digital multi-meter


DLO4923

New Member
What has been found to be a satisfactory digital multi meter for testing of DCC locomotives?

How much is necesssary to spend?

Thanks
Dan
 
What is it you are wanting to test ? Voltage outputs ? Current draw ? Continuity ? Resistance ?

Pretty much any low end meter will do all of these. Some cheaper meters will only measure current in small amounts - 200 to 500 milli-amps. I picked up a digital meter at my local big box store that will measure up to 10 amps of current for about $20.00. You will want a meter that will measure at least up to 5 amps.

If you are wanting to measure DCC track voltage, no digital meter will measure it completely accurate, although the AC setting will get you pretty close. You will need an actual DCC volt-meter if you want accuracy.

Mark.
 
Then that pretty much puts a blanket yes to all my queries.

DC Voltage - testing the decoder function outputs and motor output

AC Voltage - testing (approximately) your track voltage

Current - testing your engines motor stall current / testing your load on your function outputs

Continuity - testing for open or shorted connections

Resistance - testing speakers / lights / resistors

Mark.
 



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