dead battery v. alt v. wiring?

[abatzis2 at hotmail.com (Michael Abatzis)]

having a few electrical issues. since i got this car, occasionally when i 
turn the key, engine doesn't turn and tach jumps. this is worse in hot 
weather or when accessories are on. lately the battery has been going dead 
easily (playing radio for 1/2 hour--usually will last 6-7 hours at least). 
no other problems yet. per my in car voltmeter, i charge at just over 12v 
(though i assume some voltage loss in the wiring). how do i sort out whether 
this is a wiring (i replaced main ground, haven't touched (+) term or alt 
wiring) or battery issue? i guess if i measure at the alt i should be 
getting ~14v, and for wiring i just measure voltage drop across different 
wires. any way to test the battery without fancy load meters or the like?

-Michael Abatzis
New Orleans!
1988 Scirocco 2L 16v RIP-->parting, finally taking orders: 
www.learnlink.emory.edu/~mabatzi/mikes_page1.html
1987 Scirocco 2L 16v...

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