Rothewald 10002896 User manual

Operating instructions/ Suggested uses

Digital multimeter, Order no. 10002896

Congratulations on purchasing a Rothewald digital multimeter. This is a battery-

powered manual multimeter that can be used for measuring DC and AC

voltages, current strengths and resistances and also for testing diodes.

A protective cover with built-in stand and two test cables are included.

Please follow all the operating and safety instructions to ensure that the unit is

used safely and to keep it in good condition.

Before using this unit with your bike or car, consult your vehicle's repair and

maintenance manual for the requisite measured values and model-specific

measurement instructions.

Improper use of this multimeter may result in damage to the device itself or to

your vehicle!

Control panel

1: 15 mm high LCD display, 3 1/2 digit.

2: Rotary switch for On/Off, and for selecting function and measuring range.

Clockwise rotation selects the following functions / ranges:

Off; AC voltmeter 600 V, 200 V; DC ammeter 20 µA, 200 µA, 2 mA, 20 mA,

200 mA, 10 A; diode testing; ohmmeter 200 Ω, 2 kΩ, 20 kΩ, 200 kΩ, 2 MΩ;

DC voltmeter 200 mV, 2 V, 20 V, 200 V, 600 V.

3: Hold function: if "Hold" is pressed, the display will retain the last measured

value and will indicate this with an "H" symbol until "Hold" is pressed again.

4: 10 A jack, unfused: insert the positive test cable (red) here to measure

currents in the 10 A measuring range.

5: COM jack: insert the negative test cable (black) here.

6: VΩmA jack: insert the positive test cable (red) here to measure voltage,

resistance and DC (up to 200 mA, fused).

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Technical specifications

Display accuracy is guaranteed for a period of one year following calibration at

temperatures between 18 and 28°C and at up to 80% humidity.

Fuse: F 200 mA / 250 V

Battery: 9V battery

Display: 3 1/2 digit, 15 mm high LCD

2-3 updates / sec.

"Measuring range exceeded" message: number "1" appears on the display

"Reversed polarity" message: "-" appears on the display

"Low battery" message: battery symbol appears on the display

Operating temperature: 0 to 40°C

Storage temperature: -10 to 50°C

Max. humidity for storage: 80%, non-condensing

Dimensions: 138 x 69 x 31 mm

Weight: approx. 160 g

Mode Measuring range Resolution Accuracy

DC voltage 200 Mv 0.1 mV +/-(0.5% +/-2 dgts)

2 V 1 mV +/-(0.5% +/-2 dgts)

20 V 10 mV +/-(0.5% +/-2 dgts)

200 V 100 mV +/-(0.5% +/-2 dgts)

600 V 1 V +/-(0.8% +/-2 dgts)

AC voltage 200 V 100 mV +/-(1.2% +/-10 dgts)

600 V 1 V +/-(1.2% +/-10 dgts)

AC voltage frequency 40 to 400 Hz

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DC current 20 µA 0.01 µA +/-(1% +/-2 dgts)

200 µA 0.1 µA +/-(1% +/-2 dgts)

2 mA 1 µA +/-(1% +/-2 dgts)

20 mA 10 µA +/-(1% +/-2 dgts)

200 mA 100 µA +/-(1.5% +/-2 dgts)

10 A 10 mA +/-(3% +/-2 dgts)

10 A for 10 s, 15 mins cool-down period

Resistance 200 Ω 0.1 Ω +/-(0.8% +/-3 dgts)

2 kΩ 1 Ω +/-(0.8% +/-2 dgts)

20 kΩ 10 Ω +/-(0.8% +/-2 dgts)

200 kΩ 100 Ω +/-(0.8% +/-2 dgts)

2M kΩ 1 kΩ +/-(1.0% +/-2 dgts)

Important safety notes

Important safety notes for users:

- This measuring instrument must not be used if damaged. Check that the test

probes, their connections and insulation are all in good condition. Only use the

test cables that were supplied with the unit. Never work in wet or very humid

conditions, if the air contains dust, flammable gases, vapours or solvents, in

thunderstorms, or near powerful electromagnetic fields.

