Testing 9Vs while installed...

[benjuro]

Stupid question for y'all...anyone have an inexpensive way to test batteries while they're still installed/without removing them?
I have a few positive grounders...some of which do have a barrel plug for power but b/c they can't be daisy chained, I typically battery power them.
Is it even possible???

[Dr Satan]

Turn the effect on. If it works, the battery is probably still good, if not, then it might need to be changed. :P If I were you, I would either A: Invest in a power supply that can power your positive ground pedals B: Use a separate wall wart for said effects and daisy chain just the pos gnd ones on that separate wall wart C: Buy some heavy duty battery snaps and some barrel ends and make it so you can battery power them externally. If you only need a couple, Radio Shack should have the parts you need. The barrel ends are size M. Other than that, if the pedal has an external plug adapter, you could test the voltage there with a cable plugged into the input. You should get the battery voltage between the tip and sleeve of the battery connector so long as there is not any connector plugged into it.

The battery jack switches typically the positve on most pedals, so that when you plug an adapter in, it breaks the battery connection. On the other end you have the input jack that typically breaks the ground when no instrument cable is plugged in. This allows you to save the battery by simply unplugging the input cable or plugging in a DC adapter, while simultaneously keeping you from putting wall wart power directly to the battery.

[eatyourguitar]

Stupid question for y'all...anyone have an inexpensive way to test batteries while they're still installed/without removing them?
I have a few positive grounders...some of which do have a barrel plug for power but b/c they can't be daisy chained, I typically battery power them.
Is it even possible???

yes you can!
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BattOMeter/

[benjuro]

Buy some heavy duty battery snaps and some barrel ends and make it so you can battery power them externally. If you only need a couple, Radio Shack should have the parts you need. The barrel ends are size M....

Other than that, if the pedal has an external plug adapter, you could test the voltage there with a cable plugged into the input. You should get the battery voltage between the tip and sleeve of the battery connector so long as there is not any connector plugged into it.

These are both fantastic ideas...I had toyed with the first one before, just didn't love the aesthetics of it.

yes you can!
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BattOMeter/

Awesome, thanks...found this one after I posted too