Multimeter Guide For Dummies

One of the Most Important Step of Progressing in DIY Electronics Work is Knowing to Use a Multimeter. Here is Multimeter Guide For Dummies. Previously, we have talked about the theoritical basics about a typical multimeter and in this Multimeter Guide For Dummies we will learn how to use a multimeter for DIY electronics works as well as in everyday life.

Multimeter Guide For Dummies : What Are Not Covered

We are taking that the user is using a very basic digital multimeter, for this example DT830D Multimeter is being used, whose website is all-sun.com and product page is all-sun.com/EN/d.aspx?pht=837 . Even in such multimeter, there are advanced functions which are not described here. Changing battery and other maintenance works are not covered here. Analog multimeter needs calibration and not described here.

For God’s sake, do not use this DT830D Multimeter for testing mains supply. Original DT830D Multimeter’s clones (do not laugh) are usually marked by adding a logo of the manufacturer above the model number (it can read LYNX, UNITY etc., does not matter). The clones cost $1-$2 in the market ( probably ).

Multimeter Guide For Dummies

In general, there are 3 holes and 2 probes with color coding as red probe and black probe. Unless otherwise mentioned, one probe will go to the port marked with COM and the other probe will go to the hole marked with V Ohm mA. Black and Red coding is for Negative and Positive poles, there is no other difference among the probes. COM port is for the black probe. Whether there is empty 1 or 2 holes are remaining or not does not matter, the black probe in general will go to the COM port.

Now, only moving the dial makes the multimeter usable for the purpose.

How to Measure Voltage of Battery Cells and DC Power Source From AC/DC Adapter

Cheaper multimeters can measure the voltage of mains, but we will suggest not to use the multimeter for that purpose as it might be difficult to change the fuse in a $2 multimeter. Other reason not to use is – if your fuse is blown away, probably it can not be replaced. That ~ sign is for alternative current – mode dial’s that V~ is useless in the cheaper multimeter for safety.

DC sign is this ⎓

Markings for dial is for 200m, 2000m, 20, 200 and 1000. For battery, usually 20 is the right point. If you use the highest voltage number (200 or 1000) for unknown battery, risk of cheap multimeter’s death is less.

Take a somewhat old battery, move the dial knob to 20 ⎓ after plugging the probes in the mentioned holes ( we have written above ) and touch the two ends of the battery – the multimeter should give a reading. It is usually 1 volt. If minus sign arrives, it means the probes are in wrong holes – battery has marking of (+) and (-) poles, Red probe will go to (+) end – that is why all writes How to Measure Voltage of Battery Cells With Multimeter as first guide.

We have talked about breadboard power supply. You can fearlessly test such AC/DC adapter. Voltage from AC/DC adapter will fluctuate. Thats why we told to add that cheaper circuit as add on.

How to Measure Resistance

How to measure resistance is previously written here with alternative way.

How to Use the Other Functions

There is Diode Test mode on the dial, the sign is like this -|>-
If the test or diode is working, then it will read OL.

The graph like icon is for duty cycle. Do not use it, if you are a new user. On the multimeter dial, hFE indicates a mode where the meter can measure (probably crudely) HFE of a transistor. HFE is an abbreviation, and it stands for “Hybrid parameter forward current gain, common emitter”, and is a measure of the DC gain of a junction transistor.

Do not use a cheaper multimeter for more usages. You can deduct other parameters from equations like V = I × R and the power law equation P = I × V.