- If the instrument is moved from a cold into a warm environment condensate

may form inside it. It should not therefore be switched on until it has reached

room temperature.

- Always select the measurement function and range carefully. Never exceed

the measuring range. If there is any doubt regarding the measuring range to

be set, then you should start by choosing the widest range possible.

- Always disconnect test cables before switching between the different

measurement functions of voltage, current and resistance. Likewise, always

disconnect the test cables before switching off.

- In the case of voltage measurements there should never be any components

connected to the hFE jack.

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If you switch from one measuring range to another whilst measurement is in

progress, voltage peaks might occur and damage the instrument.

If the voltage exceeds 60 V three-phase or 25 V AC, it is important to take

particular care as there is a risk of electric shock. The test object should

therefore first be de-energised, then the measuring range selected and the

measuring instrument connected to the test object. Only then should voltage be

applied to the test object. Whilst measurement is in progress keep your fingers

behind the shielding on the insulated handle.

Do not use this multimeter for measuring voltage if voltages of above 600 volts

are likely to develop. Do not use this multimeter for measurements in domestic

distribution systems or three-phase networks (380/400 V). Measurements on a

230 V network (e.g. domestic power circuit) are permissible.

- Current strength up to 10 A can be measured. The 10 A range is not fused,

and therefore measurement in this range must only be carried out on circuits

equipped with their own fuses. No voltages of above 250 V are allowed. A

measurement of 10 amps should only continue for 10 s, and must be followed

by a 15 minute cool-down period.

- Never perform resistance measurements on live components.

Maintenance:

If the display is blank, possible causes are:

- the multimeter is not switched on

- the battery is flat ("Battery" indicator may appear on the display)

- the rotary switch may be positioned incorrectly (between two positive

positions)

- If it not possible to measure current, the fuse for the 200 mA range may be

faulty.

Before opening the unit to change the battery or fuse, always unplug the test

cable first and move the rotary switch to "Off". Now, using a suitable Philips

screwdriver, unscrew and remove the Philips screws from the rear side of the

housing and lift off the lower half of the housing.

- Using the wrong fuse can result in fire. You must therefore only ever use a

fuse with the following specification:

F 200 mA / 250 V ("flink")

- 5 -

- Replace the battery with another one of the same type (9V battery). Be careful

to connect the leads the right way round.

Always close up the housing carefully and tighten all the fastening screws

before starting to use the multimeter again.

Use a damp cloth and a mild cleaning agent to clean the device. Never use

abrasives or solvents

Using the multimeter

A. Measuring a DC voltage:

Important: Never exceed the permissible measuring range of 600 V DC!

Never touch a circuit or components in a circuit if the voltage being

measured is above 25 V AC or 35 V DC!

1. Connect the red test cable to the "VΩmA" jack and connect the black one to

the "COM" jack.

2. Set the rotary switch to the relevant measuring range "V –straight line". If

there is any doubt at first regarding the measuring range, start with greatest

measuring range and then reduce it a little at a time until the ideal measuring

range is found. If any measured value appears on the display although the test

probes have not yet been connected to the object, this can be attributed to the

sensitivity of the measurement input and of no importance.

3. Connect the test probes to the measurement object. If an "-" appears on the

display, this indicates that you have reversed the polarity.

4. Now read the measured value off, retaining it if necessary with the "Hold"

button.

B. Measuring an AC voltage

Important: Never exceed the permissible measuring range of 600 V AC!

Never touch a circuit or components in a circuit if the voltage being

measured exceeds 25 V AC!

1. Connect the red test cable to the "VΩmA" jack and connect the black one to

the "COM" jack.

2. Set the rotary switch to the relevant measuring range "V –wavy line". If at

first there is any doubt about the measuring range, start with the highest

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measuring range and then reduce it as required. If any measured value appears

on the display although the test probes have not yet been connected to the

object, this can be attributed to the sensitivity of the measurement input and of

no importance.

3. Connect the test probes to the measurement object. If an "-" appears on the

display, this indicates that you have reversed the polarity.

