Multimeters - The Complete Guide

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How to select and use a multimeter (and why you really need two of them!). Are the expensive ones really worth the money?
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Today, we will be working with the most essential piece of electronic test equipment-the multimeter. We will learn how to use a multimeter and how to choose one. We’ll compare the accuracy between expensive and inexpensive meters. And I’ll try to convince you that you really need at least two multimeters on your workbench!
Multimeters are test instruments for measuring AC and DC Voltage, Current, and Resistance. Modern multimeters can measure many more parameters, including Frequency, Capacitance, Continuity, and Diode Checking. Some meters also have non-contact AC current and voltage features.
There are two objectives in this video:
1 - To learn how to use a multimeter to make various measurements.
2 - To learn how to shop for a meter and get the best value for your money.
We’ll do this by comparing five multimeters, each with a unique set of features. We'll learn how to use them, and we'll test their readings against calibrated test sources.
Here is the Table of Contents for today’s video:
00:00 - Introduction
01:55 - Multimeters Intro
04:14 - Look at Multimeters
08:13 - Look at Multimeter accessories
11:12 - Basic Multimeter Operation
13:00 - Measuring Resistance, Continuity & Diodes
15:53 - Measuring AC & DC Voltage & Current
24:02 - Non- Contact Measurement
27:55 - Measuring Capacitance
31:31 - Measuring Frequency
34:07 - Measuring Temperature
36:14 - Multimeter Specs
40:19 - Multimeter Features
45:48 - Multimeter Showdown - Resistance
47:50 - Multimeter Showdown - DC Voltage
53:03 - Multimeter Showdown - Capacitance
56:57 - Conclusion
If you can only afford one piece of electronic test gear, make it a multimeter. It’s an inexpensive investment that will pay for itself quickly, both in your workshop and around your home.
I hope you enjoy the video!
Bill

КОМЕНТАРІ: 107

@MahBor Місяць тому

Would love to see something similar for oscilloscopes

@whitneydesignlabs8738 Місяць тому

At 16:27 Bill mentions an intriguing unit. I have been using a low cost Windows software scope, it it does reasonably well for my needs. (reading stepper motor pulses etc)

@jstro-hobbytech Місяць тому

I made the mistake of buying an expensive scope before I knew how to use it and ended up donating a hantek, tektronix and siglent before I settled on a rigol mso5354. The rigol 1050z is the best bang for buck. It's 400 and all any hobbyist will need unless they got into ham radio or audio and need a spectrum analyzer. They cost a fortune, I can't pull the plug on 2600 for a cheap one.... Most scopes can be hacked too with firmware mods because the companies hide features behind expensive software keys. It's super easy to mod them if you check eevblog. The guys on there are geniuses. I won't even comment and pretty well read and educated for software engineering. Electronic engineering is a hobby, I'm 45 and retired though so I might get an ee degree because my other degree has 3 terms of courses that carry over. Bucket list thing. I read textbooks now as youtube has petered out for me haha. Bored and retired. You're smart for starting with a lower cost one. The picoscope is an awesome usb scope. My buddy works for nasa and he loves his cheap one. If you guys need any free components or anything just email me. I have too much stuff and enjoy sharing. Postage on me.

@jefejeffwell1113 Місяць тому

Awesome showcase on use and quality! One of my, hands down, favorite channels on UKposts! You’re an invaluable resource.

@BlondieSL Місяць тому

I'm also a decades' long member of the *"Shiny Objects Syndrome"* group. LOL I too have too many meters than I really need. I'm also a member of the "Pack Rat" group, because I still have the very 1st meter I ever bought. I won't say which year, but I was a teen when I bought it and digital meters didn't exist. LOL It is a little hand held analog meter. I kept it for memory's sake. I also kept my 1st professional bench multimeter, which is a B&K Model 290 Hi-Low FET multimeter. Again, I couldn't toss it out. LOL About 3 years ago or so, for fun, I did a maintenance on it and a fresh calibration. The dang thing is sill accurate! Then came those new fancy digital meters! WOO HOOO! LOL My 1st one was a fancy, Radio Shack Micronta 22-195 multimeter. Yup, I still have that too. And it's OLD! Yet, the danged thing still works and shockingly is accurate. I have more, including a real bench meter, but it's those vintage ones that I just can't get rid of. LOL *SHINY OBJECTS SYNDROME* is a wonderful condition. 👍😁👍

@TR3A Місяць тому

Fantastic tutorial on a crucial tool for anyone interested in electronics! I’ve been using DMMs for years but learned many new things from the video. Thanks!

