Page 1 of 1

How to use a Multimeter

Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 2:28 pm
by mooseheadm5
Go here and learn!

Or watch this video.

Addendum:
I have not read these but the first thing to do is verify your meter is good. Set the meter to the resistance setting (Ohms) and touch the leads together. If they do not show that you have nearly 0 Ohms resistance in the leads, you have a problem. Next, set it to 20 VDC (or DCV) and touch the red lead to the positive terminal of a known good automotive or motorcycle battery. You should read something near 12 volts (11-13.7 or so.) If not, the battery is weak, the meter is bad, or you are using it incorrectly.

I haven't got time right now to make my own tutorial, so these will have to suffice. I'll go over them later and see if there is anything I need to add.

Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 3:42 pm
by Roady
Thanks again, Moosehead.

You're forcing me to learn this stuff.

Dayum.

Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 4:38 pm
by AZCycle73
Gee... I wonder what member here prompted this thread? :oops: :lol:

Great tutorial... I'll be reading it thoroughly.

Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 5:08 pm
by mooseheadm5
Don't feel bad. I have actually had a few requests long before your electrical woes popped up. Just never thought of doing the link cut and paste.

Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 11:30 am
by heraldhamster
skimmed your first link, "ladyada.com", good stuff from what I saw. guy/gal knows their stuff. and seems easy to read for a layman.

Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 5:06 pm
by mooseheadm5
That girl totally rocks. I am in geek love (not real love, I have a wife for that, but geek love for her amazing electronic gizmos!)
I am in talks with her to produce a low cost GPS data acqusition system geared toward racers but cheap enough for hobbyists based on her GPS Arduino shield. Also waiting for someone to build a successful MintyMirt for "educational purposes" based on her TVBgone.

Re: How to use a Multimeter

Posted: Sat Aug 18, 2012 6:57 pm
by Ramset
As a newbie to both multi meters and motorcycles, I would love a practical electrical overview/explanation of how to use a multimeter on an Ol' Goldwing and what to expect.

I am so new, I don't even know how to ask.

Re: How to use a Multimeter

Posted: Tue Jan 01, 2013 5:54 pm
by Sidecar Bob
I highly recommend reading the sections about Meters and Multimeters here: http://www.kpsec.freeuk.com/study.htm

Re: How to use a Multimeter

Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2013 5:16 pm
by sunnbobb
Sure miss seeing Mooseheadm5 around here.