|
Subject: They will know
Name:
 ludicrous
Date: 6/15/2001 11:18:37 AM (GMT-7)
IP Address: 138.67.74.229
In Reply to: Re: In other words, do you have a multitester? posted by
Mike
Message:
what "multitester" means and, if you've never used one at all, I think they have a $25 or $30 seven-function model that is very small and almost idiot proof (no offense intended  ) -- the two testing probe leads are tied directly into the tester, so you don't have to worry about plugging them in the wrong way, the readout is digital, and the only control is a singal dial on the front.
It will include instructions, but basically you can set the dial to "DC" and then touch a probe lead to each side of a DC power source -- the digital display will tell you if DC voltage is present.
Two things to be careful of when using a multitester. First, when trying to measure voltage off of, for example, fan-header pins, be VERY CAREFUL not to accidentally short two connections with the leads.
Second, you may have an ammeter setting (for measuring current, i.e. Amps). Do not try to use it in situations where the current will exceed the maximum amount the meter can handle (this will be in the instructions, and possibly written on the meter itself). The ammeter setting is always used IN SERIES with the load being tested; in fact when employed, the ammeter APPEARS like a short. If the meter is on the ammeter setting and you try to put it across a potential -- e.g. an electrical outlet -- the result is BOOM.
|