Multimeter Questions

Ok you multimeter pros, I have a few questions. I want to know how to take tailcap readings, and I want to know how to check my batteries prior to charging them and after to verify they are good and fully charged. Also how do I check the volts on a battery after it is charged? Here's the charger I just received today. Remeber I'm a rookie on this stuff so please explain step by step and how to use and do these things. Thanks.

Set it for DC 10A and put one probe on the negative contact of the battery and the other on the flashlight tube to check tailcap current (the light will come on when you do this).

Set it for DC V to check the batteries and put one probe on the positive end and one on the negative end.

Just check before you charge and then again after you charge.

You say that this is a picture of the charger. I think you mean DMM.

@gcbryan

Excuse me for barging in, but is DC10A also used for checking how "fast" the charger is charging the batteries? If so how do you connect the meter to charger?

I'm also looking to buy a DMM, how is that Equus? It's fairly cheap ~$15.

Where do you plug the jacks in at?

the black lead always goes into the middle.

the red lead goes into the right for everything except DC amps.

the red lead goes into the left when checking DC amps and also make sure you set the selector switch to the DC10A selection.

Ok when I do this and check the amps at the tailcap it won't stay on a particular number and starts going down immediatley. Am I doing it right?

Ok I think I got it.

I just checked my Keygos KE-5 and got 3.62 amps at tailcap. Maybe that's why this thing is so bright. That was with a Trustfire flame 18650. The highest was 3.72 and the lowest was 3.4 something I think.

As far as I know, I think the rate of flow (amps) will always go down from the point you start measuring as the battery is being used. Any electrical geniuses care to pipe in?

Same flashlight with the Hi-Max is 3.21 and 3.15 amps with the Xtar. I got 3.54 amps with the other Trustfire flame battery.

I must have not been doing something right earlier. It is working now.

Ok just checked both Hi-Max 18650 2600MAH and they both came iin at 4.11 volts. Hey I'm loving this. Thanks men.

The Trustfire flames were 4.09 and 4.12 volts. The xtars were 4.12 and 4.11 volts on the two I checked.

Now you need a light meter :)

I'm looking to buy a set of 18650, of the ones you have, which would you recommend most?

Thanks!

How much is that? LOL!

Well I will know the guys here are very high on the Xtar 18700 2600MAH. The Hi-Max are said to be probably as good from most who have had both. Both costs me $13.50 shipped to my door for a pair. The Trustfire Flames are very good batteries, too. I like the ones I have. There is a guy on ebay that sells them pretty cheap and they are good. I can get you the link if you wish.

Now I'm not saying these are better than the other ones I mentioned, but they are dang good from what I have seen.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2X-TrustFire-Protected-18650-Rechargeable-Battery-3-7V-/260750543965?pt=US_Batteries&hash=item3cb5f18c5d

I do think the Xtars have the best wrap out of those 3 though.

They are actually cheaper here. I bought mine from one of these 2 sellers. I'll check to be sure.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2X-TrustFire-Protected-18650-Rechargeable-Battery-3-7V-/190387161320?pt=AU_Electronics_Batteries_Chargers&hash=item2c53f588e8

And this might save you a little more if you go here if it works.

http://www.buyincoins.com/lp/welcome-back-ebay-store.html

Go to electronics and click batteries. Find the Trustfire flame 18650 and select how many you want. Then type this code 10%eBay2011 in the discount code box before you finalize your checkout. It might work for you. That's how I bought my last set but I have received them yet from this seller.

It should come up as $8.53 a pair if it works. you won't find them any cheaper that I know of.

I got one for about $25 through Amazon...no need to wait for a shipment from China:)