The BattHawk

The BattHawk is designed and manufactured by East Central Indiana Robotics, Team 1720 (PhyXTGears). The BattHawk is a voltmeter which can take the place of a battery flag. The BattHawk measures the battery voltage without discernible drain during a competition time frame.

Holy smokes Batman, it’s time you meet the BattHawk!

Here at East Central Indiana Robotics, we have manufactured a new design, the BattHawk. It is a voltmeter that can replace a battery flag, measuring the battery voltage without draining it significantly during competition times. This can help dramatically since the status of all the batteries will be continuously visible. This allows one to monitor the charge of each battery by just looking at it!

Overview

The BattHawk is a revolutionary battery monitoring device designed for use in competitive robotics environments, particularly in FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). Its primary function is to provide immediate visual feedback on the state of charge (SOC) of batteries within the voltage range of 4.5 volts to 30 volts. The device boasts high accuracy of 1% and low trickle-drainage, ensuring minimal impact on battery performance. It replaces traditional Battery Flags, meeting UL safety requirements, and is compatible with FRC battery connectors. Made of durable polypropylene, it comes with a convenient storage pouch and is intended for continuous use during competitions.

User-Friendly

Operating the BattHawk is straightforward and user-friendly. After charging a battery and performing a test with the Battery Beak for load assessment, users simply plug in the BattHawk to obtain constant visual status updates. The device’s angled design ensures that the voltage display remains unobstructed during insertion, enhancing usability and convenience. Furthermore, its keyed insertion mechanism prevents mistakes, ensuring correct usage each time. The product’s versatility extends to its compatibility with TETRIX® or FTC batteries when used with the appropriate adapter.

Efficient

With its instant comparison feature, the BattHawk facilitates efficient battery management by allowing users to quickly identify the highest charged battery available. This “grab-and-go” functionality streamlines operations in the pit or robot cart, ensuring teams can easily access fully charged batteries when needed. The device’s compatibility with rows of batteries enables simultaneous monitoring, simplifying the task of tracking battery status across multiple units. Additionally, its low power draw minimizes the impact on battery life, making it suitable for continuous use without significant discharge.

Recommendations

The BattHawk offers valuable recommendations based on battery status readings, guiding users on appropriate actions. Batteries with readings of 12.0 volts and below are recommended for immediate charging, while those within the range of 12.1 to 13.0 volts are deemed practice-ready. Batteries registering between 13.1 to 13.3 volts are considered competition-ready, indicating optimal performance levels for critical events like competitions. By facilitating informed decision-making and promoting efficient battery management, the BattHawk not only enhances team performance but also contributes to ongoing team efforts through its purchase.