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Automobile service clubs have responded enthusiastically to a CSIRO car electrics analyser being launched this week.
The analyser, called AUTO TEST, will appeal to the Australian and international markets.
Roadside breakdown service clubs will be the first to use AUTO TEST, with the auto electrical industry, fleet operators, and battery manufacturers following in the near future.
The inventor of AUTO TEST, Tony Schubert from CSIRO's Division of Manufacturing Technology, says the equipment is extremely versatile.
"The analyser can be used to check the alternator, starter motor, battery, key-off drains and battery connections. AUTO TEST can also be used as an engine management diagnostics tool, by analysing ignition and fuel injection," Schubert said.
"The wide range of analysis tasks is particularly useful for breakdowns when any number of flaws in a car's electrical system could be at fault."
A major advantage of AUTO TEST is its portability. The hand-held unit, which is not much bigger than a video cassette, weighs only 850 grams. It is designed to cope with varying states of battery charge, especially the low states of charge typically encountered by roadside service providers.
Work on the analyser began about five years ago with a feasibility study supported by six automobile clubs, the RACV, RACQ, NRMA, RAASA, RACT and RACWA, through the Australian Automobile Association, and the battery manufacturing company, GNB Technologies.
Following the successful field trialing of about 20 working prototype devices in several states, Test Technology Pty Ltd, a Melbourne firm, worked with CSIRO to develop the product to suit current market applications.
AAA's annual vehicle breakdown surveys show that 50% of roadside callouts are related to the battery or electrical system.
RACV will this week purchase the first of about 130 units to be supplied by the end of the year. Within twelve months it expects to have every patrol and contractor in its road service staff using the equipment. Over one thousand units are expected to be sold to road service clubs throughout Australia.
RACV's Chief Engineer, Michael Case, says AUTO TEST will result in a significant reduction in the number of repeat calls for roadside service.
"AUTO TEST analyses the problem accurately upfront, so that corrective action can be taken straight away. This translates into big cost savings for auto service clubs, drivers, particularly those with business vehicles, and battery manufacturers by reducing battery warranty claims," Case says.
"Consumers will benefit through accurate diagnosis and reduced inconvenience caused by repeated breakdowns for the same battery or electrical problem."
Michael Case says that all groups involved in the AUTO TEST development agree that the device is "portable, compact, quick, accurate and cost effective".
"We see an international market for AUTO TEST as there's nothing available that is comparable in terms of quick, reliable and accurate diagnosis," he says.
For more information please contact:
Corinna Lange or Rae Robinson at CSIRO
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