help using a multimeter

[dasfonzie]

I have this multimeter here that looks a lot different than the ones I learned to use in school. You have to select AC, DCv, DCa or OHMS. Also you have to pick I believe the volts for whichever of the aforementioned you chose.

Basically I just want to test the output of this single coil pickup I have because I'm not sure it works. So if anyone can help me that'd be nice.

Also I'm not sure what I should touch the ground/hot cables to that are coming from this multimeter

Mine basically looks like this one here

[Liquid]

hmm well its an analog one so its possible it could be broken this can happen by trying to measure voltage or current that is too high for the dial setting. Sorry I cant help more man.

[DWVINKY]

When measuring resistance it doesn't matter where the red and black leads go. If you want to see if the meter works, place it on ohms and touch the leads together. The needle should go to zero ohms(far right). To measure resistance you just look at the resistance scale your on.

[Dave]

This was helpful for me...

http://www.doctronics.co.uk/meter.htm

[dasfonzie]

what do i touch the hot/ground to on the pickup?

[dasfonzie]

the multimeter works for sure.

Do I have to set it to ohms to get a reading?

I tried pretty much every setting and get nothing from this pickup. I'm trying this on one that I know works too.

[skyydogg01]

set it for ohms

black to ground
red to hot

you may have to switch to the kOhms range if it's selectable.

I work with these things everyday. if you need more help, shoot me a PM.

[ArtieToo]

Its hard to see in that pic, but that red thing under the meter part is probably the "ohms zero" control. Hold the two leads together. The needle should deflect to the right. Turn that thumbdial, (if it is one), to place the needle on zero. If that part works, then the meter works. If it doesn't, you probably need a new battery. (Ohms measurements require power.)

If the above worked, just place the leads on the pup leads. If its 4-conductor, you need to do either of two things: measure across black & white, and then across red & green. Or, twist red and white together, and measure across black and green.

[tone4days]

and make sure the battery is fresh

[junior]

Thats a cool link Dave. Thanks