Frequently Asked Questions

Download our Product Introduction Brochure.

1. Is it better to run a system with batteries in parallel or series?
HES equipment is designed to work with single 12V batteries, or two 12V batteries of the same capacity connected in parallel. As long as the connections between the two batteries are kept short with adequate wire gauge, each battery receives essentially equal charge, and any imbalance tends to cancel over time.

Connecting SLA batteries in series may lead to an eventual imbalace, where one battery becomes overcharged while the other is undercharged. Either condition will shorten the life of the batteries, and may become a safety hazard.

Download the Battery Chemistry White Paper.

2. How can I tell if I have a bad battery?
There are many factors that determine battery life in a given application. As the battery ages, the “run time” will tend to drop off gradually. Typically it’s time to replace the battery when the run time has dropped to about 60% of original.

If you’re running the Power Monitor software on a PC connected to the HES Series 301 Controller, you can check the “State of Health” number (in percent) shown in the Advanced Functions screen. This is an overall indicator of the present state of health versus a new battery. Other indicators include:

  • Gas Gauge and/or predicted time remaining seem much lower than normal.
  • The battery discharges very quickly after unplugging from AC.
  • The battery charges to 100% very quickly, even if the battery is very low. (Normally it takes approximately 5 to 6 hours to charge the battery from empty).
  • Power Monitor Software Event Log shows a “bad battery” event. This may indicate additional problems with the battery, such as a damaged or shorted cell.
3. Can I run the system without the software on the PC?
The HES Series 301 Controller will operate correctly, run the equipment , and charge the battery without the Power Monitor Software running. However many important features will not be available - here is a partial list:

  • Windows will not automatically shut down if the battery becomes low. This may result in a loss of data or disk corruption, since the power will eventually shut off if the battery is low enough.
  • “Time Remaining” display not available. Although the Fuel Gauge is quite accurate, knowing time to empty is extremely useful in any mobile application.
  • Event Logs, Email Alerts, and Pop-Up Notifications are not available. These features are key in maintaining the battery system, and provide essential information for IT staff.
4. The Event Log shows several different types of Events. Is there a more detailed description of the types of Events that may occur?
Please refer to the “HES Series 301 Controller Event Summary”