Classic Rotary Phones Forum

Telephone Identification, Repair & Restoration => Telephone Tools, Workshops, Tool Identification and Other => Topic started by: Key2871 on March 06, 2021, 12:35:12 PM

Title: For those who don’t know how to use a multimeter safely.
Post by: Key2871 on March 06, 2021, 12:35:12 PM
I got this book last summer at a neighbors house after he passed away. My wife and I took care of the estate and etc. Anyway I saw this book and decided it would be great for my kids so they can learn how to use a multimeter. I looked it over lots of times and thought you know there would be someone who could benifit from the book, so I looked up one on eBay.
It's not expencive and it's brand new.
So for those who might have a multimeter but are not really up to speed on using one safely, this is a great read.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=Using%20your%20multimeter%20book

Loaded with a lot  of great information on using an analog or digital multimeter.
Here are a couple shots.

Sorry about the first, I forgot to change my camera position
( Edit: Image removed, rotated and re-attached )
Title: Re: For those who don’t know how to use a multimeter safely.
Post by: dsk on March 06, 2021, 02:36:42 PM
Sometimes you fail, I had got a 12v 35W converter for xenon lamp. It did not work as it should, so I did put in my voltmeter. It should be about 400V so I started with the meter at max range 1000V   
By some reason the readable signals came as smoke signal ;D but at least I could be sure that the unit did deliver power.

I had no meter with higher range, so what to do? I took a 36W fluorescent tube and connected one wire in each end, and yes it worked like a charm ..

I bought a new meter  ;)

dsk
Title: Re: For those who don’t know how to use a multimeter safely.
Post by: Key2871 on March 06, 2021, 03:18:32 PM
Don't you hate that, when you smoke your meter...
Earlier on when I started using one, it was a cheap ten dollar meter, but I fried it so well even the needle curled. Over volting a analog meter is just not good.
I have meters now that can't over volt it blocks and so far just reads OV. It's digital so I think they are better these days. But 1 k volts is a lot of voltage.
Title: Re: For those who don’t know how to use a multimeter safely.
Post by: Doug Rose on March 06, 2021, 04:04:25 PM
I still have a 30+ Year old Fluke in my B Box, it's been awhile since I've used it....that reminds me to check he batteries  8)...Doug
Title: Re: For those who don’t know how to use a multimeter safely.
Post by: Key2871 on March 06, 2021, 04:35:22 PM
Yea, I always take the batterys out when I'm done. Especially my good meters.
Title: Re: For those who don’t know how to use a multimeter safely.
Post by: dsk on March 07, 2021, 02:59:18 AM
Quote from: Key2871 on March 06, 2021, 03:18:32 PM
Don't you hate that, when you smoke your meter...
Earlier on when I started using one, it was a cheap ten dollar meter, but I fried it so well even the needle curled. Over volting a analog meter is just not good.
I have meters now that can't over volt it blocks and so far just reads OV. It's digital so I think they are better these days. But 1 k volts is a lot of voltage.
Yes I hate it. it was a cheap meter, and I bought a replacement from China.   My best digital meter is a Fluke, I'm more careful with that.  :)

dsk
Title: Re: For those who don’t know how to use a multimeter safely.
Post by: tubaman on March 07, 2021, 03:16:48 AM
Reminds me of when I was an apprentice - one of the other guys thought he'd try and measure how much current came from the 13A socket on his bench (ie UK 240V mains socket). He set his Avo 8 (analogue variety for those who don't remember them) to the 10A range and stuck a probe in each side of the socket before turning it on. There was a bang and a large flash. The trip on the Avo did pop but not before it had slammed the needle against the far end stop - the Avo was dead. Unsurprisingly our instructor was not amused!  ;D
Title: Re: For those who don’t know how to use a multimeter safely.
Post by: dsk on March 07, 2021, 10:02:28 AM
Quote from: tubaman on March 07, 2021, 03:16:48 AM
Reminds me of when I was an apprentice - one of the other guys thought he'd try and measure how much current came from the 13A socket on his bench (ie UK 240V mains socket). He set his Avo 8 (analogue variety for those who don't remember them) to the 10A range and stuck a probe in each side of the socket before turning it on. There was a bang and a large flash. The trip on the Avo did pop but not before it had slammed the needle against the far end stop - the Avo was dead. Unsurprisingly our instructor was not amused!  ;D