@connorhoyle2926 15 днів тому

id love to see a video on the milk v duo! its quite the powerful machine as a blend of mcu and sbc. There simply arent that many good videos out on it, keep up the good work!

@aspuzling 29 днів тому

One thing to be aware of is that accuracy will depend on the battery level of some multimeters. In fact counterintuitively, your voltage readings will be too high if the battery on your multimeter is low. This tripped me up for a while when I was trying to measure the voltage of a battery for an IoT device and couldn't figure out why it wasn't working.

@carlossaraiva7968 22 дні тому

You are great. Your vídeos are so complete.

@grahamnichols1416 Місяць тому

Great work Bill!

@yigitmertsevindim1669 Місяць тому

Well explained and informative video. Also we are waiting for esp32 ethernet comminucaiton with IO control hope you share information about that situation.

@jballan Місяць тому

Another excellent video, thank you Bill!

@todddrumheller6726 Місяць тому

your videos are wonderful and appreciated

@shuttlepodone1707 Місяць тому

Excellent information!

@user-po7qk8xy7s Місяць тому

Professionell wie immer. Ohne überflüssige Hintergrund musik. Ich schaue mir gerne an.

@WoLpH Місяць тому

9:15 I've got a pair of those SMD tweezers too but I found that the ones that i got were terrible. Oftentimes they wouldn't measure correctly probably due to low quality wiring inside of the tweezers. Make sure you check them before you trust them!

@philkelsall1207 Місяць тому

One little point that may help people. If you do blow the current range fuse, you can not fit any old fuse of the same current rating. You need a specific high rupture capacity (HRC) fuse. I know I've done it. I always like to upgrade my leads occasionally due to wear and tear in a toolbox. Overall, it's a good video.

@aspuzling 29 днів тому

What happens if you replaced a fuse with a cheaper low rupture capacity one?

@PainterVierax 29 днів тому

@@aspuzling It arcs and you can be in big trouble. Don't use the glass fuses for such main voltage equipment.

@peterthinks Місяць тому

Great video, thanks! just blew up my meter so I am shopping now. LOL!

@robertskeard2818 Місяць тому

Another excellent video. I learn new stuff with every video.

@dannyl2598 Місяць тому

Thanks. I have compared a Fluke to a Beckman knockoff and they agree with in about a tenth of a value. I try to find very expensive meters at pawn shops for pennys on a Dollar. My skill level does not require the accuracy that I enjoy but thanks to you, my skill level is improving.

@loukmannavicenna8982 Місяць тому

Awesome comparison

@Mike.Kachar Місяць тому

Something I don't think was mentioned was that there can be differences in the probes (& their wires) themselves. I recently purchased a new multimeter, & decided to get a pair of Probe Master probes for the new meter, and I LOVE them + recommend them to anyone. Aside from the probes, GREAT VIDEO 👍👍👌 Very informational - thanks!!

@markday3145 Місяць тому

I'll second the recommendation for Probe Master test leads. Where I really noticed the difference was in continuity mode on an old and cheap meter; with the Probe Master leads, it became quite a bit more responsive. Coupled with a newer (but still inexpensive) meter, they are amazing. You can also notice the difference when doing measurements of very small resistances, where the leads themselves can introduce some error.

@Mike.Kachar Місяць тому

@@markday3145 perfectly put!👍👍👌

@pauloprocha Місяць тому

Great work!!

@donhiscock6933 Місяць тому

Grate video very informative

@gregorymccoy6797 Місяць тому

Quite a collection of instruments. Great video. This took a while to film, I'm sure.

@ZagRS121 Місяць тому

Another great video, very informative :)

@donloughrey1615 Місяць тому

Excellent, thanks.

@deadflowers7029 Місяць тому

Very good video, as usual. I have a very nice and reliable analog meter that I use to 'verify' my copious collection of digital multimeters. It is also easier to 'see' small fluctuations in current in and amperage in a circuit.

@attyberecz Місяць тому

Usual, Great work ! Thanks !

