what to look for when buying DC Ammeter

[chitown1234]

ok thanks larry for you help
________
How to roll a joint

[BoyntonStu]

Stu,

If you recall, I tried your shunt setup with my last test cell but found that the readings bumped up and down a lot over a wide range. When I double checked with my meters built in amp function that issue stopped.

Not sure what caused that.

Russ,

Sorry that happened to you.

Watch my videos, the Amps do not vary more than 0.1A in any of them.

I have checked the accuracy several times.

There is no technical reason (other than w minimum temperature effect), why a #10 copper wire shunt would not equal any other shunt's performance.

Strange things are always possible.

BoyntonStu

[H2OPWR]

Russ,

Sorry that happened to you.

Watch my videos, the Amps do not vary more than 0.1A in any of them.

I have checked the accuracy several times.

There is no technical reason (other than w minimum temperature effect), why a #10 copper wire shunt would not equal any other shunt's performance.

Strange things are always possible.

BoyntonStu

Stu, I think the amp bouncing Russ was seeing is because his cell was doing exactly what mine is right now. With the large plate stack and the large volume of gas it is hard to keep the electrolite level steady. As the electrolite level constantly raises and lowers so will the amp draw. I am not certain just guessing.

Larry

[Painless]

Stu, I think the amp bouncing Russ was seeing is because his cell was doing exactly what mine is right now. With the large plate stack and the large volume of gas it is hard to keep the electrolite level steady. As the electrolite level constantly raises and lowers so will the amp draw. I am not certain just guessing.

Larry

Larry,

That was with the small test cell, who knows, perhaps the copper wire was damaged in some way.

Russ.

[hg2]

Does anyone know where I can get an amp meter to mount on my vehicle that goes higher than 60 amps and won't break my wallet too much.The 60 amp one I use now was about $38 at Napa.

[Painless]

Does anyone know where I can get an amp meter to mount on my vehicle that goes higher than 60 amps and won't break my wallet too much.The 60 amp one I use now was about $38 at Napa.

How about using one of these mv LCD meters with a shunt?

http://www.futurlec.com/Panel_Meters.shtml

Russ.

[hg2]

How about using one of these mv LCD meters with a shunt?

http://www.futurlec.com/Panel_Meters.shtml

Russ.

Russ I looked at the site and I don't quite follow what you mean.Bear in mind the electricians hat I own is size small if you know what I mean.

[gashead]

i purchaced a 30 amp meter from ( the scooter store ) and it will read 20-21 amps before my cell blows a 15 amp fuse, i have a 50 amp from harbor freight tools, but its hard to read ( 25 amp increments ). im still looking

[Gary Diamond]

i purchaced a 30 amp meter from ( the scooter store ) and it will read 20-21 amps before my cell blows a 15 amp fuse, i have a 50 amp from harbor freight tools, but its hard to read ( 25 amp increments ). im still looking

What kind of fuse are you using? Is it a slow blow type? Is your wire large enough? Sure you can have a crapy meter, why not test it, use a known load with a known source, IF YOU USE a battery charger is not a known source!

A battery charger has a very high AC 60 ripple on it, God only knows what that will do for your reading. When you use a battery with a charger the battery becomes a big Cap. which will clean up the AC ripple.

SO A BATTERY CHARGER ALONE, IS A WORTHLESS THING, WHY NOT BUILT THE POWER SUPPLY FROM FREE COMPUTERS AS STU POINTED OUT.

[gashead]

What kind of fuse are you using? Is it a slow blow type? Is your wire large enough? Sure you can have a crapy meter, why not test it, use a known load with a known source, IF YOU USE a battery charger is not a known source!

A battery charger has a very high AC 60 ripple on it, God only knows what that will do for your reading. When you use a battery with a charger the battery becomes a big Cap. which will clean up the AC ripple.

SO A BATTERY CHARGER ALONE, IS A WORTHLESS THING, WHY NOT BUILT THE POWER SUPPLY FROM FREE COMPUTERS AS STU POINTED OUT.

i am using an inline 10 gauge wire fuse holder with a 15 amp automotive fuse not the maxi fuse. i think the meter is junk, it is consistant though. consistantly 5 - 6 amps too high lol