Is this a good multi-meter?

[bloompyle]

To be honest, I'm not sure what I'm looking for, I've been told but I just don't wuite get it, I think it's the latout of the meter. They need buttons lol, not a dial....anyway, here's a pic of it, and the link.

pics of it:

DealExtreme: Photo Gallery - Mastech MAS830L Digital Multimeter

And the actual page for it:

DealExtreme: $13.21 Mastech MAS830L Digital Multimeter

 

[billg519]

The DMM that you have linked to is a good basic DMM. Get some decent leads for it. This meter measures AC and DC volts, DC current, Ohms, has continuity check, diode check (not for LDs) and transistor gain (Hfe). The manual may be in Chinese, but there is a link for an English one.

 

[lasersbee]

I agree with Bill...
That is a good Digital Meter to start with...
It has all the features that you will need to build and test Lasers
and Drivers..

Jerry

 

[bloompyle]

Thanks for the responce guys!!

 

[rpaloalto]

I was just looking at that one last night. I'm probably going to grab that one for my self.
I need a non autoranging DMM

I recently bought a Extech nm36 autoranging DMM. It's nice, but really sucks at taking readings from laser drivers when adjusting the pot. The thing just jumps all over the place, and sometime wont ever settle down, unless I turn it off then back on.

 

[bloompyle]

Another thing I don't understand, is how do I keep the DMM attached AND turn the pot? I can't hold three things at once! Am I supposed to tape it on there?

 

[rpaloalto]

Another thing I don't understand, is how do I keep the DMM attached AND turn the pot? I can't hold three things at once! Am I supposed to tape it on there?

I use a pair of wires, with alligator clips at both ends.

 

[chipdouglas]

just as said above... get alligator clips you can get packs of them for super cheap from radio shack... and while you are there pick up some supplies to make your own test load... you don't wanna kill that newly aquired LCC

 

[onidiablo]

its got the basic functions so yeah it good.

 

[lasersbee]

Another thing I don't understand, is how do I keep the DMM attached AND turn the pot? I can't hold three things at once! Am I supposed to tape it on there?

Get your self some of these Mini Clips (or similar)...
They are spring loaded and can easily clip onto a 1/8 watt
resistor lead...

Mini Test Clips - Set of Two- 3.5" long on eBay.ca (item 320529882123 end time 08-Jun-10 15:35:13 EDT)


Jerry

 

[GreenLaser]

yeah go for those leads very good for resistors and diodes. there cheaper localy for me there 50 cents and im australian. AND THEY CAN BE ATACHED TO THE MULTIMETER EASILY.
CHEERS

 

[bloompyle]

Oh yeah, when I asked that question, I thought I was going to be clipping to the IN side for some reason, but, you can get small ones for the LD side?

 

[lasersbee]

You should be clipping to the 1 Ohm Test Load resistor...
to adjust the current of a Driver...

Jerry

 

[bloompyle]

I'd be using the dead diode I still have on there like I was told I could use....

 

[lasersbee]

I'd be using the dead diode I still have on there like I was told I could use....

Is it DEAD Open.... DEAD Short... or LEDed...:thinking:

Jerry