I am trying to refurbish a 70 year old dollhouse. It was wired for what
I believe to be 2.5 vac 0.3a #14 flashlight bulbs. It was recommended to
me to get a auto-ranging multimeter to see where the break in the line
might be. I'd like to spend about $25 or so.

I found this one on Amazon, which seems to be what I need.

http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3320-Aut...4254789&sr=8-3

or http://tinyurl.com/78rotkl

I can have it on Tuesday or Wednesday.

If this can't do the job or if there is a better one on Amazon, please
advise. I'd prefer recommendations for Amazon because I can get it in 2
days with Amazon Prime. I'm never sure if the store are out.

Thanks

Jennifer Murphy wrote:
I am trying to refurbish a 70 year old dollhouse. It was wired for what
I believe to be 2.5 vac 0.3a #14 flashlight bulbs. It was recommended to
me to get a auto-ranging multimeter to see where the break in the line
might be. I'd like to spend about $25 or so.

I found this one on Amazon, which seems to be what I need.

http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3320-Aut...4254789&sr=8-3

or http://tinyurl.com/78rotkl

I can have it on Tuesday or Wednesday.

If this can't do the job or if there is a better one on Amazon, please
advise. I'd prefer recommendations for Amazon because I can get it in 2
days with Amazon Prime. I'm never sure if the store are out.

Thanks
If you just want to fix the dollhouse, hook wires to a lamp and
trace along the wiring until you lose light. Then fix it.

You don't need anything autoranging. Get a $5 harbor freight dvm.
They're also available at frys, home depot, auto parts stores
hardware stores, radio shack sears damn near any store.
But you'll probably have to pay $10 or so for one.

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-funct...ter-90899.html
There's a 20% off coupon in the junk mail every week.
They regularly have 'em on sale for $3 or so.

On Dec 18, 9:15*pm, mike wrote:
Jennifer Murphy wrote:
I am trying to refurbish a 70 year old dollhouse. It was wired for what
I believe to be 2.5 vac 0.3a #14 flashlight bulbs. It was recommended to
me to get a auto-ranging multimeter to see where the break in the line
might be. I'd like to spend about $25 or so.

I found this one on Amazon, which seems to be what I need.

http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3320-Aut...ultimeter/dp/B...

orhttp://tinyurl.com/78rotkl

I can have it on Tuesday or Wednesday.

If this can't do the job or if there is a better one on Amazon, please
advise. I'd prefer recommendations for Amazon because I can get it in 2
days with Amazon Prime. I'm never sure if the store are out.

Thanks

If you just want to fix the dollhouse, hook wires to a lamp and
trace along the wiring until you lose light. *Then fix it.

You don't need anything autoranging. *Get a $5 harbor freight dvm.
They're also available at frys, home depot, auto parts stores
hardware stores, radio shack sears damn near any store.
But you'll probably have to pay $10 or so for one.

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-funct...ter-90899.html
There's a 20% off coupon in the junk mail every week.
They regularly have 'em on sale for $3 or so.

They go pretty quickly, but every now and then they offer the meter
instead of the flashlight as the "freebie" in the circular.

A friend of mine still uses a really old analog meter for the rare
times he needs a meter. As a goof I used my coupon to get the free HF
meter and gave it to him as a gift.

I have another one that I've never opened since I have a good meter
that I use quite often. If the OP wants to pay shipping, I'll send him
the free one. ;-)

I'll be another vote for the free one from HF. Gives reasonable readings,
and if you fry it, it's no big deal. I try to keep several on hand.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..

"Jennifer Murphy" wrote in message
...
I am trying to refurbish a 70 year old dollhouse. It was wired for what
I believe to be 2.5 vac 0.3a #14 flashlight bulbs. It was recommended to
me to get a auto-ranging multimeter to see where the break in the line
might be. I'd like to spend about $25 or so.

I found this one on Amazon, which seems to be what I need.

http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3320-Aut...4254789&sr=8-3

or http://tinyurl.com/78rotkl

I can have it on Tuesday or Wednesday.

