Mike- I am barely learning what a multi-meter can do. I do have a hard time following the tiny directions as most of the terms are foreign to me. The pictures you included are GREAT! Now if someone could compile a group of pictures showing the settings for common tests it might help my confidence. I'm not opposed to using a notebook when testing if I can get the readings and then can understand what it means.
Thanks Mike! I always learn something new from your articles. I didn’t know that the Southwire DVM has a battery test spot on the dial with a built-in load. I was curious to learn about what the load is and the rationale is for using the same load for 9V and 1.5V batteries? So, I looked it up in the manual. It says the meter applies a load of 29 mA to a 1.5 V battery and 6 mA to a 9V battery. Wow, that’s very cool! I assumed it was just a fixed range but this meter is actually smart and either uses a microprocessor or some other clever method to figure out if someone connected a 9 or a 1.5 V battery and then to connect in a current source rather than a fixed restive load. That’s more than worth the $20 cost right there!
I like to think of the "OL" display as "over limit" since it really has nothing to do with "overload", which implies drawing too much current. ;)
Mike- I am barely learning what a multi-meter can do. I do have a hard time following the tiny directions as most of the terms are foreign to me. The pictures you included are GREAT! Now if someone could compile a group of pictures showing the settings for common tests it might help my confidence. I'm not opposed to using a notebook when testing if I can get the readings and then can understand what it means.
That’s a great idea. Let me figure out the best way to make it happen…
Are these pictures/instructions in your book?
No, but I’ll be posting additional videos on this topic soon…
Pretty good job for checking for continuity. I assume there's more to come on this wonderful little instrument?
Yes, there’s so much more!
Thanks Mike! I always learn something new from your articles. I didn’t know that the Southwire DVM has a battery test spot on the dial with a built-in load. I was curious to learn about what the load is and the rationale is for using the same load for 9V and 1.5V batteries? So, I looked it up in the manual. It says the meter applies a load of 29 mA to a 1.5 V battery and 6 mA to a 9V battery. Wow, that’s very cool! I assumed it was just a fixed range but this meter is actually smart and either uses a microprocessor or some other clever method to figure out if someone connected a 9 or a 1.5 V battery and then to connect in a current source rather than a fixed restive load. That’s more than worth the $20 cost right there!
Doug,
I should write an article on testing small batteries with a load. I could also include how the Low-Z voltage function works and when to use it… 😎