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Old 06-18-2019, 04:52 PM   #1
Darrell S
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Default Checking Voltage

I need to be able to check the voltage to and from the coil. I don't know what kind of meter to get as I have not done this before.

Advice appreciated.
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Old 06-18-2019, 05:23 PM   #2
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Default Re: Checking Voltage

You only need a volt meter but since you are getting a meter, get a multi-meter. They are very cheap especially at Harbor Fright.
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Old 06-18-2019, 05:55 PM   #3
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Default Re: Checking Voltage

Analog meter is better for these type of checks than a digital meter (one with a needle and scale on it vs a digital number read out).
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Old 06-18-2019, 10:06 PM   #4
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Default Re: Checking Voltage

You can get a decent Digital Volt Meter from E-Bay for around $3. It only has one setting so you cant make a mistake. I use it as a Volt meter to check the charging system also.
I also have a Fancy Fluke meter that just confuses met even more.
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Old 06-19-2019, 06:29 AM   #5
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Default Re: Checking Voltage

I bought a bunch of these in a Texas dollar store about 10 years ago, gave them away to friends, I keep one in the trunk of my '41, on eBay for $2. now.
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Old 06-19-2019, 01:40 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by corvette8n View Post
I bought a bunch of these in a Texas dollar store about 10 years ago, gave them away to friends, I keep one in the trunk of my '41, on eBay for $2. now.
With this analog type meter you can also
test condensers hot to make sure they
are good. G.M.
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Old 06-19-2019, 02:44 PM   #7
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Default Re: Checking Voltage

Buy one of each, they are cheap. Harbor Freight has even printed coupons to even get them for free with any other purchase. I have a basket full of them. In most cases, I use digital because they are much more precise but some applications are better with analog. For measuring primary voltage on the coil, digital is far more accurate.
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Old 06-19-2019, 05:13 PM   #8
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Default Re: Checking Voltage

Here is the E-Bay site for the digital voltmeter. They are $3.00 each There is also one that measures amps along with volts.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-DC-5-3...frcectupt=true
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Old 06-19-2019, 07:35 PM   #9
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Default Re: Checking Voltage

Quote:
Originally Posted by slowforty View Post
Here is the E-Bay site for the digital voltmeter. They are $3.00 each There is also one that measures amps along with volts.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-DC-5-3...frcectupt=true
Any of them sold in the US?

Economy Shipping from outside US
Estimated between Tue. Jul. 16 and Mon. Aug. 26
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Old 06-19-2019, 09:15 PM   #10
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Default Re: Checking Voltage

You should be able to pick one up local for very little to nothing.
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Old 06-20-2019, 09:17 AM   #11
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Default Re: Checking Voltage

Thanks for all the input guys, I appreciate it. I have one coming from Amazon, quicker than the ones on Ebay. Doesn't come from China. I did go to the local Harbour Freight but they are out right now.

Thanks again.
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Old 06-20-2019, 03:58 PM   #12
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Default Re: Checking Voltage

Anlog is my first choice for DC testing. Digital not so often.


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Old 06-20-2019, 09:37 PM   #13
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Default Re: Checking Voltage

Great meters Bruce. That multi analog is nice.
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Old 06-20-2019, 09:47 PM   #14
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Default Re: Checking Voltage

The Simpson 260 - da best....


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Old 06-21-2019, 12:16 AM   #15
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Default Re: Checking Voltage

I Need a simpson!



Couple Yankee analog gauges for checking home electrical systems when you made your own power with a hit/miss. still work. Rewired the amp gauge. I do use them for simple functions.



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Old 06-21-2019, 07:12 AM   #16
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Default Re: Checking Voltage

Here is a good investment (cheap, $11 with free shipping.)… Chap


https://www.ebay.com/itm/NAPA-Induct....c100290.m3507
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Old 06-21-2019, 10:35 AM   #17
Darrell S
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Default Re: Checking Voltage

Quote:
Originally Posted by petehoovie View Post
The Simpson 260 - da best....


My brother has an old Simpson that he has had for years. It originally belonged to an uncle that was a refrigeration guy along with anything electrical. I don't know how old the Simpson is but it still works and does just about anything. My brother is in CA so it doesn't help me right now.
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Old 06-21-2019, 11:21 AM   #18
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Default Re: Checking Voltage

The only thing about a analog meter make sure you do not reverse the polarity.
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Old 06-21-2019, 01:26 PM   #19
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Wink Re: Checking Voltage

Quote:
Originally Posted by petehoovie View Post
The Simpson 260 - da best....





Well it is unless you have the Simson TS-111 the next version with improvements
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Old 06-21-2019, 01:51 PM   #20
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Default Re: Checking Voltage

I have a Simpson 260 that I used on a model T. I do not have the special battery needed to test ohms. Any work around or source of the battery.

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