In Focus: Super Relay Buddy & Super Relay Buddy Pro Kit

Nov. 29, 2022

The Super Relay Buddy utilizes a quick 10-second test that confirms or condemns a relay, freeing up the technician's time for further troubleshooting.

Related To: Electronic Specialties, Inc.

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Application

The Electronic Specialties Super Relay Buddy is deployed when a vehicle is displaying electrical problems and various parts of the electrical circuit are suspect. A quick 10-second test confirms or condemns the relay, freeing up time for further troubleshooting.

Selling points

Time saver. Relays can be tested manually, but it takes time. This is a 10-second test.
Relays can be confusing to test. Super Relay Buddy greatly simplifies the test process.
The full 7A load is very effective. If the relay is bad, Super Relay Buddy will see it & fail it.
Super Relay Buddy checks seven different relays, versus three on the original version.
The Pro Kit checks 10 different relays with the included adapters.

Features and benefits

There are two options to go with - Super Relay Buddy, No. 194 and Pro Kit, No. 195 with adapters for extended test coverage.
Super Relay Buddy applies a full 7A load on the relay. During the test, the voltage drop is monitored. If there is excessive voltage drop or the relay has other issues, it is failed.
Test results are displayed as green (pass), red (fail), and yellow (caution). The yellow test result is a new feature. It is displayed when the voltage drop on the relay is excessive, but the relay is still functioning.
Super Relay Buddy eliminates the need for that drawer full of “known good” relays.
The tester simulates actual operating conditions by applying a full 7A load. This helps to identify and flag intermittently failing relays. Better test = higher accuracy.

Origin

Testing the relay “off the car” was the goal. After seeing the traditional methods of testing relays, we felt there has to be a better way. Traditional methods consume too much time, we wanted a faster way to test relays.

Manufacturing/engineering specifications

Super Relay Buddy tests 12V relays.
The tester uses the vehicle battery as its power source. No internal batteries.
Super Relay Buddy, No. 194 tests seven different relays.
Super Relay Buddy Pro Kit, No. 195 tests 10 different relays.
Housing is plastic with a soft rubber perimeter, which will protect the surface of any vehicle it comes into contact with.
The unit is lightweight, around 1lb.