On Thu, 10 May 2018 09:58:43 +0100, Graeme
wrote:

In message , Bill Wright
writes

The next part, which is harder, is learning how to use it.

Thanks Bill. I'm certainly no expert, but have used an ancient analogue
cheapo Eagle meter for years, mainly, I admit, with low voltage stuff
(old toy trains!), but enough to know the difference between measuring
volts and amps. I will, however, shout if/when I'm unsure!

One to be careful of is not having it on Amps when measuring Volts ...
or having it on a too low range when measuring Amps (although some are
fuse protected).

So, if say you are looking for a very low current drain but there is
an initial inrush current as you first make the circuit with the meter
(in series) ... keep the meter clips shorted together as you first
hook up (low voltage stuff only etc).

This wouldn't apply to you MM but a mate texted me a while ago asking
if a 20mA drain would flatten a battery over a few days. I said it
probably would but suggested he leave the meter in place for say half
an hour and check again. He texted back to say it dropped back to
next-to-nothing after 20 mins or so. ;-)

Cheers, T i m