Re: Multimeter for 6 volt system

Posted by Bob M on January 30, 2004 at 12:42:13 from (165.170.128.66):

In Reply to: Multimeter for 6 volt system posted by Pat Connors on January 30, 2004 at 11:27:34:

Depends on what you want to do and how much you�re willing to spend. For simple voltage/resistance checks, a $15 Radio Shack analog meter is hard to beat. Only downside is you cannot make current measurement with one. A nice thing about the analog is the volt functions still work even after the battery goes dead.

Cheap digital voltmeters ($20 - $40 or so) are OK. But many of them have a hard time getting accurate readings on the old DC generator systems. The harmonics and �noise� inherent in generators and vibrating relay regulator circuits often confuse the meter electronics and result in bizarre, useless readings.

Industrial quality DVM�s are much better than the cheapies on generator circuits. But even some of the good ones occasionally experience difficulties.

Sears now carries a DVM with a DC clamp on ammeter function for around $50. (Can read AC and DC current simply by clamping a probe around the wire). I have not used one however and so don�t know how well they work.

What�s in my toolbox? A cheap Radio Shack analog, a Fluke 77 DVM and a Fluke 87 True RMS DVM. I also have a beat-up Simpson 260 analog (discovered in a scrap tub at work and brought back from the dead) that I break out once in a while. I use the Fluke 77 the most however � it�s still going strong after 18 years of use and abuse!

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