amp draw
03-13-2005, 12:43 AM
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amp draw
I was wondering how to check what my plane is drawing in amps to make sure im not overloading it.I have a slo-v with the stock motor and gearing i dont know what the gear ratio is.And im useing a gws 1180 prop.I would like to know how to hook up a digital voltmeter to read amps because i have a new li-po thunder power 2s 2100 mah pack and i dont want it drawing more amps then it can handle.If i hook a voltmeter inline on the positive side of the motor and set it on amps and then give it full power would that tell me what amperage its drawing.Thanks for any help
03-13-2005, 02:19 PM
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RE: amp draw
To check your amps I'd look at getting a watt meter from Astroflight or Wattage. You plug it in line between the battery and the speedcontrol and then you can advance your throttle and it will read you amps, mah, and watts. It's the only way to make sure your not over amping your lipos. I use the Astroflight one all the time. To find out your gear ratio count the number of teeth on your spur gear and divide it by the number of teeth on your pinion to get your ratio.
Bevo
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03-13-2005, 09:34 PM
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RE: amp draw
i dont want 2 spend 50 or 60 bucks lol i have a multi meter and was just wondering how and where to hook it up 2 get an amp reading while the motor is on.
03-14-2005, 02:49 PM
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RE: amp draw
Banks04, A multi meter is hooked up in parallel, volt meter+ to battery +, volt meter - to battery - to check voltage. To check
amperage the multi meter is hooked up in series to check amperage. Good advice on previous post, buy a watt meter. Bob
amperage the multi meter is hooked up in series to check amperage. Good advice on previous post, buy a watt meter. Bob
03-14-2005, 05:55 PM
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RE: amp draw
Banks04,
The problem with most multimeters (certainly ones under $60) is their maximum current of 10 Amps and that they don't capture the peak current which may only last a short time, yet be there long enough to cause erratic operation or damage. Nor do they show you the voltage WHILE the current is being measured and how low it has fallen. There's lot's more that multimeters don't do for RC applications, hence the recommendation to get a good Watt meter. Over time, it'll save you much more than it's cost and give your information you can't otherwise get.
-K
The problem with most multimeters (certainly ones under $60) is their maximum current of 10 Amps and that they don't capture the peak current which may only last a short time, yet be there long enough to cause erratic operation or damage. Nor do they show you the voltage WHILE the current is being measured and how low it has fallen. There's lot's more that multimeters don't do for RC applications, hence the recommendation to get a good Watt meter. Over time, it'll save you much more than it's cost and give your information you can't otherwise get.
-K
