Electronic Tool - Multi Tester

Fig 1. Analog multimeter
Source: : KZang, CC BY-SA 3.0,
 via Wikimedia Commons

In my past blog, I wrote about soldering tools, for this blog, I'll be writing about multi meters. 

A multi tester, multimeter, also called a VOM in the past, which stands for Volt-Ohmmeter-milliammeter, is a very important tool that a serious electronic hobbyist / student can do without, since it is the tool that we used not only for measuring electrical quantities, Current, Voltage and Resistance, but most of the time used to check and test electronic components.

It is a very versatile tool that a technician must not only have but must learn how to maximize its usage.  

From simple measurement to component testing, it will help a technician in troubleshooting and when properly used even can help in determining a defective component that renders an equipment in operational.

A multi meter can either be digital (fig 2) or analog (fig 1), in my experience, both tools are needed for serious technician for the following reasons:  

1. When measuring electrical quantities, since accuracy is needed, a digital meter is preferred; and
2. When it comes to component testing, since most of the time there are only three conditions that a technician should look upon, an analog meter, due to its simplicity is much preferred. 

Although, for an experience technician, a single multimeter can be sufficient, in my opinion, having both is better. 

For my next blog, I will be writing about electronic symbols. Till then, Cheers!