1. INTRODUCTION
A multimeter or a multitester, also known as a VOM (Volt-Ohm meter), is
an electronic measuring instrument that combines several measurement functions in one unit. A
typical multimeter would include basic features such as the ability to measure voltage, current,
andresistance. Analog multimeters use a microammeter whose pointer moves over a scale
calibrated for all the different measurements that can be made. A multimeter can be a hand-held
device useful for basic fault finding and field service work, or a bench instrument which can
measure to a very high degree of accuracy. They can be used to troubleshoot electrical problems
in a wide array of industrial and household devices such as electronic equipment, motor
controls, domestic appliances, power supplies, and wiring systems.
Title : Analog multimeter and application
Objectives : At the end of this experiment, student should be able to
i. Do the measurement by using analog multimeter
ii. Give knowledge about the usage of analog multimeter and its
function.
iii. Practice how to read the scale and set the range of multimeter
Equipment List
i. Analog Multimeter
ii. Variable DC power supply
iii. Bread board
iv. Resistor
v. Wire clip

2. THEORY
Multimeter are very useful test instruments. There are two type of multimeter : Analog multimeter
and digital multimeter. Analog meters use the force within the circuit to move a pointer to a scale
position. Digital meters sense the force within the circuit and convert it to an ordinary number.
By operating a multi-position switch on the meter they can be quickly and easily set to be a
voltmeter, an ammeter or an ohmmeter. In other words, this instrument is used to measure
resistance, current and voltage in electric circuit. It is also used to test electronic component such as
resistor, capacitor, inductor, diode, transistor and etc. Besides, we can check the condition of these
components whether good or not.
If we looked at the analog multimeter, this equipment is classified into 6 basic division :
a) Control unit
Control unit can be set followed by measurement unit as we need. For Example, if we want
to measured alternating voltage and current ( AU / AC ), we must set the control unit to
AVC ( alternating current voltage ) and so on.
b) Reading Scale
Reading scale has several curve line with certain unit such as DCV.A, AVC,Ω and so on.
Electric quantity is measured in this meter by the reading scale.
c) Pointer
The pointer is moving on the reading scale to show you the value of the electric quantity
being measure.

3. d) Terminal Meter
There ae two terminal meter named positive and negative terminal. Both of terminal are
joint to test lead where as the red colour for positive terminal and black colour for negative.
e) The pointer-zere adjustment ( only for analog multimeter )
It is used to set the scale of volt and current on zero. An adjustment is not required if the
pointer is set to zero.
f) The ohms-zero adjustment ( only for analog multimeter )
Along the bottom of the meter panel marked as ohms zero. This knob is used to set the full
scale deflection of the pointer whenever the function is set to ohm. Full scale is usually zero
ohms. To set this :
I. Set function to ohms
II. Set range to R × 1
III. Touch probes together
Label of Each Indicator on the analog multimeter

4. Measurement method of analog multimeter
Analog meters take a little power from the circuit under test to operte their pointer. They must have
high sensitivity of at least 20 kΩ / V or they may upset the circuit under test and give an incorrect
reading.
Batteries inside the meter provide power for the resistance ranges, they will last several years but
you should avoid leaving the meter set to a resistance range in case the lead touch accidentally and
run the battery flat.
Typical ranges for analog multimeters like the one illustrated in figure : 1.1
( the voltage and current value given are the maximum reading on each range )
 DC Voltage : 0.5V, 2.5V, 10V, 50V, 250V, 1000V.
 AC Voltage : 10V, 50V, 250V, 1000V.
 DC current : 50μA, 2.5mA, 25mA, 250mA.
A high current range is often missing from this type of meter.
 AC current : None. ( you are unlikely to need to measure this )
 Resistance : 20Ω , 200Ω, 2kΩ, 20kΩ, 200kΩ
These resistance value are in the middle of the scale for each range.
If we looked at the reading scale of multimeter, we will see many colorful curve lines. Every line is
used for certain unit such as resistance ( Ω ), direct voltage and current ( DCV.A ), alternating
curret ( ACV ) and so on ( see figure 1.2 ).

5. Figure 1.2
A. Resistance Measurement
The resistance scale on an analog multimeter is normally at the top, it is an usual scale
because it reads backwards and is not linear ( evenly spaced ). This is unfortunate, but it is
due to the way the meter works.
1. Set the meter to a suitable resistance range.
Choose a range so that the resistance you expect will be near the middle of the scale.
For example : with the scale shown below and an expected resistance of about 50 kΩ
choose the × 1kΩ.
2. Hold the meter probes together and adjust the control on the front of the meter
which is usually labeled “ 0Ω ADJ ’’ until the pointer reads zero (on the right
remember ! )
If you can adjust it to read zero, the battery inside the meter needs replacing.
3. Put the probes across the component.
Avoid touching more than one contact at a time or your resistance will upset the
reading !
Choose scale range at × 1Ω. When the pointer shows at 20 scale reading, therefore
the total of resistance is 26 × 1Ω = 26Ω

6. B. DC Voltage Measurement
There are 3 ranges in this scale reading : 0 to 10, 0 to 50 and 0 to 250.
When you want to measure a voltage not more than 50V, the suitable scale Range is 0 to
50V. For example, if the pointer shows at 20, the total of Voltage measured is 20V
If the voltage is around 0.1V, so suitable scale reading is 0 to 10V ( 10/100=0.1V ). For
example, if the pointer shows at 8, the total of voltage measured is 8/100 = 0.08V.
C. DC Current Measurement
Scale range has been choosing is 25 mA. The suitable scale reading is 0 to 250 ( 250/10 =
250 mA ). If pointer at 150, the total of current measured is 150/10 = 15 m
Taking accurate reading
To take an accurate reading from an analogue scale you must have your eye in line with the pointer.
Avoid looking at an angle from the left or right because you will see a reading which is a little too
high or to low. Many analogue meters have a small strip of mirror along the scale to help you.
When your eye is in the correct position the reflection of the pointer is hidden behind the pointer
itself. If you can see the reflection you are looking at an angle.
Precaution
Multimeters are easily damaged by careless use so please take these steps :
 Always disconnect the multimeter before adjusting the range switch.
 Always check the stting of the range switch before you connect to a circuit.
 Never leave a multimeter set to a current range ( expect when actually taking a reading ) .
The greatest risk of damage is on the current ranges because the meter has a low resistance.

