Why didn't I get the voltage drop expected on diode rectifier?

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red913

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I got some 1N4001 diodes and putting 3 in series gave me a voltage drop of about only .4V. I don't understand why I didn't get more? I need about 3V drop. I'm not quite sure what to look for on the data sheet either. If someone could direct me in what I did wrong or direct me to the proper diode(I think the one I ordered may be incorrect) I would be very grateful.
 

Power goes to the first diode diode and then I put the meter on the end of the third diode connected in series and the other end of the meter to ground. Also the motor itself runs a lot harder. I don't have anything to measure the current right now. Of course now that I think about it the motor running harder could be the new wall plug in power supply I have. It runs at 3A vs my previous method of power which was just 4 AA batteries.
 

red913 said:
Power goes to the first diode diode and then I put the meter on the end of the third diode connected in series and the other end of the meter to ground.
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What you're describing sounds like this:



But that doesn't make any sense. Can you explain a bit more? What's the motor connected to? Are the diodes supposed to be in series with the motor, or what?
 

I think you are measuring the voltage with open circuit.....


The circuit will work as you expected when it has a closed path.....
 

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