Which ZTS Battery Tester to get?

[LuxLuthor]

I was looking at their website after reading that post where someone got the MBT-1 model, and wondered if these military models are any better?

I notice the description of the MBT-1 says it tests some Li-Ions such as 18500, 17650, 18650), but can it also test the other sizes we get from AW?

 

[SoundMix]

Other than a color change I don't read anything in the specs that differ the MBT-MIL form the MBT-1. My guess is that it was submitted to military tests and approved. The MBT-MIL SF will test 9v lithium cells, the others will not.

If the battery you are trying to test is not listed, the necessary data is not built in to the tester to give you a proper reading.

 

[luigi]

The MBT-1 is complete eenough.
It can test Li-Ion rechargeables and most primary cells out there.
It is not an absolute thing that if the battery is not listed the tester will not give you a proper reading.

For example:
17670 batteries can be tested in the 18650 position. (no problem at all)
14500 batteries can be tested in the 18650 position too.
10440 batteries can be tested in the 18650 position but it is recommended to test them only once since the test itself can be a little heavy and discharge the battery a little.
AAA lithiums can be tested in the AA lithium position with the same precaution, test only once to avoid early discharge of the battery.
And so on..

Luigi

 

[SoundMix]

It is not an absolute thing that if the battery is not listed the tester will not give you a proper reading.
17670 batteries can be tested in the 18650 position. (no problem at all)
14500 batteries can be tested in the 18650 position too.
10440 batteries can be tested in the 18650 position but it is recommended to test them only once since the test itself can be a little heavy and discharge the battery a little.AAA lithiums can be tested in the AA lithium position with the same precaution, test only once to avoid early discharge of the battery.

I called ZTS awhile back about what Luigi has suggested here. The answer they gave me is that it may not give an accurate reading. The reason being the load should be different. I guess this is the reason ZTS updates their testers periodically for different cells. As to whether or not it is accurate enough...I don't know.

I'm not a battery tester expert....just relaying information here.

 

[luigi]

I asked them too, they told me that it can be used for the cells I listed but that for the small capacity cells repeated tests may discharge the battery a little.
About accuracy I agree there may be a margin of error.

Luigi