How do I check Hz setting with this multi meter?

[DARK AGE 53]

I'd like to check my generator to make sure it's putting out the correct frequency, I have a Wavetek HD110 but don't know how to check it. Pics, video would be a great help, the meter looks like this one. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Beckman-Ind...744?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d26c8f838

 

[HeadsUp]

The meter shown in the link can't measure Frequency (Hz).

 

[Beemer533]

Can't do it with that meter unfortunately.

Edit: Whoops, a bit slow on the uptake.. Already answered and I thought you were wanting to buy that one.. !


This post has been edited by the NSA

 

[DARK AGE 53]

I was afraid of that, I only posted the link to ebay because for some reason I couldn't post a pic of the one I have. The good thing is I have a multi meter coming in the next day or two, it will be able to check the Hz on my generator with the push of one button , thanks for the replies.

 

[jkwilson]

Don't worry about it. The generator frequency isn't critical for a most of things, and you'll be able to tell when it isn't right. Straight AC generators have their frequency set by motor RPM. Inverter generators like Hondas are usually more accurate than your power company. The big thing to know about your generator output is the shape of the waveform, and no multimeter can tell you that.

 

[DARK AGE 53]

Straight AC generators have their frequency set by motor RPM.

The engine idle has been re-adjusted so I'd like to check to make sure.

 

[isellpower]

Inverter generators like Hondas are usually more accurate than your power company.

Not even in the same galaxy. Hz is held to the .001 range.

 

[jkwilson]

Not even in the same galaxy. Hz is held to the .001 range.

The inverter generators are more accurate than that. Power frequency from the grid is only promised about +/-0.04Hz. My calibrated oscilloscope shows my grid power at 59.994Hz right now.

 

[mburrus]

get your self a nice fluke or agilent meter... the frequency of a power system will depend on the balance of generation, load and interchange as well as the systems ability to respond to these changes... thats one of the reasons we have an interconnected system...

never looked at honda generator on a scope so i cant comment, but i would imagine that it could be extremely accurate since it is a (computer) controlled inverter... power system can go up and down a good bit, i see +- 0.02hz quite often.

http://fnetpublic.utk.edu/gradientmap.html

 

[DARK AGE 53]

Got my Sperry DSA660 Digisnap Digital Snap-Around Volt-Ohm-Ammeter today, Hz was slightly off but with the meter I was able to adjust the idle to correct that. I'm very happy with my purchase.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Go buy a Kill-A-Watt at Home Depot or online for about $30 and have fun with it. It will measure frequency.

Charles