voltage meter

[kelley]

I'm interested in buying a voltage meter so I can check the condition of my battery. Can anyone recommend one and tell me how to use it.
Thanks,
Kelley

[cricman]

Being a cheap Scotsman, I recommend the LCD VOM from harbor freight, usually on sale for $3. I currently own several VOMs; some classic Radio Shack stuff passed to me by my late dad, a nice armoured Triplett 9005, and some other oddball stuff. I like the cheap Hf units (I have 2; one with backlight, one without) because if you lose it or run over it, you won't cry,....cuss maybe, but not cry. Plus, they work fine. I would say that the weak point is the power switch- it feels a little flimsy. Try to find some leads that will clip or clamp on, so you can free up a hand to use a point to probe.

As far as using one, I would google "Using digital multi-meter" and find links that look educational oriented. That will give you a good introduction, with an emphasis on safety.

Of couse, you could always run out and drop $$$$ on a Fluke or a BK Precision. That way, you can by doo-dads like temperature probes, logic probes, and true RMS calculation.


Good luck,

cricman

[boxermania]

kelley

I don't know if home is in the US, if so just go to your friendly Harbor Freight store and buy a DVM (Digital Voltmeter) ther. It will cost you under $5 and can be used for many other things....who knows, after you own one maybe you become dangerous, by checking everything electrical.

[kelley]

Thanks for the advice. It makes sense to me.