[Elecraft] Elecraft DMM vs VOM

Thu Mar 27 11:05:01 2003

Hi Martin,

The VOM is good for continuity checking since you can see the meter swing out of the corner of your eye.
A lot of DMMs have a buzzer for continuity checking which is very handy.  Well worth a little extra cost.

The best feature of the DMM is accuracy. A lot of problems in circuits can be found by making accurate DC measurements and looking
for abnormal readings.  When troubleshooting, the first thing I do is take some
readings and write them on the schematic and then look to see if they are consistent. Ninety percent of the time
the trouble will show up as an abnormal DC reading, even in RF circuits.

It's a good idea to use a resistor (10K-50K) to isolate the probe from RF circuits. Wrap one end of the resistor
around the meter probe and use the other end of the resistor as the probe.

73/ Bob - AG5Q

----- Original Message -----
From: <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2003 8:05 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft DMM vs VOM

> Hi guys. I've just started putting together my K1 and I've seen a couple of
> refs to using a DMM rather than a VOM for resistance and voltage checks on
> K1/K2 kits. For the English around here I presume that a VOM is the US term
> for an analogue moving coil instrument (volt-ohm meter?). Now I know that a
> DMM has a very high input impedance so that it doesn't load the circuit and
> therefore is superior to a VOM for accuracy, but what is wrong with a VOM
> for simple checks. The voltage on the test leads is normally very low ( a
> few volts, max of 3V for my little unit) can this damage semiconductor
> devices, I wouldn't have thought so.
>
> I do have a DMM but rather like using my little ICE multiple plug steam
> powered tester for continuity and component value checking. For continuity
> of joints there is something comforting about seeing a moving coil meter
> swing over to the fat zero!
>
> Any thoughts.
>
>
>
> Why not take a look at our Web site?
> http://www.simoncarves.com
>
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