PCT International has announced the availability of its new “Battery Testing and Charging System,” which has been designed to simplify the ability of cable system operators to test, re-charge and redeploy the units.

 

The batteries from early EMTA deployments are approaching the end of their initial charge life. The company stated in a press release that it created the new solution to provide cable system operators with a comprehensive solution for ensuring the battery performance that EMTAs require to stay operational during extended power outages.

 

The PCT International (News - Alert) system includes servers, testing software and a tester/charger, and can be stacked to service up to 192 batteries in a single 19-inch rack.

 

Cam Siddiqui, president at PCT Canada, said that as batteries reach the recommended timeframe for testing and recharging, the company has been working closely with operators to identify new ways to address those needs.

 

“Our Battery Testing and Charging System enable the efficient evaluation, redeployment and battery swap program that our customers require to protect the integrity of their subscribers' voice services,” said Siddiqui.

 

Designed for minimal footprint, each tester/charger unit is 2U chassis high and capable of testing /charging up to 12 batteries, said officials. In a standard 19-inch rack, up to 16 of the units can be stacked, said company officials.

 

Moreover, the PCT International software package allows simultaneous real-time views of multiple tester chassis, allowing a single individual to manage the process for hundreds of batteries.

 

Company officials said that the system is capable of testing two-cell and four-cell battery packs -- 8.4Vdc 2.2Ah and 4.4Ah; and three-cell battery packs -- 10.95 to 12.6Vdc  2.2Ah -- from major manufacturers.

 

The system provides complete testing and a battery charging linearity test, and also plots minute by minute charging reports for power storage and linearity plots. In addition, it provides current and voltage curves during charging and discharge mode; and tests the power drain linearity of the fully charged battery, said officials.