If this can't do the job or if there is a better one on Amazon, please
advise. I'd prefer recommendations for Amazon because I can get it in 2
days with Amazon Prime. I'm never sure if the store are out.

Thanks

On sale today, five bucks down from ten. But sometimes free with coupon and
any item purchased. Yes, that's the item I mentioned. They used to have
yellow ones, which were also good.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..

"mike" wrote in message
...

You don't need anything autoranging. Get a $5 harbor freight dvm.
They're also available at frys, home depot, auto parts stores
hardware stores, radio shack sears damn near any store.
But you'll probably have to pay $10 or so for one.

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-funct...ter-90899.html
There's a 20% off coupon in the junk mail every week.
They regularly have 'em on sale for $3 or so.

On 12/18/2011 10:39 PM, wrote:
On Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:33:18 -0800 (PST), DerbyDad03
wrote:

On Dec 18, 9:15 pm, wrote:
Jennifer Murphy wrote:
I am trying to refurbish a 70 year old dollhouse. It was wired for what
I believe to be 2.5 vac 0.3a #14 flashlight bulbs. It was recommended to
me to get a auto-ranging multimeter to see where the break in the line
might be. I'd like to spend about $25 or so.

I found this one on Amazon, which seems to be what I need.

http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3320-Aut...ultimeter/dp/B...

orhttp://tinyurl.com/78rotkl

I can have it on Tuesday or Wednesday.

If this can't do the job or if there is a better one on Amazon, please
advise. I'd prefer recommendations for Amazon because I can get it in 2
days with Amazon Prime. I'm never sure if the store are out.

Thanks

If you just want to fix the dollhouse, hook wires to a lamp and
trace along the wiring until you lose light. Then fix it.

You don't need anything autoranging. Get a $5 harbor freight dvm.
They're also available at frys, home depot, auto parts stores
hardware stores, radio shack sears damn near any store.
But you'll probably have to pay $10 or so for one.

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-funct...ter-90899.html
There's a 20% off coupon in the junk mail every week.
They regularly have 'em on sale for $3 or so.

They go pretty quickly, but every now and then they offer the meter
instead of the flashlight as the "freebie" in the circular.

A friend of mine still uses a really old analog meter for the rare
times he needs a meter. As a goof I used my coupon to get the free HF
meter and gave it to him as a gift.

I have another one that I've never opened since I have a good meter
that I use quite often. If the OP wants to pay shipping, I'll send him
the free one. ;-)

Sounds to me like this guy wants to fix the doll house by Christmas.
He dont need any meters for this job. Owning a meter is a good thing
to have, but it's not needed for this project. All that is needed is
a flashlight bulb with 2 wires soldered to it, or in a socket. Then
begin to trace the wires starting at the battery and follow them,
using the test bulb with wires. One of those 12V automotive testers
sold at Walmart and most auto parts stores should work too. it will
be dim, but will show if there is voltage.

As for those who suggest a cheap DVM from HF, not everyone has a HF
store nearby, but everyone has a Walmart and they have them for around
$10, and they can be purchased anytime without paying shipping.

Anyone with any knowledge of electricity should be able to fix some
battery lights in a doll house without any meters. Just look for
broken wires and corroded battery holders, plus burnt out bulbs. It's
a simple battery circuit with 2 wires to each bulb. Not rocket
science.... If there's a switch in the circuit, suspect that as bad
and jump across the contacts.

Even easier, buy a set of LED lights that run on a battery (made for
people's clothing), at Walgreens for around $5 and just put one bulb
in each room with a staple or a glue gun. They are sold with 12 bulbs
or so. That should be about right.


I was thinking that the OP wanted to do a more sensitive restoration,
which I wholeheartedly support...

nate

--
replace "roosters" with "cox" to reply.
http://members.cox.net/njnagel

On Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:15:54 -0800, mike wrote:

Jennifer Murphy wrote:
I am trying to refurbish a 70 year old dollhouse. It was wired for what
I believe to be 2.5 vac 0.3a #14 flashlight bulbs. It was recommended to
me to get a auto-ranging multimeter to see where the break in the line
might be. I'd like to spend about $25 or so.

