Hi Jeff, > RE: CS>MultiMeter Question > From: Jeff > Date: Thu, 1 May 2003 09:33:15
>> Not to sound silly here, but the current connections to the >> system are different than the connections for measuring voltage. >> If one merely turns the dial to read ma, without breaking the the >> former voltage connections, so that now you mave the meter in >> series with the amperage on the load in series , then what you >> are measuring is a short of amperage through the meter itself. >> HDN > Harvey, > So are you saying if I hook up the meter like this it will blow > the fuse every time? I just went and bought fuses but haven't > started a new batch of cs yet. Found out they are proud of those > fuses here in central TX. Almost $8.00 for 5. I don't want to blow > them if I can get out of it. Also got the resistor like Mike said. Jeff, Harvey has a good point about blowing fuses by rotating the function dial, but it only applies if you use alligator clips to connect the multimeter to the circuit and are measuring the battery voltage. If you are using the probes to measure the battery voltage, it requires both hands. So you have to drop one probe to turn the dial, which disconnects the multimeter from the battery. In this case, you cannot blow the fuse by switching functions. The general rule is to (1) disconnect the multimeter from the circuit, (2) decide what you want to measure (volts or current), and (3) estimate the reading you will get (fresh batteries = 27 volts, current = xxx mA.) You then set the multimeter to the correct range, connect the leads, and confirm that you get the expected value. You should get into the habit of predicting what reading you will get, and just use the instrument to confirm your prediction. This thought process is very important, since it develops "situational awareness" of what is going on in the circuit and increases you skill at using the instrument. The technique applies to any kind of circuit, not just a simple series circuit like the cs generator. If you get a different value than you expect, (dead batteries <> 27 volts, open circuit = 0 mA), you can begin the process of troubleshooting. If you have developed the ability to predict the readings you should get, you can troubleshoot the circuit very quickly. If not, you might spend a great deal of time trying to understand what the meter is telling you. Adding the resistor in series with the battery is a good idea. This prevents blowing the fuse while you are getting your feet wet learning how to use the instrument. Best Regards, Mike Monett -- The silver-list is a moderated forum for discussion of colloidal silver. Instructions for unsubscribing may be found at: http://silverlist.org To post, address your message to: [email protected] Silver-list archive: http://escribe.com/health/thesilverlist/index.html List maintainer: Mike Devour <[email protected]>
