Ferrex Digital Multimeter - ALDI.

[The Sligo Rover]

I have just bought one of these in my local Aldi for £9.95, never used one so will have to learn. Current, volts & Amps are all a mystery to me, but I can learn. Does anybody know if these are any good please?

[Tricky Dicky]

For model railway work it will be more than adequate. Some basics on how to use some of the functions. Always set the range for voltage, amps or resistance higher than the value you think you are measuring turning the dial down as near above the initial reading for greater accuracy. For voltage just place the probes across the two points you wish to measure. For current (Amps) the meter needs to be in the circuit in series. To measure resistance make sure the resistor being measured is not powered. For continuity set on the continuity setting and you will get a buzz if there is continuity between the points being measured.

Come back if you need any further help.

Richard

[Brian]

To add the TD reply.. Always start on the highest possible range for whatever is being tested. Read result and if suitably low reading obtained, reduce to the next lower meters range and so on. But NEVER go straight to a range that is low! Dont try and guess what to expect! Result can be a blown meter fuse or worse a blown meter! Always start on a high range and work down.

I suspect your multimeter has no AC current (Amps) settings? But has a DC current range. Always when reading current (Amps/milliamps) move the red test lead to the other red socket. Once finished reading current (Amps) always return the red test lead to the Volts/Ohms etc socket on the meter and turn Off the meter. When testing current ensure the selector switch is on its highest range setting, then only if safe to do so, reduce the range switch to the next lowest range. The meter is connected in series with one feed lead. To do this, disconnect one wire or lead on the item to be checked. Connect meters red lead to the removed wire and the meters black lead to where the wire was removed from - Ensure the meter in on DC Amps range and the red lead has been moved to the Amps socket. Read current and once finished ensure the red lead is restored to its other (normal) V/Ohm socket Note you cannot read DCC current with a multimeter that does not have any AC current (Amps) range.

To read DC or AC volts turn the selector switch the the highest range for that voltage. Connect red and black meter leads across the circuit. Reduce switch setting only if reading shows its lower than the next ranges maximum.

To read Ohms, turn the selector switch to Ohms (often shown as Omega loop symbol) and with the circuit disconnected from any power connect red and black meter test leads across the component/wire to be tested. A zero reading is a short circuit and anything in the Ohm or above reading is resistance. What that reading shows will depend on what is being tested.
If the meter ha s a buzzer option so as teh internal buzzer sound when the test leads are touched together the this option is useful for testing for short circuits or open circuits when your not able to easily view the meter i.e. while working under the layout.

[The Sligo Rover]

Thank you both for your reply. Where is the Anadin as I have a headache now ?

[Tricky Dicky]

I suspect your multimeter has no AC current (Amps) settings?

Brian the meter does have both AC and DC ranges but to the uninitiated it can be confusing. DC voltage is indicated by V with a straight line and three dots, likewise for DC current A with a straight line and three dots. AC ranges for both are indicated by V and A with a squiggle underneath. The colour coding on the range switch is inconsistent mixing blue and black for both DC and AC.

Richard

[Tricky Dicky]

Thank you both for your reply. Where is the Anadin as I have a headache now ?

No need Sligo come back here and many contributors will help you out. As a starter Voltage readings, Resistance readings can be easily done without damaging the meter as long as you start at the highest range and work your way down, both DC and AC start at 300V so in a typical domestic situation even mains voltage will not trouble the meter. However as it sounds as if you are not that familiar with electricity I have to advise you DO NOT WORK WITH MAINS VOLTAGE ELECTRICITY.


The readings you do need to take care with are current (Amps) because the meter is connected in the circuit so if set at the wrong range it will blow a fuse in the meter. To avoid problems always start with the 10A setting (DC or AC) which means inserting the red probe lead in the leftmost socket. If the reading indicates less than 200mA (0.2A) then you can move the probe into the socket marked mA,V Omega (horseshoe symbol) again start at the top and work your way down. If you do inadvertently blow a fuse they can be replaced you may find a spare in the battery compartment.

Richard