4. Now read the measured value off, retaining it if necessary with the "Hold"

button.

C. Measuring a DC current

Important: Do not measure current in circuits in which voltages greater

than 250 V DC can occur!

Do not attempt to measure currents greater than 10 A –the multimeter

would overheat!

Currents of 10 A must only be measured for 10 s, after which the unit

should be disconnected for approx. 15 minutes (cool-down period)!

1. Connect the black test cable to the "COM" jack. For measurements in the mA

range below 200 mA, the red test cable is connected to the "VΩmA" jack, but

for measurements greater than 200 mA, it is connected to the "10 ADC" jack.

2. Move the rotary switch to the desired measuring range "A". If there is any

doubt regarding the measuring range, start with the largest measuring range

and then reduce it (see A. 2.).

3. Connect test probes to the measurement object as shown in the diagram.

4. Read measured value off, retaining it if required with the "Hold" button.

D. Measuring resistance

Important: It is essential that the measurement object should be de-

energized!

To obtain reliable measured values the object's contact points must be

free from dirt, oil, solder lacquer, etc!

1. Connect the black test cable to the "COM" jack and the red test cable to the

"VΩmA" jack. Move the rotary switch to the desired measuring range "Ohms".

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2. Select 200 ohms as the measuring range, hold test probes close together in

order to check the test cable for continuity. The unit should be displaying 0.1 to

0.3 ohms. Now choose the measuring range for the test object (see A. 2.).

3. Hold the test probes near the object and read the measured value off,

retaining it if required with the "Hold" button. If values over 1 ohm are obtained it

may be wise to first wait until the reading has stabilised.

4. If the resistance being measured is connected to a circuit, switch the

instrument off and discharge all capacitors before applying the test probes.

E. Testing diodes

Important: The test object MUST be de-energized, and any connected

capacitors must be discharged!

1. 1. Connect the black test cable to the "COM" jack and the red test cable to

the "VΩmA" jack.

2. Move the rotary switch to the "Arrow Symbol" function.

3. Hold the red test probe against the diode's anode and the black test probe

against its cathode. Now read off the value for the conducting-state voltage

(values between approx. 0.6 V and 3 V depending on diode type). The diode

"blocks" the voltage in one direction –in the "blocked direction" you will obtain

the value "1". If there is again a conducting-state voltage despite reversing the

test probes, this indicates that the diode is faulty.

If you have any questions about these instructions, for prompt assistance

please contact our fax service hotline on +49 40 73419358 before you

assemble or use the product. This is the best way to ensure that your product is

assembled properly and used correctly.

Detlev Louis Motorradvertriebs GmbH 21027 Hamburg, Germany

http://www.louis.de

Suggested uses for the digital multimeter

Some suggested uses for the digital multimeter with your motorcycle can be

found below.

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When you perform these procedures yourself, be sure to always follow the

safety instructions for using the unit (see user instructions); model-specific

details and target measurement values can be found in the repair and

maintenance manual for your particular vehicle. While we have carefully

researched all the instructions and reviewed them several times, you will

understand that we accept no liability.

1. Check charging circuit

The charging circuit ensures that there is a power supply to the battery and all

consumers (ignition, lights, etc.) on the bike.

- If there are indications that the alternator is not charging the battery sufficiently

(e.g. the headlight is dimming or the battery charging indicator light is flickering),

start with a visual inspection of all the accessible components of the charging

circuit: plug connections should be secure and clean, cables must not show any

sign of damage, wear or fire, the alternator and regulator/rectifier should not

exhibit any obvious signs of mechanical defect.

- To test the individual components further the battery should be in good

condition and fully charged.

- If you identify a fault in part of the charging circuit, also check all the other

components of the circuit for damage.

