Analog Multimeter Tutorial
Multimeters are used in all areas of electronics to determine the voltage, amperage or resistance in an electrical circuit. Analog versions use a needle and dial display, like a speedometer in a car, instead of a digital readout. These are normally cheaper to buy but will not give as accurate a reading due to human error.
In certain situations they are still very useful and are easy to use.
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Instructions
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Autoranging Multimeter
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1
Insert batteries into the multimeter. The number and type of batteries required will vary from model to model.
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2
Connect the wires to the multimeter. One will go into the COM, or Common, connection. The other will go into either the VΩmA or the 10A plug. The VΩmA socket is more commonly used, as the other is for high amperage circuits.
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3
Select what reading you want to take. Autoranging multimeters have fewer options and are usually limited to V (volts), Ω (resistance) and A (amps).
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4
Connect the wires from the multimeter across the electrical circuit to take a reading.
Switched Range Multimeter
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5
Insert batteries into the multimeter. The number and type of batteries required will vary from model to model.
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6
Connect the wires to the multimeter. One will go into the COM, or Common, connection. The other will go into either the VΩmA or the 10A plug. The VΩmA socket is more commonly used, as the other is for high amperage circuits.
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7
Select what reading you want to take. Switched range multimeters have the standard V, A and Ω options, but they can also be set to a range depending on the how high the readings will be. This gives you a much more accurate reading.
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8
Connect the wires from the multimeter across the electrical circuit to take a reading.
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Tips & Warnings
Be careful, as you are dealing with live electrical circuits.
References
- Photo Credit analog multimeter full image by Paul Moore from Fotolia.com
