Re: Ammeters and Voltmeters

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: "S&JY" <youngsters@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

I don't recommend using digital VOMs or panel meters.  I have tried them
with my controller, but they pick up the radiation from the operating Tesla
coil, resulting in irratic and false readings.  Stick with Analog.

C&H Surplus sometimes sells surplus meters, both AC and DC.  Sometimes they
have oddball scales and fullscale meter movement ratings, so variable shunts
or series resistors are needed, they they need calibration using a good DVM,
and often the meter scale needs modifying.

New AC analog volt meters are available from Jameco.  They sell 0-150 &
0-300 VAC for about $9.  Size is 2.4 x 1.8 inch - OK but larger is nicer.
They only sell DC ammeters.  www.jameco.com.

http://www.hosfelt.com/ also carries 0-300 VAC meters, 2.75 inch square, for
$8.

http://www.action-electronics.com/panelmeters.htm has some new AC voltmeters
& ammeters for $10 each, 3 x 2.5 inches.  These look rather nice - check
them out.

Mouser caries Modutec & Simpson panel meters, but they are $20 or more each.

--Steve

----- Original Message -----
From: "Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, April 17, 2006 12:07 PM
Subject: RE: Ammeters and Voltmeters


> Original poster: "Rich" <rdjmgmt@xxxxxxxxxx>
>
> Sorry we missed that part of the question; the cheapest way is to check
> the ARRL website for the closest hamfest, you can pick up meters there
> for a dollar or two.  Is there an electronic surplus or junk store in a
> big city by you? Just happens to be two not too far from me but the
> hamfest is always cheaper. I have several extra but it would cost more
> to ship than the price of the meter. Harbor fright is selling their 17
> position digital for $2.99 at their web site. Note the local stores are
> $3.99 but down load the add before you go in and they will sell it for
> $2.99.
>
> Rich, in the middle of Missouri
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Tesla list [mailto:tesla@xxxxxxxxxx]
> Sent: Sunday, April 16, 2006 9:51 PM
> To: tesla@xxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: Re: Ammeters and Voltmeters
>
> Original poster: Gregory Morris <gbmorris@xxxxxxxxx>
>
> Heh, yeah, I guess that was pretty obvious. It just shows how new I
> still am to this, but thank you for the tip anyhow, I will give it a
> try.
>
> The question still stands, however: where do coilers usually get such
> devices? They seem few and far between.
>
> Greg
>
> Tesla list wrote:
>  >Original poster: "Gerry  Reynolds" <gerryreynolds@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>  >
>  >Hi Gregory,
>  >
>  >I would think you ought to be able to modify them to
>  >work.  Something like a rectifying diode, resister, and capacitor
>  >(if needed).  You will need to recalibrate them with the resistor
>  >value easy to compare to a DMM.
>  >
>  >Gerry R.
>  >
>  >>Original poster: Gregory Morris <gbmorris@xxxxxxxxx>
>  >>
>  >>Hi,
>  >>
>  >>I'm wondering what is the best source for voltmeters and ammeters
>  >>(such as for a control panel)? They probably come up on e-bay on
>  >>occasion, but is there any sure source that coilers like to use or
>  >>find work well?
>  >>
>  >>I have a DC ammeter as well as a DC voltmeter from an old piece of
>  >>equipment, but I suspect that it's probably not possible to convert
>  >>them to AC...is it?
>  >>
>  >>Thanks,
>  >>Greg
>  >>
>  >
>  >
>  >
>  >
>
>
>
>
>