@dave.h Місяць тому

So Fluke is the biggest fluke in voltage accuracy test 😂 Thank you! Always wanted a fluke but now I’ll stick to my cheap multimeter.

@gg-gn3re Місяць тому

Fluke guarantees their values for like 25 years. That's why it's so expensive. You can use them decades on the same equipment and expect same output. Other than that guarantee, they're not the highest accuracy and they're not the largest feature set. For the hobbyist I always recommend get something else. Get a calibration circuit.

@PainterVierax 29 днів тому

@@gg-gn3re But prior to that make sure your low-cost multimeter has some sort of calibration inside. Could be trimpots, could be a menu option for offsets. This Fluke has probably never been properly calibrated.

@EsotericArctos Місяць тому

I would disagree with you about analogue meters. Although digital is more common in the hobbiest/maker space in professional use there are definitely many many uses for analogue meters over digital, especially when you need a really high input impedance. I still regularly use my analogue VTVM due to that reason, even on modern electronics. Aside from that, great video and informative.

@BJARNE-SOLBERG Місяць тому

Thanks 4 allthings u do

@dl2122d Місяць тому

good job

@mikewalton7615 7 днів тому

I really enjoy you videos. About a year ago you made a workshop power supply and powered it with an old 19v 4a laptop power supply. Would the components in that unit be able to output 20,000v?

@RommudohDev Місяць тому

15:40 you should keep in mind that when testing for continuity, you are injecting a (low) voltage into the circuit you are probing. If there are delicate components, like precicion analog sensors, you could damage them when simply poking around. at least you should try to keep an eye on the polarity. It won't be critical for hobby electronics, though.

@PainterVierax 29 днів тому

hence why some hobbyists made ultra low voltage continuity testers.

@user-vb6gd7ug1w Місяць тому

תודה!

@Dronebotworkshop Місяць тому

Thank You!

@joachimwulff8022 Місяць тому

Excellent video. Learned a lot. Just one nitpick: 1% of 10k is 100, not 10 (47:00).

@user-sz5eb5zb1d 26 днів тому

Hello, your videos and presentations are very good! Could you tell me which program is best to use to create such presentations?

@ismasuhaili373 Місяць тому

Love your vids and other arduino related vid. But I have a question, I am a begginer student in electronic engineering (first year, second semester). Currently, I am using an analog multimeter I bought at DIY store (lol). So, now I am in the market for a new DMM. After watching this video, I really like the FNIRSI 3-in-1 Multimeter,Osciloscope and signal generator because it is like the whole lab in a single pocket size device. As a student, this will be very useful to bring anywhere, ie: I can bring it back home, my faculty and even fit my small dorm room. At the same time I dont have to buy other device like osciloscope and wave generator. I would probably used this to learn some basic component like opamp or transistor, with the built in wave generator, this would be very useful. Other than that, I would also use this for arduino project. My question is, it is appropriate for me to buy this? I don't mind investing a lot in my interest as long as It can accelerate my learning. Or there is th other better or even cheaper alternative I can buy? Thank for answering my question.

@tpsingh2132 29 днів тому

I love your video but please provide all instruments used in video and where to buy all this please

@Kairat1969 26 днів тому

Subbed

@gsvasanth9077 25 днів тому

Kindly Explain and Test the below testing equipment. 1.Dual Power Supply Model -Scientific PSD3203. 2.Spectrum Analyzer Model -Scientific SMS3032X-TG. 3.Arbitrary Waveform Generator Model -Scientific SMG1022F. 4.Digital Storage Oscilloscope Model-Scientific SM01104E. 5.Digital Multimeter Model -Scientific SMM5065. 6.LCR Meter Model-Scientific SM6019. 7.Function Generator Counter Model -Scientific SM5078A.

@rajesha8626 15 днів тому

we want video like this for oscilloscope

@truthreigns7 Місяць тому

How about the old Simpson 250? What is your opinion of it?

@gg-gn3re Місяць тому

You can also get AD584 chips for calibration, they're a few dollars. Makes cheap multimeters always worth it They're 3 outputs

@michaelstraughn3465 8 днів тому

What software do you use to create your video's?

@JayDeePLUS-BEATZ Місяць тому

So a video on PCB design using kicad

@Dirtyharry70585 Місяць тому

Still using a plain old Fluke 77 bought in 1980 just probes and 9v batteries . Also own a rms clamp/temp/ dual meter, and snap on $350 for $65.

