do you guys use DMM?

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

I have a Radio Shack meter that not only reads hFE, but it tells you if the transistor is NPN or PNP and it tells which pin in which too. It's too bad they don't carry it any more, but it's a great feature to look for.

I believe this was invented by Paul Schreiber, who now manufactures analog synth modules (including DIY ones, not cheap but very high quality, there is a 4 month waiting list)
www.synthtech.com

[puretube]

there you go

slide gage [tech.]        die Schiebelehre  
slide gauge [tech.]      die Schiebelehre  
sliding caliper [tech.]   die Schiebelehre  
sliding calliper [tech.]  die Schiebelehre  
sliding rule [tech.]       die Schiebelehre

( www.leo.org )

that`s not the one.

(german:) "Rechenschieber",
2 logarithmically scaled rulers, that you shift against each other,
thereby multiplying or dividing;
guess the younger generations have never seen such thing - very analog -

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

'slip stick' was a USA slang for the slide rule.. Some are quite beautiful & collectable (plenty of sites).
You could get ones with extra scales for specific fields, including electronics.

http://sliderule.ozmanor.com/rules/sr-0141-pickn16es-01.html

[9V]

thank you all for the replies!

my computer broke down and needs major operation..
i will post my (MXR+/ ELECTRA/ EASY FACE/ RANGEMASTER) pictures as soon as i can.

thanks

[theaxeman]

My DMM cost me £3! (about $5!) I got it from a tool fair, factory direct. Its okay, does resistance, ac/dc voltage, current, diode test and Transistor Hfe.

[9V]

what qualites it should have?

resistance, ac/dc voltage, current, diode test and Transistor Hfe and pcb crackling(?)... is that all i need? or more options on it?

thanks

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

This is embarassing, but fully 95% of the times I find a fault by using a DMM, it is a continuity problem. So make sure you get an audible buzz! all the rest is a bonus, really.

[9V]

mr. perry

what is an audible buzz, is it like that buzzing sound, if i've got something wrong, or an error within the parts? does it include testing wirings, solder, capac, pot, switch, etc.??

thx

[Paul Perry (Frostwave)]

All but the very cheapest meters, have a "buzzer" or "peeeeeep" built in, whihc tyou hear when you touch the probe ends together in "continuity test mode" (usually this position has a diode symbol beside it, or little sound waves). So you can use this to see wheterh two things are connected.. the two main faults are blobs of solder accidentally connecting things that shouldnt be, and the opposite, broken leads and 'dry' solder joints (where the solder only appears to contact the wires).