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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Multi meter how to

Posted by: vsg914 Mar 27 2005, 12:02 PM

What exactly is meant by "zeroing the meter", and how do you do it? My old meter crapped out and i picked up a new one yesterday(Greenlee DM 55). I am trying to check some used CHTs and the readout only shows for a split second, and then goes back to 1. Am I doing something wrong?

Posted by: Gint Mar 27 2005, 12:13 PM

YOu put the meter on the most sensitive resistance (ohms) scale, touch the two leads together (creating a dead short, or 0 ohms, or no [ok, damn little] resistance) and then adjust the meter dial to zero. This normally appliaes to old analog meters like Simpsons. Digitals for the most part have to be calibrated if they're off (if I'm not mistaken).

Posted by: Gustl Mar 27 2005, 12:18 PM

due to my bad english knowledge I'm not sure if I got your question right

if you'd like to measure the resistance (ohm), "zeroing the meter" means to shortcut the measuring strips - then it should display "0"
I've no idea what's a CHT, but if your DM flashes back to "1" just after any result I guess you've a contact problem
all DMs that I know display "1" for infinity

Posted by: ! Mar 27 2005, 12:20 PM

CHT= Cylinder Head Temp?

Posted by: Gint Mar 27 2005, 12:25 PM

I assume you mean "cylinder head temp sensors". It almost sounds like your not reading straight resistance.

We need more detail to go much further me thinks...

I'm off to Ma-in-laws

Posted by: MarkV Mar 27 2005, 12:36 PM

I think you are measuring straight continuity. My Fluke auto ranges in the ohms setting. If yours doesn't auto range just set it the most sensitive range.

Posted by: vsg914 Mar 27 2005, 01:07 PM

Figured it out. Thanks all for the help.

Posted by: bperry Mar 27 2005, 01:19 PM

Well, here is a picture of an anolog meter that I bought back in the Mid 70's.
Still works to this day!
To "zero" the meter, there are actually up to 3 places to adjust.

"A" adjusts the physical meter mechanics to ensure that
needle is ligning up properly on the left side of the scale when the meter
is off. (Seldom messed with)

The "B" knob called "Zero Adjust" is used to adjust the meter at its
left most point (where "Zero" volts would be) when the meter is
turned on.

The "C" knob called "Ohms Adjust" is used to adjust the meter at its
full scale when the probe wires are shorted and the power is on. This is used
to set the full deflection to where "Zero" ohms would be.

For this meter, you always adjust B.
If you are taking resistance measuremens (ohms) you adjust C.

These adjustments are mainly for older analog meters whose readings
can vary depending on battery condition and current temperature.

Hope that helps.

--- bill

Attached image(s)

Posted by: vsg914 Mar 27 2005, 02:48 PM

Thanks Bill, but i have a digital. Found out its a moot point with a digital. Called an electrician friend and he laughed at me. Oh well, If I knew everything I would run the world, right?

Posted by: redshift Mar 27 2005, 02:57 PM

No, not really.

M

Posted by: vsg914 Mar 27 2005, 03:01 PM

Your right miles. I would be too smart to want that job!