The ZTS Multi-Battery Tester™ (MBT-1) is a microprocessorcontrolled instrument designed to test many popular battery types
including alkaline, lithium, silver oxide, as well as rechargeable
types such as NiMH and Li-Ion. This tester computes the battery’s
remaining power capacity using a fully automatic, high accuracy
Pulse Load test. U.S. Patents 6,823,274 and D569285.
A pulse load test begins when a battery is placed in contact with
the tester’s terminals. After the automatic test cycle, indicated by
‘running’ LEDs, percentage of remaining battery power capacity is
indicated on the LED bar display. Batteries will not be harmed by
repeated testing or by holding contact after a test cycle.
Getting Ready to Test Batteries
Install 4 x AA new alkaline batteries into your tester’s battery compartment, carefully noting correct orientation. The 100% green LED
will blink for approximately 5 seconds during initial start-up, indicating that the tester’s internal 4 AA batteries are good. Replace the
battery cover and your Multi-Battery Tester™ is ready to use.
NOTE: This tester has a self-test low battery power indicator. Replace the tester’s 4 AA batteries (internal) if only the two red LEDs
(10% & 20%) blink alternately during initial start-up or during a
test cycle.
Testing Batteries
There are no settings to make prior to testing. Select the proper
terminal for the battery you plan to test, then follow these simple
steps:
1. Place the battery’s positive (+) terminal on the appropriate
tester terminal. Battery types are clearly labeled next to each
contact terminal.
2. Hold the built-in probe tip rmly against the battery’s negative
(-) terminal. If you are using a twin terminal set, for example
9-volt, the built-in probe is not used.
- 1 -
3. Hold contact rmly throughout the entire test cycle (during ‘running’ LEDs), then continue to hold contact to display the test
result.
4. Lift the probe or battery to end a test. Repeat test for best accuracy.
5. When testing rechargeable type batteries (NiMH & Li-Ion), it is
recommended that the battery be off the charger for at least 20
minutes prior to testing.
To test CRV3 and 9-volt batteries, note the polarity then hold the
battery against the appropriate twin terminal set.
The display will remain lit until the battery is removed from the tester’s
terminals. This does not harm or drain the battery being tested.
Tips for Better Testing
1. Clean connections are important. Verify that the battery’s terminals and the tester’s contact terminals are clean before making
a test. We recommend periodic cleaning with 91% isopropyl
alcohol and soft cloth. This is especially important when testing
rechargeable batteries (NiMH & Li-Ion) since they are generally
handled more frequently which can result in contamination on
the terminal surfaces. It is also important to periodically clean
the battery charger’s contacts.
2. If a battery slips off the terminal during the test cycle (‘running’
LEDs), wait several seconds, then start a new test.
3. When testing 9-volt batteries, an easy technique is to place
the battery on the test terminals, then gently twist the battery
against the tester’s terminals to maintain a good connection.
4. Used batteries may ‘recover’ when rested. For best accuracy,
always make two or more consecutive tests to verify that the
battery has stabilized and is capable of consistent power output.
Wait several seconds between each test.
5. Certain new batteries may test less than full capacity new out-ofthe package. This may be due to the battery’s chemistry not fully
activating. Try several tests or warm the battery in your hands for
a few seconds. Not all new batteries are at full capacity.
- 2 -
In Case of Problems
If there is no operation, that is, no LED activity or indication of a
test cycle, try the following:
1. Remove then reinsert one of the tester’s internal (AA) batteries.
Verify that all batteries are installed in the correct orientation.
2. Verify that the battery you are testing is positioned correctly and
its terminals are clean.
3. Check a known good battery. If the battery you are testing is
completely discharged (less than 1% of capacity), the tester will
not start a test cycle.
About Rechargeable Batteries
Capacity
This is the total amount of stored energy that is available from a fully
charged cell or cells. A battery’s usable capacity is dependent upon
the rate of discharge, temperature, and the specied cut-off voltage. Most batteries have a rated capacity, expressed in amp-hours,
that is based on a specied constant discharge rate to a specied
cut-off voltage. Capacity will decrease at higher rates of discharge
and increase with lower rates of discharge. New rechargeable batteries require several (3-4) charge-discharge cycles followed by
oat charging to achieve optimum/maximum capacity.
Self-Discharge
All rechargeable batteries will lose capacity over time through selfdischarge. The self-discharge rate is a function of cell chemistry
and storage temperature. Thus a new, fully charged battery which
has been stored for a period of time may test less than 100% until
it is recharged.
Battery Life
Rechargeable batteries will lose capacity through aging, and the
number of charge-discharge cycles experienced by the battery. A
battery’s ability to take/accept a full charge deteriorates throughout
the life of the battery. Therefore, an aging battery that has been
recently charged may only test at 60% or less of full capacity. Other factors that affect capacity are the depth and rate of discharge,
operating temperature, and charging method.
Power (internal): 4 x AA. Auto self-test
Testing load: Varies according to battery type
Testing cycle: Microprocessor-controlled pulse load
Display: Six LEDs - Green, yellow, and red