PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-597

PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly

ISSUE 597

AUGUST 2002
PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-597 - Page 24 of 32
How to Discharge
Place the cap on the BB-390. If
both LEDs light green, your bat-
tery is OK. Both 12-volt sections
are discharging properly. The dis-
charge will continue until the
lights turn off.
Then remove the
cap and go on to the next battery.
If one or both LEDs do not light
green, then the BB-390 may be
bad. Remove the cap and go on to
the next battery. (See web site
shown below for servicing info.)
However, if needed, a battery with one good 12-volt section can be used for light
garrison duties in SINCGARS or other items. You’ll get half the run time. But don’t
issue it as a “front line” battery and do turn it in for replacement as soon as possible.
Any BB-390 with a 1998 or earlier date that fails the cap check should be turned
in for a fresh battery.
Quick Screening
To do a quick screen of your BB-390 stock prior to charging, place the discharge
cap on the battery, ensure both LEDs are green, unplug the cap, and go to the next
battery. In a few minutes you can determine a good battery from a bad one.
For further information, go to the rechargeable battery web site at:
T
here is a new discharge device on the block for the BB-390 rechargeable battery.
It’s the self-discharge device (known as a discharge cap), PP-8497/U, NSN 6130-
01-490-4310.
The PP-8497/U replaces the PP-8448/U, NSN 6130-01-430-3108, for use on the
BB-390s.
You will need one PP-8497/U for every five BB-390 batteries.
Discharging
The cap will discharge the BB-
390 without a power outlet.
Discharge times will vary based
on the BB-390’s state of charge. A
fully charged BB-390 takes 24
hours to discharge. Of course, if
the state of charge is low from
use, discharge times will drop.
Discharge every battery at least
quarterly to ensure good running
BB-390s.
If the date code on a new BB-
390 is within 6 months of opening
the box, then charge it and use it.
If the date code is outside of six
months, discharge the battery first
and then recharge it before use.
Beat it, bud.
You’ve been
discharged!
the bb-
390s are
all yours.
Watch lights
PP-8497/U…
PS 597
AUG 02
44
PS 597
AUG 02
45
Use new cap to
discharge battery
597. 44-45 (C)
6/21/02
2:57 PM
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