About like when on of our students did put the Geiger counter in the microwave oven to test if it was radioactivity.  Conclusion, do not do that ...
Title: Re: For those who don’t know how to use a multimeter safely.
Post by: Key2871 on March 07, 2021, 10:43:03 AM
A Geiger counter in the microwave..
Wow I bet some sparks were flying.. Just before it went bang.
Title: Re: For those who don’t know how to use a multimeter safely.
Post by: Jim Stettler on March 07, 2021, 10:57:00 AM
Harbor Freight sells/gives away a cheap multimeter that will work well on telephone circuits.
https://www.harborfreight.com/7-function-digital-multimeter-63759.html
$6.79

Jim

Title: Re: For those who don’t know how to use a multimeter safely.
Post by: Scott on March 07, 2021, 11:04:01 AM
Now that is one interesting multi meter.

Scott K.
Title: Re: For those who don’t know how to use a multimeter safely.
Post by: FABphones on March 07, 2021, 01:17:56 PM
Quote from: Scott on March 07, 2021, 11:04:01 AM
Now that is one interesting multi meter.

Scott K.

I am loving this thread. Informative and a fun read ;D who'd have thought that from a multimeter.

And that Harbor Freight price is throwaway good (not that we would). A burger and fries costs more.
Title: Re: For those who don’t know how to use a multimeter safely.
Post by: Jim Stettler on March 07, 2021, 02:23:42 PM
Thanks FAb.
That back tool works well, but isn't a multi meter.
NOTE TO SELF:
Review your post before or immediately after posting.
Jim
Title: Re: For those who don’t know how to use a multimeter safely.
Post by: countryman on March 07, 2021, 02:49:25 PM
Funny indeed. But the pic seems to be broken right on the Harborfreight page?
Anyway, the shown type of multimeter is fully sufficient for most common purposes.
I currently use a ADM08A type that I got directly from China. I really like it. It also measures capacitance and frequency, e.g. ringer frequency.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/162335641262]https://www.ebay.com/itm/162335641262
Title: Re: For those who don’t know how to use a multimeter safely.
Post by: Key2871 on March 07, 2021, 03:43:36 PM
Quote from: Jim Stettler on March 07, 2021, 02:23:42 PM
Thanks FAb.
That back tool works well, but isn't a multi meter.
NOTE TO SELF:
Review your post before or immediately after posting.
Jim

Yes Jim I try that each time, and my phone loves to screw up, as in the header on this post.
it was supposed to read for those who don't...
But as anyone can see it didn't quite work out. I missed the header in my first few edits. Oh well.

I got a couple years ago from All Electronics Corp, about 10 bucks each.
Because I wanted a decent DMM I could take on jobs and if it got dropped or forgotten not really a big deal.
I modded the leads and put ABN clips on so I can test circuit protectors, and take voltage and other readings.

Since then I've picked up a couple more other DMMs and one with a NCV built in. NCV is a non contact Volt detector, that also doubles as a probe.
It's a bit quirky but it does work pretty well. I've had to use it several times when working on mains voltage, like figuring out a guys wiring problem in his house, he had an open but he didn't know where.
Instead of using open tiped probes I used the NCV and found the problem in the switch box. Killed the power and fixed the problem in about ten minutes.
I'll post some pictures if anyone wants a look.
I also saw a new meter, on eBay and it has a flash light and NCV built in, the flash light will light in presents of voltage and it will also beep.
Title: Re: For those who don’t know how to use a multimeter safely.
Post by: FABphones on March 08, 2021, 03:34:11 AM
Quote from: Key2871 on March 07, 2021, 03:43:36 PM
...my phone loves to screw up, as in the header on this post, it was supposed to read for those who don't...
But as anyone can see it didn't quite work out...

