Panel volt meter

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

I am interested in getting a meter simple to measure track voltage-this is to be a panel type I can hardwire into my layout. I could also use one that sat on the table top. I did do a search of this forum;however, I chose to ask you folks outright. I just want to be able to read track voltage without hooking up a multimeter. Thanks.

2

Micro-Mark sells a panel type voltmeter and also an ammeter. They are easy to install and connect. Under $20 for the pair as I recall. John Timm

3

Check out this link

http://www.allelectronics.com//index.php?page=category&id=385&p=1&template=

You can use a DC meter if you put a bridge rectifier on the meter it will change the AC from the transformer to DC. DC meter’s are more common and cheaper.

JoeJ

4

Thanks for the replies. I’d like a meter that goes up to about 30v. I’m not clear about the “bridge rectifier” you mention. When I read track voltage with my multimeter it reads about 18.1v on the ac scale-( I think and I’ll verify tonight) I’m sure I can solder in anything that is needed as lon g as I have directions. I also like to understand the “why” part of these things. It teaches me more for the long run.Thanks again for the information.

5

from the ad for those two on their web site:

Not for use with DCC systems or AC systems like Lionel.

Nice meters,though.

6

Try this link

http://www.google.com/custom?hl=en&client=pub-1368128364707118&cof=FORID:1%3BGL:1%3BS:http://www.gnet.com/%3BL:http://www.gnet.com/art/gnetcolors.gif%3BLH:46%3BLW:300%3BLBGC:FFFFFF%3BLC:%230033cc%3BVLC:%23003399%3BGFNT:%237777cc%3BGIMP:%237777cc%3BDIV:%23339966%3B&oe=ISO-8859-1&ei=TmbjSZLVI9HrlQfxxajgDg&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=bridge+rectifier+circuits&spell=1

7

The Shurite 0-25 range Vac, part # 8412Z is a very useful 2-1/4" x 2-1/2" w/2" barrel panel volt meter for a Toy Train application. About $23. Simple wiring across the line[parallel].

Search: Allied Ellectronics, Raleigh, N.C. 1-800-433-5700, www.alliedelec.com

Newark Electronics, Chicago

8

HERE you go!

Check out their AC ammeters too.

Rob

9

Putting a bridge rectifier on a DC voltmeter will result in a meter that reads low by about 10 percent, with an additional loss of about a volt.

10

Bob, I have thought about having two feeds from the tracks to a spot on the control panel that I could just hook my Fluke meter up to. Would this give an accurate reading? I would use this just for testing during different problem solving issues, etc.

Thanks for all your advice over the years!
Dennis

11

Sure. If you want to measure a CW80’s voltage, you need a true-RMS meter, which yours might be–Fluke does make some of these.

You’re welcome!

12

Thanks A&Y and Rob! I really appreciate the help. I’m not the lazy type, Ijust would not have known what type of meter would be good for this application. Thanks again!

13

If I were to want an amp meter, what range would be best? Are we talking about amps, or miliamps?

14

AMPS.

0-15 amps would be a useful range for individual power districts.

Rob

15

Terry, I use 0 - 5 amp AC meters on my layout. My postwar engines draw about 1 1/2 to 2 amps. Add a few lighted cars and current can go up another 1/2 amp. Sometimes I run 2 trains on the same track and current can go up to almost 5 amps total.

16

I ordered two volt meters and one amp meter.

17

Note that “amp meter” is spelled “ammeter”…:wink:

18

I was an electrician for 26 years. We called it an amp meter. Try googling amp meter.

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19

I have been an electrical engineer for 44 years. We called it an “ammeter”.

Google hits for “amp meter”–128000. Google hits for “ammeter”–1050000.

Entries in the IEEE Standard Dictionary of Electrical and Electronics Terms for “amp meter”–0.

Entries for “ammeter”–1.

20

How do you spell nit picker?

A rose by any other name. I bet everyone understands what an amp meter is.