checking panel output

[Pedro_The_Swift]

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]

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]

and if I dont have an amp meter ?:angel:

[p38arover]

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

[p38arover]

Did you find your multimeter, Pedro?

[Pedro_The_Swift]

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

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]

Yes,, besides the fact I've already let the smoke out of that particular item:angel:,, 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 (http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=QM1502)

Even this autoranging meter is only $20 Cat II Autoranging DMM - Jaycar Electronics (http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=QM1524)

More here: Jaycar Electronics - Search Results for multimeter (http://search.jaycar.com.au/search?w=multimeter&view=list)

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

[p38arover]

Well, Pedro?

[Pedro_The_Swift]

dont rush me!:p

[Dervish]

Be careful doing this.

What is being proposed here is to short circuit the array output; if you aren't careful you will cause an arc between the plug/socket and the multimeter probe. Measuring an array output current is only attempted with a DC clamp meter, for good reason. The arc caused - while only small - could ruin your plug/socket, making it either impossible to plug back in or a bad contact if it does go back in.

[p38arover]

Be careful doing this.

What is being proposed here is to short circuit the array output;

Who has suggested that? Go back and read what I wrote. The meter is put in series with the panel, not in parallel which would short it out.

I realise electronics has changed since I trained as a radio technician back in the mid-Sixties but I still know how to measure current.

[Dervish]

Who has suggested that? Go back and read what I wrote. The meter is put in series with the panel, not in parallel which would short it out.

I realise electronics has changed since I trained as a radio technician back in the mid-Sixties but I still know how to measure current.

No worries, I must've just mis-read.

I would've said electronics actually haven't changed a whole lot since the sixties actually, just become needlessly complex and annoyingly small.

[Pedro_The_Swift]

Thanks you pair;)
I have solved this by buying one of these--
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/trailers-vans-campers/187898-ok-ok-i-admit-i-need-know.html