ZTS Mini-MBT

[mdyoung]

I just purchased the ZTS Mini-MBT. I bought this model over the larger model since I only want to test Eneloop type and alkaline AA, AAA, C and D batteries.

However, I have some lithium AAs, can I test those on the alkaline terminal and assume that it really has power that's one level higher or lower than what shows or will I screw up the tester?

My only complaint about the tester is why would they make it that you have to try to line up the positive terminals. Seems it would be easier to use the flat negative terminal of the battery.

 

[kitelights]

It won't work. Out of your 3 types of batteries that you want to test, two types have the most 'complications' testing.

A characteristic of the chemistry of the 1.5v lithium primaries is that when they sit, they recover. The full sized MBT-1 that does have the capability to test them, places a substantial load on them for a longer duration. It should give meaningful results when testing a cell that has recently been used. The longer the cell has been 'sitting' recovering, the less accurate the results will be. You can test the cell under load multiple times, or (I think) better yet, run the cell in a moderate drain light for 1-2 minutes and then test.

This was recently an issue when testing bulk cells sold by a CPFer that have been sitting for over a year in a warehouse. One of our esteemed resident experts tested some of the cells and before testing them, tested them on the ZTS. The ZTS said they were good and further testing showed that they were not. The results prompted me to call ZTS and I was given the information that I just shared. That said, there are complexities using the tester designed for testing these cells. Yours is not.

The other cell type is NiMH. When using the tester, you have to be familiar with your cells and their condition to know what the tester is telling you. It could be indicating the condition of the cell or it's remaining capacity and each will affect the other as far as the tester's results.

It isn't a simple of matter of testing the cell and relying on the result at face value. You will need to do more research here for a better understanding. You'll find that the ZTS will give you repeatable results that are valuable for quick information about your cells. There is more than enough information and references here to prepare you for getting the best out of your rechargeable cells. Good luck.

 

[mdyoung]

It won't work. Out of your 3 types of batteries that you want to test, two types have the most 'complications' testing.

A characteristic of the chemistry of the 1.5v lithium primaries is that when they sit, they recover. The full sized MBT-1 that does have the capability to test them, places a substantial load on them for a longer duration. It should give meaningful results when testing a cell that has recently been used. The longer the cell has been 'sitting' recovering, the less accurate the results will be. You can test the cell under load multiple times, or (I think) better yet, run the cell in a moderate drain light for 1-2 minutes and then test.

This was recently an issue when testing bulk cells sold by a CPFer that have been sitting for over a year in a warehouse. One of our esteemed resident experts tested some of the cells and before testing them, tested them on the ZTS. The ZTS said they were good and further testing showed that they were not. The results prompted me to call ZTS and I was given the information that I just shared. That said, there are complexities using the tester designed for testing these cells. Yours is not.

The other cell type is NiMH. When using the tester, you have to be familiar with your cells and their condition to know what the tester is telling you. It could be indicating the condition of the cell or it's remaining capacity and each will affect the other as far as the tester's results.

It isn't a simple of matter of testing the cell and relying on the result at face value. You will need to do more research here for a better understanding. You'll find that the ZTS will give you repeatable results that are valuable for quick information about your cells. There is more than enough information and references here to prepare you for getting the best out of your rechargeable cells. Good luck.

OK so I can't test Energizer lithium AAs on the Alkaline terminal and adjust the reading to account for it being a lithium AA.

Is the ZTS Mini-MBT the same as the larger model in how if functions, other than it tests less types of batteries?

So if I have a set of Eneloop AAs in my computer mouse for a few weeks and the tester reads 40%, that is going to be an accurate showing that the battery has 40% life left and it would probably be a good idea to swap them for a fresh pair and charge them or is there more to it than that?

 

[cave dave]

Better to charge them early than late. I bet a mouse could drain the cells past the safe point of 0.9v per cell.