New multimeter troubles

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File: 1453350368336.jpg (3.58 MB, 4160x3120, 4:3, IMG_20160121_110703.jpg)

New multimeter troubles Maker 01/21/16 (Thu) 04:26:08 No.230

So I'm trying to swap the end of power adapters to get one the size and voltage I need. I have a box of them, and was trying to check the polarity after I cut the end off. It was supposed to be 9V, but read about 3.5 then rapidly dropped off to zero.

I tried another, it was supposed to be 10v, but started at 6 and settled at 2.8.

I plugged it into a wall socket (240v), and it reads 10.5.

What's going on guys? This meter is supposed to be good quality. There are very few settings, could I have something wrong?

Maker 01/21/16 (Thu) 04:27:18 No.231

File: 1453350438329.jpg (3.34 MB, 4160x3120, 4:3, IMG_20160121_110751.jpg)

Maker 01/21/16 (Thu) 04:30:09 No.232

File: 1453350609139.jpg (3.56 MB, 4160x3120, 4:3, IMG_20160121_110848.jpg)

Not a flood

Maker 01/21/16 (Thu) 10:18:00 No.233

Test it on some regular AA batteries, if it doesn't read a normal value, the meter is fucked. In >>232

it looks like it's measuring in DC mode, aren't you supposed to change that?

Maker 01/25/16 (Mon) 13:04:51 No.238

>>230

Don't use that meter on AC

Sparky anon here. First don't muck around with AC if you want to test if there's power, plug something into the socket and turn it on.

>This meter is supposed to be good quality.

Without being too rude no its not. If your going to work with voltages that can kill you don't substitute quality for price.

>>233

Spot on looks like OP may have hit mode and set it to DC either that or the battery is starting to go flat and is screwing with the readings.

Maker 01/26/16 (Tue) 10:10:20 No.241

>>233

Good idea to test it on some batteries. In away from home atm but will try it when I get back.

The mode button didn't look to change between ac/dc. As it said auto I figured it might change itself. Perhaps that is just for the range.

It still doesn't explain why it didn't seem to work for the dc transformers.

>>238

Are you saying that is not suitable for ac?

Yeah, my brother gave me bought me this meter and said it was a decent one, but looking at some prices, it's not all that expensive. He is an electrician as well, but out of contact or I would have asked him about it.

The low battery idea is a good one. It's brand new, but I will try changing the batteries.

Maker 01/26/16 (Tue) 12:01:22 No.242

>>241

>Are you saying that is not suitable for ac?

Yes and no, For mains voltage no I'd be sticking with a known brand like fluke or kyoritsu downside is there pretty expensive but better knowing its been properly tested and certified. Your meter would be fine for use on lower ac voltages like you'd find on bike or outboard alternator.

Also are your plugpacks AC-DC or AC-AC?

Maker 01/26/16 (Tue) 12:19:56 No.243

>>241

Your meter is a rebadged CEM DMP-30

Manual can be found here: http://www.gmelectronic.com/img/cache/doc/722/428/digitalni-multimetr-rc-cem-dmp-30-orignavod-1.pdf

Pushing mode once voltage is selected should change it from AC to DC and yeah auto is for the range.

Maker 01/26/16 (Tue) 14:20:51 No.244

File: 1453818051970.gif (568 B, 196x196, 1:1, direct-current.gif)

>>243

Thanks for the manual, it didn't come with one.

I did try the mode button but didn't notice it switching ac - dc, although I was looking at the plug packs at that point. They had a symbol as attached between the output voltage and ampage. I was expecting them to be dc packs and assumed that this was the symbol.

I'll have another go when I get back in a week or so.

Maker 02/08/16 (Mon) 11:33:11 No.250

Okay, a quick update to this. I measured the voltage of a new AA battery and the meter read "OL" (overload), then went to get my phone to take a photo. Then the meter read 1.54v, and has been behaving itself since. I guess I'll just keep monitoring it and keep my eyes out for another meter. Any recommendations for something basic but good quality? I don't measure anything other than voltage and resistance.

Maker 02/16/16 (Tue) 13:55:03 No.256

>>250

Keep an eye out for an anologue meter, really handy for picking up voltage fluctuations. If you buy it from somewhere like jaycar ask them to test it in store on a couple of resistors and power supplies before buying it.