@frankfaubert1927 Місяць тому

Great video. I must be going blind. I could make out the names on the Fluke and the bench top but i couldn't make out the others. Could you give us a list please? Thanks

@gg-gn3re Місяць тому

At 56:00 they're pretty easy to read.

@frankfaubert1927 Місяць тому

@@gg-gn3reNope. Maybe I should look at this on my computer rather than my phone. All I'm seeing is fuzz. Could be these old eyes as well 😂

@jerril42 Місяць тому

From what I can see, some things were still blurry for me, hopefully if someone spots an error, they will post a correction. Kaiweets HT118A Owon XDM1041 Benchtop Finrsi 2C23T Scope Harbotest 208D Clamp Meter Proster BM4070 LCR Fluke 158+

@gg-gn3re Місяць тому

@@frankfaubert1927yea makes sense you can't see it on a phone.. lmao. They're crisp and easy to see on a real device.

@TheUnofficialMaker Місяць тому

love the channel but prefer projects!

@Thomcat2000 26 днів тому

Could you please do a video on how to protect your pc usb-port from short circuit. It doesn't matter how skilled you are, sooner or later mr Murphy will pay you a visit when you least expect it. Things that should not happen that let the magic smoke out and even damage your computer. Are there any devices that cuts the power when this happens?

@odellcooley5324 15 днів тому

Hey Bill. I was wondering if you could help with a project I've been stuck on. I have two yumo rotary encoders attached two DC motors. Connected to a sabertooth 2x32 motor controller. I want to do a simple code that I can build off of for automation. The code would be simple directions and stop. Example: Forward 2 feet, stop. Reverse 2 feet, stop. Left turn 2 feet, stop. Right turn 2 feet, stop. From there I should be able to build the code I want. Just having trouble getting everything together. Not sure what I'm doing wrong. A wiring schematic or diagram, plus dip switch layout would be greatly appreciated. Do you have an email? We can discuss compensation.

@KelikakuCoutin Місяць тому

Thanks for the content. Keep up the good work. בס'ד

@ajlenze8 Місяць тому

Are there any multimeters that measure both voltage and current AT THE SAME TIME? I understand that this would probably require another connection, some of the circuitry would have to be duplicated, plus the display would have to be capable of showing two numbers. But it sure would be useful...

@MathewPanicker1010 Місяць тому

It's called 2 multimeters

@ajlenze8 Місяць тому

@@MathewPanicker1010 Thanks for your AMAZINGLY helpful comment.

@stark_energy Місяць тому

No multimeters can do the job that you ask. Dual Volt Amp Meter can do the job, although it is not multimeter and it is for constant 24/7 monitoring of both DC voltage and current between 0-100V and require 5-30V DC input. That is as far as I can think of. The lab oscilloscope can also measure both voltage and current by using different channel. But oscilloscope like this is an expensive device with price above $1000.

@DesertVox Місяць тому

I've been using a $5 MM, and it has lasted quite a few years, but I've had to do a few re-soldering of the test leads. Other than that, the internal electronics are okay.

@josephchamness9915 Місяць тому

I just got 2 for about $2 each from Ali including postage.

@gg-gn3re Місяць тому

I have several multimeters. get a AD584 calibration circuit and just use the cheap ones. Keep them calibrated every year or more.. simple

@charcoal386 Місяць тому

Is thermistor the same as thermocouple?

@markclark4154 Місяць тому

Thermistor resistance changes with temperature . Thermocouple outputs a voltage.

@hakunamatata4528 Місяць тому

Don't forget that you can calibrate the FLUKE multimeter to get a better accuracy even after years of daily use. Can't do that with cheaper ones.

@PainterVierax 29 днів тому

you can do that on some cheaper ones but it really depends on the whole circuit. Sometimes there is just a single trimpot, sometimes 2 or 3. But yeah this Fluke definitively needs to be calibrated.

@Salahaddin_Electronics Місяць тому

😊

@commenter4799 18 годин тому

Not all multimeters take the banana clips, lol. Real handy having one odd meter out.

@tubeDude48 Місяць тому

Of the several I have; I have one that is VOM, Freq., Temp., Transistor and Oscilloscope that I use most! I've never been impressed with Fluke, and these test show why!

@dennisestenson7820 Місяць тому

Fluke's success is a fluke?

