I am currently upgrading my existing Electron-based counters with newer Boron-based ones. As I do, I will rework / recycle as much as I can from the older units to reduce waste. These units have been operating on solar power for anywhere from 1 to 4 years.
How can I tell if it is time to replace a Single Cell LiPo Battery? I use this one:
I don’t want to replace and have to dispose of a battery if it still has ~70% of its capacity as Parks are very cost conscious (as they should be).
Any advice on a piece of test kit that I could use to make this determination. Field or desktop use is fine. Ideally, I would like to know - this 2000mAH battery is now a 15000mAH battery. With solar, I don’t think that charge / recharge cycles is the right metric. Here is what I have looked at so far:
Could do this job and much more - but expensive ($500):
I also tried these little testers but they are more about RC sports and don’t support single cell LiPO ($15):
I even looked at this one but the “no case” look caused me to be a bit suspicious ($50):
Any recommendations?
Thanks, Chip