Multimeter??

[Debbie]

I have this multimeter:

I know how to test an atty on it. I'm wondering how to test a battery on it, and how to test a battery charger on it.

I've plugged the black wire into the top hole, and the red wire into the middle hole. I assume that is right, since I was able to test attys with it.

I would appreciate any info.

Debbie

 

[Switched]

If you are using manual batteries or any device with a switch, it is better to use a second set of hands.

Connect your leads to the meter, red in red, black in black. Select Volts DC and chose the lowest setting. Place red lead in centre of batt where the atty connects, and touch the black against the threads. Have the second pair of hands press the batt switch and take your reading.

 

[candre23]

On that particular meter, you do not want the lowest setting. You want the 20 volts DC setting. That will give you the most accurate reading for both batteries and chargers.

The black wire goes in the bottom (common) connector always, and the red goes into the middle (volts/ohms/mA) connector for both voltage and resistance readings.

On both the battery and charger connectors, the positive is in the middle, and the negative (common) is on the outside.

 

[Debbie]

And there is no problem with my testing 3.0v and 3.7v batteries and chargers with this meter???

I also assume that I plug the charger in and put the positive wire on positive side where battery would go, and negative wire on negative side. Do I need to have batteries in the charger to test it???

Thanks for info!

Debbie

 

[candre23]

Yes, it's fine. Just be very careful. It is pretty easy to slip with one of the probes and short out whatever you're measuring. At 3.7v and only a few hundred mA, there's not much chance of the probe welding itself in place, but you could easily fry either the battery or charger.

You don't need the battery on the charger to test it. In fact, I'm not sure how you would even go about testing it with the battery in place, since you would not be able to access the positive terminal that way.

 

[on cloud 9]

Is there any way to test an automatic battery?

 

[Fruits]

I just posted this on another site asking aboout testing battery voltages. It may help Multimeter Tutorial - Voltage

 

[beast775]

i would not test chargers,until you are comfortable testing for a while.

 

[Debbie]

Thanks, everyone, for your replies. And thanks, Fruits, that site is very helpful.

Debbie

 

[Mia]

On that particular meter, you do not want the lowest setting. You want the 20 volts DC setting. That will give you the most accurate reading for both batteries and chargers.

The black wire goes in the bottom (common) connector always, and the red goes into the middle (volts/ohms/mA) connector for both voltage and resistance readings.

On both the battery and charger connectors, the positive is in the middle, and the negative (common) is on the outside.

Just curious, what is the top hole for, when would you use it? Thanks

 

[joeparker54]

I just posted this on another site asking aboout testing battery voltages. It may help Multimeter Tutorial - Voltage

I love ladyada/adafruit projects!

 

[capevette]

Here's another good site full of good info
google engineeringtoolbox