Understanding Multimeter Reading
 

Trying to trouble-shoot a parasitic drain in one of my cars.

Using the Sear DMM model 82139, the one with the duty cycle feature that's been touted here over the years.

With the unit set to autorange and the dial turned to mA, I get the following reading:

03.32

zero-three-point-three-two

If it read .033 I would deduce 33 mA

I'm not sure what I'm seeing?

Thanks for your time.

<<
With the unit set to autorange and the dial turned to mA, I get the following reading:

03.32

zero-three-point-three-two

If it read .033 I would deduce 33 mA >>

03.32 is exactly that... approx 3 &1/3 ma.
When you are using the ma scale , it reads in whole numbers , so, 1 ma would read 01.00 ma

SO , your .033 would not be 33 ma . A draw of 33 ma on the ma scale would read 33.00 ma

If you are looking for a parasitic draw , you don't want to be using ma scale , you want to start with 10a scale and then work down to ma scale as needed. That meter is no good on ma scale unless you want to measure 400 ma or less...
330 ma on the 10a scale will read 00.33 A, but if you switch to the ma scale ,the same draw would read 333.00 ma. Don't forget to use the DC dispaly button...

Got it ??

Arthur:

Yeah....rethought what I said about ".033" - you're right.

I'll start with the 10 amp side as you suggested and work down.

I appreciate the wisdom.

Cool..

Don't forget that on that meter , you have to use the left lead plug for 10A scale and the amp position on the selector switch... the others positions are milli and micro amp only..and they require the right lead plug to be used.

Not a bad meter , for the price ..I prefer my old analog Simpson 260 , but I have both.

Not a bad meter , for the price ..I prefer my old analog Simpson 260 , but I have both.[/QUOTE]


Yes indeed -> around $30 last time I checked. Got mine on sale for $19.99

Bought it for the duty cycle feature and acquired the Baum Tools connector for testing EHA current & the long 3mm screwdriver. Kinda funny how I've never used the EHA connector or 3mm screwdriver.

Living by the theory -> if it works, DFWI.

<< Got mine on sale for $19.99

>>


Same here..

I have not owned a 260 or 262 since 1970, next you will talk about a RCA Volt Ohm, FLUKE is the way to go

I have gotten so used to my 260 that it is now an extension of my body/mind....45 years
I love it to death...and I can find a bad connection faster than a speeding bullet..
..but don't think I am not appreciative of new tech stuff..I also love my DSO LS2000 ...but ..me and my 260 are a pair..I could not even start to count the many problems I have solved using it..