who uses a volt ohm meter

[JFM-jr]

This is a handy chart when using a multi meter

[Mountainmanbob]

Originally Posted by KyDan

That Centech $19 bucks??? Looks a lot like the free Harbor Freight one
I have!!

I have never picked up one of the free ones from Harbor Freight
but now that you and others have brought it to my attention
that is the one they offer from time to time for free with a coupon

found another one below
getting closer to what it is truly worth

Multimeter makes precise electronic measurements and tests


Only: $9.99
Sale: $5.29

[Horns07]

I carry and fluke and amp clamp on meter.

[VinceU]

Originally Posted by Mountainmanbob

I have never picked up one of the free ones from Harbor Freight
but now that you and others have brought it to my attention
that is the one they offer from time to time for free with a coupon

found another one below
getting closer to what it is truly worth

Multimeter makes precise electronic measurements and tests

Only: $9.99
Sale: $5.29

Watch this bargain style, might "melt in your hand, instead of your mouth!!!"

[Gizmo0706]

I use them at work everyday, a Sipson ts-111 that can't be bought anymore and are being replaced with Tripplets. Also use a Fluke 87 and a few others. At home I have several cheaper digital meters and one in the camper all the time. You just never know when you might need it such as when my wife complained of getting shocked while going in and out of the camper. Turned out we had a "hot skin" with 110 volts going though the outside of the camper. Turned out the be a faulty cord if I remember right. It's something that I try to check every time we are set up now.

[MPKenn]

I use one every day at work but don't carry one with me out camping. I've been camping with the DW for 17 yrs and have never needed a meter out camping. And being industrial maintenance tech for the last 30 yrs. You would think I'd have one with me camping. I just might have to add a meter to trailer tool box and a 12v test light. I'm probably way over due for needing one out camping.

[Mountainmanbob]

How to use a Multimeter for beginners: Part 1 - Voltage measurement

How to use a Multimeter for beginners: Part 1 - Voltage measurement - YouTube




a little faster to the facts

Electronics 101-How To Use A Multimeter Voltmeter Ammeter Ohmmeter Continuity

http://youtu.be/Ftc3EQGZowk




THE BEST Multimeter tutorial (HD)
http://youtu.be/bF3OyQ3HwfU

[B47]

Originally Posted by Trevor43

I haven't seen a Simpson since I left the Navy

Simpson was and may still be the standard VOM when I was in the Air Force and later when I worked for a major air carrier. They were big,black and rugged.

I had to build a VOM from a kit when I went though aviation school and I picked the Simpson kit.

[Len & Cheri]

I'd recommend everyone carry one. On my last camping trip my surge protector failed when I plugged it in to the power pole. If I would have not been able to test the power pole output I wouldn't have known if the protector failed because of the pole or just because it went bad. The pole was in fact good and prevented me from having to pack up and leave a sold out campground. Testing the pole is so easy even a Phrog could do it.

[Filthy Beast]

I loved the Simpsons when I was getting my Electronics degree years back.

[RPAspey]

why go anywhere without one? If you have a meter and a phone (smart or not) you can usually get fixed or at least find the problem. The phone is to call a mechanic or to use the 'net.

Even a cheapo is better than none..

[B47]

Originally Posted by Filthy Beast

I loved the Simpsons when I was getting my Electronics degree years back.

They are still around. I just goggled them and the old standard Simpson 260 VOM is offered at $255.90. Looks just like the one I build.

[PineForestCamper]

I have never used one but what better time to start than the present. I am about as dumb as a rock when it comes to these things. So I hook it up and I get a reading. Great. What are the numbers telling me?? With the new camper I plan on adding a couple of 12v outlets and one of those will be outside the camper for hooking up my LED awning lights (dry camp 99% of the time). I’m sure it will help me do this…what other functions do you guys use it for? Does this one look like a good starter model?

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by WarMovies

I have never used one but what better time to start than the present. I am about as dumb as a rock when it comes to these things. So I hook it up and I get a reading. Great. What are the numbers telling me?? With the new camper I plan on adding a couple of 12v outlets and one of those will be outside the camper for hooking up my LED awning lights (dry camp 99% of the time). I’m sure it will help me do this…what other functions do you guys use it for? Does this one look like a good starter model?

Loke great to me!
Ac/dc function
Ohms
Are the only real items needed

[KyDan]

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

Loke great to me!
Ac/dc function
Ohms
Are the only real items needed

I have used the amps function on mine a few times.
You can pull a 12v fuse out of your power center and place the probes
across the open fuse holder and find out the parasitic load of that device.
I've done this to find out WHAT the HECK was draining my battery while
the TT was parked.
Wound up installing a battery disconnect but still was glad to know what
was going on!

[kenandterry]

I thought the Simpsons were on just about any channel any night of the week

[Tiggerdad]

On advice from another forum, I bought a Sear Model 82369 Clamp on meter. It not only checks voltage but AC and DC amps. Good for checking the DC amps on the brakes.

[wmtire]

Originally Posted by herk7769

I have 2 in the camper alone (the HF free one one inside in the "tool drawer" and the big one in the tool caddy). I use them so often I would not roll the camper without them.

Ditto what Lou said. I have many analog and digital ones. I am always buying them when Sears has deals on them. I've gotten them as low as $5 per at Sears during some sales...but usually end up paying about $10 for the digital ones when they have 50% off/clearance sales and such.

I taught my daughter at a young age how to use the DC battery test function on an analog meter. I will never forget her digging in the closet one time. I asked what she was doing about the same time she pulled the meter out. She then proceeded to yank the batteries out of her handheld game to test them, as it wasn't working. She was probably about seven years old at the time. One of those fatherly pride moments.........however I found my tv remote control was missing it's batteries soon after. LOL

[coderider]

Yep, always have a multimeter with me. Have them in the cars, truck, in the bike saddlebags and in the 5er.

Invaluable.

[SYE]

The only ones that I now have are Fluke. I have 5 0r 6 of them as I keep putting them places and forget them. I started using them in the navy and have not stopped. I keep 1 in my truck, 1 in my 5er and the rest are somewhere in my house!!