METAL DETECTORS – Are battery test readings accurate?
A. Only if the ‘battery test’ is done while the batteries are delivering the proper amount of current to a load. Some “drug store” battery testers, as well as a good volt meter may yield completely erroneous results due to the fact the batteries are not delivering current during the test. An audio battery test is probably the best, since the audio circuitry loads the battery to the detectors maximum amount of power delivered while the test takes place. Also since batteries can tend to rejuvenate some of their performance after a long rest, it is best to test the batteries after they have been used for at least ten minutes.
