Jetdesign

My Feedback: (8)

Anyone heard of this thing? Any good for RC planes? Anyone have a manual?

ChuckW

Looks like an older analog volt-ohm meter.

I used to sell meters but not to familiar with this particular one or most analogs for that matter. The analogs aren't quite on par with some of the digital meters out there but they are by no means useless. You'll find applications for it here and there on airplanes and plenty of uses outside of RC.

What you really need for RC though is a meter that applies a slight load for checking batteries between flights. Tower sells a simple expanded scale volt meter that does this and there are some nicer, more expensive units out there as well.

jetmech05

Looks to me if you know how to operate a Simpson 260 you know how to operate that meter.....I keep a meter on my bench for checking voltages, or continunity of a lead.
Chuck is correct though about the load applied for a snap shot of the battery at the moment you check voltage...
There are times when an analog meter is better than a digital.....

Weasel Keeper

My Feedback: (16)

It's a digital world that is trying to emulate analog signals. Try looking for a "flat" spot in a potentiometer with a digital ohm meter. I'll take the trusty Simpson (analog) for that thank you.

Rodney

You can make any voltmeter (analog or digital) do the same job as a loaded voltmeter by just paralleling a load on the meter leads when you measure the voltage. Use a 10 ohm 1 to 5 watt resistor for the 4 and 5 cell batteries and a 22 ohm 10 watt resistor for 6 to 12 cell Nixx batteries. You do not need a load when measuring LiPo or Pb cells. IMHO buying a loaded voltmeter is a waste of money, you can have a more versatile VOM for the same money and have it do as good or better job of measuring what needs to be measured.

KW_Counter

Rodney,
You are so "bang on" with your advice.
I prefer to buy meters that accept a dual banana plug.
Put the load on one plug and leads on another.
Then plug/unplug the load as needed.

gaRCfield,
Micronta is a name Radio Shack has used for years.
Unfortunately, they aren't much good in the customer service area.
You might try corporate headquarters and see if they can help.
Just don't hold your breath.
Good Luck,
KW_Counter

-pkh-

My Feedback: (2)

Not sure why you'd need a manual for it. Usually the markings on a meter are pretty self-explanatory. If you have questions about something, you could post a clearer photo of the meter and we might be able to help you out.

ChuckW

My Fluke-192 Scopemeter (digital) has no problem with that. Plus I can link it with my PC and capture information for e-mail, examination, etc.

Even a good digital multi-meter with peak-detect can do it although not as friendly as a good analog.

I also have an old Simpson here in my office because there are those times when it makes sense. Just not my go-to meter for most stuff.

Bottom line is whatever works, works. I just wish I could get some of my techs here to buy and use a meter of any kind but that's not RC related so I won't go on about it.

As for needing a manual, someone familiar with meters in general probably wouldn't need one. If you've never used a meter at all though in the past, a manual might come in handy.

Jetdesign

My Feedback: (8)

I have never used a meter before.
My main concern is lithium batteries.
I would like to learn how to apply a specific load to this meter.
I think potentiometer is one of the coolest words ever.

Thanks for all the information so far.

Gollywock

Micronta was/is sold by Radio Shack. I own a couple of Fluke digital meters, a 77 & a 12, But when my old trusty analog meter went south, I had to immediately go on line in search for a new one. There are times when an analog meter is simply more handy.
If you feel that you need a manual go to Radio Shack or check on line. Jim

-pkh-

My Feedback: (2)

Here's a brief tutorial on how to use that meter:

Plug the black test lead into the "-COM" port, and the red test lead into the "+V-OHMS-A" port next to it. Then set the dial to the 15 setting in the "DC V" section of the dial (for batt packs less than 15V). Then you can read the voltage off of the "0-15" range of the DC section of the meter. If you are unsure of the voltage you plan to measure, it's best to start out at a higher setting and work down. So if you don't know if a voltage is less than 15V, then you should start with the 60 setting in the "DC V" section of the dial, and read the voltage off of the "0-60" range of the DC section of the meter. If that shows the voltage is under 15V, then you can drop down to the 15 setting and read the voltage off of the "0-15" portion of the DC section of the meter. To measure the battery voltages under load, simply connect the appropriate resistor across the test leads, in parallel with the battery. Rodney suggested some load resistors for different battery packs in a previous post.

There are 10 small tick marks between numbers on the DC portion of the meter, so that means each tick mark is 1/2 a Volt in the 15V range setting, 2V each in the 60V range setting, etc.

Hope that helps!

Jetdesign

My Feedback: (8)

Thank you.

ChuckW

The Germans call it a "potti". Every time I heare one of them say it, I almost laugh.

Weasel Keeper

My Feedback: (16)

Say commutator three times fast

ChuckW

I thought about this some more and it isn't nearly as cool in my mind as zener diode. That one just sounds cool, sort of like a flux capacitor only it is real.

Jetdesign

My Feedback: (8)

While I admit an appreciation for your zener diode, it certainly is no potentiometer!

Gray Beard

My Feedback: (-1)

Are you saying there really is no such thing as a Flux Capacitor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![]

Jetdesign

My Feedback: (8)

Do you know what the (stupid) funny thing is here? I got a Hobbico digital ESV for $5 at a closeout sale. I thought it was old and defective 'cause it wouldn't turn off. You put the switch on the front to "OFF" and the unit doesn't turn off.

Today, I found this:

ChuckW

Those things happen. I still forget where the power button is on my Blackberry.

chris72

Deam member I am sending the requested manual on micronta 22-211 vom enjoy but the others had useful info also to use with this meter I have this one and a simpson and I use this one most also the fuse holder is flimsy and if the meter is intermittent the fuse is loose happened to me (file is to large to send send your e mail and i will send you my copy pdf and hope it goes through through the mail [email protected] good luck