ITTSB.EU Blog Forum
ITTSB Blog Specific => ITTSB - Small projects by Kiriakos & User reviews => Topic started by: Kiriakos GR on August 31, 2025, 12:55:19 AM
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Today I did a major discovery, and this is no other than TEC-06 Battery Capacity Tester 16W Max, an Smart Electronic DC Load.
TEC-06 Ver 6.4 this is a remarkable solution about testing 9V Block NIMH, so to measure actual capacity in mAh.
9V Block NIMH due it capacity range of 170 ~300 mAh, this require constant current test, in the range of 50mA ~ 500 mA.
Cutoff voltage of 7V this is the second requirement for all 8.4V NIMH (seven cells Block).
And 8V for all 9.6V NIMH (eight cells Block), this is a specialty 9V battery, not common type.
TEC-06 Ver 6.4 this has the required automation as programmable DC constant current load which also monitors the voltage and measures the mAh.
It supports four wire measurement, and also measures battery internal resistance in all the duration of a test.
At the end of the test (programed Cut-Off voltage) it automatically stops, and mAh measurement this is displayed.
Constant current Preset steps of:
50mA , 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450 and 500mA.
0.5A up to 3.5A with error: ≤0.5%
Specifications:
Max Input Voltage: 15V
Cut-Off Voltage Range: 1.0-12V (adjustable, step length 0.05V)
Max Power: 16W
Max Detection Capacity: 500000mAh (500Ah)
Features:
Precision Voltage and Current Control: The TEC-06 Battery Capacity Tester offers precise control over connection and Cut-Off voltages, adjustable from 1.0V to 12V with a 0.05V step length.
This allows for fine-tuning to meet specific testing requirements and ensures accurate readings.
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First revision of TEC-06 battery capacity meter, this were developed at 2014.
At 2019 the in hardware development stopped, TEC-06 Ver 6.4 this is the latest and final revision.
a) Improved product design.
b) Selection of branded parts, PCB redesign.
c) Highest measuring precision.
d) Windows PC connectivity , charts creation during test.
Windows PC software finalized at 1/2021 it supports English language.
It only supports fixed window size, does not maximize.
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This is the end of my quick introduction about this product, which this remained as hidden treasure for many years from the west world.
Mostly because of the usual reason, the meaning were lost due the poor translated text in English.
The significance of supported Constant current Preset steps this lost in the translation.
Thanks to Russians, which it is more easy for them to deal with China Mainland, I have today the entire pack of background information about it, and the latest software.
TEC-06 battery capacity meter, programmable DC load, this were designed so to comply with strict battery testing specifications, this is not a toy.
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Today I had two pleasant moments . 8)
As first, this is the discovery of TEC-06
And the second is the discovery of FLASH DEAL at Banggood, they had two TEC-06 available and just in time, before the deal this expires, I got them both. :)
I will present or share much more details, as soon my order arrives in Greece.
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Congratulations mate !! 8)
I did a quick search for this TEC-06 Battery Capacity Tester Electronic Load.
There is stock at eBay and Aliexpress, but vast majority of the stock this is TEC-06 V4.0 OLDER version, or similar poor made clones.
I will advice our readers, to follow Kiriakos path, and to buy such goods only from a reputable source.
The price might be not be the lowest, but they will get the fresher made revision TEC-06 V6.4.
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Shunda Electronic Technology (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. (Active since 2001)
Address No. 168, Jiaotong North Road,Wujiang Economic Development Zone,
Suzhou, Jiangsu .
Main business (main products) Lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries and nickel-metal hydride intelligent batteries for Laptop computers
https://www.dynapack.com.tw/h/DataDetail?key=03w18&cont=10330 (https://www.dynapack.com.tw/h/DataDetail?key=03w18&cont=10330)
There is a Taiwanese touch behind this product. ;D
Research and development (R&D), this came out from a batteries maker, and this explains of why this model comes with high measuring precision.
It is an industrial grade product. ;)
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Congratulations mate !! 8)
I did a quick search for this TEC-06 Battery Capacity Tester Electronic Load.
There is stock at eBay and Aliexpress, but vast majority of the stock this is TEC-06 V4.0 OLDER version, or similar poor made clones.
I will advice our readers, to follow Kiriakos path, and to buy such goods only from a reputable source.
The price might be not be the lowest, but they will get the fresher made revision TEC-06 V6.4.
