Do you test your 123's ?

[cougar_67]

For those of you with lights that use more than one 123 cell, do you test them before installing them? (to see if they are both of similar state of charge).

I currently own only one light, a G2L, and it's still running on the cells that came with it. I will soon - hopefully today - be buying a SF L1 and a SF G2 incan (with HOLA). I plan on only using SF cells, but am wondering if it's advisable to test your cells before installing them?



thanks
Steve

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Steve,

Yes.

Tom

 

[jugg2]

I don't test mine, I always use brand new cells. Even if a cell only has 5 seconds of runtime on it, it goes in a seperate box for 1 cell lights only. I might should test them though. I would like to know what more experienced CPFers say.

 

[DM51]

I would like to know what more experienced CPFers say.

They don't come any more experienced in these matters than SilverFox, whose post appears immediately above yours.

 

[bigfoot]

Thanks to the advice of the fine folks here on CPF I recently bought a ZTS mini tester ("Mini-MBT" for $29.95). If you use the CPF coupon code (301105) you get 10% off when ordering directly from ZTS.

ZTS website:
http://www.ztsinc.com/products.html

CPF specials thread:
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=56067

It's a great little tester and really easy to use. I'm finding myself testing just about every battery that I can find. I recently used it to test a couple of AA cells that were in a survival kit -- they tested to about 40% so out they went.

I also tested all of my Surefire 123 cells and each one was 100%.

 

[ltiu]

I recently used it to test a couple of AA cells that were in a survival kit -- they tested to about 40% so out they went.

How do you tell if it's 40%? Does the tester tell you this or do you manually calculate from the voltage and amperage being put out by the battery and measured by the tester?

 

[KeyGrip]

The ZTS tester has a meter on it that reads 20% 40% 60% 80% and 100%. If a cell is between any of those two values, it will switch between them when tested repeatedly.

 

[cave dave]

I use the ZTS mini tester. I test each cell at least 3 times, as the tester produces inconsistant results. If it ever reads less than 100% on any of the tests it goes into the single use bin.

I only use 100% cells in a multi cell light. I would never put two 40%'s in a light, for instance.

 

[Dan_GSR]

I test each cell at least 3 times, as the tester produces inconsistant results.

that doesn't make me feel very confident about the product

 

[jzmtl]

I use my DMM to do a 100ma load test and see what the voltage is.

 

[Braddah_Bill]

I test *all* types of cells on a ZTS tester if I plan to use them in a multi-cell light.






Bill

 

[ZMZ67]

I test the batteries for my multi-cell lights as well.I think testing is especially important when using the inexpensive dollar cells available online but I do test all of my CR123s.Also,I have found the ZTS tester usefull for testing the batteries in other devices/toys.Well worth the money IMHO.

 

[jugg2]

They don't come any more experienced in these matters than SilverFox, whose post appears immediately above yours

Just to clear things up, I didn't mean that the above posts were from inexperienced CPFers. I meant CPFers with more experience than me, basically majority opinion. I should have explained myself better, and I hope nobody took it the wrong way.

 

[Sub_Umbra]

No, I don't test new ones other than initial voltages but all of my 2x123 lights are extremely low output with long runtimes. I do compare no-load voltages as they run down and I don't run them way down before pulling them.

 

[CrazyCarl]

I use a digital voltmeter. After reading about exploding batteries, I test all of the batteries going into 2-cell flashlights, even if they are "new".

 

[chiphead]

I should have! I was caught during a 55min walk tonight (temp=38F) with four dudes! I'm wondering if it was the cold.


chiphead

 

[Spence]

You can buy a great little multi-meter from Wal-Mart for about $15 in their tool section. It will give you a digital readout of the voltage of your batteries to the hundredth of a volt. You would really be surprised by accurately testing these cells, new, used, and right off the charger, how much difference in voltage they hold. It was an eye opener for me, especially with new batteries. Just my opinion, quit guestimating at percentages and start metering them with a multi-meter for accurate knowledge of your batteries' states.
Spence

 

[Illumination]

You can buy a great little multi-meter from Wal-Mart for about $15 in their tool section. It will give you a digital readout of the voltage of your batteries to the hundredth of a volt. You would really be surprised by accurately testing these cells, new, used, and right off the charger, how much difference in voltage they hold. It was an eye opener for me, especially with new batteries. Just my opinion, quit guestimating at percentages and start metering them with a multi-meter for accurate knowledge of your batteries' states.
Spence

That sounds like a great buy. I recently bought a set of LiIons buy have been afraid to use them without some way to make sure my charger was working properly.

 

[MarNav1]

You can buy a great little multi-meter from Wal-Mart for about $15 in their tool section. It will give you a digital readout of the voltage of your batteries to the hundredth of a volt. You would really be surprised by accurately testing these cells, new, used, and right off the charger, how much difference in voltage they hold. It was an eye opener for me, especially with new batteries. Just my opinion, quit guestimating at percentages and start metering them with a multi-meter for accurate knowledge of your batteries' states.
Spence

Do you have a link?

 

[DM51]

It is a good idea to have a DMM, but you should understand that voltage is not a good indication of the state of charge of a cell.

The exception to this is Li-Ion cells, where the resting voltage of a cell is a very accurate indicator of its state of charge. A DMM is an essential tool if you are using Li-Ion cells.

Voltage is absolutely no help whatever in assessing the condition of Lithium primary cells. They will continue to read 3V until they are practically empty. These cells need to be tested under a load, which is what a ZTS tester does.