Multimeter - Measurements

What is a Multimeter?

A multimeter measures:

• Voltage (V)
• Current (A)
• Resistance (Ω)
• And more: continuity, capacitance, temperature

Real Multimeter

Here's what a digital multimeter looks like:

Modern digital multimeter - essential tool for every electronics hobbyist

Types

Analog

• Needle indicator
• Rarely used today

Digital

• Numeric display
• Most common type

Multimeter Symbols

Measuring Voltage

DC Voltage (Batteries, Circuits)

1. Turn dial to V⎓ (or DCV) 2. Red lead to positive (+) 3. Black lead to negative (-) 4. Read display

AC Voltage (Mains - WARNING!)

• Only if trained
• Be extremely careful

Measuring Resistance

1. Turn dial to Ω 2. Disconnect component from circuit 3. Place probes across component 4. Read display

Tip: Resistors can be measured in-circuit if power is off.

Measuring Current

1. Turn dial to A⎓ 2. Break the circuit 3. Connect meter in series 4. Read display

Warning: Never measure current across a component without breaking the circuit!

Continuity Test

1. Turn dial to •))) 2. Touch probes together 3. Beep = connection (continuity) 4. No beep = open circuit

Reading Resistor Values

Set to Ω (Ohms)
Place probes on resistor leads
Read value
Compare to color code

Summary

• Multimeter: essential tool
• V = voltage (parallel)
• A = current (series)
• Ω = resistance (component disconnected)

Next Lesson

In the final lesson, you'll learn how to read electronic schematics.