Nowadays I trust only SUNSKY and Banggood as a second choice.
Shunda Electronic Technology (Suzhou) Co., Ltd. (Active since 2001)
There is a Taiwanese touch behind this product. ;D
Research and development (R&D), this came out from a batteries maker, and this explains of why this model comes with high measuring precision.
It is an industrial grade product. ;)
Excellent hunting of information !!
Thanks mate :)
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Today I had two pleasant moments . 8)
As first, this is the discovery of TEC-06
And the second is the discovery of FLASH DEAL at Banggood, they had two TEC-06 available and just in time, before the deal this expires, I got them both. :)
FLASH DEAL at Banggood at the right day and moment?
All twelve Greek Gods were at your side that day ;D
I bet that we are going to become spectators of another remarkable Kiriakos project.
Example: ZHIYU ZPB30A1 (June 2017)
https://www.ittsb.eu/forum/index.php?topic=1316.0 (https://www.ittsb.eu/forum/index.php?topic=1316.0)
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I bet that we are going to become spectators of another remarkable Kiriakos project.
True ;)
Regarding ZHIYU ZPB30A1, Shunda Electronic this also presented a similar design this with PC connectivity.
I am totally unaware of why their product did not won a higher market share or visibility.
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TEC-06 Battery Capacity Tester USB cable ( details).
Back in time, TEC-06 this was offered as complete KIT with it USB communication cable USB to TTL
And also the customer had the choice to buy only TEC-06 tester alone.
This second option translates to, that the customer own all ready such a special communication cable.
And or ...
That the customer he is not aware of dedicated software existence, and or the plan is using it with out software.
In either scenario, at 2025 TEC-06 this comes with a USB Micro B connector.
(First ever supported converter, for TEC-06)
Model: USB-UART Interface Converter in Cable (CH340 / USB Type-A)
Chip: CH340
Input Power Voltage: 5V from USB
Output Power Voltage: 5V
Logic Level Voltage: 5V/3.3V
Hardware Flow control: No
2Mbps
Cable Length: 90cm
Latest factory suggestion as converter for TEC-06
Chip: CH341
Input Power Voltage: 5V from USB
Output Power Voltage: 5V
Logic Level Voltage: 5V/3.3V
Hardware Flow control: Yes
2Mbps
Minimum requirements:
1) USB 2.0 to USB Micro B charging cable (2x 28 AWG + 2x 24 AWG)
2) A good quality 90~240V to 5V USB port switching power supply.
An good example this is PSB05R-050Q 5V 1A or similar.
Alternative the power supply could be 600mA or 1A, and it should belong at the class of PSU for powering a PDA and or LAN Hub.
About the software, this is available so far, due links found in the description of Russian video footage at YouTube.
Software compatibility tested with: Windows XP 32bit, and with Windows 7 64bit.
You may reuse any retired laptop PC, and to convert it in to a battery testing workstation. 8)
Bellow they are attached a set of photographs, from the first days that TEC-06 this was listed at Chinese websites, that westerns do not have access to them. ;)
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Gentlemen we have arrival 8)
No more ancient stock photographs, with demonstration of Mini USB connectors. :P
The stock that I got today, this was received by Banggood warehouse, two months ago.
TEC-06 V6.4.
I did a quick power-on test, both units working !!
I have here Industrial USB to TTL converter, electrically isolated, Waveshare brand.
And I just purchase and a second one, the UTS-T01, so to be able to use both testers simultaneously.
I got very happy by confirming that both of my TEC-06, these use USB Micro B, because I have stock of such connectors.
And now I have the freedom to go DIY and make my own cables, at the length that it works best for me. ;)
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Regarding the software for these testers, I did notify Banggood, so them to search and retrieve any latest available version.
Currently I have two programs in my hands.
TEC PowerCkeck V2 / Ver 2.3.1 / this is latest know with the older interface which works.
Originally this came out, with out English language support, but this were tweaked by a Russian software developer, and I have today this software.
TEC Battery Monitoring V6.8.3 (year 2017) this software has fresher interface, modern look, but I do not have proofs so far, that this is working with TEC-06
I did located a newer version V6.9.5, but the page for the download, this requesting user registration in Chinese. :P
Last hope about getting in hand, the latest version, this is Banggood customer support.
I will update this post, as soon I will get their answer.
