ZTS MBT-LA2 User Manual

MBT-LA2

Operating Instructions

Product Description

The ZTS MBT-LA2 provides a comprehensive means of
testing the State of Charge and battery condition for 2V,
4V, 6V, 8V, and 12V lead acid battery types (SLA, AGM,
Gel, Wet). This microprocessor-controlled instrument
tests popular batteries using a patented, high accuracy
pulse load test. A fully automatic test cycle, indicated
by ‘running’ LEDs, begins when the TEST key is pressed.
After each pulse-load test, a single LED indicates per­centage of remaining battery capacity. Batteries will
not be harmed by repeated testing or by maintaining
connection after a test cycle. This test set requires 4
AA batteries (not included).

Setup

1) Locate and open the battery compartment cover then
install 4 AA alkaline batteries, carefully noting the
proper orientation. Replace the battery cover.

2) Install test leads. Press the sheathed banana plugs

rmly into the appropriate jacks (note color), rotate

the plugs slightly to insure complete seating.

3) Turn on the power switch located on the right side of
the tester. One of the MODE LEDs should light.

NOTE: For proper operation, the MBT-LA2 must be
powered on before connecting the test leads to a
battery.

Testing Batteries

1) Use the MODE button to select the correct range for
the size and voltage of the battery to be tested.

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Note: There are four different 6V and 12V MODES and
two 8V MODE options depending on battery capacity.
Choose the MODE which corresponds to the battery
being tested.

2) Connect the test leads securely to the battery’s
terminals. Verify that the red test lead is con­nected to battery positive (+) and black to battery
negative (-).

3) Press the TEST button once. All display LEDs should
‘run’ for 15 seconds indicating a pulse load test in
progress. Next, a single LED will remain lighted
indicating the battery’s state of charge, or remaining
capacity. Make 2-3 tests to verify that the battery
has stabilized and is delivering consistent power
(especially if the battery is tested directly after be­ing disconnected from a charger).

Understanding Test Results

The following are guidelines for correlating test results
to overall battery condition:

1) A battery which repeatedly tests 80% or higher is
nearly fully charged and is in good condition. Batter­ies that are tested directly after being disconnected

from oat charge should test 80% or greater for 2-3

consecutive tests. A test result of 60% or lower
indicates a failing battery.

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2) Batteries which test 60% or lower may be:

a. Not fully charged but otherwise in good condition

and still capable of taking a full charge, such as
a new/good battery not yet in service.

b. Fully charged but with diminished capacity due

to age or excessive charge-discharge cycles.

Note: Generally, a battery which has recently

been charged or has been on oat charge should

indicate 80-100% for 2-3 tests. Results of 60%
or lower indicate diminished battery capacity.
SLA batteries usually have diminished capacity
after 3-5 years of service depending on ambient
temperatures and the number of charge-discharge
cycles experienced by the battery. New batteries
or batteries that have been stored for an extended
period of time without use will usually not test

above 60-70% until they have been oat charged

(30 days) or put through several complete charge/
discharge cycles.

3) If LEDs ‘run’ during a test but no result is displayed:

a. The battery is completely discharged or defective.
b. The MODE is incorrect for that battery.

Techniques for Accurate Test Results

1) Clean connections are important. Verify that the
battery’s terminals are free of any visible contami­nation or corrosion.

2) Select the proper MODE for the battery. For exam­ple, select “6V 5-15AH” for a 6-volt, 12 AH battery.
Using the wrong MODE will not harm the tester, but

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