Is my multimeter broken?

[k.rad]

Hey all. I just received a multimeter from DX ( this: DealExtreme: $10.57 Auto Range Digital Multimeter ) to test batts and attys and I think it's faulty. I've never used a multimeter before though, so I'm not totally sure.

When it's set to DC autorange and I put the probes on a battery the reading just jumps around wildly and doesn't settle on anything. It also jumps around in this mode when I haven't even connected a battery. Also, when I try to measure atty resistance it won't give me any reading at all, just zero. (I have searched here and read and seen pics of how to connect an atty correctly.)


Does it sound like my multimeter is screwed?

 

[Houdini]

When you test the battery do you have the meter set with the selector wheel on the second "V" above the "Off" on the left? It sounds like you have it set to read Ohms.

 

[k.rad]

When you test the battery do you have the meter set with the selector wheel on the second "V" above the "Off" on the left?

Yes, it's definitely set to DC.

 

[glennnnnnn]

it looks a little confusing to me

the upside down horse shoe is the one you want for testing your atomizers

have you tried putting a fresh batteries in the meter

Sometimes the factory fitted ones are flat when you get it and would give weird reading if that were the case



Glenn

 

[k.rad]

Yep, I've tried a bunch of batts (18650, 123A) including fresh charged, and on the ohm setting attys all just read zero.

 

[ejoker]

not familiar with that meter, but looks like you have to set a range.
ie, if your range is 200k ohms, its gonna read zero on an atty with 3.0.

 

[k.rad]

Attys are reading zero on every range setting.

 

[ejoker]

my last suggestion would be try a larger volt range and test your house current, just to see if the meter is working. or a known good power source, like a car battery.

 

[BuzzKill]

If it is jumping around with no connection or shorted connections it is most likely bad , replace the internal battery first and try it again.
Also check all of the internal connections when you have it open

 

[glennnnnnn]

Yep, I've tried a bunch of batts (18650, 123A) including fresh charged, and on the ohm setting attys all just read zero.

No Im talking about the batteries in your meter, not the ones your testing

if the batteries in your meter are nearly dead the meter will show something on the display but wont give an effective reading, or may fluctuate wildly as you describe

Hope that helps, otherwise you may be right and have a broken meter

Glenn

 

[Kilroy]

Sometimes the horse, sometimes the jockey. I think I'd look at the horse this time. My (analog) meter cost at least three times that 30 years ago, but has measured any reference item that I've tossed at it. I don't think I'd know what to do with an inexpensive digital meter.

 

[k.rad]

Thanks for the input, guys. I tried some fresh batteries and it's still doing the same crap, so I guess I'll try for a replacement from DX. I might look at forking out for something more decent from a local store too.

 

[MusicBox]

I have several from D.Smiths and also Jaycar that are the cheapest ones they had. Perfectly fine for measuring atty resistances.

 

[kareaga]

I don't know...

I bought exactly the same multimeter from DX for occassional use and it has always been accurate and reliable for me. I just use it once in a while to test atties and the odd battery, I have to say.


Great gadget for the price. It might be worth giving it another try or sending it back for a replacement if that fails IMO

 

[kwcharlie]

OK, first you hd the meter jumping around trying to see DC volts and now it's reading 0 on everything? If that's the case it's the first time you used it that broke it.
When you first tried to check the battery voltage you had it set on AMPS and it jumped all around until the fuse blew and now it's reading 0.

 

[k.rad]

I have several from D.Smiths and also Jaycar that are the cheapest ones they had.

I just picked up a cheapie from Jaycar and have had no probs with it -- works a treat for what I want. I guess I'll try and get some store credit from DX for the broken multimeter if I can be bothered.

 

[k.rad]

OK, first you hd the meter jumping around trying to see DC volts and now it's reading 0 on everything?

No, it still jumps around measuring DC, and it only reads zero when trying to measure resistance.

 

[kwcharlie]

No, it still jumps around measuring DC, and it only reads zero when trying to measure resistance.

Alwase 0 in ohms? Should be OL till you short the probes together then 0. sounds like a BOB (Bad Out of Box) just not working, good thing it wasn't a $400 fluke which you don't need BUT you need a meter to vape, i like the cheap Harbor Freight DMM's