Multimeter, Battery, or both?

Vortus

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Mar 24, 2010
Messages
1,203
Location
TN
Performance Tool W2974 multimeter
Eagletac 18650 battery 4.2-4.25v OCP, 2.7-2.9V ODP, Short Protection 3A-5A
Ultrafire WF-139 charger

We have been going by when it starts to dim, its time to charge. So far been effective. It barely started to dim so we decided to charge it. Had not been charged in a couple weeks, and had a power outage today do figured it would be a wise decision. Take out the battery, get out the meter and realize the meter had has been left in the on position at 20 DCV. The battery symbol is on indicating needing a battery change. Crud. Its one I am not supposed to change the battery on from Advance Auto. But, its still on after being on for a couple weeks so maybe its ok. Measure the battery, 4.85 volts. :eek: Normally when we measure it before charging at this point it measures 3.7 ish. After charging, 4.2. So, after setting the battery in a safe place, decided to let it and the meter set. Hour later went back to check the voltage, now 4.49. (just now). So, is the battery :poof: or the meter :poof: or both :poof: .

Battery nor flashlight showed any indication of a problem. Still don't.
 
Well, found the box and directions to the meter. Meter has a tag on it to not open and mess with it, figured its kinda like an Iphone. But the directions show the battery type. Ill swap that and check again before chunking the battery.
 
Turns out to be the meter battery. So I guess neither, swapped it, checked the battery, and it s 3.79.
 
Turns out to be the meter battery. So I guess neither, swapped it, checked the battery, and it s 3.79.

This is a very common problem with cheap meters. It might be a good idea to buy an extra meter or a reference, then you have a better possibility to discover when the meter is wrong.
 
Good idea. Will prob save up and buy a better one, or a better charger that does it too. As our light and battery collection slowly grows that's probably a better route to take.
 
Top