Discussion:
How to hook up a frequency meter for a generator.
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d***@volcanomail.com
2007-07-14 18:58:40 UTC
Permalink
I've got a generator, and I need to set the frequency, so I bought a
cheap frequency meter on ebay. It's a Wacline N20394A analog panel
meter apparently off an old Kurz & Root generator. It measures 55-65
Hz. It has two terminals on the back, one is marked with a + sign,
the other is unmarked. There is a little spring like wire that
bridges the two terminals in the back. I have no instructions,
diagrams, etc, and have no idea how to hook up this meter. Anyone out
there have any ideas?

Ed.
Neon John
2007-07-15 03:50:17 UTC
Permalink
Is this the meter:

http://cgi.ebay.com/WACLINE-FREQUENCY-METER-CYCLES-PER-SECOND_W0QQitemZ120138255491QQihZ002QQcategoryZ111615QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

If it is then you got Sleazebayed. Look at the bottom of the meter scale, usually on
the left side. You'll probably see in tiny printing something like "fs=" and then a
number. Perhaps "fs=100ua". From the (probably intentionally) blurry photograph I
can't quite make out the small text at the bottom of the meter scale.

If you do then you have an ordinary analog DC milli- or microamp meter with a scale
marked in frequency. It is driven by an external frequency to voltage or frequency
to current module. The "fs=" value is what it takes to actually drive the meter. The
"+" mark and the shorting strap across the terminals to protect the delicate DC meter
movement during shipping are the clinchers.

By itself it is worthless as a frequency meter. Hang it on the wall to remind you
why buying Sleazebay stuff is a bad idea. Better yet, return it to the guy for a
refund since he misrepresented it as a frequency meter.

For that same $20, you can get a Kill-A-Watt digital meter that reads volts, amps,
watts, VARs, power factor, frequency, KWH and elapsed time. This is the first hit I
got using Google Products

http://www.ambientweather.com/tdp4400.html

John
Post by d***@volcanomail.com
I've got a generator, and I need to set the frequency, so I bought a
cheap frequency meter on ebay. It's a Wacline N20394A analog panel
meter apparently off an old Kurz & Root generator. It measures 55-65
Hz. It has two terminals on the back, one is marked with a + sign,
the other is unmarked. There is a little spring like wire that
bridges the two terminals in the back. I have no instructions,
diagrams, etc, and have no idea how to hook up this meter. Anyone out
there have any ideas?
Ed.
--
John De Armond
See my website for my current email address
http://www.neon-john.com
http://www.johndearmond.com <-- best little blog on the net!
Tellico Plains, Occupied TN
Okay, okay, I'll take it back ... UNfuck you!
d***@volcanomail.com
2007-07-15 11:30:45 UTC
Permalink
Thanks, John. I'm hearing the same from multiple sources. I've
already found the Kill A Watt as well. Good advice.

Ed.
SnoMan
2007-07-15 14:57:46 UTC
Permalink
Post by Neon John
For that same $20, you can get a Kill-A-Watt digital meter that reads volts, amps,
watts, VARs, power factor, frequency, KWH and elapsed time. This is the first hit I
got using Google Produc
The best freq meters if you can find one is the old analog gauge one
the have several "needles" on them as you can "see" the true frequency
of the power source not subject to digital inturpetation or accuracy
or a multifunction meter. I have a few here.
-----------------
TheSnoMan.com

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