Several segments of tire dealer customers may appreciate the significance of a new device developed by Argus Analyzers. The company’s recently released Battery Bug Deep Cycle Monitor (DCM) is being touted as the only battery monitor that communicates both battery charge level and the percentage of remaining battery life. Designed for 12-volt deep cycle batteries in boats, recreational vehicles, commercial trucks, emergency and off-road vehicles, the DCM series extends battery life and improves reliability by providing the user with accurate charge level and battery life information, according to CEO Andrew Kallfelz. “There has always been a tremendous market need for a highly accurate state of charge and state of life meter for deep cycle batteries, but the technology has never existed to deliver reliable answers at a reasonable price,” Kallfelz contends. “The DCM series provides twice the information and much higher accuracy at a fraction of the cost of existing technology.” The Battery Bug DCM utilizes Large Pulse Resistance (LPR), a newly patented system that monitors the battery’s internal resistance, which is widely accepted as a more accurate indicator of battery health compared to simple voltage readings. LPR is also the first technology to accurately track battery charge level while the battery is in use. In contrast, most other methods require the battery to be disconnected, or offer only rough estimates of the remaining battery charge, says Kallfelz. The unit measures the battery’s internal resistance every 60 seconds and displays real-time charge level – independent of battery voltage or current draw on the battery. The DCM also tracks the battery’s deterioration over time and alerts the user when the battery needs to be replaced. As a result, the battery’s lifespan is no longer uncertain – users are able to use the battery to the end of its service life without risk of failure. The Battery Bug measures two inches square, mounts directly on the battery, and is waterproof to IP-X5 standards. Once connected to a fully charged battery, the DCM self-calibrates for the battery’s size and displays the current capability of the battery. Updated once a minute, the Battery Bug’s LCD display shows volts, MHO (a measure of internal resistance) and percentage of the charge remaining, as well as remaining battery life and lost capacity due to age. The display has a “fuel gauge” that indicates current battery capacity and charge level, with icons for “recharge battery” and “replace battery.” These indicators illuminate and audible alarms sound when the battery’s state of charge drops to critical levels, over/undercharge conditions exist or the battery is approaching the end of its useful life. A re-settable memory allows the Battery Bug to be removed and re-installed on the same battery or on a new battery. The device retails for $139. For more information, visit www.argusanalyzers.com. | 
