DMM woes

LED Flashlights – General Info
1

In an attempt to get past the learning curve on the electronics side of flashlights, I'm having a problem getting a reading that means anything on my DMM. I want to measure the amps my lights are pulling.

I have an Amprobe 5XP-A and when I put a lead on the battery and the other lead on the flashlight body, it goes all over the place and/or then says "0.L" I'm certain this is a really stupid question but I can't believe my Manafont XM-L is pulling 10 amps or 1.06 amps. Both seem wrong and anyway, it hardly settles down to any one value.

What am I doing wrong?

foyknowsmusclecarsnotflashlightsFoy

2

From what I can see, your DMM can only handle up to 200 mA.

3

You need thicker leads and a 10 amp dmm. Mine only shows 1 amp with normal leads and mine is 10amp

4

You need a DMM that can handle a minimum of 10 amps. The Amprobe you have can only handle 200 milliamps. That's really not going to work.

5

+1

I was thinking to get this one as backup:

http://cgi.ebay.com/UNI-T-UT33A-Palm-Size-Digital-Multimeter-/260748044302?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb5cb680e

Usefull range having 3999 display capability. Excellent for up to XML current measurements!

6

If you want a budget DMM there's also this one

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/multimeter-xiole-dt9205a-yellow-black-large-619

7

For not much more the one i posted have better display capabilities. Actually it is the cheapest available with decent display.

8

I splurged and ordered the VC99

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/3-0-lcd-handheld-digital-multimeter-voltage-current-resistance-temperature-2-aaa-37082

I figure a DMM is such a useful thing, might as well get a decent one.

9

I was afraid of that. The one thing I want most to measure . . . I hate not knowing and/or not being able to provide something tangible about what the driver/emitter is doing. I suppose I'll have to divert some flashlight money for a decent Multi Meter.

iwantaflukeFoy

10

Used Flukes aren't that expensive.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fluke-73-Multimeter-Autoranging-touch-hold-/270724617488?pt=AU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment&hash=item3f0871d510#ht_500wt_1156

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fluke-79-Mk2-Auto-Range-Digital-Multimeter-Multi-Meter-/330545643416?pt=AU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment&hash=item4cf60e3f98#ht_966wt_1141

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fluke-77-III-/130500966161?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e6276b711#ht_500wt_1156

I have a 77 II which cost not a lot used. It is old and battered, but it works well enough.

http://cgi.ebay.com/FLUKE-70-III-MULTIMETER-GOOD-WORKING-CONDITION-/320675581428?pt=BI_Electrical_Equipment_Tools&hash=item4aa9c10df4#ht_500wt_1156

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fluke-79-Series-II-Digital-Multimeter-7-X-3-X-1-5-/230600747210?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35b0e028ca#ht_654wt_1141

11

I have the cheapy Davx linked to.

It is fine for my requirements though from memory I did replace the leads with heavier duty ones.

12

heres some basic info on how to use them with some diagrams.

http://www.electronics-radio.com/articles/test-methods/meters/how-to-measure-current.php

13

Thanks, James . . .

Foy