 Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
So naturally I appeal to the hivemind... I put my new battery in, hooked up the wires, nothing. No lights. Nothing. Whipped out the battery tester (little quicky LED thing) and it says my new battery is new. Checked all the fuses, nothing wrong. Unplugged and replugged the electrical connectors between the main harness and fuse block, ignition switch and fuse block and the main harness and rear fender. Nothing. I've added the following electrical bits since I ran it last: Procom CDI New Battery (replaced my battery bracket with Tom's) New turn signal bulbs (Brent's clear lens kit) Headlight module (the one where there's no low beam until you toggle the high beam switch. Before I start yanking stuff out, can you think of anything I'm missing. I've got nothing, no dash lights, no headlight, no horn, nothing. I can't imagine any of the components above, other than the battery, causing this problem. I feel like I'm missing something simple and obvious. Yes, I turned on the key. 
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,244 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,244 Likes: 64 |
I know this sounds stupid but make sure you have the polarity correct.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,580 |
That's what I was going to say
If not, check the ground connection on the frame, then the main wire to the fuse box. Use your tester to check for a supply to the fuses
Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419
Oil Expert
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Oil Expert
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,419 |
Is the earth connected to the engine (just in front of the R/R)?
Did you check any of the new electrics when you fitted them (were they working and now they're not)?
Have you checked the battery when the ignition is on?
Last edited by foglefar; 05/08/2011 9:23 PM.
Cheers, Richard
~~~~~~~~~~~~
09 America, Staintune Pipes, K&N, Breathe, Hagon Nitros, AI & O2 removed, tune 20184 (modified), MTX-L a/f gauge
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099 |
+1 on checking the main frame ground point.
Also, just 'cause a batt's new, doesn't mean it's good.
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
Check fuse number 11. Battery feeds that one first. It's a 30 amp fuse. It may look ok but check it with an ohm meter.
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
I know this sounds stupid but make sure you have the polarity correct.
My first thought too.
Kill switch?
Sidestand switch?
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Kill switch or sidestand switch don't kill everything, just the engine.
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,720 |
I have have had some electrical gremlins recently as well, turned out to be relay issues. First blew out main fuses, then the whole bike went dead even with new fuses, replaced them all (relays). Back in the saddle again.
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
Headlight module (the one where there's no low beam until you toggle the high beam switch.
Did ya pull apart one or the other connector inside the headlight bucket during this or any other mod? Are those two main connections in there, connected?
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,074 Likes: 83
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,074 Likes: 83 |
Also, if the two main harness connectors inside the headlight bucket are reversed it will cause a similar condition. On the 02's, one is white and the other black but the mating connectors are both black and yes the connectors are the same and will plug up either way.
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Quote:
Also, if the two main harness connectors inside the headlight bucket are reversed it will cause a similar condition. On the 02's, one is white and the other black but the mating connectors are both black and yes the connectors are the same and will plug up either way.
I put marks on mine to make sure they were put in right, that issue had me baffled for a few hours.
Al
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
That's odd. Well, it's a simple inline installation, unplug headlight, plug in this module. Pretty simple. Can't revers it because of male vs. female plugs. Planning on pulling it out anyway just as part of the troubleshooting, though.
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,074 Likes: 83
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,074 Likes: 83 |
Wasn't sure what all you had done in that area so I just threw that in as something else to check... kinda doubt it leading anywhere if you've never had those particular connectors apart.
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,525
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,525 |
Quote:
So naturally I appeal to the hivemind...
I put my new battery in, hooked up the wires, nothing. No lights. Nothing.
Whipped out the battery tester (little quicky LED thing) and it says my new battery is new. Checked all the fuses, nothing wrong. Unplugged and replugged the electrical connectors between the main harness and fuse block, ignition switch and fuse block and the main harness and rear fender. Nothing.