I found this one on Amazon, which seems to be what I need.

http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3320-Aut...4254789&sr=8-3

or http://tinyurl.com/78rotkl

I can have it on Tuesday or Wednesday.

If this can't do the job or if there is a better one on Amazon, please
advise. I'd prefer recommendations for Amazon because I can get it in 2
days with Amazon Prime. I'm never sure if the store are out.

Thanks
If you just want to fix the dollhouse, hook wires to a lamp and
trace along the wiring until you lose light. Then fix it.

You don't need anything autoranging. Get a $5 harbor freight dvm.
They're also available at frys, home depot, auto parts stores
hardware stores, radio shack sears damn near any store.
But you'll probably have to pay $10 or so for one.

I may not need an autoranging meter for this project, but for $17 why
not get one? The $5-10 meter from HF with shipping will be close to $17.
Is that meter better in any way than the one from Amazon?

My sense at this point. You should make some calls to the people in your
social network, and knock on your neighbors doors. There has to be someone
available who has the skills to repair this doll house. And who will let you
watch, help, learn.

Oh, the HF meter that was listed is less good than the auto ranging one. The
HF one has the advantage of being cheap, and disposable. I often use my
cheap HF meter, even when I have a good one available.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..

"Jennifer Murphy" wrote in message
...

I may not need an autoranging meter for this project, but for $17 why
not get one? The $5-10 meter from HF with shipping will be close to $17.
Is that meter better in any way than the one from Amazon?

Jennifer Murphy wrote:
On Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:15:54 -0800, mike wrote:

Jennifer Murphy wrote:
I am trying to refurbish a 70 year old dollhouse. It was wired for what
I believe to be 2.5 vac 0.3a #14 flashlight bulbs. It was recommended to
me to get a auto-ranging multimeter to see where the break in the line
might be. I'd like to spend about $25 or so.

I found this one on Amazon, which seems to be what I need.

http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3320-Aut...4254789&sr=8-3

or http://tinyurl.com/78rotkl

I can have it on Tuesday or Wednesday.

If this can't do the job or if there is a better one on Amazon, please
advise. I'd prefer recommendations for Amazon because I can get it in 2
days with Amazon Prime. I'm never sure if the store are out.

Thanks
If you just want to fix the dollhouse, hook wires to a lamp and
trace along the wiring until you lose light. Then fix it.

You don't need anything autoranging. Get a $5 harbor freight dvm.
They're also available at frys, home depot, auto parts stores
hardware stores, radio shack sears damn near any store.
But you'll probably have to pay $10 or so for one.

I may not need an autoranging meter for this project, but for $17 why
not get one? The $5-10 meter from HF with shipping will be close to $17.
Is that meter better in any way than the one from Amazon?

The BEST thing has been suggested at least twice so far.
Light bulb with two wires on it will do exactly what you can do with
an autoranging meter when it comes to finding a broken wire in a doll house.

Nate Nagel wrote:
..


I was thinking that the OP wanted to do a more sensitive restoration,
which I wholeheartedly support...

nate


If you want to be authentic, the tiny doll wanted to restore his
vintage doll house, but his tiny legislator passed a law that prevents
him from buying tiny incandescent lights.
So he posted his question on the tiny internet and the tiny NSA got
wind of it and decided to make an example of him.
So the tiny doll went to jail for dealing in black-market luminaries
with special circumstances; home repair with out a tiny permit and
without a tiny autoranging DMM.
The tiny house is dark 'till he does the time...and converts to
LEDs...assuming
his tiny banker doesn't foreclose before he gets out.

All for the want of an auto-ranging DMM.

Movie rights for sale for a nominal fee...

On Dec 18, 7:05*pm, Jennifer Murphy wrote:
I am trying to refurbish a 70 year old dollhouse. It was wired for what
I believe to be 2.5 vac 0.3a #14 flashlight bulbs. It was recommended to
me to get a auto-ranging multimeter to see where the break in the line
might be. I'd like to spend about $25 or so.

