checking panel output

**Pedro_The_Swift** · 7th July 2014, 09:29 AM

With two panels wired in parallel,
other than climbing onto the top of the van and destroying the cable insulation, how do I check if both panels are working?

**p38arover** · 7th July 2014, 10:12 AM

Put an amp meter in line, measure the current.
Cover one panel, measure current.
Uncover that panel, cover the other one, measure current.
Compare readings.

Note: by in-line I mean in series, not in parallel.

**Pedro_The_Swift** · 8th July 2014, 07:36 AM

and if I dont have an amp meter ?

**p38arover** · 8th July 2014, 07:38 AM

Surely you have a multimeter that measures current. Even cheapies measure up to 10 amps.

**p38arover** · 10th July 2014, 07:20 AM

Did you find your multimeter, Pedro?

**Pedro_The_Swift** · 10th July 2014, 08:10 AM

Yes,, besides the fact I've already let the smoke out of that particular item

,, the panels combined output would be more than 10A,,

BUT!
the blanket system will work,,
if I cover one panel and the system drops to 12.6 than that panel is working,,
if i then cover the other panel just the amps will drop(which I cant measure) but NO change to volts,,

make sense?

**drivesafe** · 10th July 2014, 09:38 AM

Yes.

But it would then mean you have to go up there and “destroy” your wiring to find out why the panel is not work?

**p38arover** · 10th July 2014, 10:15 AM

Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift

Yes,, besides the fact I've already let the smoke out of that particular item

,, the panels combined output would be more than 10A,,

Usually it will be a blown fuse inside the meter.

No need to measure the combined output if your meter can't handle it. Just measure the current output with each covered separately. Compare the readings. I assume you can get to the wiring down near the battery or connector to the car.

I didn't really understand what you wanted to do as stated in your previous post.

A new multimeter can be had for $5. See Mini Digital Multimeter - Jaycar Electronics

Even this autoranging meter is only $20 Cat II Autoranging DMM - Jaycar Electronics

More here: Jaycar Electronics - Search Results for multimeter

Maybe Vidcam at the Hooper Centre in Toowoomba has them . They are a Jaycar stockist.

**p38arover** · 12th July 2014, 02:26 PM

Well, Pedro?

**Pedro_The_Swift** · 12th July 2014, 05:35 PM

dont rush me!

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