UPDATE ... 12 September 2025
TEC Battery Monitoring V6.9.5 software (7-2019)
https://myosuploads3.banggood.com/products/20250911/20250911213004TEC.rar (https://myosuploads3.banggood.com/products/20250911/20250911213004TEC.rar)
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The stock that I got today, this was received by Banggood warehouse, two months ago.
TEC-06 V6.4.
Equal to fresh baked cookies! ;)
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By running TEC Battery Monitoring 6.9.5, for a first time, I did notice a major issue with the graph.
Voltage this could not be read at the three digits resolution, and the graph was scaling per entire volt.
DC current 50mA was not activating the graph at all, this were presented as a zero value.
I was had to change Windows system Decimal separator, and the magic worked. 8)
About TEC-06 and TTL connectivity, I had read tremendously worthless information's over the internet. :P
TEC-06 this works with both TTL levels 3.3V and 5V, but I did discover that 3.3V this is the best.
Any USB to TTL converter, this will create a Com Port at Windows device manager.
Baud rate settings of this port, this has nothing to do with the communication at the TTL side.
From 300 Bits per second up to 128000, TEC 06 this always connects with it software.
TEC Battery Monitoring 6.9.5, this offering Remote Control capabilities.
You can Start a test at Mode 1 or Mode 2.
You may Stop the test, restart the test.
You may Change discharge value at the currently active test.
You may Reset mAh counter.
You may simply use it as voltage Monitor too.
The user interface this deliver an extra measurement of Energy in Watt hours. ;)
Voltage accuracy at Mode 2, equal to four digits DMM.
DC current accuracy, at 50mA preset, I did measure 51,6 mA.
Last added attachment, this is the result of save a screen shot feature.
The file, this is originally saved as *.bmp (1.6 Mb file size)
TEC Battery Monitoring 6.9.5, it can save last recorded session in to a file *.tec, that you may review later on.
I am extremely satisfied with this KIT performance and features. 8)
My only nag, the software does not accept voltage axis adjustment lower than 1V per division.
I can not set for example 9.6V, available options are 9.0 or 10.0. ???
Even this version, does not accept to maximize on screen, as I would expect.
There is a maximize option hidden at GUI Top side (Left mouse Click), it just maximize GUI background color, but not the GUI it self.
Software development this stopped at 7/2019.
We will never get or have, a true GUI maximize option. :)
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For the lovers of original spare parts :D
I did succeed to discover the true electrical specifications of the DC fan, this comes under the weird branding of Pengdalantu.
Naturally you may use as replacement, any DC fan with the specific DC current rate of 180mA at 5V.
About spare rotary encoder, check second attached image.
0.72 Euro a piece.
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About TEC-06 and TTL connectivity, I had read tremendously worthless information's over the internet. :P
TEC-06 this works with both TTL levels 3.3V and 5V, but I did discover that 3.3V this is the best.
It always happens when your source, this is an Hobbyist. ;D
I am glad that you sorted out everything !!
I do consider as very lucky the ones who will land on this topic.
They will have their KIT working much faster. ;)
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Today I am going to report a weird detail, relative to TEC-06 Ver 6.4 soldering.
I did discover at both of my units, the support tabs of the rotary encoder as Not Soldered.
My second find this is that one rotary encoder, this was lose from it base (as this to was crashed prior soldering).
Two of four support tabs they shown damage, and they was not holding the base tight enough.
I did remove the rotary encoder from the PCB, I did try to repair it by restoring support tabs clamping force, but this were damaged.
I had another rotary encoder in stock, but I had no memory of it actual specifications, it proved that it is not an 100% compatible replacement.
It different stepping confuses the micro controller, rotation direction seems as reversed, but it does adjust everything if I rotate it in slow motion.
Long story in short, I did search due Aliexpress all Chinese villages, and I did find identical stock, and ordered two of these.
At a minimal damage for my wallet of 2.80 € shipped.
The one million dollars question, this is of why the factory does not solder properly the rotary encoder ? :P
They do it all the time, I did spot a photograph from Amazon, TEC-06 Ver 6.4 rotary encoder support tabs these not soldered.
From ALPS (Japan) I learned that soldering it should be performed with care, by not exceeding 260C.
I did solder properly my TEC-06 (No 1), and for my TEC-06 (No 2) this is now usable but not perfect, as soon the original spare parts arrive in Greece, the normal functionality this will return back too.
