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Peak Reading Voltmeter

Discussion in 'Electronic Basics' started by Jack Hayes, Oct 20, 2004.

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  1. Jack Hayes

    Jack Hayes Guest

    Is it possible/reasonable to build a peak reading voltmeter for 100 to 120
    volt (RMS) near sine wave? The application is measuring peak voltage output
    from engine driven generators that power battery chargers. Most of these
    units cannot supply the current required at the top of the sine wave for
    efficient battery charging, the result is reduced charging rate due to
    flattening of the peak. I would like to be able to measure this.

  2. If you want to predict what the output from a rectifier will be
    (without actually measuring that waveform or charging current) you
    might replicate the rectifier with a smaller copy and load it with a
    capacitor and a resistor (to slowly discharge the cap if the voltage
    goes down). This gives a fair approximation of the peak voltage of
    the loaded generator.
  3. Get a diode and a capacitor, and then measure it on your DC setting.
    You'll need to select the diode and capacitor carefully, making sure
    they're rated for at least the peak-to-peak voltage with some margin to
    spare (say 20%); the most common random diodes and capacitors you might
    have sitting around will be rated only for 50 or 100V, so you'll most
    likely need to get some specifically.

    A current-limiting resistor might also be a good idea for operator
  4. Rich Grise

    Rich Grise Guest

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