MarkB_MI
Well-known Member
- Location
- Motown USA
While we're discussing meters, I thought I'd throw out a tip regarding the "diode check" range on your DMM.
Most folks think the diode check range is just another resistance check with an added beep. NOT SO! The measurement you see on the diode range is not in ohms but rather in VOLTS. A good diode has a voltage drop of around .6 to .7 volts. If you use the diode check to measure continuity, don't think the "0.00" reading means you have zero ohms resistance. You need to switch to the ohms range to measure resistance.
Also, when checking a diode, most meters will emit a single "chirp" when the diode is forward-biased, but a continuous tone when the diode is shorted.
Most folks think the diode check range is just another resistance check with an added beep. NOT SO! The measurement you see on the diode range is not in ohms but rather in VOLTS. A good diode has a voltage drop of around .6 to .7 volts. If you use the diode check to measure continuity, don't think the "0.00" reading means you have zero ohms resistance. You need to switch to the ohms range to measure resistance.
Also, when checking a diode, most meters will emit a single "chirp" when the diode is forward-biased, but a continuous tone when the diode is shorted.