[TR] Misc. Items

[Randall]

> A serviceable substitution for the resistor is a common 
> headlamp with test leads soldered to it.

I'll second that, with the added observation that a "burned out" bulb will
do nicely.  Almost always one filament burns out first, leaving the other
available for testing.  I keep a pile of H4 bulbs for just such purposes.

But of course a headlight bulb will only pass a few amps.  If you're testing
a starter, it isn't going to work.

Problem with using a 1 ohm resistor is that it will burn up quickly if you
have a short, unless it's a really big (expensive) resistor.  12 amps times
12 volts is 144 watts.  I find it easier and less expensive to just consider
test leads as consumables ... if the smoke comes out, buy a new one.
They're only about $1/ea @ Radio Shack.
http://tinyurl.com/4k5bp3
Also very handy to carry on trips, for "roadside tech sessions" and as
temporary workarounds for switches & wires that don't want to do their job.

Randall