I've added the following electrical bits since I ran it last:
Procom CDI
New Battery (replaced my battery bracket with Tom's)
New turn signal bulbs (Brent's clear lens kit)
Headlight module (the one where there's no low beam until you toggle the high beam switch.
Before I start yanking stuff out, can you think of anything I'm missing. I've got nothing, no dash lights, no headlight, no horn, nothing. I can't imagine any of the components above, other than the battery, causing this problem.
I feel like I'm missing something simple and obvious. Yes, I turned on the key.
Im thinking the headlight module....... 
Erwin
05 America
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 639
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 639 |
Double check the wires coming into the fuse box. As you probably l had one wiggle loose from the fuse this year with a bastardized version of Tom's relocation.
Blue/White, Battery Relocated, 155/45's, AI removed, Cocktail shakers
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
I did have to rotate the fuse box 180 degrees from the position I had it with my battery box. I'll check into it.
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,525
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,525 |
John , did you find anything?
Erwin
05 America
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Haven't gotten back out to the garage yet. Hope to tonight.
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
I feel a little better (a little more sane). Pulled out the headlight module and the headlight and horn and starter worked. No turn signals and the brake light is on all the time. Not sure how the brake and parking light could get reversed, if that's indeed what is going on (this is the same exact harness I used before, just with the LED brake light license plate frame removed. Unplugged the rear harness and the front signals (stock) still don't work. So I can't imagine the new bulbs from Brent are bad. I might have a short somewhere? God I hope not.
Anyway, that's all the news. I may try the headlight module again once everything else is sorted. As I stated above, there's really only one way to plug it in, so I couldn't have had anything reversed inside the headlight.
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
At least you're sniffing down the right trail.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
How do I set up a multimeter to simple continuity? Where do I turn the dial? I hate these things and never use them.
I found some frayed wires (actually worn away insulation) in my rear harness. I've isolated them but I want to make sure they still go through before I rewrap them.
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,735 Likes: 7
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,735 Likes: 7 |
not all multimeters have continuity test capability
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Set it to ohms. "0" is continuity. You can test it by touching the leads together.
Last edited by bigbill; 05/10/2011 9:40 PM.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,735 Likes: 7
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,735 Likes: 7 |
heehee oh yeah, I was thinking the kind for dummies that beeps 
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
It flashes a bunch of numbers? Mine's digital. I remember my dad's back in the day had a dial display.
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
The numbers shouldn't flash. Just a direct LCD (probably) readout.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
I get various numbers flashing and it goes to zero.
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
If this is correct the wires are okay. I unwrapped the harness to verify that the three ground wires are still attached. I'll rewrap everything and get some new harness covering.
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
I get various numbers flashing and it goes to zero.
OK. That's right. You have continuity.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
heehee oh yeah, I was thinking the kind for dummies that beeps
 
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
Quote:
Set it to ohms. "0" is continuity. You can test it by touching the leads together.
Hey, I just learned something!
Al
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
Quote:
heehee oh yeah, I was thinking the kind for dummies that beeps
I used to have a tone generator and such back when I did phone and network wiring in the early 90s. I should still have tools that simple to operate when it comes to electrical.
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Well, those tone type are almost too high pitched for my hearing anyway.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
These are pretty handy: continuity tester
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
I hate these things and never use them.
I hear ya, but they are a good thing to get the hang of. Once you do it's a no-brainer and they become you friend forever. I'm a reformed hater... you can be too! 
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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OP
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
You should conduct a clinic in Nelson.
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
I'll bring one along to Nelson!
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
For simple continuity testing I use a piezo speaker with two leads/probes and a 9V battery in searies (easily obtained at Radio Shack). Loud enough to hear across the room and simple...you got a circuit, you got annoying tone; you got no circuit, you hear bupkus...
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Feeling pretty dumb right now (electrical)
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,244 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,244 Likes: 64 |
I use an old bulb with wires soldered to it to see if I have power at any given point and put a battery in the loop if trying to find a broken wire.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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