<VV> digital voltmeter question

[Dave Thompson]

OOPS! I forgot to click "reply to all" not just "reply"
Dave

-----Original Message-----
From: Dave Thompson [mailto:dave.thompson at verizon.net] 
Sent: Saturday, August 09, 2008 10:23 AM
To: 'PatioMatt at aol.com'
Subject: RE: <VV> digital voltmeter question

It also sounds like it could be a bad voltage regulator. With the negative
battery cable disconnected, remove the regulator cover and carefully
burnish/clean the contacts inside. Be careful not to bend or "readjust"
anything. I've resurrected voltage regulators on my 65 and 70 Mustangs that
way several times back in the 80's. However, I eventually replaced it.

By the way,

I have an expensive Fluke digital multi-meter. I use it on the job. However,
when I work on my cars, I usually use a cheap analog meter (about $10.00 at
the local electronics store). The needle seems to be more stable for my
liking. Sometimes, very accurate meters are too much for simple tasks. One
of my cheaper digital meters fluctuate the readings when the battery is
getting low. Try replacing the meter battery and see if the readings become
more stable. 

Another thing, be sure that you get a good connection with the meter probes.
The fluctuation COULD be as simple as a bad probe connection. By the way, I
also like to use my 10V light bulb with two wires soldered to it, alligator
clips on each wire. I use a nail in one clip when I need a probe.

In the old days, I usually used a lamp instead of a meter to test the old
wire spring relay mechanical business telephone systems. Meters, even analog
ones didn't react as fast as a lamp.

Just my opinion and experiences...

Dave Thompson
Business Telephone man since 1977
Westminster, CA

-----Original Message-----
From: PatioMatt at aol.com Subject: Re: <VV> digital voltmeter question
 
Whenever I try to use my digital voltmeter to read voltage at the battery 
with the engine running, the numbers jump all over the  place.  Is there a 
way to use one of these meters for this  application?


===============================================================
 
Disable the Gen / Alt  and retest... something is awry!  The  Battery is a 
giant FILTER.. and voltage should be stable!


Matt  Nall
All Vairs!
_http://members.aol.com/patiomatt_ (http://members.aol.com/patiomatt) 
somewhere  between Sea Mountain and Coos Bay.  OR.