ZTS MBT-1 User Manual

Multi-Battery Tester

P/N: MBT-1

Operating Instructions

™

Product Description

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.

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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.

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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 specied cut-off volt­age. Most batteries have a rated capacity, expressed in amp-hours,

that is based on a specied constant discharge rate to a specied

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.

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Specications

Testing capability

3.6v Li-Ion rechargeable [RCR123A, 18500, 17650, 18650]

1.5v button cell [S76, A76, A625, A640, LR44, 357, 303]

1.2v NiMH/NiCd rechargeable [AA, AAA, C, D]

1.5v lithium [AA (L91), AAA (L92)]
3v lithium coin (CR) [1216, 1220, 1232, 1612, 1616, 1620,
1632, 2016, 2025, 2032, 2320, 2430,

2450, 58L, 1/3N]

6v ‘28’ series [28A, S28, 28L]
3v photo lithium [CR123, CR2, CRV3]

1.5v alkaline [AA, AAA, C, D, N]
12v alkaline [A23]
9v alkaline, carbon zinc

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

Terminals: Nickel-plated brass. Positive terminals xed

Built-in negative test lead
Dimensions: 8” x 4.5” x 1.25”

20.3cm x 11.4cm x 3.2cm

Weight: 14.5 oz. / 400g (without batteries)

Part No.: MBT-1
UPC: 856777000169

Contact Information

ZTS, Inc.
5628 Wooster Pike
Cincinnati, OH 45227
Toll-free: 888-796-2777
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

ztsinc.com

©2013 ZTS, Inc.

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• Easy to Use - no switches or settings

• Quickly and easily identies weak or failing batteries

• Fully automatic - Patented, high accuracy Pulse Load test

• Ideal for battery management and cell matching

Applications:

• Service • Battery management

• Remotes • Utilities

• Security • Safety

• Industrial • Scientic

• Medical • Government

• Electronics • Ofce

• Manufacturing • Military

• Quality Assurance • Institutions

• Music • Theater

ZTS, Inc.

6749 Bramble Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45227

ztsinc.com

Part No. MBT-1
U.S. Patent 6,823,274

Made in U.S.A.

Uses 4 AA batteries (not included)