Qestions for Gun runner John, checking ZW-L output voltage.

I'd put a resistive load on the transformer, doesn't have to be a heavy load, just a large bulb or similar.  High input impedance meters do funny thing with open circuit transformer outputs at times.  Also, since this is not a sine wave output, a true-RMS meter will be required for accurate readings.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I'd put a resistive load on the transformer, doesn't have to be a heavy load, just a large bulb or similar.  High input impedance meters do funny thing with open circuit transformer outputs at times.  Also, since this is not a sine wave output, a true-RMS meter will be required for accurate readings.

Thanks John. I will look for a true-RMS meter.

John, one more question. What meter do you recommend ?

I would also like to now how to look for an AMP meter.  The ones I see advertised as multimeters are confusing.  Is an AMP meter a specific type of meter that measures AMPs only ?   

Well, if you're really looking for accuracy, you'll need to spend some money, all true-RMS meters are not created equal.  If I really want to know about a chopped waveform, I put my digital 'scope on it, it gives me a truly accurate picture.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Well, if you're really looking for accuracy, you'll need to spend some money, all true-RMS meters are not created equal.  If I really want to know about a chopped waveform, I put my digital 'scope on it, it gives me a truly accurate picture.

That's what I thought John. Looks like I will buy a Fluke. Some of those meters out there I have never even heard of. I think the Fluke will be accurate enough for what i'm doing, I hope. Thanks again for your help.

Dan Padova posted:

I would also like to now how to look for an AMP meter.  The ones I see advertised as multimeters are confusing.  Is an AMP meter a specific type of meter that measures AMPs only ?   

Dan i use this one. It measures AC amperage (lower reading). The 2.1 amps is 14 PS2 and PS3 engines started and 7 others at watch dog.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-D...a:g:7~8AAOSwyWZZOI1R

feet posted:

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Well, if you're really looking for accuracy, you'll need to spend some money, all true-RMS meters are not created equal.  If I really want to know about a chopped waveform, I put my digital 'scope on it, it gives me a truly accurate picture.

That's what I thought John. Looks like I will buy a Fluke. Some of those meters out there I have never even heard of. I think the Fluke will be accurate enough for what i'm doing, I hope. Thanks again for your help.

This one seems to be the most economical Fluke and boasts 1% accuracy on True RMS AC readings.

https://www.fluke-direct.com/p...lectrical-multimeter

cjack posted:

feet posted:

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Well, if you're really looking for accuracy, you'll need to spend some money, all true-RMS meters are not created equal.  If I really want to know about a chopped waveform, I put my digital 'scope on it, it gives me a truly accurate picture.

That's what I thought John. Looks like I will buy a Fluke. Some of those meters out there I have never even heard of. I think the Fluke will be accurate enough for what i'm doing, I hope. Thanks again for your help.

This one seems to be the most economical Fluke and boasts 1% accuracy on True RMS AC readings.

https://www.fluke-direct.com/p...lectrical-multimeter

Thanks CJACK, that was one I am considering.

Dan Padova posted:

I would also like to now how to look for an AMP meter.  The ones I see advertised as multimeters are confusing.  Is an AMP meter a specific type of meter that measures AMPs only ?   

You can measure amps with a digital meter similar to the one cjack linked above, but that meter does not have that capability. Got to go up a notch or two in their model line. If the meter has that capability, it requires the meter to be in series with the load. A 'clamp on' amp meter can measure amps by just putting the 'clamp' around a wire. a bit easier. I am guessing the inline method would give a more precise reading, but I don't know that for sure... I will defer to GRJ, cjack, Stan2004 or any of the others more knowledgeable here.

I have a small Harbor Freight clamp on meter that was about $10 or so a few years ago (may have gone up a few $$ by now?) that measures my track amperage and is 'close enough' for me. I have a TekPower TRMS digital meter ($40 or so) that I have been using most of the time lately and it seems to be pretty good for what I do, which isn't as much as the more knowledgeable around here do with their more accurate instruments like scopes, bench Meters, etc.

In other words, I am no expert, but these get me by with my more limited knowledge.  

Links to what I have, FWIW... HF mini clamp meter -  Tekpower tp5000

One nice feature of the Tek meter is the analog bar below the read out like some of the more expensive meters have. 

Remember, the clamp-on is ONLY for AC voltage.  If you want a DC clamp-on, prepare to pay a lot of money for it!

Want to give you gentlemen an update. I bought a Kline MM700 true RMS meter at Home Depot. I was a little worried about how accurate it would be but for 99.99 I thought i'd try one. It's a good meter for the price and is accurate. I was able to test the output of my ZW-L and got 18.88 volts on all channels. If you're looking for a reasonably priced meter I recommend it. I have always had good luck with Kline tools.

My two cents is why worry how accurate the voltage out of ZW etc.  Granted chopped wave and pulses do funny things to meter readings but if your just want a good ball park figure a good RMS meter will suffice. If youre off a half volt one way or other your equipment should not be that sensitive to minor fluctuations.

Somewhat analogous to pulling car oil dipstick, only concerned if oil is in crosshatch area, not exactly how many half-ounces in oil sump.

rrman posted:

My two cents is why worry how accurate the voltage out of ZW etc.  Granted chopped wave and pulses do funny things to meter readings but if your just want a good ball park figure a good RMS meter will suffice. If youre off a half volt one way or other your equipment should not be that sensitive to minor fluctuations.

Somewhat analogous to pulling car oil dipstick, only concerned if oil is in crosshatch area, not exactly how many half-ounces in oil sump.

I agree with you but I am not that familiar with the ZW-L and wanted to be sure that it's doing what it's supposed to do. I did buy a decent meter to check it. Not the best but it did what I needed.

I have one other question. On the back of the transformer there is a black cover. Popped it out and there is a 10 port plug in for something. I wonder what it's for. It's not mentioned in the manual.

If it's not mentioned anywhere, I suspect it's for factory test and calibration.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

If it's not mentioned anywhere, I suspect it's for factory test and calibration.

That's what I suspected it was. Thanks John.