Amended that for you.  :)

Our go-to multimeter, shown here (to right) in my BT tools case. 'Meter Multifunction 1A' issued by British Telecom (BT).
Title: Re: For those who don’t know how to use a multimeter safely.
Post by: Key2871 on March 08, 2021, 04:29:19 AM
I saw, thank you..
I like your test kit, very neat and orderly.
Title: Re: For those who don’t know how to use a multimeter safely.
Post by: 19and41 on March 08, 2021, 03:43:04 PM
I keep an old Fluke 77 and also have a Simpson 269.  A good book on multimeters is worth it's weight in gold.  I had a text from my radio school at Ft. Sill That got borrowed so much that it fell apart before my second enlistment was up.
Title: Re: For those who don’t know how to use a multimeter safely.
Post by: Key2871 on March 08, 2021, 06:45:09 PM
Here's a few shots of my "Pencel" tester with NCV tester.
The probe retracts or comes out of the tip by twisting the collar, the extra Common lead has a gator clip that connects on the end. Everything is pretty well made and insulated really well. This model has been discontinued not sure if they make them anymore.
The tip lights green when voltage over 80 volts is absent, a Red led flashes in the presence of voltage over 80 volts, and it beeps to alert two ways that voltage is presant.
Rather handy devise and although it doesn't have a lighted display, it is easy to read, easy to handle nice to have one probe in each hand and still have a display to see in your hand.
The black on the screen bottom right is a shadow.
Title: Re: For those who don’t know how to use a multimeter safely.
Post by: Jim Stettler on March 08, 2021, 07:02:49 PM
Quote from: 19and41 on March 08, 2021, 03:43:04 PM
I keep an old Fluke 77 and also have a Simpson 269.
I am old school and like a Simpson.
However,  I typically use a fluke meter rated  cat 3 @600v meter. For low volt I don't have a problem using a CAt3 rated @ 300v. Work requires me to use a cat3 @ 600v in case an electrician uses my meter. A cat 3 rating means you won't die if the meter explodes, which can happen.
A Simpson is great for swingers.  The reason a Simpson is great for swingers, is that the analog meter face is much faster than a digital display.
If using  a fluke digital meter, I find swingers with continuity. The speaker is faster than the display.
JMO,
Jim
Title: Re: For those who don’t know how to use a multimeter safely.
Post by: Key2871 on March 08, 2021, 07:10:19 PM
I had looked at getting a Simpson again, as well as a fluke, but they were out of my price range. And yes analog are faster I had problems with them going out of adjustment.
I still keep my eye out for a nicer meter, but since I don't do a lot or this type of work any more I can't justify spending the $$$ on the real nice meters.
I had a Simpson years ago, but sold it, wish I had kept it.
Title: Re: For those who don’t know how to use a multimeter safely.
Post by: FABphones on March 28, 2021, 02:26:04 AM
Quote from: Key2871 on March 08, 2021, 06:45:09 PM
Here's a few shots of my "Pencel" tester with NCV tester...
easy to handle nice to have one probe in each hand and still have a display to see in your hand...

I like the design of those, well worth having.

——

Came across this Multimeter in the local 'cheapie' store. Looks very similar to the Harbor Freight meter.

Cost was under €5 ($5.91) including battery (which can cost half that price). It reminded me of this thread so thought it worth buying for a comparison.
Title: Re: For those who don’t know how to use a multimeter safely.
Post by: 19and41 on March 28, 2021, 08:22:48 AM
It looks like a useful meter.  It's 9v battery is usually a stable power source and provides good resistance/continuity measurements,  Looks like a good set of probes also.
Title: Re: For those who don’t know how to use a multimeter safely.
Post by: Key2871 on March 28, 2021, 10:42:16 AM
Hey nice find, I think I would have bought that too.
Looks decent enough quaility I like the test leads from what I can see of them, I like the booted part the goes in the meter. I remember the old pin type that could sometimes come out of the port they were supposed to be in. Bareing the pin was never a good idea when testing night voltages. Especially in the UK, that's near double what it is here in the states.