Help me figure out this Digital Multimeter

[Vageetasjn]

http://s88206930.onlinehome.us/multi.jpg

There's the button interface on it. What should I set it to to test PSU voltages? I have only used one other multimeter and it was a lot simpler.

Setting it to the first click up results in a reading of about 20.0, so there's something wrong.

Thanks

 

[Stiganator]

Well computers run on DC power so you probably want to switch it to, V with dotted line above it. Then just fiddle with range until its in the right scope. Not that hard, hope it helps.

 

[Zepper]

Yup just turn the knob to the first V, then press t he range button until it shows a value higher than the highest voltage you want to measure. So it would be 2 for the voltages under 2 like the CPU core and 20 for all other voltages then go ahead and take your reading. Doesn't it have a manual with it???
.bh.

 

[Vageetasjn]

No manual, but it came with software. It's just showing like -17 now, whether it's plugged into the PSU or not. Could the wires not be making good contact or possibly the device is just be busted?

 

[Zepper]

Try measuring a known value like a fresh battery and see what you get and/or put a fresh battery in the meter. If a battery came with the meter and that's the one you used it could well be pretty low - they almost never include top quality batteries with those things.

.bh.

 

[Vageetasjn]

It seems to default to using the mV unit. I tried testing a AA battery on my inexpensive multimeter and it showed about 1.42V, as expected. Nothing is working on the new one though. Right now, its on, not connected to anything, and it has a reading of -21.4mV. What the hell...

edit: Ah, found the manual here: http://www.radioshack.com/prod...mp;product%5Fid=22-812

Maybe I can figure this out now...

 

[lenjack]

The unconnected reading is a "phantom" voltage, which should be ignored. It's common.

 

[Vageetasjn]

Originally posted by: lenjack
The unconnected reading is a "phantom" voltage, which should be ignored. It's common.

Ok... but my real problem is this: No reading!

 

[compudog]

If you know that battery is good, then you either have the leads inserted wrong, or a bad lead. The meter looks to be set correctly. I have a similiar model.