how to use a multimeter?

[ruddiger]

hi guys,
had a previous forum about my bike not starting & have found out i have a crossed wire(or similar) & the bike is using power when the ignition is off so i have been told the next step is to use a multi meter but i have no idea how to use it!

firstly is there a certain type i need or will any one do?

So once i get the correct one, how do i go about finding the problem?

[Fizzinatorr]

Multimeters are very useful devices which will help you to find out if the voltages across the circuits are actually what the manufacturer claims to be. You can also troubleshoot with the help of a multimeter and repair the necessary circuits to have the correct voltage. This will help to regulate the correct functioning of the circuits in the devices that you use, resulting in maintaining the device and helping in furthering its functional time. Usually, the test points in a circuit board are marked clearly helping you to compare the resistor values and voltages with the readings on the multimeter. If the values are the same, then you can be relieved that the device is functioning fine.

But let us find out how to use a multimeter.

1. The multimeter probes have to be connected to the multimeter while observing correct polarity. There are two multimeter probes: one, red and the other, black. Plug in the red probe in the red multimeter plug and the black probe in the black plug. There is a banana jack at the end of the probe which makes plugging in easy. The red probe is the positive one.
2. Set the multimeter to read the resistance or voltage by selecting the desired function. If you decide to measure the voltage, you have to select whether you want to measure AC (alternating current) voltage or DC (direct current) voltage. The schematic diagram of the circuits will give you the necessary information about the type of voltage present.
3. Before measuring the voltage or resistance, unplug the device of which the circuit is a part. Try to segregate the circuit without touching any wires or electrical components. After seeing to it that you can gain access to the measuring points plug in the electrical device and turn it on.How to Use Multimeter
4. If you are measuring voltage, then touch the measuring points with the probes. Take care to see that your fingers are on the plastic surface so that you do not suffer an electrical shock. Touch the test point with the red probe and the ground or common with the black probe. In case you want to measure the resistance, you can connect each probe to either ends of the resistor.
5. After connecting with the test points, you will be able to see the reading on the multimeter. This will give you the voltage or resistance values.
6. Note down this measurement and move on to the next test point or resistor. In this way you can get the readings of all the test points and resistors across the circuit board. Then you can put the circuit board back in its housing and return the electrical device back to its original position. You can then rectify accordingly if you find that the readings do not tally with the printed values.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzjMIcER ... r_embedded

good luck!

[ruddiger]

nice one, ill take a proper read & look when i icome back from buying it,
is there a certin setting i will need for my bike? ones i have looked at dont have anything on the dial close to 12V

[kilika2]

Any that you buy won't say 12v probably. In the picture from fizz above the meter is set on temp, on the oppisite side where the back of the selector is pointing that is 200v. The number next to it counterclockwise is 20V that is what you will use to read like 12v on a battery. Then if you use the flow chart on the wiki. You would use the 2 positions at about the 1 and 2 oclock to check AC volts for the stator part of the flow chart. And then the part that is like 7-8 oclock, the omega symbol, you will use on the VR for resistance. Ohming out. A meter without all these will not be worth the buy.

Chris.

[Fizzinatorr]

I picked up a similar one to the meter i posted at Target a few years back

[reelrazor]

Any multimeter that you buy will come with a user's guide.

READ IT.


Ther's is good info in there and it will cover deeper test methods

[haro504]

with the voltage settings that is the max voltage it will read per setting the multiple settings is for better acuracy in the range. like you wouldent use the 200 or 1000 volt setting for a 1 volt source so to answer your question you will use the 20 volt dc setting for most of the tests on the bike. ac for the stator