Hello Guys, I just received an older Mac electrical device. It is called "Charging Systems Analyzer, from Mac Tools." It has two heavy duty leads/clamps on it. Is there anyone out there that can tell me how to use this Analyzer ? Its model number is BCH-3. I am anxious to try it out. I checked the Continuity and it is good. Thank you. John D.

 

Can't find much on it. You might have to call Mac and see if they would send you something. Does it look like the picture below? Looks like it is a voltmeter and looks like it also may have some large resistor packs in it to put a load on the alternator. You probably can hook those clips up to the battery with the engine running, and it will tell you if it's charging, and you probably can put a load on the system to see if it keeps up with it.

 

Looks to me it will load test a battery, too. Applying 1/2 the CCA rating of the battery for 15 seconds, voltage should not drop below 9.6 volts. This will prove battery condition. Be sure to charge it back up before and after the test.

Another clever use is to measure the amperage draw of the engine starter. Ever wonder if the starter is toast?

Disable the ignition and crank the engine over while noting the battery voltage during cranking. Then apply enough resistance to the battery to achieve that same voltage number. There's your starter current draw. A serviceable starter in good condition will draw maybe 150 amps but they will really start to suck down the juice when they go bad.