Diagnostic Tools - Revision history

Admin at 04:20, 4 February 2015

2015-02-04T04:20:56Z

Admin at 18:13, 3 February 2015

2015-02-03T18:13:27Z

Admin at 16:08, 3 February 2015

2015-02-03T16:08:25Z

Admin at 16:06, 3 February 2015

2015-02-03T16:06:20Z

Admin at 15:01, 30 January 2015

2015-01-30T15:01:41Z

Admin at 15:01, 30 January 2015

2015-01-30T15:01:22Z

Admin: Replaced content with "You can have all the best and most expensive diagnostic tools on the planet but if you don't use them properly, the diagnostic information they provide may be meaningless..."

2015-01-30T14:03:16Z

Replaced content with "You can have all the best and most expensive diagnostic tools on the planet but if you don't use them properly, the diagnostic information they provide may be meaningless..."

Admin at 14:01, 30 January 2015

2015-01-30T14:01:13Z

Admin at 14:00, 30 January 2015

2015-01-30T14:00:54Z

Admin: /* DVM/VOM Meter */

2015-01-30T05:04:29Z

DVM/VOM Meter

@@ Line 9: / Line 9: @@
 :*[[Logic Analyzer]] - An advanced tool for diagnosing communication issues.
-:*[[Infrared Heat Sensor]] - Analyze overheating issues with a heat gun.
+:*[[Infrared Heat Sensor]] - Analyze overheating issues with a temperature gun.
 :*[[A/C Line Tester]] - A common, everyday, easy-to-use tool for checking A/C power outlets and power cables.
 :*[[Other DIY Testers]] - Helpful tools/testers you can assemble yourself.

@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
 :*[[Logic Analyzer]] - An advanced tool for diagnosing communication issues.
 :*[[A/C Line Tester]] - A common, everyday, easy-to-use tool for checking A/C power outlets and power cables.
 :*[[Other DIY Testers]] - Helpful tools/testers you can assemble yourself.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 You can have all the best and most expensive diagnostic tools on the planet but if you don't use them properly, the diagnostic information they provide may be meaningless or worse, completely misleading which can easily send you into erroneous solutions to non-problems.
-:*[[Voltage Meter (DVM/VOM)]] - Probably the most helpful and useful tool is the volt meter
+:*[[Voltage Meter (DVM/VOM)]] - Probably the most helpful and useful tool is the volt meter.
-:*[[Cable Tester]] - This hobby uses lots of cables. You'll need to know they're working
+:*[[Cable Tester]] - This hobby uses lots of cables. You'll need to know they're working.
-:*[[Oscilloscope]] - An advanced tool for measuring very tiny/fast digital signals and electrical wave patterns
+:*[[Oscilloscope]] - An advanced tool for measuring very tiny/fast digital signals and electrical wave patterns.
-:*[[Logic Analyzer]] - An advanced tool for diagnosing communication issues
+:*[[Logic Analyzer]] - An advanced tool for diagnosing communication issues.
-:*[[A/C Line Tester]] - A common, everyday, easy-to-use tool for checking A/C power outlets and power cables
+:*[[A/C Line Tester]] - A common, everyday, easy-to-use tool for checking A/C power outlets and power cables.
-:*[[Other DIY Testers]] - Helpful tools/testers you can assemble yourself
+:*[[Other DIY Testers]] - Helpful tools/testers you can assemble yourself.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 You can have all the best and most expensive diagnostic tools on the planet but if you don't use them properly, the diagnostic information they provide may be meaningless or worse, completely misleading which can easily send you into erroneous solutions to non-problems.
-:*[[Voltage Meter (DVM/VOM)]]
+:*[[Voltage Meter (DVM/VOM)]] - Probably the most helpful and useful tool is the volt meter
-:*[[Cable Tester]]
+:*[[Cable Tester]] - This hobby uses lots of cables. You'll need to know they're working

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 You can have all the best and most expensive diagnostic tools on the planet but if you don't use them properly, the diagnostic information they provide may be meaningless or worse, completely misleading which can easily send you into erroneous solutions to non-problems.
-:*[[Voltage Meter (DVM or VOM)]]
+:*[[Voltage Meter (DVM/VOM)]]
 :*[[Cable Tester]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:03, 30 January 2015
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	:*[[Voltage Meter (DVM/VOM)]]		:*[[Voltage Meter (DVM/VOM)]]

