A digital multimeter measures voltage, current, resistance, continuity, and a diode's forward voltage. First the parts of the meter, then what each dial setting does.
The meter
Click each numbered point on this AstroAI DT132A to read the part it marks.
The meter
Click a numbered part
Every part you will use is on this meter. Click a numbered point to read what it is and what it does.
What the dial does
The dial is split into labeled groups, one for each kind of measurement. You turn to the group you need, and the meter picks the range for you.
V⎓ / V~ VoltageVoltage across a part. The probes touch across it, in parallel, with the power on. Use V⎓ for DC, V~ for AC. A negative reading only means the probes are the other way round.
A⎓ CurrentCurrent along a path. The meter goes in series, in the loop, so the current flows through it. What blows the fuse is excess current itself: probes across a live supply in current mode short it through the meter. Small current uses the VΩmA jack; large current the separate A jack.
Ω ResistanceA part's resistance. The probes touch across it, in parallel, with the power off. On a board, lift one lead of the part out of the circuit so the rest of the board does not corrupt the reading.
·)) ContinuityBeeps when two points are joined by a near-zero resistance, power off. Used to find breaks and shorts.
▶| DiodePushes a small current one way and shows a diode's or LED's forward voltage drop.
⋏⊢ Hz% ℃Capacitance, frequency, and temperature. Real settings on the DT132A, but you do not need them for the DC circuits in this series.