I can't figure out how to get my multimeter to work, due to a lack of knowledge on their use, and possibly a defect in the multimeter.
Its a digital multimeter, and the display works and all, but when I put the test leads up to power and gtound on my amp terminals, there is no readout. This problem has been occurring with both batt+ and speaker terminals. I not sure if the meter is screwed up, or if I straight don't know how to use it. I gave up after about 15 minutes, and never messed with it since.
My bad on posting this reply on the other topic....I can't read or domething tonight.....
Replies (12)
swez on 02/14/2007 08:23:41
One easy way to check your meter out, is to set it to AC voltage, then set the range so that can handle 125 volts and higher. Then, plug the leads into a common house wall socket. You should get a number between 115 - 128 VAC.
If not, clean the lead tips with a steel wool scrubbing pad, (Brillo) and try again. If no readings come up, the meter is defective or the leads are in the wrong locations on your meter.
In many cases, the wires have leads that unscrew for service, repair or inspection. They are often soldered and crimped to each lead/ probe. If one wire is not connected well, the meter will not work either. Check that part too.
Swez
ttocs on 02/14/2007 12:39:31
are the cables hard wired or are they able to be pulled out? If they are able to be pulled out there is often 3 holes for the pins to go in. The neg is commen but you may need to switch pins depending on if you are reading voltage, resistance, or current.
Also I think swez's description of the range setting could lead to some confusion as he said handle greater then 125 volts. The numbers on the range setting will show the maximum that you expect to read. If your range settings are 110, 220, you will need to select the 220 v range setting as more then likely the 110v setting will give you an over voltage reading.
There is also a fuse on the leads on the inside to protect the meter if it was not set up correct that could be blown.
cplkittle on 02/14/2007 13:05:40
When I was 5 years old (and I do remember this)... My father left his multimeter laying out within my reach. I knew there was something you had to do and it made a clicking noise. I turned the knob back and forth and it clicked, so I proceeded to put the terminals into the wall outlet. There was a loud noise and alot of light and the multimeter jumped out of my hands. That's all I remember. My dad told me a few years ago that he remembered me doing that. He said I tripped the 20a breaker. So that was my introduction to the multimeter.
I would suggest setting it to ohms and touching the leads together before plugging it into a wall outlet.
ShootuhMcBustaCap on 02/14/2007 21:25:29
Cool! it is the type with detachable leads, so I will play with this some more, and keep you guys posted on my results
swez on 02/15/2007 01:13:21
Hehe.. LMBO!!!
How to use a meter properly... I guess we need to cover that in a FAQ or what not.
Yes, you can test the basics safely, by setting the meter to the Ohms scale and touch the leads together. It should read 0 ohms or a slight offset of 0.0XX ohms, depending on the scale and calibration of the meter. If that is consistant, your leads are OK. If not, "burnish the leads" (clean them well with steel wool or sandpaper) and maybe install a fresh battery. (batteries)
There are fuses in the better meters too. However, if the fuse is blown on a given circuit, it will not work either.
Have phun,
Swez
PL on 02/15/2007 14:29:20
In order to make sure my Multimeter will have something to even read, I like to find a 110/120V outlet in my shop and stick a fork in the socket.
Once I've established theres power, then I can test.
Not really, but I'd check the leads to make sure they are in the correct location on the meter.
-PL
ttocs on 02/15/2007 19:57:36
you can also test it easier and with less danger by simply settingit to read resistance, any setting. All you have to do is touch the leads together and it should go from reading an open circuit(normally 1. ) to less then 1 ohm. No need to throw any electrons around if you don't need to....
CP, that was an introduction to the meter, and to electrons.........
cplkittle on 02/16/2007 00:13:03
an electronic initiation of sorts.
swez on 02/16/2007 00:38:32
I remember playing with an old console type stereo when I was like 13. It had a woofer that used electro-magnectic type magnet structure. (Only magnetic when the power was on)
Well, was dinking around back there and touched the magnets power supply leads while it was on... It gave me a real jolt and sent me flying, maybe 4 feet from the console. Boy... I don't know what the voltage or current was in that power supply, but it sure made me yelp and learned a healthy respect for things I knew nothing about.
Shaking hands with "Freddy Kilowatt", can be a real eye opener huh? I don't recommend it either.
Swez ;-)
ttocs on 02/18/2007 09:14:18
its only electrons...........
cplkittle on 02/18/2007 11:09:30
electrons are like chihuhauas. two or four are ok, they can be dealt with., but millions are somewhat frightening.
jamesp on 02/18/2007 12:08:46
Yea, they only hurt you when they are excited.
