These are great for checking capacities of all sorts of different batteries. I particularly like this over the sliding version as the angle of the positive terminal makes it much easier to test flat top 18650's.
Note: Didn't post the cheapest price I could find on AliExpress as it didn't meet OzBargain's posting guidelines for AliExpress stores. Slightly cheaper here
Thanks OP.
Another item to buy which I would never have thought of.
Lots of others around that price
Didn't post the cheapest price I could find on AliExpress as it didn't meet OzBargain's posting guidelines for AliExpress stores.
The same link is in my above comment. Shall add it to description.
Yes realised that & removed link to others around $4.88 delivered. They're shown in your link.
I wonder do these put any sort of load on the battery or is it the same as just putting a multimeter across them.
Good question.
That's why I've always used an analog battery tester (applies a small drain, giving indication of capacity - not voltage), despite having a few digital multimeters (which can measure voltage).
Had an analogue version for decades
Red , orange and green
Very easy to see the charge level
Yeh they do apply a small load.
I once had an interesting example of a AA cell…
The cell wouldnt work in anything… but still tested as 1.5v on the multimeter !
Then I tried the Battery Tester… and that tested as totally-discharged.
This was the only example that Ive ever come across.
Ive also had a few examples where the cells had REVERSED polarity, those were particularly odd.
Capacity tester? This will tell you the voltage, not how much charge the battery will store. Useful for knowing if your battery needs charging, irrelevant for testing the "capacity", or if your battery is end of life.
But the title says it's a capacity tester. Is it wrong?
Yes, the title (and the product description for that entire category on AliExpress) is wrong
If you're looking to test battery capacity (e.g. you bought some unbranded batteries and want to test how long they'll last), this isn't the tool for the job. Just use a stopwatch.
Use multimeter
Why test the charge on household batteries? Don't you just use them till the device stops working then recharge or dispose ? It's like the egg cracker device all over Ali
just use them till the device stops working
That assumes the device you use the batteries in isn't the problem!
Button batteries kept going "flat" in tiny remote. Kept replacing them, until tested battery in simple $1 analog battery capacity tester. They were good.
Replaced the faulty remote, rather than the batteries! Saved me $!
Rechargeable batteries will display charge on a smart charger - no need for tester.
Not sure about your keyfobs bud..I have never ever had a problem with garage openers or car keys.. the only two devices where I use button cells..and watches of course ..Here is a guide I would say makes sense..if your battery dies in 10 days and you have tried another battery and that too stops working in 10 days..change the device cos the battery is not the problem ..moreover if anyone does not have a volt meter they should be buying that and learning how to use it instead of this.. like I said .. this is an egg cracker..I will take it if given free and gift it to someone who thinks it is useful
moreover if anyone does not have a volt meter they should be buying that and learning how to use it
I've designed & built electronic equipment!! I do know this field!
Have digital millimeters. I know how to use them. Used them for years!
Handy, but only if really have a need for one.
And know their use / limitations. Like digital meters provide next to no load - good in most testing of electronic circuits, but usually useless in this case!
Your error: Voltage doesn't necessarily indicate battery capacity (especially in button cells)!
Voltmeter can show correct voltage, even though battery is almost flat!!
Capacity test requires a load! As discussed above.
A simple ~$1 analog battery capacity tester is a small handy tool. Not being digital, the meter is the load. Had my free one for over 10 years. Mainly used to test button cells.
Never said it was a keyfob. It is a remote that controls electronic equipment.
Here is a guide I would say makes sense.. if your battery dies in 10 days and you have tried another battery and that too stops working in 10 days..change the device cos the battery is not theproblem
That's far too simplistic & wasn't anything like the problem!!
Remote might work for up to months, before not working at a crucial time. Remote kept stopping working intermittently - a problem when detecting faults in electronics. Takes time to diagnose, to see the pattern if any.
Initial thought was to grab new batteries as had plenty. It worked again after batteries were removed & replaced. After a few times, grabbed the tester & they were fine.
But discovered it needed to be continually reset by replacing batteries - ie remote was faulty.
Replaced remote (had a spare in storage, old one is in repair bin) & now have no problem.
@INFIDEL: Woah bud..I could not get through your comment..surely that time was more than 5 bucks? //Go for it mate if you like it //your money
…surely that time was more than 5 bucks?
Oh, I wouldn't buy one of these.
Lol! After years of learning in Electrical Engineering & Science… Thanks, already have enough money along with that experience😊
So you don't learn from others - certainly shows! Sure way to stay ignorant😜
Best not to spread incorrect advice… Someone may believe it!
Easy-to-read display will tell you immediately if there is a fool
Back in the day, we used to call this a zoof detector. :)
This is probably handy for someone who doesn't have or want a propper multimeter but it only really tells you if a battery has charge, not capacity.
For those with Amazon Prime:
$7.50 and get shipped next day with Prime: https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B07SG2N276
I bought this one, works well.
That one doesn't appear to be able to test as many different types of batteries.
Thanks! I never had one that wouldn’t work.
What type is missing?
Button batteries like cr2032?
My experience with these has not been good.
Had one of these, didnt last long. The opening and closing of the arm appears to break the thin cables inside. might have been unlucky
I've had the multiple slider ones too, same thing… cables go and dont last long.
I am using one that has no moving parts and that is still going ok
i bought a generic sliding one off aliexpress and it has lasted many years
same … lasted for yrs….
just keep the jaw open…. dont open and retract it all the time….
What was the link to the cheapest one