So I bought this multimeter at a garage sale...

epilespaul2000 · 08-03-2009, 01:14 PM

...now how the heck do I use it?

What do I set it on and which wire goes where?

100_2256.jpg

AngryHatter · 08-03-2009, 01:27 PM

What are you trying to measure?

epilespaul2000 · 08-03-2009, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AngryHatter

What are you trying to measure?

Sorry, fergot to mention that I wanna measure DC resistance.

ripper70 · 08-03-2009, 01:39 PM

Here's a tutorial on how to use:

How to Use a Multimeter - wikiHow

If you're planning on measuring DC resistance on p'ups and pots and the like you may prefer a meter with a digital readout. They're real cheap:

NEW Digital MULTIMETER Cen-Tech 7 Functions 19 Ranges

Also, if the test leads have probes on the end it may be worthwhile to remove them and solder on alligator clips instead.

ripper70 · 08-03-2009, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by epilespaul2000

Sorry, fergot to mention that I wanna measure DC resistance.

Try this then:

HOW TO: Check a Pickup's DC Resistance - Guitars101 - Guitar Forums

epilespaul2000 · 08-03-2009, 02:20 PM

Thanks for those links. I think I might have to get a new multi-meter because it doesn't measure high enough resistance.

Oh, well. It was only 3 bucks.

AngryHatter · 08-03-2009, 05:25 PM

It measures up to a megohm, unless I am not reading it correctly.
Top scale is up to 10k and the multiplier on the handle takes it to RX100.
That's a meg, right?

Big John · 08-03-2009, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by epilespaul2000

...I might have to get a new multi-meter...It was only 3 bucks.

Harbor Freight, $5

lexluthier · 08-03-2009, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big John

Harbor Freight, $5

I keep one of those in my car, so if I see some used pickups I want at a music store I can check them to see if they're good. I think I got mine for $3.99 on sale.

FF_Pedals · 08-03-2009, 06:37 PM

Get one that reads capacitance too.

Paragon · 08-07-2009, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lexluthier

I keep one of those in my car, so if I see some used pickups I want at a music store I can check them to see if they're good. I think I got mine for $3.99 on sale.

Good idea. Might have to swing by HF next time I'm in the area.

jrnic · 08-09-2009, 02:23 AM

Just use the "Rx1" setting in the green. Touch the red wire to the hot lead of the pickup and the black wire to the other lead and you get your reading. The dial will swing all the way to the right and then show you your resistance. The only problem is you won't get a super accurate reading, but it will get you in the ballpark. Digital meters will give you a much better reading. But for now yours will do.

08-03-2009, 01:27 PM	#2 (permalink)
AngryHatter Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: SoCal Posts: 778 Thanks: 6 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Re: So I bought this multimeter at a garage sale... What are you trying to measure?

08-03-2009, 01:39 PM	#4 (permalink)
ripper70 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 328 Thanks: 1 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: So I bought this multimeter at a garage sale... Here's a tutorial on how to use: How to Use a Multimeter - wikiHow If you're planning on measuring DC resistance on p'ups and pots and the like you may prefer a meter with a digital readout. They're real cheap: NEW Digital MULTIMETER Cen-Tech 7 Functions 19 Ranges Also, if the test leads have probes on the end it may be worthwhile to remove them and solder on alligator clips instead. __________________ Ripper70 "I think we have more machinery of government than is necessary, too many parasites living on the labor of the industrious." --Thomas Jefferson

08-03-2009, 05:25 PM	#7 (permalink)
AngryHatter Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: SoCal Posts: 778 Thanks: 6 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts	Re: So I bought this multimeter at a garage sale... It measures up to a megohm, unless I am not reading it correctly. Top scale is up to 10k and the multiplier on the handle takes it to RX100. That's a meg, right?

08-03-2009, 06:37 PM	#10 (permalink)
FF_Pedals Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 719 Thanks: 6 Thanked 7 Times in 4 Posts	Re: So I bought this multimeter at a garage sale... Get one that reads capacitance too.

08-09-2009, 02:23 AM	#12 (permalink)
jrnic Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 384 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 1 Post	Re: So I bought this multimeter at a garage sale... Just use the "Rx1" setting in the green. Touch the red wire to the hot lead of the pickup and the black wire to the other lead and you get your reading. The dial will swing all the way to the right and then show you your resistance. The only problem is you won't get a super accurate reading, but it will get you in the ballpark. Digital meters will give you a much better reading. But for now yours will do.

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