How to Build a Battery Tester

Try to focus on some good plans and make sure to utilize good organizational skills when it comes to building a battery tester. See the plethora of plans online. Try to set aside a good work area and follow the plans parts list exactly.

1. Read the article/plan fully before starting. The plan should be easily read and understood for better success and finalizing the project.


2. Look over the parts list and check with an electronics parts store or Radio Shack in your area or online. You may end up purchasing more of an individual part than the component calls for, as many parts are grouped in multiples when sold. This is actually a welcomed idea, as it is normal to need more parts than are called for. You may ruin the first one used when attempting to build your battery tester.


3. Remember some common electronics tools you may need such as a soldering iron and ohm/voltage meter. Other tools like wire snips, needle nose pliers and jewelers screwdrivers can come in handy, as well as a optional alligator clip part holder.


4. Read up on the common parts that are being used, such as:
   
   
   
   
   • Red and green 5mm LED's
   
   
   • Toggle switches
   
   
   • 1k ohm 1/4 watt resistors
   
   
   • 100 ohm 1/4 watt resistors
   
   
   • 1k variable resistor
   
   
   • Ceramic capacitors
   
   
   • 9 volt Battery clip
   
   
   • Black multi-purpose metal electronics project box
   
   
   • One black and one red metal pinpoint probes
   
   
   • Variety of colored project wire
   
   
   
   

Get help when doing your first DIY electronics project. Starting with a more complex project will come in handy when attempting to do smaller projects on your own.