−	~~== DVM/VOM Meter ==~~	+	:*[[Cable Tester]]
−	:The digital volt meter or volt-ohm-meter is is primarily used as a device to measure voltages, and currents and resistance, although some models have additional functions for measuring capacitance, transistors and diodes and even more. The DVM/VOM will likely become the most-used diagnostic tool in your toolkit, especially when you're building electronic projects. You don't need to spend a lot of money on one, but understand that a $75 DVM would probably be more accurate and have more capabilities than a $7 unit. Also know that these devices use batteries and batteries don't last forever. As the battery discharges the meter will become less accurate, which can easily cause the misdiagnosis of a problem. Replace the battery at least annually. They also don't bounce when you drop them -- at least they don't bounce very well or very many times. Take care of your DVM.
−
−	:* ~~Selector Dial~~
−	::Most meters have a dial that is used to select a specific mode for the meter to be in. Typical meter selections are to measure A/C voltage, DC voltage, resistance (in Ohms) and current (in either milliamps or full amps). When measuring something for the first time, select the HIGHEST range first. This gives you more margin for error and will help prevent damaging the meter. For example, if you were measuring the A/C voltage of portable generator's A/C outlet, you would select the highest range for A/C testing which might be 600 volts, and then make your first test. You can always dial down to a lesser level once you get an initial reading. Meters are more accurate when the measuring range is closer to and just slightly larger than the item being tested, so instead of seeing 120 on the DVM, you might get 120.5 volts instead. In this example, 1/2 volt isn't that important but when you get down to low voltage DC, a half of a volt can mean the difference to whether a part works or not.
−
−	~~:* Safety~~
−	::You'll be measuring live circuits. Sometimes those circuits carry only a handful of volts which is harmless. Other times, they might be carrying a lethal voltage that can knock you across the room if you're not careful. The test leads on your meter have insulated handles. Never touch the metal part of the lead to anything but the items to be tested, and never touch the leads with your finger. The leads generally have sharp points for a reason -- to help you zero-in on a specific point. If you wear glasses for better vision, always wear them when you're using your meter so you don't accidentally miss the proper test points. Missing a test point can cause a short circuit and damage something -- maybe even you. Also remember to use the proper kinds of test leads. Meters usually come with a pair of "pencil-type" leads which require you to usually hold one with each hand. If you need to attach a pair of leads to a circuit yet have one or both of your hands free, use leads that have spring clips so you can clamp them on the parts so the leads won't slip and possibly touch some other "hot" parts of the circuit and cause a short.

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:00, 30 January 2015
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	You can have all the best and most expensive diagnostic tools on the planet but if you don't use them properly, the diagnostic information they provide may be meaningless or worse, completely misleading which can easily send you into erroneous solutions to non-problems.		You can have all the best and most expensive diagnostic tools on the planet but if you don't use them properly, the diagnostic information they provide may be meaningless or worse, completely misleading which can easily send you into erroneous solutions to non-problems.
		+
		+	[[Voltage Meter (DVM/VOM)]]

	== DVM/VOM Meter ==		== DVM/VOM Meter ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:04, 30 January 2015
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	:* Safety		:* Safety
−	::You'll be measuring live circuits. Sometimes those circuits carry only a handful of volts which is harmless. Other times, they might be carrying a lethal voltage that can knock you across the room if you're not careful. The test leads on your meter have insulated handles. Never touch the metal part of the lead to anything but the items to be tested, and never touch the leads with your finger. The leads generally have sharp points for a reason -- to help you zero-in on a specific point. If you wear glasses for better vision, always wear them when you're using your meter so you don't accidentally miss the proper test points. Missing a test point can cause a short circuit and damage something -- maybe even you. Also remember to use the proper kinds of test leads. Meters usually come with a pair of "pencil-type" leads which require you to usually hold one with each hand. If you need to attach a pair of leads to a circuit yet have one or both of your hands free, use leads that have spring clips so you can clamp them on the parts so the leads won't slip and possibly touch some other "hot" parts of the circuit and cause a	+	::You'll be measuring live circuits. Sometimes those circuits carry only a handful of volts which is harmless. Other times, they might be carrying a lethal voltage that can knock you across the room if you're not careful. The test leads on your meter have insulated handles. Never touch the metal part of the lead to anything but the items to be tested, and never touch the leads with your finger. The leads generally have sharp points for a reason -- to help you zero-in on a specific point. If you wear glasses for better vision, always wear them when you're using your meter so you don't accidentally miss the proper test points. Missing a test point can cause a short circuit and damage something -- maybe even you. Also remember to use the proper kinds of test leads. Meters usually come with a pair of "pencil-type" leads which require you to usually hold one with each hand. If you need to attach a pair of leads to a circuit yet have one or both of your hands free, use leads that have spring clips so you can clamp them on the parts so the leads won't slip and possibly touch some other "hot" parts of the circuit and cause a short.