Not so long ago, modern compact devices came to help motorists instead of a control light. One of the popular models of digital multimeters is DT 832. Instructions for use are included in the kit, you should definitely study them before using. The device operates on batteries, has a small size, and has a low cost.
Content
- Purpose of the device
- DC and AC voltage
- Current strength
- Ringing diodes and other functions
- Tips for choosing a multimeter
Purpose of the device
All multimeters can be divided into digital and analog. The latter are more outdated, readings must be taken based on the value of the dial gauge.
Digital devices are much easier.: Readings are presented in digital format on the display of the instrument. Such multimeters are more convenient to use and have high measurement accuracy.
The device is small in size, there is a circular pointer in the center, with its help the operating modes of the device are selected (when it is turned off, the arrow indicates the OFF position). The dial shows the maximum values that the device can measure in a particular value. In addition, special operating modes are set using the pointer.
Despite the low price, the device can do a lot. The instructions for the multimeter indicate that it measures a number of important indicators:
- alternating and direct voltage;
- current strength;
- resistance of resistors.
Continuity of the wire for a short circuit is combined with the ability to test diodes without soldering them - when it hits a non-working section of the circuit, the system emits a sound signal. The device can be used as a generator rectangular pulses, and also with its help to measure the current gain of the transistor.
The multimeter is powered by a Krona battery with a voltage of 9 V. If you need to replace the power supply, you need to remove the back cover by unscrewing two screws. In addition, there is an overload protection fuse on the rear panel of the instrument board.
It is quite simple to connect the probes to the measuring device: the black wire is combined with the COM connector - this is the minus socket. The red probe is connected to the middle connector, the maximum current is 200mA. The top connector is used if you need to measure amperage up to 10 amps.
Each type of measurement of various parameters (voltage, resistance, etc.) is indicated by a number of maximum values. The value of the measured parameter must be less than the maximum value.
So, if a constant voltage is measured, the value of which is less than 20 V, then the pointer should be at around 20. If the approximate values of a specific value are not known in advance, in order to protect the device from failure, set the maximum value and then decrease it.
DC and AC voltage
With the device, you can find out the value of the mains voltage, for example, by taking measurements at an electrical outlet. Everyone knows that standard indicators should be within 220 V, therefore, the device must be set to ACV mode with a value of 750 V (this is necessary to prevent the fuse from blowing out).
The connection must be carried out in parallel to the terminals with and without a consumer. In the case of an outlet, you must insert the probes into the holes. It should be noted that it is forbidden to touch the metal parts of the probe; before starting the measurement, you need to make sure that the insulation is intact.
If the indicators are in the range of 220-250 V, then the voltage is normal. To find out how much the values fall under the action of the load, you need to connect an iron, kettle or any other household appliance to a nearby outlet.
Everyone knows that there is constant voltage in various devices. Some of them:
- Power supplies;
- accumulators;
- batteries.
In this case, the device must be switched to DCV mode. Be sure to observe the polarity, otherwise the multimeter will show negative values. In the same way, you can find wires with a plus or a minus in the system.
If you want to find out the parameters in the car, it is enough to set the upper limit to 20 V. Thus, the voltage of the on-board network, battery terminals is measured.
Current strength
You can find out the parameters of the current strength under the condition of the connected consumer - under load. The probes of the device must be connected in series to the point where the circuit breaks down to the consumer. Do not connect the device directly to a battery or an outlet - this is fraught with the failure of the device.
As an example, you can find out the value of the current in the circuit, which consists of a 1.5 V battery and an indicator with a light bulb. To do this, the device must be set to a maximum limit of 10 Amperes. Then move the pole probe to the power socket. After that, you need to break the circuit and connect the probe to the positive output on the battery, and the second to the lamp input. The device will show an approximate value of 0.04 A. To get more accurate indicators, you need to lower the limit.
It should be noted that it will not work to find out the current strength in the network with values of 220 V, the device is not equipped with such a function. The measurement capability allows the motorist to calculate the required wire size for additional equipment.
Ringing diodes and other functions
To carry out such manipulations, you need to put the device in the appropriate position, which is indicated by an icon in the form of an arrow with a plus sign at the end. In this case, you can check the break in a certain section of the circuit, as well as the performance of the diodes or LEDs.
All measurements should be taken with the power supply disconnected. To find an area with a break, you need to connect one probe to one end and the other to the other. If the system does not fix any breaks, the device will emit a characteristic sound signal, and the display will show values close to zero. Accordingly, when a break is detected, there will be no sound signal; the number 1 will be displayed in the left corner of the screen. This situation indicates that the circuit is open.
In addition, in this mode, you can find out whether the diode is broken, as well as the value of the voltage drop - this indicator is a key parameter for the health of the part. Measurements are carried out in the manner described above.
Using the device, you can measure the transmission coefficient of the transistor. It is designated hFE on the multimeter. For this option, there are special connectors on the side of the device, in which there are grooves with the designations E, B, C, and also the PNP or NPN structure is indicated.
Another useful feature is the calculation of resistance, which is indicated by the Ω symbol on the multimeter. The device has 5 main limits, 2000 ohms and 2000 kohms are often used.
Tips for choosing a multimeter
If a person has never encountered such a device, experts recommend for the first time purchase the simplest and cheapest device, in this case it will not be a pity to throw it away in case breakage. If the car enthusiast already knows how to use the DT 832 multimeter, you can buy a more convenient device with auxiliary functions.:
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The built-in sound indication is an additional assistant to the owner during measurements. - It is advisable that the device be equipped with a fuse that can be replaced in the event of failure. Otherwise, the device can be considered disposable, because mistakes often occur and will certainly lead to a breakdown of the device.
- It is optimal if the case of the multimeter is rubberized.
Using the DT 832 multimeter is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. It is necessary to have minimal knowledge of working with the device, as well as to be as careful as possible. If all points of the instructions for use are observed, the device will serve without failures and damage for many years.