#:>)*
Its a digital multimeter, and the display works and all, but when I put the test leads up to power and gtound on my amp terminals, there is no readout. This problem has been occurring with both batt+ and speaker terminals. I not sure if the meter is screwed up, or if I straight don't know how to use it. I gave up after about 15 minutes, and never messed with it since.
My bad on posting this reply on the other topic....I can't read or domething tonight.....
Replies (12)
swez on 02/14/2007 08:23:41
One easy way to check your meter out, is to set it to AC voltage, then set the range so that can handle 125 volts and higher. Then, plug the leads into a common house wall socket. You should get a number between 115 - 128 VAC.
If not, clean the lead tips with a steel wool scrubbing pad, (Brillo) and try again. If no readings come up, the meter is defective or the leads are in the wrong locations on your meter.
In many cases, the wires have leads that unscrew for service, repair or inspection. They are often soldered and crimped to each lead/ probe. If one wire is not connected well, the meter will not work either. Check that part too.
Swez
ttocs on 02/14/2007 12:39:31
are the cables hard wired or are they able to be pulled out? If they are able to be pulled out there is often 3 holes for the pins to go in. The neg is commen but you may need to switch pins depending on if you are reading voltage, resistance, or current.
Also I think swez's description of the range setting could lead to some confusion as he said handle greater then 125 volts. The numbers on the range setting will show the maximum that you expect to read. If your range settings are 110, 220, you will need to select the 220 v range setting as more then likely the 110v setting will give you an over voltage reading.
There is also a fuse on the leads on the inside to protect the meter if it was not set up correct that could be blown.
cplkittle on 02/14/2007 13:05:40
When I was 5 years old (and I do remember this)... My father left his multimeter laying out within my reach. I knew there was something you had to do and it made a clicking noise. I turned the knob back and forth and it clicked, so I proceeded to put the terminals into the wall outlet. There was a loud noise and alot of light and the multimeter jumped out of my hands. That's all I remember. My dad told me a few years ago that he remembered me doing that. He said I tripped the 20a breaker. So that was my introduction to the multimeter.
I would suggest setting it to ohms and touching the leads together before plugging it into a wall outlet.
ShootuhMcBustaCap on 02/14/2007 21:25:29
Cool! it is the type with detachable leads, so I will play with this some more, and keep you guys posted on my results
swez on 02/15/2007 01:13:21
Hehe.. LMBO!!!
How to use a meter properly... I guess we need to cover that in a FAQ or what not.
Yes, you can test the basics safely, by setting the meter to the Ohms scale and touch the leads together. It should read 0 ohms or a slight offset of 0.0XX ohms, depending on the scale and calibration of the meter. If that is consistant, your leads are OK. If not, "burnish the leads" (clean them well with steel wool or sandpaper) and maybe install a fresh battery. (batteries)
There are fuses in the better meters too. However, if the fuse is blown on a given circuit, it will not work either.
Have phun,
Swez
PL on 02/15/2007 14:29:20
In order to make sure my Multimeter will have something to even read, I like to find a 110/120V outlet in my shop and stick a fork in the socket.
Once I've established theres power, then I can test.
Not really, but I'd check the leads to make sure they are in the correct location on the meter.
-PL
ttocs on 02/15/2007 19:57:36
you can also test it easier and with less danger by simply settingit to read resistance, any setting. All you have to do is touch the leads together and it should go from reading an open circuit(normally 1. ) to less then 1 ohm. No need to throw any electrons around if you don't need to....
CP, that was an introduction to the meter, and to electrons.........
cplkittle on 02/16/2007 00:13:03
an electronic initiation of sorts.
swez on 02/16/2007 00:38:32
I remember playing with an old console type stereo when I was like 13. It had a woofer that used electro-magnectic type magnet structure. (Only magnetic when the power was on)
Well, was dinking around back there and touched the magnets power supply leads while it was on... It gave me a real jolt and sent me flying, maybe 4 feet from the console. Boy... I don't know what the voltage or current was in that power supply, but it sure made me yelp and learned a healthy respect for things I knew nothing about.
Shaking hands with "Freddy Kilowatt", can be a real eye opener huh? I don't recommend it either.
Swez ;-)
ttocs on 02/18/2007 09:14:18
its only electrons...........
cplkittle on 02/18/2007 11:09:30
electrons are like chihuhauas. two or four are ok, they can be dealt with., but millions are somewhat frightening.
jamesp on 02/18/2007 12:08:46
Yea, they only hurt you when they are excited.
#:>)*
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