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    Author Topic: Just bought a multimeter- what can I do with it?  (Read 2801 times)

    Offline tommyg29

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    Just bought a multimeter- what can I do with it?
    « on: September 26, 2009 - 03:43:47 PM »
    Havent used one before and I'm looking for ideas and instructions on how to use it. I ordered it from Harbor Freight, I know, cheapo, but I'm amazed at what it can do for $35. It even comes in its own box :lol:
    Playing around with this thing I see my home a/c thermostat temp is 3 degrees off compared to the temp probe, and the a/c in the car blows 62 degrees :bigsmile:
    and hooked the clamp to my spark plug wire and see my tach reads 3000 rpm when the digital readout says "028". This thing is probably made in China, cause the gauge says "x10rpm" on its face, and the instructions say multiply the reading by the number of cylinders? What?? Its already set to the 8 cyl setting. Seems it probably should be x100.
    What about dwell angle, and reading the battery and alternator outputs. Can anyone give me some instructions so I dont burn this thing up? :misbehaving:
    Thanks.
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    Offline dodj

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    Re: Just bought a multimeter- what can I do with it?
    « Reply #1 on: September 26, 2009 - 10:09:26 PM »
    Never check for voltage when you are on the resistance setting - you will blow a fuse inside the meter. Other than that it is pretty hard to hurt a multi-meter with a car electrical system. Well......don't try and measure the secondary voltage of the coil. :screwy: that would toast it.
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    Scott
    1973 Challenger  440 4 spd 
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    Offline ericindc

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    Re: Just bought a multimeter- what can I do with it?
    « Reply #2 on: September 27, 2009 - 01:20:03 AM »

    I enjoy sticking one probe on my tongue and the other in my ear and measuring the resistance of my brain.

     :woo:
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    Offline E-Body Products

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    Re: Just bought a multimeter- what can I do with it?
    « Reply #3 on: October 02, 2009 - 11:20:29 PM »
     :smilielol: :smilielol: :smilielol: :roflsmiley:
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    Offline bb71challenger

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    Re: Just bought a multimeter- what can I do with it?
    « Reply #4 on: October 03, 2009 - 12:48:25 AM »
    Just by using ohms law there is lots of information to be had. A good multimeter has its place in any sort of serious tool box.
    Here is one of mine, a Fluke 83V.

    http://www.powermeterstore.com/p1390/fluke_83-v.php
    « Last Edit: October 03, 2009 - 12:53:40 AM by bb71challenger »
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    Offline dodj

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    Re: Just bought a multimeter- what can I do with it?
    « Reply #5 on: October 04, 2009 - 08:00:40 AM »
    Fluke's are a bit (ok a lot) pricey, but IMO, the best :2thumbs:. I have a Fluke 87-III, but I need it for work. Over kill for a Challenger's electrical system.
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    Scott
    1973 Challenger  440 4 spd 
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    Offline Bullitt-

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    Re: Just bought a multimeter- what can I do with it?
    « Reply #6 on: October 04, 2009 - 08:19:53 AM »
    Quote from: ericindc on September 27, 2009 - 01:20:03 AM
    I enjoy sticking one probe on my tongue and the other in my ear and measuring the resistance of my brain.

     :woo:
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    Offline dodj

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    Re: Just bought a multimeter- what can I do with it?
    « Reply #7 on: October 04, 2009 - 10:00:32 AM »
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    Scott
    1973 Challenger  440 4 spd 
    2007.5 3500 6.7 Cummins Diesel, Anarchy tuned.
    Good friends don't let friends do stupid things. ........alone.

    Offline tommyg29

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    Re: Just bought a multimeter- what can I do with it?
    « Reply #8 on: October 04, 2009 - 12:09:48 PM »
    infiniti...now that is funny :roflsmiley:
    but I dont see that symbol on my gauge!
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    71 Cuda 440-6 Tribute-Limelight-A833 Close Ratio-4 Sp-Pistol Grip-Dana 3.54 Powr Lok-Rally Dash-Shaker (Sold)
    92 Dodge Stealth RT-Twin 15g Turbos-SAFC2 Tuned-Mystic Blue-5 Sp-AWD-Rear Wheel Steering-AutoX'r (Sold)
    12 Dodge Charger SXT Plus Blacktop Package-3.6L-8 Sp-Leather-Nav (the wife's)

    Multiple SRT's, Rams, Dakotas, Caravans and Neons

    ...the lines on the road just look like dots!....

    Offline bb71challenger

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    Re: Just bought a multimeter- what can I do with it?
    « Reply #9 on: October 04, 2009 - 03:06:14 PM »
    Quote from: tommyg29 on October 04, 2009 - 12:09:48 PM
    infiniti...now that is funny :roflsmiley:
    but I dont see that symbol on my gauge!

    On my meter it shows up as OL     :bigsmile:
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    Offline tommyg29

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    Re: Just bought a multimeter- what can I do with it?
    « Reply #10 on: October 17, 2009 - 08:32:43 PM »
    I now know exactly what I can do with it...blow it up!! :clapping:
    Thats two I've ruined in as many weeks. I suck with electronics. I quit.
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    72 Roadrunner 400-4 Auto-3.23 Gear-Black Cruiser
    71 Cuda 440-6 Tribute-Limelight-A833 Close Ratio-4 Sp-Pistol Grip-Dana 3.54 Powr Lok-Rally Dash-Shaker (Sold)
    92 Dodge Stealth RT-Twin 15g Turbos-SAFC2 Tuned-Mystic Blue-5 Sp-AWD-Rear Wheel Steering-AutoX'r (Sold)
    12 Dodge Charger SXT Plus Blacktop Package-3.6L-8 Sp-Leather-Nav (the wife's)

    Multiple SRT's, Rams, Dakotas, Caravans and Neons

    ...the lines on the road just look like dots!....

    Offline 73EStroker

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    Re: Just bought a multimeter- what can I do with it?
    « Reply #11 on: October 18, 2009 - 03:21:16 PM »
    Probably too late but ....... don't put it on AMP setting and place across the battery. It will short out the battery and the battery will win that battle. Always place the AMP setting in series with the load being measured.
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    Barry (Salmon Arm)
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