So I wanted to tell you all about my new toy–a Mini Multi-Battery Tester
Now, I don’t know about you, but we go through a lot of batteries. Between remotes, video game controllers, cameras. . .well, it’s a lot. Now we have rechargeables, but we also use regular batteries. A lot of regular batteries over time.
I don’t throw batteries in the trash (although apparently it is now safe to do so) but prefer to recycle them, so I have a big plastic jug in the basement they all get thrown in when they are dead. About once every two years or so the whole kit and kaboodle gets recycled.
So I had plenty of “dead” batteries to check with my new tester! The tester I purchased (based on a recommendation I read elsewhere) tests 1.5v alkaline (AA, AAA, C, D, N), 1.2v NiMH/NiCd, 3v photo lithium, and 9v alkaline batteries. That’s 15 different kinds. This particular tester is a pulse load tester. From the description:
The Mini-MBT computes the battery’s actual remaining power capacity using a 2-second pulse load test. This pulse load simulates the real power demand that batteries experience in a high drain electronic device. So battery performance is measured, not just voltage. The load is automatically disconnected, so testing will not harm or drain the battery.
It is really easy to use. Once you’ve put in the 4 AAAA batteries it requires, you just press the little button on the side to turn it on. And LED glows green. Then you place the positive end of the battery on the correct section, and touch the other end with the probe. That’s it. The little display will run lights back and forth while the pulse loads, then it gives you a reading for the battery. (note: if nothing happens at all, it’s completely dead).
I put Buddy on the job checking the batteries–from that big bucket we found about 12 that tested at 100%, 19 at 80%, 17 at 60% and 15 at 40%. That’s a lot of juice still left in “dead” batteries.
Now this charger isn’t cheap–it’s $42. But when I checked batteries locally a good, name brand AA runs about $.68 each. So once I’ve “recovered” 60 batteries or so, I’ve paid back the tester. Then it’s all gravy from there!
So far I’ve found the 12 at 100%, and the 19 at 80% (which let’s face it, might be what a lot of “new” batteries register if they have been sitting around for a couple years). So that’s 31 right there. Then if I add together the 60% and 40% (to equal about the worth of one regular fully charged battery) I’ve got another 15. .. so it’s 46 batteries worth I’ve saved just from the batteries I already have on hand. I’m confident that in the long run this little gizmo will save me money! Not to mention the family and friends that may want to borrow it occasionally. . .
And as a benefit, I can also check my rechargeables and see how much power they have and if they need to be recharged before using 🙂
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