Ammeter

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Since the motor drive is a pulsed system until you are at full output, a clamp on meter will give you a good indication of whether something is wrong in the drive train. Clamp on to one of the power supply wires feeding a victor and start to drive with the wheels off the ground at half throttle. If all looks fine and no breakers are tripping move on to the next step.
Put the robot on the floor, and have the driver slowly move forward and back while you walk with the meter. You should see higher readings than with the robot off the floor, but not excessive. Try a few turns and watch the meter. If the readings double or triple (or higher)those of straight ahead driving you might run into problems. Check all conditions (shifting, stopping, reversing direction, etc.) then move on to another motor. When you are satisfied that all motors of the same type are acting the same, under the same conditions, then try (with the meter removed)to simulate a match and see if you pop any breakers. (erratic drive or clicking sounds from the breakers)