I am planning on picking up a couple of those 14500's you recommend, and I also want to pickup a battery tester as well. Would this tester be the correct one to purchase (or do you recommend something different (cheaper)).
http://www.lighthound.com/ZTS-MBT-1-Battery-Tester--tests-37-volt-rechargeable-batteries_p_2389.html
Yeah, I'm all about cheaper. I used to have a similar model, without some of the functions for the more obscure battery types, it's about half that price and still tests the stuff we need. Mini MBT, I gave it to a workmate years ago. My usual meter and a few loads told me more useful information, it's much better at go/no go testing that analyzing what's going on. And of course all it does is test batteries.
However, IMO that's still too much to pay for the function. I usually use a cheap digital meter that has this function. It's a five dollar DMM, but a style not easy to find (the battery function goes in the rotary switch position off normally uses in these cheap guys and a power slide switch is added so you can leave it set up, very handy). Wish I had more than the on or knew where to get more.
A while back I noticed this guy:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GKEXWA/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00
Which looks like a much better tester (giving us honest to God numbers under load rather than a few LEDs), the question is how good is it? Only one way to find out, I just ordered one. I'll have it by the weekend, PM me if I don't get back on this thread and remind me?
If it turns out as I hope it will, it should serve any of us well and the price is, IMO, right. If guys are interested I'll post some basic instructions for using it for cart measurements, battery checks, charger tests and so on? That only really works if everyone has the same unit, but I think under $20 is something many guys will go for if they can use it?
OF