I found this one on Amazon, which seems to be what I need.

http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3320-Aut...ultimeter/dp/B...

orhttp://tinyurl.com/78rotkl

I can have it on Tuesday or Wednesday.

If this can't do the job or if there is a better one on Amazon, please
advise. I'd prefer recommendations for Amazon because I can get it in 2
days with Amazon Prime. I'm never sure if the store are out.

Thanks

I've had great luck with Cen-tec products, handle carefully, not as
robust as Fluke but the cost is incredibly low.

On Dec 18, 9:39*pm, wrote:
On Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:33:18 -0800 (PST), DerbyDad03





wrote:
On Dec 18, 9:15*pm, mike wrote:
Jennifer Murphy wrote:
I am trying to refurbish a 70 year old dollhouse. It was wired for what
I believe to be 2.5 vac 0.3a #14 flashlight bulbs. It was recommended to
me to get a auto-ranging multimeter to see where the break in the line
might be. I'd like to spend about $25 or so.

I found this one on Amazon, which seems to be what I need.

http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3320-Aut...ultimeter/dp/B....

orhttp://tinyurl.com/78rotkl

I can have it on Tuesday or Wednesday.

If this can't do the job or if there is a better one on Amazon, please
advise. I'd prefer recommendations for Amazon because I can get it in 2
days with Amazon Prime. I'm never sure if the store are out.

Thanks

If you just want to fix the dollhouse, hook wires to a lamp and
trace along the wiring until you lose light. *Then fix it.

You don't need anything autoranging. *Get a $5 harbor freight dvm.
They're also available at frys, home depot, auto parts stores
hardware stores, radio shack sears damn near any store.
But you'll probably have to pay $10 or so for one.

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-funct...ter-90899.html
There's a 20% off coupon in the junk mail every week.
They regularly have 'em on sale for $3 or so.

They go pretty quickly, but every now and then they offer the meter
instead of the flashlight as the "freebie" in the circular.

A friend of mine still uses a really old analog meter for the rare
times he needs a meter. As a goof I used my coupon to get the free HF
meter and gave it to him as a gift.

I have another one that I've never opened since I have a good meter
that I use quite often. If the OP wants to pay shipping, I'll send him
the free one. ;-)

Sounds to me like this guy wants to fix the doll house by Christmas.
He dont need any meters for this job. *Owning a meter is a good thing
to have, but it's not needed for this project. *All that is needed is
a flashlight bulb with 2 wires soldered to it, or in a socket. *Then
begin to trace the wires starting at the battery and follow them,
using the test bulb with wires. *One of those 12V automotive testers
sold at Walmart and most auto parts stores should work too. *it will
be dim, but will show if there is voltage.

As for those who suggest a cheap DVM from HF, not everyone has a HF
store nearby, but everyone has a Walmart and they have them for around
$10, and they can be purchased anytime without paying shipping.

Anyone with any knowledge of electricity should be able to fix some
battery lights in a doll house without any meters. *Just look for
broken wires and corroded battery holders, plus burnt out bulbs. *It's
a simple battery circuit with 2 wires to each bulb. *Not rocket
science.... If there's a switch in the circuit, suspect that as bad
and jump across the contacts.

Even easier, buy a set of LED lights that run on a battery (made for
people's clothing), at Walgreens for around $5 and just put one bulb
in each room with a staple or a glue gun. *They are sold with 12 bulbs
or so. *That should be about right.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

He is a Jennifer, which is pretty much only used as a female person's
name.

On 12/18/2011 10:47 PM, Jennifer Murphy wrote:
On Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:15:54 -0800, wrote:

Jennifer Murphy wrote:
I am trying to refurbish a 70 year old dollhouse. It was wired for what
I believe to be 2.5 vac 0.3a #14 flashlight bulbs. It was recommended to
me to get a auto-ranging multimeter to see where the break in the line
might be. I'd like to spend about $25 or so.

