How to use a multimeter?!

[DavidOck]

Regarding Fluke for coils... just get a Provari!

The referenced Exetech does have the "REL" button, which will automatically subtract the lead resistance, but other meters can be had for less. If you're ONLY going to be using a meter for coils, why go overboard? Sure, the Fluke is the king for those of us in the trade (retired hydroelectric plant electrician, love Fluke instruments), but if I didn't need a good meter for other purposes, I'd go inexpensive...

 

[suspectK]

Yeah, I've just been using Fluke and Megger so long. It's hard to recommend anything else...

 

[Glen Snyder]

Yeah, I've just been using Fluke and Megger so long. It's hard to recommend anything else...

No it's not, I'll show you how. Get a Fieldpiece

 

[VV_James]

Regarding Fluke for coils... just get a Provari!

The referenced Exetech does have the "REL" button, which will automatically subtract the lead resistance, but other meters can be had for less. If you're ONLY going to be using a meter for coils, why go overboard? Sure, the Fluke is the king for those of us in the trade (retired hydroelectric plant electrician, love Fluke instruments), but if I didn't need a good meter for other purposes, I'd go inexpensive...

Good point!
If all you're doing is checking the resistance, and mod with an ohms meter built in will do...
At least as long as you're not shooting for anything below 1.2 ohms or so...

The L-Rider Robust, Innokin SVD, Smoktech SID, Joye eVod, Provari, and a lot more... Most APVs have ohm meters built in...
Just don't fire the coil before you check the ohms...

 

[SissySpike]

GET A FLUKE. I have a 1587, but I doubt you're going to do any low-medium voltage insulation resistance testing.
http://www.fluke-direct.com/shop/categorybrowse.do?category_name=MULTIMETERS&path=

Getting a fluke for vaping is like getting a the latest Alienware gaming laptop for emails ECF and Youtubing. Not very practical.

 

[roonies]

Funny you should say that....I'm getting a Provari next week....was waiting on a check and it's on its way, so that solves that issue.

Regarding Fluke for coils... just get a Provari!

The referenced Exetech does have the "REL" button, which will automatically subtract the lead resistance, but other meters can be had for less. If you're ONLY going to be using a meter for coils, why go overboard? Sure, the Fluke is the king for those of us in the trade (retired hydroelectric plant electrician, love Fluke instruments), but if I didn't need a good meter for other purposes, I'd go inexpensive...

 

[SissySpike]

Funny you should say that....I'm getting a Provari next week....was waiting on a check and it's on its way, so that solves that issue.

I use my Provari to check coils all the time it sends a pulse to the coils and gives you a very accurate reading. It will give you an error code if there is a short. You can check sub ohm but it wont let you vape it. but if you were ever inclined to set up a sub ohm a provari is just as good a way as any to check voltage and for shorts.

 

[suspectK]

Having a real multimeter will come in handy when civilization falls apart. Then, we'll see who was being practical.

 

[detonat0r]

To avoid opening a new thread, i would like to ask you a question regarding MM's.

I have one, know how to use it and all...but i have to admit that i don't know much about electricity.

So, when i make a rebuild and test the resistance, i get a number, lets say 2.5-3 Ohm which is ok, but the question is, how high would the resistance be if there was a short somewhere, that is if I did a sloppy job when rebuilding?

 

[WarHawk-AVG]

Add this to your 'wish-list'
great for doing re builds on as its a stable little platform

Atomizer/Cartomizer Ohm Meter

Nice

Even have a DIY!
Ohm Meter Kit

Oh...and check out what this guy did with a el-cheapo digital multimeter...just get one of these and do what he did
http://www.calivapers.com/showthread.php?2495-My-3-99-Ohm-Reader

 

[suspectK]

The resistance reading will be displayed as OL or 0.00 on a true short circuit. The readings will more than likely bounce around while taking your reading before or after heat is applied when you have a hot spot.

 

[detonat0r]

The resistance reading will be displayed as OL or 0.00 on a true short circuit. The readings will more than likely bounce around while taking your reading before or after heat is applied when you have a hot spot.

Ok, thank you for the answer. So if I understand correctly, if I get a reading in a normal range for atomizer resistances, that should mean that there is no short and it is safe to use the rebuilt atomizer with a battery?

 

[DavidOck]

OL often represents an open circuit, not a short - i.e. resistance higher than the meter can read. A short will be zero.

Touch the leads together and note the reading. It should be close to zero, and is showing you the lead resistance. If the meter doesn't have a "rel" button to automatically zero the reading, note what it is and subtract if from the coil reading for better accuracy.

So if your total reading is, say, 2.8 and the touched lead reading was 0.2, then the coil is 2.6. With a typical battery, anything between about 1.8 and 3.2 is going to vape fine, and not be a hazard. Extremely low readings may be dangerous, extremely high readings just won't heat up.