Voltmeter Question
Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 5:42 pm
Is there a way to measure current with a standard Voltmeter?
I have been unable to find a reasonably priced digital panel multimeter, and most are overkill as I only want to measure volts and amps. The space I have available for the meter is limited, and could not fit an additional meter. The 3.5 digit mini LED voltmeter fits perfect, but I would like to add additional functionality.
I have seen scematics for DIY volt and amp meters, and they look identical save the i/o portions (along with connecting in series, the amp meter versions have additional resistors). This leads me to belive it is possible, but I have as yet been unable to find an explaination of how or why. Or, for that matter, a detailed reference on the ins and outs of current and amp metering.
Also, in the "panel meter connection" pdf available on this site, one picture has what is labeled a voltmeter hooked up to measure amperage. Is this a typo? or can I configure my meter this way and measure amps?
If this is, in fact, not possible, then do I really need to measure amperage? I'm building a variable power supply, so knowing voltage is a must, I know that much. Is that all I need? Am I worrying myself over nothing? Or is the answer so obvious, I'll feel like an idiot when it is explained to me?
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thankyou
I have been unable to find a reasonably priced digital panel multimeter, and most are overkill as I only want to measure volts and amps. The space I have available for the meter is limited, and could not fit an additional meter. The 3.5 digit mini LED voltmeter fits perfect, but I would like to add additional functionality.
I have seen scematics for DIY volt and amp meters, and they look identical save the i/o portions (along with connecting in series, the amp meter versions have additional resistors). This leads me to belive it is possible, but I have as yet been unable to find an explaination of how or why. Or, for that matter, a detailed reference on the ins and outs of current and amp metering.
Also, in the "panel meter connection" pdf available on this site, one picture has what is labeled a voltmeter hooked up to measure amperage. Is this a typo? or can I configure my meter this way and measure amps?
If this is, in fact, not possible, then do I really need to measure amperage? I'm building a variable power supply, so knowing voltage is a must, I know that much. Is that all I need? Am I worrying myself over nothing? Or is the answer so obvious, I'll feel like an idiot when it is explained to me?
Any help would be much appreciated.
Thankyou