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Discussion Boards => General Discussion => Topic started by: pdlethbridge on March 15, 2009, 08:49:15 PM

Title: multimeter
Post by: pdlethbridge on March 15, 2009, 08:49:15 PM
    I just ordered a multimeter from widget supply. Now I need lessons on how to use it.  HELP
Title: Re: multimeter
Post by: Yampa Bob on March 15, 2009, 08:53:27 PM
How about 746,000 tutorials.  :D

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=using+a+multimeter

BTW, thanks for the link you sent.  8)
Title: Re: multimeter
Post by: pdlethbridge on March 15, 2009, 09:41:12 PM
your welcome.  I'm so confused.  If I'm doing nothing but 12 volts or less do I set it and forget it or do I have to change things depending on what I'm doing?
For instance, If I'm checking a wire from the loco to the tender, which gets the black lead? If I'm checking drivers to make sure they are insulated on the same side, ( bowser kit ) how is it done? Do settings get changed?
Title: Re: multimeter
Post by: Cascade Northern on March 15, 2009, 10:52:44 PM
If you are checking voltage, it should not matter which lead you use.  The only difference will be that your readout will show the voltage as a negative.  If you see that, either switch your leads or just ignore the negative.
Title: Re: multimeter
Post by: Yampa Bob on March 16, 2009, 12:39:22 AM
You will use the ohmmeter range a lot to check continuity. The symbol looks kinda like a horseshoe.  Turn off and disconnect all power when using an ohmmeter.

Note that for an open circuit, the digit 1 is displayed. This is to distinguish from 0 which is a dead short.  Practice with some resistors, measure the cold resistance of a 100 watt light bulb, hold a probe tip in each hand and measure your body's resistance. 
Title: Re: multimeter
Post by: pdlethbridge on March 16, 2009, 04:40:20 AM
Thanks, like linux, it needs a lot of hands on experience.
Title: Re: multimeter
Post by: Yampa Bob on March 16, 2009, 05:15:03 AM
Yep, just takes some practice. If you have any questions along the way feel free to ask.
Title: Re: multimeter
Post by: pdlethbridge on March 16, 2009, 05:19:55 AM
Ya, free to ask, until you send the bill ;D
Title: Re: multimeter
Post by: Yampa Bob on March 17, 2009, 05:37:34 AM
They say "advice is cheap", in my case it's free, so quit complaining. Of course if I have to fly to NY to give private lessons, it's gonna cost ya.  :D

Are you having corned beef and cabbage today?  If so, you need to read my recipe for guaranteed "no-gas" Irish-American cuisine.  Don't forget the parade.

Title: Re: multimeter
Post by: pdlethbridge on March 17, 2009, 08:28:29 AM
I'm English . none of that Corn beef garbage for me. :D
Title: Re: multimeter
Post by: Jhanecker2 on March 17, 2009, 11:40:28 AM
I'm  Southern German and I like Corned Beef which is not originally Irish but was substituted for country style Bacon from Ireland which was not available in America during the 19th century.   The corned beef was available in New York  from  Yiddish Cuisine which  was based  on Central European cooking .   We also make a dish similar to a New England Boiled dinner. I usually  stock up on corned beef for the rest of the year.
Title: Re: multimeter
Post by: boomertom on March 17, 2009, 03:10:27 PM
Quote from: pdlethbridge on March 17, 2009, 08:28:29 AM
I'm English . none of that Corn beef garbage for me. :D

I'm Scots-Irish, much prefer corn beef and cabbage to haggis.

TOM
Title: Re: multimeter
Post by: pdlethbridge on March 18, 2009, 12:23:00 PM
the multimeter is finally here. HELP!
Title: Re: multimeter
Post by: NelsOn-30 on March 18, 2009, 09:29:50 PM
See the new thread I started as a tutorial.
Title: Re: multimeter
Post by: Jhanecker2 on March 19, 2009, 11:32:29 AM
Yampa Bob's listing of the 746K tutorials was the answer to the original question, sorry about going of on the gustatorial siding .  Learned how to use multimeters shortly  after using  measuring tools such as calipers ,micrometers , etc.   .   
Title: Re: multimeter
Post by: pdlethbridge on March 19, 2009, 12:56:47 PM
If I tested the multi meter on Yampa Bob, would it find him re-volting?
Title: Re: multimeter
Post by: Yampa Bob on March 19, 2009, 04:10:38 PM
No no, the word is "electrifying".   >:(  8)
Title: Re: multimeter
Post by: pdlethbridge on March 19, 2009, 04:14:35 PM
You're too much! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: multimeter
Post by: pdlethbridge on March 19, 2009, 08:38:15 PM
  So Bob, when are you coming to Rochester to give me those much needed multi meter lessons?
Title: Re: multimeter
Post by: SteamGene on March 19, 2009, 09:39:19 PM
That's "you're."
Gene
Title: Re: multimeter
Post by: Yampa Bob on March 20, 2009, 12:34:28 AM
Well, I could have said "magnetic personality", but was trying to be humble. My wife always says "if you got it flaunt it". I had it once, don't know where it went.

I check the mailbox daily, still no airline ticket. Actually, I can't fly anymore, they don't have enough oxygen on board.  8)

Title: Re: multimeter
Post by: pdlethbridge on March 20, 2009, 12:40:51 AM
     You build planes, use one of them. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D