DVOM readings are not what I'm expecting. Wondering if it's me, the device, or the testing procedure.
I have a battery charger rated at 20V and 1A of current DC. It's for both input and output that then plugs into a docking station. It's for a robot vacuum. The block that goes to the wall is were the conversion is done and the docking station is basically an intermediary for current from the wall to the robots battery.
My question is in regards to my dvom readings. I can see the 20V reading as 20.2V. I can't see an amperage reading. I have tried all the amp settings on my meter, from 200mA to 10A. I get mild fluctuations on the screen while moving the test leads around, but no solid output. If I'm reading the voltage as described I should be seeing a solid amperage reading too. Unfortunately I am not. Is it possible that the lack of an amperage reading is the source of my battery not charging, a mistake while testing, or an expected test result per my testing procedure?
I was given this vacuum because it wasn't working for the original owner, and he didn't want to fuss with it any longer.
It's an Ecovacs Deebot dm85.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Posted Jul 5, 2019, 7:58 PM UTC
So you need to break the circuit in order to measure current. It isn’t like measuring voltage. If you probed around on a current setting while “measuring voltage”, you probably blew the fuse inside the meter.
The fuses are good. I know from previously blown fuses what to avoid while probing my test subjects. I ran a quick continuity test on both fuses prior to posting to make sure it wasn't an equipment fault. As my amperage is rated at 1 amp and both my fuses are larger than that, I should be fine. It has a 2A and 10A fuse. Both are in good shape.
I'm starting to remember my electronics class when thinking about needing to isolate the circuit, but it was just so long ago that it only sounds familiar instead of being practical information I can apply.
Sounds like the load end is not working. Like a bad battery, With the 20 volts out of the charger, it is probably fine. Open the thing with the battery and probe the battery terminals proper. If no voltage with the charger disconnected and 20 volts with it connected, then the battery is probably bad.