Hi, You are right about new batteries being hit/miss! I found this blog because my MX900 displayed low battery (after about 1 year). I put 4 batteries in and nothing. Put a few more in and nothing. That's when I found your post. Sure enough of the 7 Rayovac alkaline batteries, 4 tested 1.5 volts, 2 registered about .6 volts, and the other registered zero!

I know my voltmeter works because when I put the good ones in, the remote fired up! Thank you!