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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