Tool Review: TOPDON BT MobileLite Battery Tester
Q: How did the tool/equipment function as far as saving you time?
A: I am truly impressed with this little tool, though with certain qualifications. It is fast, simple, and so far as I can tell, really accurate. I tested perhaps 25 batteries on the core shelf of various parts stores I happened to be in in the last two weeks and came away convinced that there is no reason not to use this tool instead of much more expensive tools. What I particularly like is the fact that the battery doesn’t have to be recharged to give it a pass or a fail.
Q: How easy was it to use?
A: Fiddling around with the BlueTooth connection slowed me a bit but after that, the connection worked consistently. However, the app leaves a lot to be desired. Many of the steps in doing the full system tests are non-intuitive and it is hard to follow the instructions.
Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?
A: No accessories. Packed in a cardboard box with no carrying case but I don’t think it would be used if there was one.
Q: Was there a manual included? If so, did you use the manual, and was the manual easy to understand?
A: There was is a manual but I confess I did not read it, as usual. I downloaded the app and started fiddling which is my usual mode of operation. I only read a manual when I can’t figure something out.
Q: What features did you like?
A: Fast with easy-to-understand stats on a very nice-looking screen shot which I’m sure would look really good on a color printer.
Q: Is there any way this tool could be improved?
A: The app could be improved in a few ways: On the report for the battery condition, add the information as to the data entered for the battery that was tested; allow the battery to be retested without re-entering the same data over again; and on the starting system, make the app easier to follow as to the next step.
The tool works extremely well for battery testing and if the app improvements were made, it would be an ideal tool for many whose work is limited to battery testing. The charging system test is really a bridge too far because only an experienced technician can figure out if the results taken are actually out of spec, or if the tool is simply registering a function of the computer-controlled charging system.
Q: What types of jobs/repairs did you use this tool for?
A: I mostly tested batteries, and just a few starting and charging systems. The device’s starting test works fine and matches the accuracy of my Fluke meter. However, I cannot rightly compare the charging system test as I cannot know when it is taking its voltage readings.
TOPDON's BT Mobile Lite battery tester can be connected to Bluetooth by downloading a free BT Mobile app from the Android or IOS app store. The compact handheld design is easy to access in your toolbox. The test range is 100-2,000 CCA, which is wider than the normal tester range, says the company. It has two LED indicators, blue for Bluetooth and green for power. Additionally, BT Mobile Lite has three protection modes, is easy to operate, and supports multiple languages.
