Multimeter advice

Tezza

Guest
Can anybody recommend a multimeter so that I can check how many amps are going into the leisure battery with the engine running. I bought one from Halford's yesterday ...a gunson g4187 but it's range is 0-10A so I don't think it will do the job. Im afraid to use it incase I blow it. So I need one that goes up to 50A I think because of the sterling B2B. And advice welcome....thanks
 
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Think you need a good quality Amp Clamp. One that will specifically measure DC (not all will as the main use is mains system measurement the engineer in our work told me once).

You might find one with RS Components or maybe Farnell / CPC. Fluke make good professional metering kit.

It's not likely to be cheap. Well easy to use though cos they work like a CT you just put the 2 arms around the single core cable you wish to measure and look at the display.
 
10 amps is about the limit for most normal digital multimeters, including some very expensive models. Best bet is to get a DC clamp meter (tong-tester) with a reasonably good resolution. Trouble is they are 10 times more expensive than multimeters of similar quality
Another option is to get a shunt and use that in conjuction with the mV range on your multimeter but that requires installation. You could leave it installed (best in the battery negative lead) and then you can check currents at any time. Or you could add a matching panel meter and have a permanent installation.
 
it will be 0 to 40 amps, theres cheaper ones on fleabay if price is important.. , once youve got one youll wonder how you managed without one.
 
maxi77 said:
If you want to know what is going in and out of your battery then fit one of these or something similar, more accurate than a clampmeter and will give you a fair estimate of the capacity available at any time from your battery

Misc: NASA Marine Instruments

Available from many sources including Ebay NASA BM-1 Compact Battery Monitor 12VDC - White | eBay

I had one fitted on my boat and found it good.
Click to expand...
That looks great ....but can't justify spending nearly £100 on something just because I'm curios . The better half would soon be able to justify a new handbag or shoes. And I don't want to go down that road again hahaha. But I did buy the uni-t earlier from maplins haven't tried it yet but will post here tomorrow to let all of you know if it was any good lol...but thanks....I have secretly put in my watched items for a bit of consideration at a later date nod nod wink wink
 
maxi77 said:
If you want to know what is going in and out of your battery then fit one of these or something similar, more accurate than a clampmeter and will give you a fair estimate of the capacity available at any time from your battery

Misc: NASA Marine Instruments

Available from many sources including Ebay NASA BM-1 Compact Battery Monitor 12VDC - White | eBay

I had one fitted on my boat and found it good.
Click to expand...

i have seen these as im in boat biz, i will find supplyer many thanks for post like like like:boat:
 
Tezza said:
That looks great ....but can't justify spending nearly £100 on something just because I'm curios . The better half would soon be able to justify a new handbag or shoes. And I don't want to go down that road again hahaha. But I did buy the uni-t earlier from maplins haven't tried it yet but will post here tomorrow to let all of you know if it was any good lol...but thanks....I have secretly put in my watched items for a bit of consideration at a later date nod nod wink wink
Click to expand...

The really big benefit is being able any all times to know the state of your battery, and the benefit for the Mrs is that you should be able to ensure there is always enough power available to meet her needs, perhaps that outbids the handbag
 
baloothebear said:
a real swing needle AVO? :)
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That's the one , I bought one of those digital things off ebay £4 and it broke after a few days , I mean come on £4 and it broke :rolleyes: , I used to do factory clear outs and the avo had been left behind , it's a cracker !
 
well i itried the uni-t...and for volts its great...im not sure about amps though.with engine running it only shows 20 amps going in...and i thought the sterling should be pushing 50 amps considering the battery was showing 50%.so i dont know?????
 
Tezza said:
well i itried the uni-t...and for volts its great...im not sure about amps though.with engine running it only shows 20 amps going in...and i thought the sterling should be pushing 50 amps considering the battery was showing 50%.so i dont know?????
Click to expand...

You could always ask Sterling.
If you ask a sensible question, you'll usually get a sensible answer from them.

- This is not meant in a nasty manner. I know that Sterlings get some real dingbat questions sometimes :)
 
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