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path1's avatar
path1
Explorer
Aug 26, 2016

How do I Calibrate a volt meter?

I have couple cheap volt meters. They don't give show the same numbers. Any ideas how to calibrate?

I'm not sure of a cheap and good way. Maybe something that plugs into 120 and then inverts to a known 12 volt number?

Thanks

(Elec is not one of my better known quality's)

15 Replies

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  • allen8106's avatar
    allen8106
    Explorer
    Aug 27, 2016
    You don't calibrate a volt meter, you don't likely have the equipment to do it. Only a cal lab or the manufacturer can do it, the equpment is
    very expensive.
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Aug 26, 2016
    GordonThree wrote:
    You'll need a known quantity calibrated voltage source, like 2.048 volts. The calibration part is easy, just write the delta on the meter someplace obvious.

    Problem is finding the voltage source


    is the difference linear across the scale?
    bumpy
  • W4MBG's avatar
    W4MBG
    Explorer
    Aug 26, 2016
    A new carbon-zinc battery is 1.56 volts. Not an alkaline battery...
  • GordonThree's avatar
    GordonThree
    Explorer
    Aug 26, 2016
    You'll need a known quantity calibrated voltage source, like 2.048 volts. The calibration part is easy, just write the delta on the meter someplace obvious.

    Problem is finding the voltage source
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Aug 26, 2016
    The only answer I can see where that's possible is to compare it to a known good one. Then you'd have to buy or borrow a good one. They are inexpensive.

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