Battery/Starting/ChargingTester?

[Greatwhitewing]

Hey folks, looking to make a purchase for a good Battery/Starting System/Charging system tester for home use. I have about 5 cars, a motorcycle and a lawn tractor to maintain. Expect to use this a couple times a year not heavy duty use like a shop and would like quick dependable and comprehensive results.

Like the budget to stay under $500 but can creep a bit over if there's real value or features I can't get in lesser units.

Currently looking at Midtronics PTB-300 and MDX-600(650?) although I not sure what the real differences are besides the interface seems more detailed in the MDX model.

I like the idea of a sequenced test routine vs a voltmeter and judgments.

I see some other brands but it's hard to compare apples to apples so I am asking for the collective experience of the members here.

Thanks in advance

 

[kblee27]

I have 2 PBT-300. I sell car batteries and used it every day.
They give very reliable readings.

 

[Greatwhitewing]

I have 2 PBT-300. I sell car batteries and used it every day.
They give very reliable readings.

Ever use it for charging or starting system diagnostics?

Thanks for the 411

 

[jkwilson]

IMO, such a tool for home use is an enormous waste of money. A charger and voltmeter is more than enough to diagnose a charging system or battery problem. Just because a tester calls a battery bad doesn't mean it won't work. It just means it crossed some line for cranking amps or internal resistance. Good in a business situation, but not very practical for home use.

 

[kblee27]

Ever use it for charging or starting system diagnostics?

Thanks for the 411

Yes. With the clamps on the battery, you first use it to check battery voltage and CCA without starting the engine.

Then you switch to voltmeter mode and start engine.
You can then check for crank voltage (must be > 9.6V) and alternator (charging system) voltage.

There is a sticker behind the meter to show what is acceptable voltage.

If the engine turnover but does not fire, and the battery CCA and crank voltage is good, then it's starting system problem and not battery problem.