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Hi All, I just wanted to let you know about this very inexpensive multi-parameter DC meter. I have found this or a similar model on-line for between $10 and $50. Different companies have their logo put on at the Chinese factory. But they all seem to be the same product. It measures the following DC parameters: - Amps (0-130A, to 0.01A)
- Amps (Peak)
- Volts (0-60, to 0.01 V)
- Volts (minimum)
- Watts
- Amp-hours
- Watt-hours
- Time of discharge or charge
Amps, volts and watts are displayed continuously in 3 corners of the display. The 4th corner of the display cycles through time, Volts (min.), Amps (peak), Watt-hours, Amp-hours, etc. Every time the meter is disconnected from the battery the time and other parameters (Amp-hours, Amps-peak, Volts-min) are reset to zero. The meter has a set of leads for source and another for load. So it can be used for charging or discharging a battery.
I don't think I would use this for the entire Rpod load, since it appears to have 10 or 12-gauge lead wires. But it can be useful for showing solar charging parameters. I have purchased 5 of these units from various sources. One of the 5 gave an erroneous voltage reading (low by 0.2 V). The vendor offered to replace it, but it wasn't worth the postage back to China. The other 4 units seem to give readings very close to what my Multimeter gives. For around $10 including shipping it seems to be a good deal, even if an occasional one is defective.
Here's a http://www.ebay.com/itm/142094221181?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT - link to the cheapest one I've found on Ebay.
I've use these on my portable Ham radio station, portable deep-cycle battery pack and the solar charging system on our Rpod.
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Russ
2009 Toyota RAV4
V6 w/ tow package
2016 Rpod 171 HRE
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