I found this one on Amazon, which seems to be what I need.

http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3320-Aut...4254789&sr=8-3

or http://tinyurl.com/78rotkl

I can have it on Tuesday or Wednesday.

If this can't do the job or if there is a better one on Amazon, please
advise. I'd prefer recommendations for Amazon because I can get it in 2
days with Amazon Prime. I'm never sure if the store are out.

Thanks
If you just want to fix the dollhouse, hook wires to a lamp and
trace along the wiring until you lose light. Then fix it.

You don't need anything autoranging. Get a $5 harbor freight dvm.
They're also available at frys, home depot, auto parts stores
hardware stores, radio shack sears damn near any store.
But you'll probably have to pay $10 or so for one.

I may not need an autoranging meter for this project, but for $17 why
not get one? The $5-10 meter from HF with shipping will be close to $17.
Is that meter better in any way than the one from Amazon?

Your instincts are better than most of the more experienced posters'
suggestions (some of whom didn't even bother to read that this is not
battery operated). For $17 you quickly get a product that you can use
for your purposes, be a help in the future and is easy to use. Stop
reading these posts and go buy the meter you found on Amazon.
--
Peace,
bobj

"Marilyn & Bob" wrote in message
...
Your instincts are better than most of the more experienced posters'
suggestions (some of whom didn't even bother to read that this is not
battery operated). For $17 you quickly get a product that you can use for
your purposes, be a help in the future and is easy to use. Stop reading
these posts and go buy the meter you found on Amazon.
--
Peace,
bobj

That is my thoughts. Get the one from Amazon. It is not that much money.
Anyone doing any repairs should have a digital meter as there are many for
under $ 20. The ones that are auto ranging take much thinking out of it.
The ones that have ranges, the range is the maximum voltage for that range
and you are measuring less. The Amazon one did seem to have a battery
range. I assume that it will put the battery under a load so that it will
give a good indication of the battery. Many batteries will show the normal
voltage without a load on them.

I have either at home or work many electrical meters. Most are in the $ 100
and way up to over $ 1000 range. But for around the home usage, most any
meter will do.
I also have an under $ 20 meter that often stays in my personal truck just
so I will have one with me.
If I get by Harbor Freight I may jsut pick up one of their under $ 5 meters.
The nearest one is about 30 miles from me and I do not get close to it very
often.

On Dec 18, 10:47*pm, Jennifer Murphy wrote:
On Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:15:54 -0800, mike wrote:
Jennifer Murphy wrote:
I am trying to refurbish a 70 year old dollhouse. It was wired for what
I believe to be 2.5 vac 0.3a #14 flashlight bulbs. It was recommended to
me to get a auto-ranging multimeter to see where the break in the line
might be. I'd like to spend about $25 or so.

I found this one on Amazon, which seems to be what I need.

http://www.amazon.com/Equus-3320-Aut...ultimeter/dp/B....

orhttp://tinyurl.com/78rotkl

I can have it on Tuesday or Wednesday.

If this can't do the job or if there is a better one on Amazon, please
advise. I'd prefer recommendations for Amazon because I can get it in 2
days with Amazon Prime. I'm never sure if the store are out.

Thanks
If you just want to fix the dollhouse, hook wires to a lamp and
trace along the wiring until you lose light. *Then fix it.

You don't need anything autoranging. *Get a $5 harbor freight dvm.
They're also available at frys, home depot, auto parts stores
hardware stores, radio shack sears damn near any store.
But you'll probably have to pay $10 or so for one.

I may not need an autoranging meter for this project, but for $17 why
not get one? The $5-10 meter from HF with shipping will be close to $17.
Is that meter better in any way than the one from Amazon?- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Sorry...I often forget that some folks have to have stuff from HF
shipped to them.

There's 2 HF stores near me, one at 3.5 miles and one at 14, so I'm
spoiled.

Try Wal-Mart or a Big/Odd Lot store or equivalent if you want/need a
cheap meter quickly.

Otherwise use one of the other fine suggestions offered in this thread.

On Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:13:36 -0500, Marilyn & Bob
wrote:

You don't need anything autoranging. Get a $5 harbor freight dvm.
They're also available at frys, home depot, auto parts stores
hardware stores, radio shack sears damn near any store.
But you'll probably have to pay $10 or so for one.

I may not need an autoranging meter for this project, but for $17 why
not get one? The $5-10 meter from HF with shipping will be close to $17.
Is that meter better in any way than the one from Amazon?

Your instincts are better than most of the more experienced posters'
suggestions (some of whom didn't even bother to read that this is not
battery operated). For $17 you quickly get a product that you can use
for your purposes, be a help in the future and is easy to use. Stop
reading these posts and go buy the meter you found on Amazon.

Thanks. I have it on order. Maybe I'll even learn a thing or two.

On Dec 19, 11:04*am, Jennifer Murphy wrote:
On Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:13:36 -0500, Marilyn & Bob

wrote:
You don't need anything autoranging. *Get a $5 harbor freight dvm.
They're also available at frys, home depot, auto parts stores
hardware stores, radio shack sears damn near any store.
But you'll probably have to pay $10 or so for one.

I may not need an autoranging meter for this project, but for $17 why
not get one? The $5-10 meter from HF with shipping will be close to $17.
Is that meter better in any way than the one from Amazon?

Your instincts are better than most of the more experienced posters'
suggestions (some of whom didn't even bother to read that this is not
battery operated). *For $17 you quickly get a product that you can use
for your purposes, be a help in the future and *is easy to use. *Stop
reading these posts and go buy the meter you found on Amazon.

Thanks. I have it on order. Maybe I'll even learn a thing or two.

Just think before you connect the test probes to anything so that you
don't do any damage to yourself. Meters are easily replaced if they
get fried somehow, nont so a person.

"Ralph Mowery" wrote in
news

If I get by Harbor Freight I may jsut pick up one of their under $ 5
meters. The nearest one is about 30 miles from me and I do not get
close to it very often.




be sure to check your Harbor Frfeight cheapo DMM for accuracy;
the first one I bought read a 1.5V battery at nearly 2 volts.

--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
localnet
dot com

It sounds like Jennifer is buying her first VOM. She, or any other adult,
needs some basic instruction. And, ideally to work with an experienced user
for a while. It's a good idea to "just think". But, she's not likely to know
the rules, cautions, things that can go wrong go wrong, etc. No one does,
unless instructed. Even then, it's necessary to blow a few meter fuses
before really getting the point.

That's why I suggested the HF free meter. Cheaper than a Fluke (which has
$11 fuses, and the fuses aren't a common size).


Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
..

"hr(bob) " wrote in message
...
On Dec 19, 11:04 am, Jennifer Murphy wrote:

Thanks. I have it on order. Maybe I'll even learn a thing or two.

Just think before you connect the test probes to anything so that you
don't do any damage to yourself. Meters are easily replaced if they
get fried somehow, nont so a person.

"Stormin Mormon" wrote in message
.. .
It sounds like Jennifer is buying her first VOM. She, or any other adult,
needs some basic instruction. And, ideally to work with an experienced
user
for a while. It's a good idea to "just think". But, she's not likely to
know
the rules, cautions, things that can go wrong go wrong, etc. No one does,
unless instructed. Even then, it's necessary to blow a few meter fuses
before really getting the point.

That's why I suggested the HF free meter. Cheaper than a Fluke (which has
$11 fuses, and the fuses aren't a common size).



For general testing Fluke makes a meter that is almost impossiable to blow
up. The T5-600 is about $ 100 but hard to harm. It will take large
voltages on the ohms scale with no problem. The short fall with it is that
for measuring batteries, it only reads out in whole volts so hard to test
low voltage batteries.

I want to thank everyone who offered helpful suggestions and advice. I
got started too late to get the dollhouse lights working so I just
finished fixing up the house itself. It was a big hit on Christmas
morning. When I get some time, I'll finish the lights. My plan is to
replace the transformer with a battery pack and use LED lights. I'll
probably have to replace the four toggle switches.