ZTS MBT-MIL - Manual (Page 4)

In Case of Problems
If there is no operation, that is, no LED activity or indication of a
test cycle, try the following:
1. Remove then reinsert one of the tester’s internal (AA) batteries.
Verify that all batteries are installed in the correct orientation.
2. Verify that the battery you are testing is positioned correctly and
its terminals are clean.
3. Check a known good battery. If the battery you are testing is
completely discharged (less than 1% of capacity), the tester will
not start a test cycle.
About Rechargeable Batteries
Capacity
This is the total amount of stored energy that is available from a fully
charged cell or cells. A battery’s usable capacity is dependent upon
the rate of discharge, temperature, and the specified cut-off volt-
age. Most batteries have a rated capacity, expressed in amp-hours,
that is based on a specified constant discharge rate to a specified
cut-off voltage. Capacity will decrease at higher rates of discharge
and increase with lower rates of discharge. New rechargeable bat-
teries require several (3-4) charge-discharge cycles followed by
float charging to achieve optimum/maximum capacity.
Self-Discharge
All rechargeable batteries will lose capacity over time through self-
discharge. The self-discharge rate is a function of cell chemistry
and storage temperature. Thus a new, fully charged battery which
has been stored for a period of time may test less than 100% until
it is recharged.
Battery Life
Rechargeable batteries will lose capacity through aging, and the
number of charge-discharge cycles experienced by the battery. A
battery’s ability to take/accept a full charge deteriorates throughout
the life of the battery. Therefore, an aging battery that has been
recently charged may only test at 60% or less of full capacity. Oth-
er factors that affect capacity are the depth and rate of discharge,
operating temperature, and charging method.
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