Batteries

[brin]

Glad youre up and running. :thumbsup: ... That $2.99 multimeter would have identified that problem instantly ... just by making measurements with the lights OFF, then ON. I dont believe a standard "tester" is as sensitive.
larry

I have a 43 range Sears Multitester that I inherited from my FIL ..it is about 20 yrs. old and I have not clue how to use it ..it has a big dial with Ohms etc. and to lead wire ...one red on black and I read the instructions, such as they are and it is all Greek to me...like I said anything electrical is foreign to me..

 

[dcyrilc]

I have a 43 range Sears Multitester that I inherited from my FIL ..it is about 20 yrs. old and I have not clue how to use it ..it has a big dial with Ohms etc. and to lead wire ...one red on black and I read the instructions, such as they are and it is all Greek to me...like I said anything electrical is foreign to me..

For testing the battery, set the multimeter to volts DC. Place the red lead on the battery positive post and the black on the negative post. Take this reading both with the tractor lights off and again with them on. There should be very little change in the voltage.

This might make for the makings of a good thread title. "How to use a multi-meter".:thumbsup:

 

[Willl]

"How to use a multi-meter"

Copying and pasting your quote into youtube brings many good tutorials on MM usage.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I have a 43 range Sears Multitester that I inherited from my FIL ..it is about 20 yrs. old and I have not clue how to use it ..it has a big dial with Ohms etc. and to lead wire ...one red on black and I read the instructions, such as they are and it is all Greek to me...like I said anything electrical is foreign to me..

Those analog meters are great but the cheap digitals are throw away and less intimidating. I would reserve the one you have til you learn a little and actually need its analog capability. Keep an eye out at HF and you can get the CEN-TECH 7 function digital multi meter -Item# 92020 on sale for less than 5 bucks. It has lots of capabilities but the Volt function is extremely valuable and easy to talk thru while doing harmless play in a functioning electric circuit. I have one. If you get one I have some ideas to show yourself whats happening in just a few minutes.
Post back if you get one.
larry

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Those analog meters are great but the cheap digitals are throw away and less intimidating. I would reserve the one you have til you learn a little and actually need its analog capability. Keep an eye out at HF and you can get the CEN-TECH 7 function digital multi meter -Item# 92020 on sale for less than 5 bucks. It has lots of capabilities but the Volt function is extremely valuable and easy to talk thru while doing harmless play in a functioning electric circuit. I have one. If you get one I have some ideas to show yourself whats happening in just a few minutes.
Post back if you get one.
larry

Once again, I will second Spyder's comment. Get a cheap meter. In short order you'll learn it. Then you may find you want some of the functions from the good one.

 

[Pops15]

Curious as to what brand maintainer your using.

I've been happily using the Batterytender.

Is there something better ?

From what I hear those are the best. I asked a some buddies that have motorcycles, scooters, tractors, plow trucks, and cars that sit for extended periods what they use. Both said the Deltran tenders are the best, and both did allot of research before buying. I bought mine on ebay for allot less than they are on Deltran's website.

 

[Willl]

Just picked up 2 more 'Juniors' @ Battery Plus for 26.99 a piece. :thumbsup:

 

[Diamondpilot]

Curious as to what brand maintainer your using.

I've been happily using the Batterytender.

Is there something better ?

I got one at Harbor Freight for my dads and it works great. The one I put in my uncles is from WalMart. I believe its a Shumacher. Both work great and the HF one was only like $12 on sale. The Walmart one was about $20.

1.5 Amp Three Stage Onboard Battery Charger/Maintainer

Walmart.com: Schumacher SpeedCharge Battery Maintainer and Charger: Auto Electronics

I agree, get a HF multi-meter. I picked up 5 when they where on sale for $2.99. I keep one on each boat, one in the shop, and still have 2 new in the package.



Chris

 

[Iplayfarmer]

...I picked up 5 when they where on sale for $2.99. I keep one on each boat, one in the shop, and still have 2 new in the package.



Chris

Good plan to have extras. I have never been able to find fuses for these "disposible" units. I screw up every now and then and try to test ohms on an energized circuit or something like that. It's funny how the fuses are easy to get to and easily replaced, but I haven't found replacements anywhere that I shop.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Good plan to have extras. I have never been able to find fuses for these "disposible" units. I screw up every now and then and try to test ohms on an energized circuit or something like that. It's funny how the fuses are easy to get to and easily replaced, but I haven't found replacements anywhere that I shop.

I did just that very thing. Only problem was it was on my $75 meter, not a $5 HF unit. It still works on volts and ohm's, just not amps.

Chris