Arcade Collecting > Miscellaneous Arcade Talk
How to use a multimeter to troubleshoot
RayB:
How about adding an answer to this question:
How do you know when your meter no longer works correctly?
Level42:
Depends.
Most problems are due to test-leads that go bad over time. I've had that happen once in a while, but I'm using them every working day.
I always test the continuity of the test leads before using the DMM in "diode/continuity mode". That is, I simply short the test-leads and check if I hear the beep. Simple, but essential.
The meter itself. A good one will indicate battery power loss. The really good meters (I've always used Fluke's) seem to run an eternity on their factory set.
If you want to test it for errors then you have to measure a voltage that you KNOW is good. F.I. a power supply that you know is working 100% and you know gives a nice and stable +5V or +12V. If you measure and read something else it's probably the meter.
On AC you could measure mains voltage, but there's quite some tolerance on the mains voltage, remember that.
purplec:
lads and ladies just a quick question do you check voltages at the board or do check down at the break connectors.
just wondering
thanks purplec
channelmaniac:
When checking the +5v output of the power supply check it on the board and not at the output of the power supply.
If the wires are too thin there will be some voltage drop. Set the 5v line to 5.0 to 5.1v and you'll be good to go for most games. Some are picky and like the voltage a little higher or a little lower. For example, I looked at a Carnevil game that would get very hot and crash if you gave it more than 4.9 volts. Strange game.
Also, if you suspect your multimeter isn't working then open up the battery compartment and check the fuses. If you hook up DC or AC voltage when measuring Ohms then one or more fuses will blow.
DO NOT PUT OVERSIZE FUSES IN A METER. Yes, I yelled. Ask my 9yr old, I yell whenever there's a safety issue.
miles2912:
Found a great tutorial on how to measure your pc's power supply voltage.
Link to it
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