Outboard tools

[79Glastron]

I'm looking for some pointers here. I'm looking to get a DVA meter to help me diagnose my Mercury outboard ignition system, and maybe others down the line. It looks like the analog meters work the best. Can someone point me toward a good meter and where to purchase it?
Thanks!

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Outboard tools

if you already have a DVM you can look at a DVA adapter from someplace like CDI or stevens.
on the high end a stevens CD-77 is a great tool but almost 300 dollars.
on the low end but still a good meter is the sierra mercury replacement meter for about 112.
can be had from any place that sells sierra parts.
I own 2 of the DVA adapters,3 CD-77's and the sierra meter.
each has a function and it just depends on what I am hunting.

 

[seahorse5]

Re: Outboard tools

Also check out http://www.esitest.com/640.html for an inexpensive DVA adapter and other electronic test tools

 

[79Glastron]

Re: Outboard tools

On that esitest website, do you think their analog DVA meter would be ok?

 

[F_R]

Re: Outboard tools

That #530 analog meter looks interesting to me. I'd be tempted to try one.

 

[JustJason]

Re: Outboard tools

I don't own, but i've used the es530. It works well. But it's an analog meter and not as easy to use as a digital one. The scales ones the meter face can screw you up if your not paying attention.
It is fragile, so the first time you drop it from more than 4 feet onto hartop will probably kaput it.
Alot of people love analog meters because they read in real time, whereas digital meters have a "perceptable delay" so to speak.

I have 2 meters that I use. I have a 15+ year old Fluke 8 that I use 95% of the time for everything. I also have a newer Fluke 88V that I use once in a while, or when I need 2 meters going at once.
For the DVA, I have both a snap on brand adaptor (its not in the catalog, but they have them) and a rapair/cdi one. I've never had a problem with any combination of meter/dva that I use. Some cheap meters (craftsman, ratshack, no name) will not give accurate readings when dealing with outboards.
I like my 88V because it has a MIN/MAX function as well as an analog style bar graph. I don't even have to look at it, I can crank it, go back to the meter, hit the min/max button and see what peak was. (You still have to use the DVA though)