1.1 Charging voltage

The charging voltage measurement reveals whether or not the charging circuit

is working correctly. First warm the engine up. Now put the bike on its stand and

make the battery terminals accessible. Allow the engine to idle. Insert the red

test cable in the VΩmA jack and the black cable in the COM jack on the

multimeter. Select 20 V DC measuring range. Hold the red test probe against

the positive and the black test probe against the negative battery terminal. Read

off the value –for a well charged 12 V battery the display should now be

indicating approx. 12.6 volts. Now, depending on the model of bike, increase

the engine speed to around 3000-4000 rpm. With a 12 volt system the reading

should now increase to approx. 13.5 to 15.5 volts; in this case the alternator is

charging correctly. If, on the other hand, the voltage stays the same, then there

is a fault in the charging circuit. If the voltage increases beyond the range 13.5

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to 15.5 volts when the engine speed is increased, this indicates that the voltage

regulator/rectifier is not limiting the voltage correctly. Measurable short-term

voltage peaks indicate a fault in the rectifier and/or the alternator.

1.2 Testing a star alternator with a permanent magnet rotor

Star alternators operate with a permanent magnet rotor that induces a voltage

by turning in the windings of the outer stator. They rotate in an oil bath, usually

on the crankpin.

Faults generally occur as a result of persistent overheating or overloading of the

regulator.

Testing non-rectified charging voltage

Stop the engine and switch the ignition off. Disconnect the plug on the cable

harness leading from the alternator to the regulator/rectifier. Insert the red test

cable in the VΩmA jack and the black cable in the COM jack on the multimeter,

select measuring range up to 200 V AC. Use the test probes to connect two of

the alternator's plug contacts. Leave engine running at approx. 3000-4000 rpm.

Measure voltage, stop engine, connect test probes across different contacts,

restart engine, measure voltage again, and so on ... If the measured values are

the same for all the combinations of contacts (as a rule an average motorcycle

alternator delivers approx. 50-70 volts), then the alternator is working correctly.

If some of the measured values are significantly below the others, the alternator

is faulty.

Checking for a short circuit to earth and interturn fault

Stop the engine and switch the ignition off. Insert the red test cable in the

VΩmA jack and the black cable in the COM jack on the multimeter, select

measuring range 200 ohms and hold the test probes close together for the

continuity test until a value of 0.1 to 0.3 ohms is indicated. Now hold the black

test probe against earth and the red one against all the plug contacts one after

the other. There must be no measurable continuity (infinite resistance)

otherwise the stator would have a short circuit to earth. Then use the test

probes to test all possible combinations for connecting the contacts –the

resulting value should always remain slightly less than 1 ohm. If the measured

value is too high, this indicates insufficient continuity between the windings,

- 10 -

while a measured value of 0 would indicate a short circuit. In both cases the

stator would be faulty.

If the AC voltage at the alternator is considerably too low despite the fact that

the alternator windings are undamaged, it can be assumed that the rotor is

demagnetised.

Testing the regulator/rectifier

If a charging voltage of more than 15 V is measured at the battery when the

engine is running at high revs, either the voltage regulator is faulty (see above)

or it needs to be re-adjusted (some older regulators are adjustable). A rectifier

should be disconnected from its circuit before testing. Insert the red test cable in

the VΩmA jack and the black cable in the COM jack on the multimeter, select

measuring range 200 ohms and hold the test probes close together for the

continuity test until a value of 0.1 to 0.3 ohms is indicated.

Now measure the resistance in both directions between the rectifier's earth

cable and all the alternator connections and also between the positive output

cable and all connections (in other words reverse the polarity once in each

case). One direction should produce a lower reading while the other direction

should produce a reading that is at least 10 times as high. If any of these

connections produces the same value in both directions (i.e. despite reversal of

polarity), this indicates that the alternator is faulty and must be replaced.

1.3 Testing a collector alternator

Collector alternators do not use permanent magnets to induce current; instead

they use the electromagnetic energy from an external field winding. This is

picked up by carbon brushes at the rotor collector. This type of alternator

always runs "dry", either on the crankshaft stump with an external regulator or

as a separate unit, in which case it will usually have an integrated regulator.

Faults are generally caused by vibrations, by shaking due to the rotor's

transverse acceleration, or by asymmetrical thermal stresses. The carbon

brushes and collector are subject to long-term wear.

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