Post
by FioranoCars » Mon Apr 24, 2017 10:02 pm
I think this is best answered by Steve Smith or someone else at Pico ...
In my historic research, which included lots of guidance from the Pico boys, into the figures and calculations, I did not focus on this particular aspect, but I can say from the data I have that in basic terms it uses some or all of these:
- Initial battery voltage
- voltages during cranking
- amps & voltage post cranking at idle/no load
- amps & Voltage during alternator load element
The simple thing is that more amps being output show the battery is less charged, this combined with assumptions about the battery voltage levels, can be interpreted together (with many assumptions, especially due to smart charging system strategies) that the battery is at a level of charge
So charging at 60% means, as I understand it, that the battery is at 60% of it's potential, and is being charged, so 80% would mean the battery is closer to fully charged ... these indicators can be used to assess if the test was appropriate (too low a charge in the battery means the tests could be meaningless).
But as I said, it's best that someone from Pico offers their version of what they mean as they do not disclose the logic/calculations used to "create" these numbers.
Some of the other numbers have serious flaws, and have had for 4 or more years, so PLEASE Pico boys and girls take a look at them and fix them!
On the subject of battery testing, there are tests using the scope during cranking that will tell you heaps about the car, battery, cables, and engine, so it's not irrelevant, just needs to be in context, which without knowing the logic applied is hard ... so best create your own tests.
I hope that answers to a small degree what the % mean?
Richard