@tubeDude48 Місяць тому

@@dennisestenson7820 - If you say so.

@christianlingurar7085 Місяць тому

my take on the matter: almost any standard multimeter is fit enough for normal private lab use. what I am considering after decades of using multimeters is usability. handyness if you like. e. g. I'll never ever again use turning-dial models... and then there was strip flexibility and weight...

@ionymous6733 Місяць тому

I have an AstroAI TRMS 6000 multimeter that look to be the same as your Kaiweets. Must be rebranded by multiple companies.

@GiC7 Місяць тому

Thanks just what I needed

@bobvines00 Місяць тому

Bill, Dave at EEVBlog did a video entitled "eevBLAB 91 - Why Are Fluke Meters So EXPENSIVE?" . If memory serves, it's because Industry needs the reliability that they can depend on. I'm sure he gave more info than what I typed out of my foggy memory. ;) I think I'll look at the prices of some of your meters now!

@algre977 Місяць тому

Why did the voltage rise when you pulled the LED ? Shouldn't stay the same ?!

@PainterVierax 29 днів тому

It's because of the transformer. When the current increase, the voltage decrease due to resistive and magnetic losses. The same phenomenon occurs with the internal resistivity of a battery. That's why it's important to add some voltage regulation in many electronic circuits.

@algre977 29 днів тому

@@PainterVierax I see, so the voltage shooting up by 2v has nothing to do with the forward voltage (2v) of the LED, correct ? Also, of my understanding is correct, how can such a small load of 20mA cause an overall drop of 2v at the supply level ?!

@PainterVierax 29 днів тому

@@algre977 The fwd voltage being the same is pure coincidence. The same would have occurred with any other diode or a couple of them in series. The load is only dictated by the constant current circuitry (the resistance+potentiometer). By removing the led, components in series are in an open circuit and the tiny remaining load is just due to the high impedance of the voltmeter. For a usual 10Mohm device with a 10V source (a bit overestimated to simplify the calculation) the charge is only 1nA. On the other end, 20mA is not a lot but it's enough for the small transformer to not be able to rely only on em and capacitive noises leaking to the secondary. Try this experiment yourself if you want.

@algre977 28 днів тому

@@PainterVierax makes sense, many thanks for the thorough explanation!!

@mlentsch Місяць тому

I can't believe that you don't have an 87V

@johnglielmi6428 Місяць тому

Your Fluke may be out of Calibration, and why it's not being as accurate.

@mlentsch Місяць тому

Hilarious - I was just playing with my meters, this morning...

@ovalwingnut Місяць тому

Analog multi-meters Transporting us humans to the "moon and back"..

@markgreco1962 Місяць тому

🎉

@nelsonstahl8989 Місяць тому

What no harbor freight special $1.99 ? I too have many meters but find myself using it as much as the rest. After new test leads, it's about as accurate.

@leeeagle5994 Місяць тому

How Accurate Is placing a decimal point... Where There Isn't one ..??? i Heard You say .., 600.80

@bierbarrel Місяць тому

Best meter you can buy is the one harborfreight gives away for free...😅

@bertblankenstein3738 Місяць тому

For a home electronics lab, sure, many multimters will do. For higher energy circuits, I'd suggest getting something that has proper input protection and fuses. There are other professions where multimeters need to be calibrated at intervals. Or procedures are written using a specific meter, and those manuals need to be valid for as long as possible. This is where expensive Fluke meters come in.

@BillO964 27 днів тому

I just threw my "free" Harbor Freight Cen-tec multimeter in the trash and ordered a new AstoAI from Amazon. On sale 20% off. Anything will be better than that Cen-tec POS. I do not needa fancy expensive Fluke or the like. $40 bucks is fine. HF gives those cheapo ones away for free with coupons sometimes. Do not bother. 😂

@user-lt2dx8jm7w Місяць тому

Interesting video, well done as usual. It refreshed my mind about the Adafruit LM4040 circuit that I did not have a chance to use until now. My best DMM is a Metrix DMM220, I was happy to see that it agrees with the Adafruit 2.048 and 4.096 reference voltage. Now this being said, to assess a 0.1% accuracy measurement tool you would need a reference with 0.01 % accuracy.. the Adafruit circuit lacks this accuracy.. Another way is to send your multimeter out have it calibrated by a reference lab