I have a need for a 12V load tester and, being of a certain age, I
remember testers something like this type http://tinyurl.com/52prntn8

I'm wondering how the modern digital-type ones like this
http://tinyurl.com/yprfcyu2 compare with the carbon pile ones?

Which type is best?

On 14/02/2024 16:56, Andy Smith wrote:
> I have a need for a 12V load tester and, being of a certain age, I
> remember testers something like this type http://tinyurl.com/52prntn8
>
> I'm wondering how the modern digital-type ones like this
> http://tinyurl.com/yprfcyu2 compare with the carbon pile ones?
>
> Which type is best?

I got one like this:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/204104445294

It seems to do the job, I have never used the sort in your link.

Fredxx used his keyboard to write :
> On 14/02/2024 16:56, Andy Smith wrote:
>> I have a need for a 12V load tester and, being of a certain age, I remember
>> testers something like this type http://tinyurl.com/52prntn8
>>
>> I'm wondering how the modern digital-type ones like this
>> http://tinyurl.com/yprfcyu2 compare with the carbon pile ones?
>>
>> Which type is best?
>
> I got one like this:
> https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/204104445294
>
> It seems to do the job, I have never used the sort in your link.

Thanks Fred

On 14/02/2024 18:53, Andy Smith wrote:
> Fredxx used his keyboard to write :
>> On 14/02/2024 16:56, Andy Smith wrote:
>>> I have a need for a 12V load tester and, being of a certain age, I
>>> remember testers something like this type http://tinyurl.com/52prntn8
>>>
>>> I'm wondering how the modern digital-type ones like this
>>> http://tinyurl.com/yprfcyu2 compare with the carbon pile ones?
>>>
>>> Which type is best?
>>
>> I got one like this:
>>    https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/204104445294
>>
>> It seems to do the job, I have never used the sort in your link.
>
> Thanks Fred

As I understand it, these do not load the battery excessively to test
it, what they do is draw a small current, assume that the batteries
internal resistance is constant with much higher currents, and then
*calculate* the Vdrop at cold cranking amps, and if would pull the
voltage below some level, flag the battery as bad.

Some people do not regard that as as valid a test as sticking a real
heavy load on. But I reckon they work for most purposes.

--
"Strange as it seems, no amount of learning can cure stupidity, and
higher education positively fortifies it."

- Stephen Vizinczey

On Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 7:20:06 PM UTC, The Natural Philosopher wrote:
> On 14/02/2024 18:53, Andy Smith wrote:
> > Fredxx used his keyboard to write :
> >> On 14/02/2024 16:56, Andy Smith wrote:
> >>> I have a need for a 12V load tester and, being of a certain age, I
> >>> remember testers something like this type http://tinyurl.com/52prntn8
> >>>
> >>> I'm wondering how the modern digital-type ones like this
> >>> http://tinyurl.com/yprfcyu2 compare with the carbon pile ones?
> >>>
> >>> Which type is best?
> >>
> >> I got one like this:
> >> https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/204104445294
> >>
> >> It seems to do the job, I have never used the sort in your link.
> >
> > Thanks Fred
> As I understand it, these do not load the battery excessively to test
> it, what they do is draw a small current, assume that the batteries
> internal resistance is constant with much higher currents, and then
> *calculate* the Vdrop at cold cranking amps, and if would pull the
> voltage below some level, flag the battery as bad.
>
> Some people do not regard that as as valid a test as sticking a real
> heavy load on. But I reckon they work for most purposes.
>
>
> --
> "Strange as it seems, no amount of learning can cure stupidity, and
> higher education positively fortifies it."
>
> - Stephen Vizinczey
Our local place uses something like this:
https://bit.ly/batterytesterukdiy
Total trust in them.

Andy Smith <a@b.com> wrote:
> I have a need for a 12V load tester and, being of a certain age, I
> remember testers something like this type http://tinyurl.com/52prntn8
>
> I'm wondering how the modern digital-type ones like this
> http://tinyurl.com/yprfcyu2 compare with the carbon pile ones?
>
> Which type is best?
>

I have a ‘modern’ one. I’m not entirely convinced they are that accurate.

I tried it on an old battery, which I expected was on its way out, and sure
enough the results confirmed my thoughts.

However, the new battery ( a quality one, which I charged) while it
measured as good, the readings weren’t that accurate ( CCA that is).

I think I paid about £25 for mine, around 7 / 8 years back.

I’ve not used it since.

When I suspected the motor home battery recently, I just changed it. You
can’t bump start a 3.8+ T diesel.

On Thursday 15 February 2024 at 17:07:44 UTC, Brian wrote:
> Andy Smith <a...@b.com> wrote:
> > I have a need for a 12V load tester and, being of a certain age, I
> > remember testers something like this type http://tinyurl.com/52prntn8
> >
> > I'm wondering how the modern digital-type ones like this
> > http://tinyurl.com/yprfcyu2 compare with the carbon pile ones?
> >
> > Which type is best?
> >
> I have a ‘modern’ one. I’m not entirely convinced they are that accurate.
>
> I tried it on an old battery, which I expected was on its way out, and sure
> enough the results confirmed my thoughts.
>
> However, the new battery ( a quality one, which I charged) while it
> measured as good, the readings weren’t that accurate ( CCA that is).
>
> I think I paid about £25 for mine, around 7 / 8 years back.
>
> I’ve not used it since.
>
> When I suspected the motor home battery recently, I just changed it. You
> can’t bump start a 3.8+ T diesel.

put it in gear & crank, the 3.8t will keep it rolling over the compression points.