Easy and Cheap way to check current draw of Torch with different cells etc.

robertkoa · November 9, 2011, 5:36pm

What is a cheap and easy way to check current draw of a Torch ?

Is there a cheap Voltage/Amperage meter from Radio Shack or is a metered Charger better ?

And what is exact procedure ?

Thanks-novice questions for you guys , I know.

Hikelite · November 9, 2011, 5:42pm

Procedures:

http://www.lygte-info.dk/info/Measurement%20UK.html

robertkoa · November 9, 2011, 6:27pm

Thanks Hike- that's easier than I thought- to get a tail cap reading.

Maybe I'll get a super cheap meter somewhere- only need about +/-10 % accuracy to check draw on 1 torch and 2 cheapies I have coming from Ebay.

agedbriar · November 9, 2011, 11:06pm

Unless really defective, even a cheap multimeter will be accurate enough for our purpose. Watch the leads though - they should be short and thick wire (mine are 0.5m, 2.5mm²/AWG13-14) or their resistance may cause a false (too low) reading.

gcbryan · November 9, 2011, 11:12pm

Also make sure that it has a third plug-in hole for 10A. Or at least something more than 400mA or it will be useless for current draw.

I have a very small and inexpensive DMM from Radio Shack that doesn’t go above 400mA. I have a larger unit (also from Radio Shack) that has the 3rd plug-in and that’s what I use. It was in the $25-$30 range.

Oxy_Moron · November 9, 2011, 11:25pm

Speaking of DMM leads, did anyone buy sku.33451 from DX lately? I got one of the old 18AWG ones this past summer but if they're still shipping the new version, I'll have to go look elsewhere for spares. Pointers are always appreciated, of course. :)