CA1550-MIL – Lamar Technologies Portable 12/24 Volt Battery Analyzer Charger for Military Applications
Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.
Overview
The Lamar Technologies CA1550-MIL is a ruggedized, portable, microprocessor-controlled battery charger and capacity analyzer, engineered for the demanding environment of military and aerospace ground support. This "all-in-one" unit is a complete battery maintenance station, designed to accurately charge, analyze, and deep-cycle both 12-volt and 24-volt sealed (VRLA) and flooded lead-acid aircraft batteries. Its advanced capabilities allow A&P mechanics and avionics technicians to perform the critical capacity testing required by aircraft maintenance manuals, ensuring the airworthiness and reliability of an aircraft's primary electrical power source. The CA1550-MIL is housed in a robust, self-contained case, making it the ideal solution for both the hangar and demanding field operations.
Key Features
- Multi-Function Capability: A single unit provides four essential battery maintenance functions:
- Constant-Current Charging: Safely and efficiently charges batteries.
- Capacity Testing: Performs a constant-current discharge test to accurately measure a battery's true capacity in ampere-hours (Ah), the definitive measure of its health.
- Deep-Cycle/Reconditioning: Can perform a full discharge/charge cycle to recondition and restore capacity to sulfated or deeply discharged batteries.
- Self-Contained Power: Can perform a discharge test in the field without being connected to AC power.
- Microprocessor-Controlled: An advanced microprocessor controls all functions, ensuring a precise and repeatable process. It automatically terminates the charge or discharge cycle at the correct parameters, preventing overcharging or damaging the battery.
- Dual Voltage Compatibility: Instantly configurable for either 12V or 24V lead-acid batteries, making it a versatile tool for a mixed fleet of aircraft.
- Ruggedized "MIL" Version: The MIL-spec version is housed in a heavy-duty, impact-resistant portable case and features robust cables and clamps, designed to withstand the rigors of military and deployed operations.
- Digital Display & Data Output: Features a clear digital display that provides real-time data on voltage, current, and time. It provides a definitive "Pass/Fail" indication after a capacity test.
Technical Specifications
- Part Number: CA1550-MIL
- Component Type: Battery Charger / Capacity Analyzer
- Supported Battery Types: Lead-Acid (VRLA/AGM and Flooded)
- Voltage Selection: 12 VDC / 24 VDC
- Functions: Charge, Capacity Test, Deep Cycle
- Charge Current: Adjustable, microprocessor-controlled
- Discharge (Capacity Test) Current: Adjustable (e.g., up to 50 Amps)
- Input Power: Standard AC Power (e.g., 110-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz)
- Enclosure: Ruggedized, Portable Case
- Certification: Conforms to MIL-STD requirements for ground support equipment.
Aircraft Compatibility
The CA1550-MIL is a piece of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and is universally compatible with the lead-acid batteries used in a vast range of aircraft.
- Common Aircraft Platforms:
- Military: General aviation trainers, helicopters, and tactical aircraft utilizing 12V or 24V lead-acid batteries.
- General Aviation: All piston and turboprop aircraft from Textron Aviation, Piper, Cirrus, etc.
- Business Jets: Supports the main and emergency batteries on numerous corporate aircraft.
Applications
The CA1550-MIL is an essential tool for any professional aircraft maintenance facility:
- Airworthiness Compliance: The primary tool for performing the periodic battery capacity checks that are mandated by the maintenance manuals of most type-certified aircraft.
- Battery Health Diagnosis: Accurately determines the true health of a battery. It can identify a battery that has lost capacity and is unsafe for flight, even if it shows a normal voltage.
- Battery Reconditioning: Can often restore the capacity of a sulfated battery, extending its service life and reducing replacement costs.
- New Battery Acceptance: Used to perform an initial capacity test on a new battery to ensure it meets specifications before being installed in an aircraft.
Why Choose CA1550-MIL?
An aircraft's battery is a flight-critical component, especially for IFR flight. A simple voltage check is not enough to determine its airworthiness. The Lamar CA1550-MIL is the professional, automated tool that performs a true capacity test, giving you a definitive, data-backed answer on your battery's health. Its rugged design ensures it will provide years of reliable service in a hangar or field environment. For ensuring the safety and dispatch reliability of your aircraft's electrical system, the CA1550-MIL is an indispensable piece of ground support equipment.
Order Your Lamar CA1550-MIL Now
Take the guesswork out of aircraft battery maintenance with a professional-grade, automated solution. Visit Airparts.aero to inquire about the Lamar Technologies CA1550-MIL today.
The core function of the CA1550-MIL is the capacity test, which is a direct application of Peukert's law and the principles of electrochemistry. A fully-charged battery is subjected to a constant-current discharge, typically at the "C1" rate (the current required to discharge the battery in one hour). For example, a 35 Ah battery would be discharged at 35 amps. The CA1550-MIL's microprocessor monitors the battery's voltage under this heavy load. The test is automatically terminated when the voltage drops to a predetermined endpoint (e.g., 20V for a 24V battery). The microprocessor then calculates the total time of the discharge and multiplies it by the discharge current to determine the true measured capacity in ampere-hours. FAA regulations (e.g., 14 CFR 43.13) and manufacturer manuals typically require a battery to be removed from service if its capacity drops below 80% of its rated capacity.
Note: This is a piece of professional ground support and test equipment. Operation must be performed by a certified A&P mechanic or qualified technician in accordance with the Lamar operator's manual and the specific aircraft battery's component maintenance manual. All safety precautions for working with high-amperage electrical systems and lead-acid batteries must be followed.
