How do I measure milliamp?

[Dave Schneider]

My interpretation is that it is drawing 400 mA. When it is on the 200 mA scale it is over the maximum current range so it displays the "1". I suggested that because you had mentioned that you thought 400 mA was too high. It is rounding to the nearest 100 mA, so it is probably around 350 mA.

Best wishes, Dave

[victor miranda]

yehaw!

ok  two issues...
the 10 amp hole should only be reading on the 10A switch setting...
(not the 200m setting)

the first picture is set correct to get a reading.... the 1 where is is means you are out of range. ( I think)
the second picture should be reading zero or close.

there is something wrong with the second picture.

the leads of the meter should be: one to one rail and the other lead to the wire that came off that same rail.

run teh loco very slowly with the first picture setup.

most atlas diesels will creep at 100 ma or less.
confirm the meter is working correctly...

victor

[Robbman]

Put it on 20mA and see what your reading is...

[bicknell]

You want one of these:

http://www.tonystrains.com/products/pop-meters.htm

AC, DC, and DCC detection.

Volts and amps, correctly measured for each of those three situations.

Yes, you can measure all of these with a generic meter (and I do!), but you have to remember how to set it up and for DCC know how to do the math to get the true voltage.  The RRampMeter takes all the guesswork out, set it on the track or clip it inline and you are done!

[Chris333]

I like that!