How much should a converter put out?

Most will be ~13.6 volts.

Digital

Cell

Phone

Camera

path1 wrote:
Bought new batteries. Before I install them and I need to confirm which cable is pos and neg.

A wise person would have done that before he removed the OLD batteries. ;)

At this point, the voltage is insignificant without the batteries in place. A very high reading is expected with no batteries in place.

Charge the new batteries fully BEFORE CONNECTING.
Then check the voltage before connecting, after connecting and with the converter active.

P.S. except for being sure it points to 0 when off, you do not calibrate the voltage scales of a multi-meter. And if it's digital, you don't "calibrate" anything.

OP here...

OK, was hoping question was generic. I'll find out make and model of converter. (Have to move stuff to get to it)

Not even sure how to calibrate volt meter, but will put in new battery in them.

Have 3 cheap volt meters. To "calibrate" I'll see what reading I get at starting motor. Out of 3 cheapies maybe two will give same reading?

(Will re-post in couple hours with more info)

I am unsure what voltage your testing or why ... but your negative battery cable is the one that is grounded to your chassis. Make sure you understand the difference between hooking up 6 volt batteries in series vs 12 volt batteries in parallel.

That seems high unless it is an old Magnetek.
Could the voltmeter read high? A low internal battery can cause a high reading.

Otherwise you need to post the model number.