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18V Battery Tester

Discussion in 'Effects [BG]' started by silky smoove, Dec 18, 2014.

  1. Dec 18, 2014 #1
    silky smoove

    silky smoove Supporting Member

    May 19, 2004
    Seattle, WA
    Does anyone make something like the Keith McMillen Batt-O-Meter that operates at 18V?

    I've got a Jazz bass with EMG JVX pickups and an EMG BTC preamp with an 18V supply, and I'd like to be able to test the batteries. I tend to be overly cautious and throw them out earlier than necessary. It's wasteful and expensive, and I'd like to curtail that. I suppose I could just use my ears, but... A meter has nice shiny lights!
     
  2. Dec 18, 2014 #2
    silky smoove

    silky smoove Supporting Member

    May 19, 2004
    Seattle, WA
    Whoops! I meant for this to be posted in pickups, not effects.

    Moderators: Please move this thread to pickups. Thank you.
     
  3. Dec 19, 2014 #3
    aphexafx

    aphexafx A mind is a terrible thing.

    Dec 10, 2013
    Denver, Colorado
    Designer - Big Machine Electronics
    Get a multimeter lol. Everyone needs one. You can test your cables with it too. And your house wiring. And your car. And a million other things. Cheerios.

    Edit: how does that thing conduct to the positive side of the batteries it's measuring, through the preamp or input stage of the device you plug into??? Must research...
     
    Last edited: Dec 19, 2014
    FaithNoMan likes this.
  4. Dec 19, 2014 #4
    aphexafx

    aphexafx A mind is a terrible thing.

    Dec 10, 2013
    Denver, Colorado
    Designer - Big Machine Electronics
  5. Mar 23, 2018 #5
    bass hoe

    bass hoe

    Mar 22, 2018
    Yeah, I'm looking for an 18V tester as well that will quantify the "hours remaining" like the Batt-o-meter.

    FWIW, I've been using one of these testers for years to test batteries w/o removing them from my active basses as well as testing bare batteries for my remote & otherwise. To me, this seems like a "must have" if not a lifesaver for an active musician. I'd certainly replace mine immediately if mine died. But no-go on 18V other than popping the batteries out. :(

    RELATED TIP. Also, since musicians tend to talk about throwing away half spent batteries whenever this tester is mentioned, here's a cool flashlight you can plug RIGHT ONTO those partially spent 9V batteries. *Somebody* was using their head for something besides a hat rack!
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MGMRYWC/