multimeter noob question

[Teslahed]

Just a quick question on multimeters (i lost the instructions!).

I am trying to measure the current in my driver circuit. I've stuck the multimeter in series just after the battery on the + side.

When i set it to 'DCA 20m' it gives a reading of 0.19 . Does this mean 190mA are flowing throught the circuit (and thus the diode) ?

Unfortunately I've not really used a digital multimeter before or this would probably be obvious to me.

 

[timelord]

Although most people here understand multimeters well I know that some people have not got a clue I can see that this thread will be very useful to newbies alike and I'm hoping it develops into a very good thread. So I'm gonna sticky it so it don't get lost......

 

[a_pyro_is]

Please post a nice clear pic of your multimeter.

 

[Teslahed]

It is the dt830b

http://www.multimeterwarehouse.com/dt830b.htm

 

[phenol]

connect the black probe to COM and the red probe to 10ADC terminal. Then rotate the dial to the 10A position and u are ready to mesure currents up to 10A /unfused!!!/ with resolution of 10mA. For currents lower than 200mA you can use the higher sensitivity ranges. Note that they are fused and the fuse will blow if you overload it at these ranges. Also, in order to use them, along with voltage measurements, you have to connect the red probe to the middle receptacle.

 

[bcroft]

i have the same multi. i put it on 10A, put the red and blue plugs in the right spots. my screen came up with .03 - .04 is that 30mA-40mA im guessing?

 

[chido]

Are you talking about DDL's driver, if so here's a thread on how to test it correctly:
http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1197651171

 

[hydrogenman15]

Make one of the lines that go to your diode go THROUGH the multimeter. If you try you try to attach it like your measuring volts it will KILL YOUR METER.