On Thursday, 10 May 2018 03:05:18 UTC+1, Bill Wright wrote:
On 09/05/2018 11:17, Graeme wrote:
In message , "Dave Plowman (News)"
writes
In article ,
Â* Graeme wrote:
I triedÂ* Harry's bulb trick again (small MES panel light bulb between
-ve battery terminal and earth strap), and nothing.Â* Tried using an
ammeter.Â* Nothing.Â* Yet current must be flowing somewhere.

Not been out and bought yourself a DVM, yet, then? Even one for a
fiver is
better than non at all.

Just bought from CPC, as recommended by Bill.Â* That should help.

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

Lesson 1: don't connect it across a circuit when it's set to measure
current. Current measurements are made in series with a load, and even
then only after careful thought.

Lesson 2: Don't get mixed up between AC and DC.

Lesson 3: Buy some decent test leads, ones where you can fit different
ends: croc clips, probes, etc. The ones supplied with the meter will be
****e.

Lesson 4: Test the meter before use. For resistance put the probes
together; the reading should be zero or near enough. For DC voltage use
a dry battery. For AC voltage I generally use the mains. For current I
use a DC source and a headlamp bulb.

Lesson 5: turn the damned thing off when you've finished with it.

Any more tips, anyone?

Bill

Lesson 6: Learn what continuity is :- It does not mean short circuit or zero resistance, in fact most report a bleep if the resistance is less than 50 ohms

Lesson 7: know how to replace the internal fuse and keep a spare fuse especailly if it't 2 amps or less.

Lesson 8: Think about what you expect to see on the display before doing the test.