Multimeter help

[Bootsand]

I've never used a multimeter before, and I'm trying to test an atty for resistance for the first time.

I think I might have gotten a DOA multimeter, but I'm not sure... having never used one before.

This is the multimeter I got: Amazon.com: Equus 3320 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter: Automotive

No matter what I do, I cannot get the screen to display ANYTHING. I changed the batteries that came in it in case that was the issue. Do multimeters not show anything until the leads are placed just right or something?

 

[Papa Lazarou]

No, at least not meter I've ever used. Normal behaviour is that they display 0 or at least something on the display when the selector switch is moved from the 'off' position. But looking at the page you've linked to there does appear to be an auto power off function on it, so check the instruction manual to see what you need to do to "wake it" if it has shut itself down automatically.

 

[Hoosier]

After switching to the Ohm scale (it is sometimes marked with the Greek Omega, or horseshoe shaped "thingy") some meters will display all 9's, an infinity symbol, a dash, or even range. I have never seen one that displayed nothing.

If the meter can be calibrated, you will want to touch the probe leads together and set the display to zero by the calibration dial/button. This is important when making small range measurements like measuring an atty accurately.

It is possible you have a DOA meter.