Using a multimeter - how?

[CaptJay]

Title says it all really - I'm an electrical nubkin so Ive never used one of these before - how exactly do I use one to measure what voltage my Buzz is using (to find my sweet spot and also gauge where I am on the 'turns' )
Mine was a cheap analog multimeter btw, from Walmart - around $10. (can't find one to link sorry but it has the red and black leads that are basically like long wires with prongs at the ends)

 

[BuzzKill]

So it has a needle indicator on it ?? if so try this tutorial Analogue Multimeter :: Electronics and Radio Today

They have different scales for the different voltage settings as well as for OHMS so it takes some time to figure out but it is not that hard
It is all about the dial setting and the scale you are on

 

[CaptJay]

I'm jsut really not sure where to stick the probes (yes yes I know how that sounds lol) on the Buzz - I sort of know from there. Thanks for the link btw.

 

[ejoker]

if you have his voltage adapter, just hook a gator clip to each probe and voila.
otherwise, the black goes to the outside of the connector (or anywhere on the cap), and the red to the inner post.

 

[BuzzKill]

Without an adapter put one probe on the center conductor and one to the outside of the connector , do not short them or you will not get a reading .

 

[CaptJay]

Finally got the hang of it thanks to you guys - do you sell spare hands? lol I had to borrow my other half - now I see why you sell those clip/adaptor things if it means I can do it myself without needing the help lol - maybe next month when I have some cash

 

[NuGalicia]

Multimeters are essential.

The other day two 900mAh mega eGo batteries stopped working on the same day. I assumed they were dead and cut into one with a dremel to see how they're made. Later I noticed my wife's 900mAh battery wasn't charging, so I pulled out my multimeter and checked the charger. It was bad.

Now I wish I'd checked my charger with a meter before ruining a $25 battery!

I have a digital. When you can afford one, I'd recommend one because they're easier to read.

 

[Godzilla]

posting to save this thread. Thanks for the great info.

 

[5cardstud]

Radio Shack has digitals very cheap. I had one of those for building PCs before I ever heard of an ecig.

 

[mwa102464]

I ran a search on Google, I found some spectacular deals !

 

[kwcharlie]

the cheaper the better, just get digital. i like the $3 ones at Harbor Freight

 

[Bovinia]

the cheaper the better, just get digital. i like the $3 ones at Harbor Freight

Dang, thanks Charlie...there is a Harbor Freight store here in Manchester

I knew I forgot to ask for something in my divorce settlement! Keep your money...gimme my tools dammit

 

[kwcharlie]

i would have thought you would have a meter, and a voltage detector Voltage Detector, 50 to 1000 V AC - Voltage Detectors - Electrical Power Testing - Test Instruments : Grainger Industrial Supply for work on house wiring. Build up your tools i alwase buy the BEST hand tools, life is too short to not, but those cheap meters work fine for anyone except someone like me

 

[Bovinia]

Electrical wiring is something I leave to the experts...I know just enough to know I'd blow myself into next month! The tools I miss are my woodworking power tools. I don't have room for them or a place to work living in an apartment

One of my hobbies used to be making simple, rustic reproduction farmstyle antiques. Things like pie safes, six board chests, etc. I also did the punched tin door panels for my pie safes...all that hammering is good for the soul!