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.

Attached Thumbnails

 

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.

__________________
Chris
2007 E550 4Matic - 61,000 Km - Iridium Silver, black leather, Sport package, Premium 2 package
2007 GL450 4Matic - 62,000 Km - Obsidian Black Metallic, black leather, all options
1998 E430 - sold
1989 300E - 333,000 Km - sold
1977 280E - sold
1971 250 - retired

"And a frign hat. They gave me a hat at the annual benefits meeting. I said. how does this benefit me. I dont have anything from the company.. So they gave me a hat." - TheDon

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.

__________________
Chris
2007 E550 4Matic - 61,000 Km - Iridium Silver, black leather, Sport package, Premium 2 package
2007 GL450 4Matic - 62,000 Km - Obsidian Black Metallic, black leather, all options
1998 E430 - sold
1989 300E - 333,000 Km - sold
1977 280E - sold
1971 250 - retired

"And a frign hat. They gave me a hat at the annual benefits meeting. I said. how does this benefit me. I dont have anything from the company.. So they gave me a hat." - TheDon

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

__________________
NormanB
230 TE (W124) 1989 with 153,000 miles on the clock - hoping for at least another 100K

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!

__________________
NormanB
230 TE (W124) 1989 with 153,000 miles on the clock - hoping for at least another 100K

Will it measure Current or Amps?

Jeff

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

Norman,

I sent you a pm.

__________________
Frank
84 500SEL EURO 101K ( JUST LIKE MY 1ST WIFE. GLAD TO GET RID OF HER! )
85 300D 310K (sold)
90 350SDL 184K sold
83 300D 118K (sold)
88 300E 153k (sold)
93 400E 105K (sold)

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.