I went back and forth between this model and the "big brother" model of the same brand (which is literally double the price). For the money, this unit does its job, but seems overpriced given that it excludes all button/coin batteries. I rationalized that, for 50 bucks more, just to be able to evaluate button/coin batteries (which can be had for pennies), it didn't make sense to spend the extra $$. If in doubt, the button/coin batteries could be replaced 50x over if even in doubt, rather than spending the extra $$ to test them.
That being said, this is FAR more accurate and useful than non-load-applying testers. Anyone using this unit (or any similar load unit) should be aware that the first time testing a battery, you may get a reading of say, 80%, only to then get a reading of 60% a few seconds later. This is due to the fact that an actual load is being placed on the tested battery, which may show stronger than it is the first test, but give a more true value in subsequent tests within the next few minutes.
A battery showing 40% or less is basically dead. Even something showing 60% is going to be of little use (IMHO, based upon my having gone through an entire box of batteries I'd saved "just in case" there was some use left in them). But having a battery cycle between 100% - 80% is not unusual (unless it's brand new, in which case, you'd expect it to show 100% regardless).
The only reason I knocked off a star was because I have received a few completely inconsistent readings (100% one time, 60% the next, then back to 100%). Best I can tell, it wasn't because of probe placement, but I can't be sure if I'm being honest. But that really shouldn't affect the load measurement.
I'm really disappointed that for 45 bucks this thing doesn't do any button/coin batteries, but I'm just not going to shell out 100 bucks just to add that functionality (along with a few lesser-known battery sizes). I'll keep it because it does far better than most of the junk on the market, but would be nice if it were more consistent, or the price covered more common batteries, to include at least the most common button/coins.
| Manufacturer | ZTS |
|---|---|
| Part Number | MINI-MBT |
| Item Weight | 3.68 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 2.5 x 0.75 x 4 inches |
| Item model number | MINI-MBT |
| Batteries | 4 AAA batteries required. |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number Of Pieces | 1 |
| Included Components | Requires 4 AAA Size Batteries Sold Separately. |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | Yes |
