OTC 3184 Professional Battery Charging/Starting System Analyzer Kit

• Tests batteries and starting/ charging systems faster than ever before
• BCS System Analyzer has an operating range of 50-2000 CCA's and is able to store data in memory or remotely print out the results using an infrared printer interface
• Also measures voltage and tests starting and charging systems at the push of a button
• Utilizes cost effective conductance test technology for accurate testing at a value price point and quick 1-second initial results
• Heat-resistant over molding on battery clips and blow-molded case

I bought this tester because a client with several boat batteries needed their failure definitively documented for a warranty claim.

The literature claims the tester will operate with as little as 1 VDC, and there is no need to charge the batteries before testing. When I arrived on the client's boat, the batteries were at 11.85-12.00 V, which should be plenty to test the batteries. Not so. The 3184 responded with "Charge & Retest".

After charging to "Float" with the multistage charger, the batteries were at 12.33-12.46 V (low for fully charged batteries). The 3184 responded with "Good Battery" for each battery, based on the CCA being close to the factory rated value. The only problem is that the batteries are NOT good. They are rated for 198 Amp-hours each, but can only supply about 10% of that before the voltage drops to a useless level (11.7 V).

After much deliberation with OTC tech support, it turns out that the 3184 tester is not capable of testing all lead-acid battery types. My client has AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) batteries, and the 3184 gives erroneous results. There is no mention of this shortcoming in any of the (minimal) literature supplied with the tester, or in OTC's description of the tester on their web site. I actually found the problem in the online OTC catalog on a "compare features" page while waiting on hold, and the OTC tech support people were not even aware of it.

Thankfully, Amazon will accept my return. I am upgrading to the OTC 3167 tester, which claims to be able to test "All" 6-12 V lead-acid batteries, including AGM. Still waiting for delivery.

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Since not much can be found online about this product I hope to shed some light on this tester.

The OTC 3184 is a conductance battery tester and not a load tester. This technology now seems to be the preferred method of testing the condition of automotive batteries.

Testing a battery on the bench is done by simply selecting the battery rating with the tester and then allowing the tester to run its cycle. The tester will display the batteries voltage, if it is good or bad, and capacity in CCA, a very nice feature.

Charging and starting tests are very simple. The starting test records the lowest voltage from the battery while cranking the engine. The charging tests measure alternator output while at idle, 2000 rpm and 1000 rpm with varying loads turned on or off (headlights, heater, etc). There is also a test for alternator ripple voltage, this is the test that can really save you a lot of headache.

Test results are very repeatable and seem in line with load testing results.

I think the menu system could be a little better, but that's my only complaint.

Overall, a very nice tester to have in your toolbox.

Read Best Reviews of OTC 3184 Professional Battery Charging/Starting System Analyzer Kit Here

Nice and portable unit. Lack of division between starting and charging analysis. Doesn't always seem accurate, the guess work isn't eliminated. Couple of battery comebacks already. Made in UK

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I purchased for work. I maintain diesels that have four batteries each, 12 volts each. It works on 24 volt, but our batteries are 1500 amps each. It has trouble reading the cranking amps of both batteries at the same time. I just remove the jumper between the two and test each one individually. I do wish it tested amp hour rated batteries. It only does CCA and similar.

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Measures CCA, but not very good at determining if battery is chargeable or sulfated. Still it's much better than using a voltmeter to inspect batteries and it's relatively inexpensive.