Voltage Meter and Voltage Tester?

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TacticalIllusion

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I installed an after market stereo. It doesnt work to well. Power comes and goes. My question is what should I go with a voltage meter or a voltage tester. I'm guessing a voltage meter because then i can detect how much volts is passing through because a voltage tester will just tell me if there is power. My next question with a voltage meter can I also check the ground?

Also can someone point me to the right direction of a voltage meter something that is easy to use. I have never used one of these things.

Thanks
 
You will want a dmm if you want to test ohms, voltages, resistance things like that. If power comes and goes check for lose wiring. They all have the same standard so any dmm will work, check local pawn shops or ebay for one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/DMM-Amp-Volt-Meter-Capacitor-Tester-K-Thermocouple-HVAC_W0QQitemZ370105087766QQcmdZViewItemQQptZBI_Electrical_Equipment_Tools?hash=item370105087766&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1423|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318
 
Professional car audio installers almost never use voltage meters, its really unnecessary. Voltage testers allows you to make you connections fast, especially the voltage tester with the hook on the end.

But, if you insist on using a voltage meter, you can use it for testing ground. Just switch your voltage meter to continuity test and for checking for voltage. Set your meter to auto and place your selector on 12 volts.
 
If the power to your radio is turning on and off, then that simply means either:

1. Power Wire is loose

2. Ground Wire is loose

If you have secured the Negative wire to metal inside the dash, then make sure that the surface area is clean and there is no paint, dust, or anything that could be blocking your wire from touching metal.

There is no need to go out and buy something that you don't really need...Just go back in and make sure everything is securely in place.

If the problem still exists, then make sure that the stock + and - wires in the dash are not stripped in any place that could be causing this issue.
 
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