the purpose and if so, would it have to be disconnected before starting the engine to view live data, etc?
It would be more convenient to use a lithium type jump-starter but given that it would normally be used for only a minute or two would it be OK for a 30-minute session?
Finally, if either of the above are not suitable can you suggest an alternative?
Martin Farrant
A Generally, battery chargers are not suitable for battery support unless they are specifically designed to give a stable and steady voltage. Jump cables from a second battery or a battery pack are also not recommended as they are unable to provide the required stable support.
The cost of battery support units is much higher than that of a standard charger/conditioner with the lowest price unit I could find being the CTEK MXS 10EC 12V 10A Battery and Charger Support Unit at £195. The next option was the Sealey BSCU25 Battery Support Unit at £222 – and then the more professional units such as the GYSFLASH 30.12 PL which also
