Homemade battery tester??

lightwait

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Jun 30, 2005
Messages
157
Location
New York
Hi guys,
This has probably been discussed before but I'm not coming up with anything on a search. I'm wanting to test CR123 batteries but not wanting to buy a tester. I don't use tons of 123's and pretty much stick to single cell lights.

I have meters, high-power/low-ohm resisters, etc. Is there an agreed upon quick test to judge the condition of the battery? I'm looking for maybe a chart or something that relates initial voltage across a known load to remaining battery capacity.

For starters, I tested voltage and current from a some 3 year old CR123's with a 12v car tail light I had laying around. All batteries I had put out about 1.1 amps at 2.2 volts into the test lamp. I'd like to get more professional and use maybe a 3 ohm resistor or something in that range. I know I have a selection of them packed away somewhere. Thanks for any tips.
 
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