My advice for the brave ones, you should solder the support tabs.
Especially when this PCB it is going to be mounted with screws over a steady surface.
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Today I was after verifying actual power consumption of TEC-06, so to decide regarding the choice of appropriate wire in AWG, along of the length of my DIY USB 2.0 to USB 2.0 extension cable.
TEC-06 with 5.1V DC supply this require 68.5mA.
DC current of 68.5mA does not change even if TEC-06 this is at stopped and or running mode.
Power consumption increases further only after activation of the DC fan.
Total circuit DC current this now measured at 264mA.
264mA minus 68.5mA = 195.5mA
195.5mA minus 180mA DC fan specification = 15mA for the DC Fan control circuit.
In order to perform this verification I did make a DIY cable with Male-USB Micro to Female USB Micro, 20Cm long wires of 18 AWG.
Then I connected my test-leads, at my Agilent U1272A DMM at 10A input, for a minimal loss due shunt resistance.
The use of mA DMM input instead, this will introduce significant voltage drop at TEC-06 voltage supply.
Under an such test-leads connection, DC current will fall at 240mA (TEC-06) documented specification, but actual input voltage this will be 4.5V
This breakdown of how many mA they are used due the circuit, and from the DC fan, it did load me with confidence! :)
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TEC-06 Micro controller Unit - MCU
Both of my fresh units, they use software version U.635
The MCU works stable most of the times, but it is sensitive when they are issues with the stability of the power supply.
No matter if you are using a computer USB port, or an dedicated DC power supply, you should look after your cables so them to not move.
Even a poor connection of the wall block, power supply plug to Mains (120~240 ACV), this will cause MCU operation issues.
Therefore about TEC-06, this it should be mounted over a stable metallic project box.
The incoming USB Micro B cable, this must some how be secured against accidental movement.
Battery capacity tests, these take several Hours to finish, it is then wise, TEC-06 along the battery under test, both to be placed away from you, and in one secure corner at your workbench.
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Proper selection of enclosure / project box for the TEC-06
Shunda Electronic this designed TEC-06 as one unit which this will be installed in to a battery testing laboratory.
An number of such units they will be mounted over a metallic aluminum plate, incoming cables will be also secured and unmovable.
Such a setup this is inconvenient for hobbyist and or for a small workshop.
After burning my brain-cells for many days, I did discover accidentally, the ideal project box for both of my TEC-06. 8)
As soon I receive my ordered parts, then I will be able to finalize my project. ;)
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Today I did activate my new industrial USB 2.0 to TTL converter, Model UTS-T01 this has CH343G chip.
Driver date: 3/2025
First successful test at my Win 7 Pro 64bit Workstation.
Second successful test at my Win XP 32bit Workstation.
In both tests:
Bits per second 128000
Flow control: Hardware
As load test, I am using Mode2 and my Kenwood bench top, power supply (35V 10A). ;)
I did make two fresh USB 2.0 Male to USB Female extension cables, 2x28AWG + 2x24AWG, at two lengths of 1m and 1.80m.
With my USB to TTL converter, this be powered due PC USB port, I have 2.5% acceptable voltage loss.
For example: I am measuring DC voltage after the TTL converter.
TEC-06 with DC Fan off = 5,009V
TEC-06 with DC fan active = 4,854V ( I did run two hours test as verification).
I am now finalizing my setup of communication cables, I am extremely happy because everything when as planned. :)
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I bet that the magic at this unusual project box, this is it inner tray and it shape. 8)
Neither AI this could think of that. ;D
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Gentlemen I am ready .... 8)
Economy shipping from China, this added delay at project completion.
But for as long I was waiting, I did use productively the time, in favor of enclosure design perfection. ;D
I did add at my project, terminal blocks with plug-able ends.
Now I can safely change or switch between testing harness type.
Currently I have two testing harness type for 9V PP3 = instantaneous testing of two cells.
And I also made one additional, for testing all sort of USB type power supply.
And this one can also be used for USB cables power delivery tests and evaluation.
The software it can run at several instances, I need only two, for easy viewing and recording of my two active bays.
(At single software instance , this can control many modules, but you can see a single screen at a time, and this is not helpful for me.)
Right now I have both my USB to TTL adapters connected, two software instance active, everything is ready and connected.
I did take few photographs for sharing.
If you wish to see live testing? You need to come in Greece. 8)