Voltage Meter?

[Kona]

I would like to test the voltage output of my 18350 batteries (1200 mah, 3.7V) after a charge. It may be my imagination, but it seems the vapor output, though nice and consistent, is not quite as strong as a fresh regular battery on my 901 (though of course, that drops off very quickly). Wondering if my charger is charging them fully.

Is this something I can get at a Walmart, or do I have to go to Radio Shack?

Anything special I should know or be looking for?

Thanks alot..

Aloha

 

[MickiO]

My husband bought me a digital one at Radio Shack. This is the one I have 29-Range Digital Multimeter - RadioShack.com

(You have to get 3 AAA batteries for it, doesn't come with batts)

This one is nice too, because I can also use it to test the resistance with on my atomizers to see if they are good when I first get them, instead of having to try each one out, and get a digital read out, rather than the older type with a needle, for better accuracy.

 

[doots]

most likely wally mart sells them also.

 

[Slighter]

Any basic multimeter will work. If this is all you're going to use it for you can get one quite inexpensively. Micro Center - Tools/Flashlights/Repair Products > MultiMeters/Test Equipment[multimeter]=multimeter&category=AJ1&subcategory=AJ1F.

 

[highping]

Kona, also, a cheap meter will do what yu need, so don't order a fluke or anything. You shouldn't need to spend more than about 10-15 dollars on the meter. (although things may be a little more expensive in the only state in the country that doesn't have snow on the ground today <<just heard that on the news, is that amazing or what?

 

[Kona]

Thanks everyone, for the info... Just got back from WallyWorld where I got a nice meter set for about $20. Definitely can use it for a multitude of purposes around this 50 year old cabin, with electrical that is every bit as old, I swear...

But I'll read up a bit and give the batts a test, just to make sure that they are not the wink link and that the charger is juicing them up fully.

Highping: That really is amazing, as usually at this time of year there is snow atop our mountain, Mauna Kea. But we are in the midst of the biggest drought on this island in many years. I literally ran completely out of water last week (I am on a catchment system), using 5 gallon containers for flushing, sponge-bathing etc. I finally found someone willing to make the scary climb up our driveway with a 2500 gallon loaded truck. Of course, this morning it rained for the first time in months, but not enough to do much good.

Everyone else in the country is knee deep in snow or rain. Go figure...

Thanks again, gang. I'll let you know if I need further hand-holding through the testing procedure...

Stay warm, and enjoy the Olympics.

Aloha

 

[kwcharlie]

Hi Kona,
got to looking for the meter you got and found the ELECTRO-TEK and one model has the only flaw that would make it hard to use for our battery testing: it's analog and a .1 of a volt or ohm can be important. IF it's analog just read it to the ..., the good news that analog meter will load the battery and tend to drain off "skin charge" a battery has fresh out of the charger and show the real voltage that will make amps flow through the atty.
I've seen batteries come off charge with both at 3.5 volts then after one hit one will still be 3.5 but the other goes down to 3.2.