| Click to Post a New Message!
Page [ 1 ] |
|
|
|
Measuring Frequency in a generator
Why not just buy a cheap meter? Something like:
http://store.yahoo.com/tmt/trip2030c.html
Unless your question was just one of curiosity, then frequency is simply 1/time. Equivalently, a Hertz = (1 cycle)/(1 second). You need 60 cycles/second, so if you know that your generator is based on a certain RPM, then you could potentially do things like strobe the drive shaft with a reference frequency or use magnetic pickups. But that is too much work...opt for the meter.
|
|
 Add Photo
Bookmarks: |
|
| |
|
Measuring Frequency in a generator
Huh? While it is true that you can view the signal on an oscilloscope, frequency measurement is far more accurate and safer with a ground-isolated (battery-operated portable) frequency counter. Connecting an oscilloscope to a generator or other A/C power source is dangerous since the case of the instrument is grounded to one of the leads. Hook it up wrong, and you'll risk electrocution and equipment damage.
But then, what do I know? I only have an MS in electrical engineering. 
|
|
Add Photo
Bookmarks: |
|
| |
|
Measuring Frequency in a generator
I stand behind my comment about oscilloscope grounding and safety. Since there are many safety-concious individuals here, I've pasted a link and quote from a major manufacturer of oscilloscopes. Ann--There is no need to risk someone's life with bad advice because you got lucky.
Reference:
http://www.tek.com/Measurement/cgi-bin/framed.pl?Document=/Measurement/App_Notes/Technical_Briefs/tds3000-float/eng/limitations.html&FrameSet=oscilloscopes
Quote:
"Most oscilloscopes have their "signal common" terminal connected to the protective grounding system, commonly referred to as "earth" ground or just "ground." This is done so that all signals applied to or supplied from the oscilloscope have a common connection point. This is usually the oscilloscope chassis and is held at (or very near to) zero volts by virtue of the third-wire ground in the power cord for AC-powered equipment. It also means that, with few exceptions, all measurements must be made with respect to "earth" ground. This constrains the typical oscilloscope (at least in a single measurement) from being used to measure potential differences between two points where neither point is at earth ground."
|
|
Add Photo
Bookmarks: |
|
| |
|
Measuring Frequency in a generator
That is a nice meter, but does it do frequency?
|
|
Add Photo
Bookmarks: |
|
| |
|
Page [ 1 ] | Thread 118725 Filter by Poster:
2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 2 |
|
()
Picture of the Day
DennisCTB
Unanswered Questions
Active Subjects
Hot Topics
Featured Suppliers
|
Gas Generator Weather Protecti
11-01-2005, 14:38 
Digg It 
Del.icio.us