RoadTest: Multicomp Pro - Digital Multimeter Tips and Tricks
Author: Srikanth_hits
Creation date:
Evaluation Type: Test Equipment
Did you receive all parts the manufacturer stated would be included in the package?: True
What other parts do you consider comparable to this product?: n/a
What were the biggest problems encountered?: No problems encountered
Detailed Review:
Use a digital multimeter (Multicomp Pro MP730679 in this case) to demonstrate tips for home DIY repairs.
The Multicomp Pro MP730679 Digital Multimeter(DMM) is a True RMS hand held multimeter.
It features AC/DC voltage/current measurements, Frequency measurement, Max/Min relative mode, Diode/Continuity/Resistance/Capacitance testing, NCV, Transistor hFE, USB communications, Analog Bar graph, Peak hold as the most prominent features. It comes with a large screen with a 22000 count backlight display.
The multimeter comes in a rubber case which gives excellent grip, drop protection and isolation to the user. It comes with a pull-out support to use the DMM on a table. It comes with overload protection.
In the video, I have demonstrated - use of a multimeter for basic Home DIY (Do-It-Yourself).
The following features have been demonstrated and their use in home electronics/electrical repair.
1. Continuity Testing
2. NCV
3. Resistance/Capacitance
4. Voltage Mode
1. Continuity Testing, is the most commonly used mode on a multimeter. It can be used to find broken/burnt wires, shorted components (like capacitors/resistors), traces which have corroded and shorted, malfunctioning switches, burnt fuses, coils - in other words shorts / open paths.
Use of this mode has been demonstrated with the piece of a simple wire. The same can be applied to any other form of continuity testing.
For example, if we connect the probes of the multimeter across a capacitor which has failed and shorted internally - we would get a continuity beep, instead of a very high resistance / open line.
2. NCV, stands for Non-Contact Voltage testing. It can be used to detect energised wires without touching them with probes.
NCV is a mode missing in most entry level multimeters, though calling the MP730679 entry level would not be right. NCV can be used as a "getting electrocuted" deterrent. The DMM NCV can be held near wires which could carry live voltage to ensure, it is not energized before performing any home repairs / DIY repairs. Same can be used to check energized wires behind dry walls and find their path behind the walls.
NCV is a safer alternative to contact testers - which works well for a home DIY'er.
3. Resistance/Capacitance testing, is another commonly used features on a DMM. Passive components like resistors, capacitors are used a lot in home appliances / electronics. They often tend to fail (esp. capacitors). A simple way to find if a component has failed is testing it with a DMM - a simple process. These components are easy to replace, which works well for a home DIY'er.
For example, heater coils are resistors, which tend to fail/short as they age.
4. Voltage testing has a lot of use with current generation electronics/appliances/toys. Most appliances use batteries which loose charge / loose their ability to hold charge. A simple voltage test in most cases can indicate a faulty/discharged battery.
This can be used in checking Car key fob batteries, car lead acid batteries, Computer motherboard CMOS battery etc.
Multicomp Pro MP730679 is an impressive multimeter. It is function, features and precision rich. It makes DIY and professional repairs easy with its wide-variety of features. It looks and performs to professional standards.
Though, it is an overkill for simple DIY tasks as demonstrated above, it still is competitively priced and saves a ton of money when someone wants to upgrade their basic DMM.
