Our favorite multimeter is on sale
 

The Craftsman #82139 Sears #03482139000 is on sale until 06/15 for $19.99. No excuse now for not having something that can read duty cycle! Just thought I'd let yall know.

Anyone know of a good site/info on how to properly use a multimeter?? I've occasionally blown a few fuses trying to use mine...;)

I have a similar one to the unit shown above.

Looks like a bargain alright! I've been needing another one, so it looks like I will pick one up, if the sale is here in SoCal as well. Thanks!

Steve

Zeus, I don't know such a site. However, the most likely cause of blowing a fuse with the above meter is accidentally leaving it set to current while measuring a voltage, or incorrectly using it on the current ranges.

Note that in current mode it will appear as essentially a short circuit wherever you connect it. You must cut what is already a 'short', i.e. a wire, and connect the meter ends to the two cut wire ends to complete the circuit. This way the meter measures the current passing through the meter, and completes the circuit you cut open. In practice, to avoid chopping up your vehicle's wiring, it is best to either buy or fabricate a special test harness wherever you would otherwise have to cut.

Testing electical and electronic circuits can be very confusing for the neophyte, and I would start by learning basic electronic circuits. Use of the multimeter will then become obvious.

Steve

Since this is turning into a how to thread, why not try reading the instructions that came with your meter??;)

Sbourg's advise is to be heeded. You must understand basic electrical circuits before you start using a multi-meter. Book stores & libraries are filled with manuals on basic electricity. I would buy one and read it from end-to-end first.

Once that's done, go to the GOOGLE search engine ->

http://www.google.com.

In the search field, key in -> How To Use A Multimeter

Happy hunting.

Thanks guys.

Cap'n - mine came with no instructions at all.

Mike - yes, done that. Since many of the people on this board are generally very helpful and knowledgeable, I was hoping for perhaps a direct link to a proven and informative site.

I wish we had Sears - I would buy that darn multimeter - looks capable and a very good price.

:( :( :( :(

Norman:

You might try the following:

http://www.sears.com

You can buy most any tool they sell online. I realize you're in the UK; nonetheless, they might sell overseas. You should be able to post such a question at their web site.

Mike

Thanks for that - in fact before I posted my message I had a look on Sears website. After a good trawl it did rather look as though they were not set up for UK deliveries - hence my post.

But on your prompt I have asked them the question - can do no harm except if they want a zillion dollars for postage!;)

Will it measure Current or Amps?

Jeff

Among other things, it will measure amps, voltage; ohms.

Norman,

I sent you a pm.

To send the multimeter to the UK would probably not cost more than $5. I lived overseas for 20 years and sent tons of stuff back and forth. I used to use a rate called 'small packet'. It may not still be in use but it was for items less than 1 kg. There used to be a book rate that was cheap.

If you send me about $30 or equiv. and I will send you one and the change. E-mail me if you are interested.

Sure enough - checked with local Sears - $19.99. This is a whale of a price for a unit with this many features. May get 2 of 'um.