Just Purchased my first MEP803A!

[Guyfang]

Its hard for me to see what the problem is. Why don't you get the -24 TM out, and test the the meter IAW the TM? In the time its taken you to write the last 3-4 messages, you could have your answer already.

 

[Mweiss]

I did a few tests today:

Placed a voltmeter across the battery meter terminals and started the generator. It read -5mV then ramped down to -3mV.

Then I did the removal of FU1. With it removed, the needle moved less than 1mm into the red, about a needle thickness. With the fuse installed, it moved maybe 2mm into the green. Certainly a lot less movement than I've seen on other videos.

I assume that if the alternator weren't charging, the generator would shut down when the battery is disconnected for lack of energy to the fuel solenoid, am I correct?

 

[rickf]

Have you put a voltmeter across the battery terminals while it is running? That is a very simple way to find out if it is charging. You are WAY overthinking this!!!!!

 

[Mweiss]

A few days earlier I did put a meter across the alternator terminals as instructed, and read 26.5 volts with engine running.
I just want to be sure the unit is 100% working the way intended.

Does anyone know how many millivolts it takes to deflect the meter full scale?

 

[Light in the Dark]

Well when you took the fuse out, the gauge did read into discharge territory... And when put back in, it did move into the green (and then settled back to a neutral state). With the voltage reading, I think its all working right. Remember you got two brand new batteries in that machine.

Best thing you can do is hit the TM Guy mentioned and test accordingly.

 

[2Pbfeet]

Or just a clamp amp meter on the alternator output...

 

[Light in the Dark]

Or just a clamp amp meter on the alternator output...

Or a standard handheld MM picking up a ground and the positive terminal.