Why Is My Converted Galvanometer Not Matching Standard Ammeter Readings?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges faced when converting a galvanometer into an ammeter, specifically addressing discrepancies between the readings of the modified galvanometer and a standard ammeter. Participants explore technical details related to resistance values, shunt connections, and measurement techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their attempt to convert a galvanometer into an ammeter and notes that the readings do not match those of a standard ammeter.
  • Another participant questions the specifics of the galvanometer's resistance, the wire used for the shunt, and the current being measured.
  • A suggestion is made to use a variable resistance in conjunction with the shunt to allow for adjustments, as exact calculations may not yield precise results.
  • It is advised not to connect the meter at the far ends of the shunt due to potential errors from connection resistance, and instead to connect it slightly inwards for more accurate readings.
  • A participant emphasizes the importance of measuring the millivolts across the shunt itself, rather than including the voltage drop across connectors, which could lead to incorrect readings.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various viewpoints on the best practices for connecting the galvanometer and shunt, with some agreeing on the importance of connection placement while others raise questions about specific resistance values and measurement techniques. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal method for achieving accurate readings.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about resistance values and the specific setup of the galvanometer and shunt, which may affect the accuracy of the readings. The discussion does not resolve these uncertainties.

ajaykrishna90
I am trying to convert galvanometer into an ammeter. But after finding Galvanometer resistance and shunt values, and cut a wire according to that thickness and connected. But still, the galavanometer reading is not similar to that of the standard ammeter reading connected in the circuit. Any one can help me please? In detail.
 
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ajaykrishna90 said:
Galvanometer resistance
And, what is that resistance?
ajaykrishna90 said:
cut a wire according to that thickness
What wire? What resistance?
ajaykrishna90 said:
not similar to that of the standard ammeter
What current are you trying to measure?
 
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I've found that placing a variable resistance on the order of 1/4 - 1/2 the coil resistance is useful as you can never quite get the shunt wire correct and the resistor will allow you an added adjustment.
Don't obsess over exact calculations as neither the meter resistance nor shunt will be exact.
Also, don't attach the meter at the far ends of the shunt because the resistance of the connections will contribute error. Rather, attach the meter to the shunt a little ways in from one connection. Then, move the other meter lead along the length to get the correct reading while a test current flows.
- Reference Kelvin Connection.

Hope this helps a bit.

- Mike
 
Mike bro thanks a lot. Its great. Got some new tips. I will try. Thanks again.
 
Mike_In_Plano said:
Also, don't attach the meter at the far ends of the shunt because the resistance of the connections will contribute error.

Mike pointed out the most common beginner's mistake.
Think about it - you're using the galvanometer as a voltmeter to read the milivolts across your shunt, which is probably only milli-ohms.
Here's a picture from a Kelvin link as Mike suggested
00480.png

http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_1/chpt_8/9.html
You need the millivolts across the shunt itself,
NOT the millivolts across the shunt PLUS millivolts across the connectors.
I used to cut my shunt wire a little long so there's room for the current connections outside my meter connections.

old jim
 
Thanks a lot
 

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