thanks, Tim.
suplementary question:
i got an older meter with a dial (red and black cables). how do i see the plus - minus difference with that?
Dear Korm,
All this DC polarity matching stuff only matters when 2 or more locos share the track.
Generally the sockets that the meter leads plug into are marked (+) plus and (-) minus. Sometimes the (-) is labeled “com” or “common”.
Plug the red lead into the (+), and the black lead into the (-).
To test, use a fresh or known good battery.
Red lead to the battery (+) and black lead to the battery (-) should cause your meter to indicate positive DC voltage, or swing the needle up into the readable portion of dial.
Reversing the leads shoud indicate negative DC voltage, or slam the needle into the peg below the zero indication on the dial.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Joe Satnik
Edit: Added “common” sentence.
Joe Satnik said:
Reversing the leads shoud indicate negative DC voltage, or slam the needle into the peg below the zero indication on the dial.Hope this helps.
yes, it does. thank you.