Battery Tester

[fearless]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone has used this (KMI Batt-O-Meter Battery Tester) or any other 9 volt battery tester in any Baggs pickup. I have the Anthem SL installed in 2 of my acoustics and left very little play in the lead to the battery. So, to change the battery I have to remove all the strings. I know the battery should last for up to 170 hours but I just changed one of my batteries and found that there is still plenty of life. Not a problem as I use them in the Venue DI. But I would sure like to know the status of my internal battery.

This product (KMI Batt-O-Meter Battery Tester ) has mixed reviews since it does not work in all 1/4 " jacks. Anyone use this with the Anthem or other Baggs product?

Bryan, any input?

Thanks
Kevin

[Bryan McManus]

Hi Kevin,

I had not heard of that product yet. It seems, though, like it tests the voltage/current between the pickup system's power switching contacts.

It should work with any device that uses certain jack contacts for the power switch.

Nobody has told me they are using it with our products. More importantly, nobody has told me it doesn't work with our pickup systems.

[fearless]

Thanks Bryan,

I may just order it in the near future and give it a shot. For $20 it's worth a shot. FWIW the product doesn't seem to work in Taylor guitars. What company makes their jacks? Does Baggs use the same manufacturer?

Thanks
Kevin

[Bryan McManus]

Hi Kevin,

It may be because Taylor's Expression system can send a balanced output from the 1/4" jack so its power switching contacts may not line up with the terminals on the Batt-O-Matic plug.

[fearless]

OK, so I just received the Batt-o-meter and tried it out with my 2 Anthem equipped guitars and Venue DI (not that the Venue needs an external battery tester). What I found was it did not work at all with the Venue which I thought was strange. At first I could not get it to work with the Anthem pickups either (tried inserted completely, with a slight pressure and at the first click/stop. Would not work at all. I was pleasantly surprised that it did work perfectly when inserted in the device approximately 2/3 (just snug but before first click).

Honestly, I only gave it a 50/50 chance when I ordered it. So, if anyone is interested or has purchased the product and has not been able to use with Baggs pickups you might want to give it one more try.

Kevin