'Standby' current draw?

[fastboydave]

Anybody know what the specs are for 'standby' current with alarm on and alarm off??? Cheers.

[Loren]

Depending on options about 40-60 ma.

[1schoir]

Depending on options about 40-60 ma.

Loren:

How does one accurately measure that current, and at what point?

Regards, Maurice.

[Loren]

I use a current meter at the battery.

[1schoir]

I use a current meter at the battery.

Thanks.

Regards, Maurice.

[fastboydave]

Top man Loren. But is that with alarm activated or de-activated?? What i'm trying to ascertain is, what is the minimum current draw for my battery, locked car or unlocked car (locked away in garage so have the option)???

1schoir, make sure you connect it right though and have the DMM on the right setting, else you may get a spark or two!! :D

[1schoir]

Top man Loren. But is that with alarm activated or de-activated?? What i'm trying to ascertain is, what is the minimum current draw for my battery, locked car or unlocked car (locked away in garage so have the option)???

1schoir, make sure you connect it right though and have the DMM on the right setting, else you may get a spark or two!! :D

Dave:

What is the correct way to connect the DMM?

Regards, Maurice.

[fastboydave]

Maurice, if your trying to measure the current (I dont know your electrical knowledge?) grab yourself a DMM (capable of measuring mA-A) and insert it in SERIES with your positive battery lead.

First, disconnect the positive battery clamp (do this with key in ignition and on, else alarm will go off probably) and connect positve 'probe' of DMM to battery +ve terminal and negative 'probe' of DMM to the battery clamp you have just taken off. You then need to get the car into the 'mode' you wish to measure (standby?) so you will have to run the leads outside the bonnet, close the boonet and doors etc and watch the DMM. Just be absolutely sure you are not shorting the wires to anything and that the DMM is in the right range, measuring current with the probes plugged into the right sockets. Job done. Hope thats fairly clear?? Dave.

[Loren]

In series - so you disconnect the battery and put the meter in-line.

[1schoir]

In series - so you disconnect the battery and put the meter in-line.

Dave, Loren:

Thanks guys!

BTW, my knowledge of things electric (aside from house wiring) can best be described as "electrically challenged"! LOL.

You guys have inspired me to go out and buy a basic automotive wiring and testing book.

Regards, Maurice.