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Electronics => Repair => Topic started by: dave356 on July 21, 2018, 01:49:30 am

Title: How to apply uA current to test analog meter?
Post by: dave356 on July 21, 2018, 01:49:30 am
I have a few analog meters that I need to check and verify
for full scale swing.  Some of the meters have a magnetic shunt
attached to the side, some don't.  If I can adjust it, I will.

What do I need to put together to apply 200ua into a 1000ohm meter.

School Me!!

Title: Re: How to apply uA current to test analog meter?
Post by: Ohm_My on July 21, 2018, 03:08:55 am
Hello Dave,

Here is a YT video that should cover what you would like to achieve. There is also a companion video for this as well worth looking at.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4U-nxdp-LDw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4U-nxdp-LDw)

Good luck.
Title: Re: How to apply uA current to test analog meter?
Post by: floobydust on July 21, 2018, 03:37:07 am
Never connect the meter directly to a power supply, it's too easy to peg and damage. I use a series resistor of 1k-10k and an adjustable bench power supply.
Title: Re: How to apply uA current to test analog meter?
Post by: dave356 on July 21, 2018, 03:46:06 am
Thanks ohm-my,
Just what I was looking for.
Very educational
Title: Re: How to apply uA current to test analog meter?
Post by: dave_k on July 21, 2018, 05:36:18 am
I have a few analog meters that I need to check and verify
for full scale swing.  Some of the meters have a magnetic shunt
attached to the side, some don't.  If I can adjust it, I will.

What do I need to put together to apply 200ua into a 1000ohm meter.

School Me!!

Ohm's Law. You would use Ohm's Law.

V = I*R, or 0.0002*1000 = 0.2V.

Want to drive it with a higher voltage? Figure it out...

Title: Re: How to apply uA current to test analog meter?
Post by: gbaddeley on July 23, 2018, 11:40:14 am
I would put a 10K linear pot across a low voltage adjustable DC power supply, starting with a very low voltage (eg. 1 V). From the wiper, connect a 1K high precision resistor (1% or less) in series with the meter, and other terminal of meter to bottom of pot. Wind up the pot until the meter reaches full scale deflection. Wind up the supply if needed. Measure the voltage across the 1K resistor. The meter current is Im = Er / 1000.  Measure the voltage across the meter, the meter resistance is Rm = Em / Im.

Make sure the meter is oriented in its intended operating position. If it will be in a steel case, or will have nearby iron, mount it in the case.  Check the zero adjustment. These factors influence the full scale reading.