Power Analyser

At a quick glance you’d dismiss JP’s new widget as just another watt meter yet watt meters are becoming more sophisticated and, in the case of the Power Analyser, will do far more than just measuring the performance of a power system, important though the task is. The Power Analyser’s remit then is;

• Watt meter
• Voltage checker
• Battery balancer

Supplied with simple, well written instructions, the Analyser is brush-aluminium with a two-line LCD display that’s easy to read. The input and output sockets are Deans connector based, a 7-pin battery balance connector port sits alongside the output socket and three push input buttons are sited below the LCD. It’s worth noting that just JST-EHR and JST-XH balance plugs can be connected to the pins, said pins can't directly accomodate FlightPower of ThunderPower plugs. 

Two Deans connector based leads are supplied although users may wish to change the end plugs if their batteries, chargers and ESCs are based on other connector types.

WATT METER
The unit connects between the battery and ESC in reflecting watts, amps, battery voltage under load and the total used capacity in Ah. Pretty standard stuff of course. 

CHARGING/DISCHARGING
The unit can be connected between a charger and battery to provide real-time charge data of the sort most LCD screen equipped units currently do. Ideal if you’re using an older charger without a screen or a simple field charger.  

CAPACITY/VOLTAGE CHECKING                               If you’re blessed with a good smattering of Li-Po packs then you’ll know how easy it is to forget which are charged, especially during a busy session at the flying field. Plugging the Li-Po balance plug onto the unit’s pins allows a quick capacity and cell check where, handily, the unit shows the data with a capacity display bar and ‘%’ readout (the pic above shows the screen although the main leads don't have to be connected to see this). 

BALANCING
In 'balance' mode, the unit will warn when packs are unbalanced or when cell voltages are too high or low (see pic opposite) and balance packs accordingly, an audible ‘beep’ signalling completion of the task.

ALL UP
Great, If the unit could also handle NiCD and NiMH cells then it would get a perfect score but even as is, it's a very useful bit of kit. The Power Analyser is easy to use and does what it says. Whether you’d describe yourself as a serious electric flyer or not, you’ll find this little unit truly indispensable. Worth noting is the fact that many electric flyers, especially those new to the genre often don't realise just how useful a unit like this can be so if you're in any doubt then just throw caution to the wind and get one. It's available from J.Perkins stockists (most model shops) with an RRP of £31.99.

Voltage – 0-60V, resolution 0.01V
Current – 0-100A peak, resolution 0.1A
Power – 0-6000W, resolution 0.1W
Cell count – 1 – 6 cells
Battery types – Li-Po, LiIon, LiFe
Weight – 120g
Size – 102 x 50 x 21mm