Battery Question - Not as dumb as it might first seem. Would appreciate any advice.

I was once told, "If you're going to save your battery for a while, DON'T test it!" Further went on to say that testing the battery under load condition, although tells you the condition of the battery today, starts a chemical process that ages the battery, it will be gone in six months to a year on the shelf. Conclusion was that to have a battery when you need one, don't perturb it.

Any battery specialists out there to confirm/deny their comment?

I agree on not load testing it, but just a very small digital tester would not draw much off the battery.

Steve

An alkaline battery, maybe 1.3 with a remote, but even a regular flashlight will be dim. I usually check them just by voltage and usually good enough. Sometimes when I find my battery tester, I use that. The old dry cells had more voltage but more resistance. Typically 1.65 volts. I have had dry cells last 20 years and still provide some output. I have had nicads last

Some harbor freight batteries I have, mostly aaa, start leaking and making noises. Alkalines.

Greg

Sjouke Burry wrote in news:XnsA0064256D684Fsjoukeburrysoesterbe@213.75.12.10:

my $3 Harbor Fright DMM has a battery test mode that loads the cell(370 ohms) and you read the current. I use it -and- the no-load voltage reading.

they were giving the DMM away free with a coupon,now IIRC,you have to make a $10 purchase to get one free with the coupon.

But CHECK the basic voltage accuracy!!! my first one was WAY off. but I exchanged it for a good one.

gregz wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@news.eternal-september.o rg:

I've not had any luck with NiCds lasting,unless they get frequent use. let 'em sit,and they short.

the HF alkalines I bought,half leaked even before I used them. they were AAA cells. I will not buy HF batteries any more.Thunderbolt was the brand name.

I USED to have good no-leaks service from Fuji Novel alkalines(from Big Lots),but the new versions leaked badly. they're off the list too.

my last buy was Ray-O-Vacs. I may try Walgreens brand next,when they're on sale.

The newfangled "precharged" NiMH may be better, in that regards.

Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus

They never leak but they're never charged when you need them.

Cheap ones won't hold a charge after a few cycles. Waste of money.

I've been using Maha Powerex and Sanyo Eneloop batteries in a Maha charger and never had a problem.

No, 2.2 volts is nominal for a lead acid battery - or 2.

Thanks for correcting. I should have said zinc/carbon for the normal

Wiki has a decent table:

I just measured a less than new d cell. 1.6 volts. 9 volt cell, 9.9 volts no loads.

you could say 1.5 volts with nominal lad.

Greg

Thats how I saw one junk yard test batteries, with a screwdriver.

I was fooling around one day in a military van. Sort of accidentally dropped screwdriver on battery I was checking. Large battery with tops unscrewed. I ran out of that van, or jumped down. 6 fountains of electrolyte hitting ceiling.

Greg