7. Experiment 1 – 2 : Reading of Analog Multimeter
PROCEDURE
1) DC Voltage Reading ( unit volt )
i. Ensured the positive prove ( red ) in positive ( + ) terminal and negative probe ( black )
in negative ( - ) terminal
ii. Select the selector to DCV in 250 DVC
iii. Look the black colour scale
and find the maximum scale. The maximum scale at point 1 ( 250 ) based on selector
value 250 DVC.
iv. Look the scale at point 2 and take the reading.
v. The reading shows at 100 V in volt DC unit.

8. 2) Resistor value reading ( unit Ω )
i. Ensured the oisitive prove ( red ) in positive ( + ) terminal and negative probe (black)
in negative ( - ) terminal.
ii. Before make reading the resistor measurement at the selector switch of analog
multimeter, the best practice touch two probe positive and negative and make 0Ω
adjustment for resistor measurement.
iii. Example : select the selector to Ω range at ×100
iv. Look at top of black colour scale and find the number in Ω base from the right at 0Ω
v. Lokk scale at point 1 and take the reading of scale
vi. The reading shows at 10Ω ( multiply ) the value at the scale ( 100Ω )
vii. The final result = 1kΩ in Ω unit.

9. 3) AC volt reading ( unit volt )
i. Plug the red test lead into the output socket and the black one into the –com
ii. Set the range selector at the selected range position
iii. Example : Select the selector in ACV range at 50
iv. Look the black colour scale and find the maximum scale. The maximum scale at
point 1 ( 50 ) based on selector value 50 AVC
v. Look the scale at point 2 and take the reading.
vi. The reading shows at 41 V in AC volt unit.

10. 4) DC ampere reading ( unit mA )
i. Placed the red test lead into + socket and the black into the –COM for DCA range at
50 μA – 250 mA
ii. Placed the red test lead into the DC 10A MAX socket and the black into –COM for
DCA range at 250 mA – 10A
iii. Set the range selector at a selected DCA range position
iv. Example : select the selector to DCmA range in 250
v. Look the black colour scale and find the maximum scale. The maximum scale at
point 1 ( 250 ) based on selector value 250 DCV.A
vi. Look the scale at point 2 and take the reading.
vii. The reading shows at DC current at 155 mA unit.

11. Experiment 2 – 2 : Measurement Of Analog Multimeter
Procedure :
i. The circuit was connected as shown as figure1.4 ( a ), ( b ) and ( c ) . The resistor was
choosen by ourself and the equipment was used as list provided.

12. ii. The method of analog measurement was used as mention before.
iii. The measurement was listed down into table 1.1
iv. The calculation was done for V / I and was listed down into table 1.1
v. The above instruction was repeated for the other 4 resistor
Measurement calculation Colour
No. R (ohm ) V ( Volt ) I (Ampere ) V / I code
R1
(3 type )
16 Ω 10 V 365 mA 27.4 Ω
Coklat hijau hitam emas
1 5 1 5 %
R2
55.8 Ω 10 V 147.7 mA 67.7 Ω
Hijau biru hitam emas
5 6 1 5%
R3
49 kΩ 10 V 0.21 mA 47 619 Ω
Kuning ungu oren emas
4 7 1k 5%
R4
3.5 kΩ 10 V 2.77 mA 3 610 Ω
Oren biru merah emas
3 6 100 5%
R5
7.8 kΩ 10 V 1.31 mA 7 633 Ω
Ungu hijau merah emas
7 5 100 5%
Table 1.1
vi. The simple circuit shown below was constructed on the breadboard with one of the resistor
whose resistance measured above. The supply voltage was set to 3V DC.
Vii. Turn the multimeter dial to the appropriate (voltage) setting.
Viii. Supposed that want to measure voltage diference Va-Vb. To actually make the makesurement,
touch the black lead to point B and touch the red lead to point A.
Ix. Record the measured voltage : 3.0 VDC.

13. X. Perform and record the following measurements :
a. VC – VA ; why is this voltage different zero ?
Because this is parallel circuit, and in the parallel circuit the voltage across each
component in the circuit is the same. Voltage through each component is equal to the
amount of voltage supplied by the power source in the circuit.
b. VB - VA ; why is this voltage different negative ?
In thi situation this concept same like parallel circuit at (a) but the different negative
voltage because the probe reversed its connections at the circuit of negative to positive,
while postive to negative.
DISCUSSION
1. Reading on the scale.

14. Based at pointer on the scale of multimeter, write the reading value at the every range below :
RESULT :
Selector Range Reading Unit
DCV 50 9V VOLTAN (V)
DCV 2.5 2.9V VOLTAN (V)
DCA 0.25 0.45A AMPERE (A)
Resistor ×1 Ω 95 Ω OHM (Ω)
Resistor ×1 KΩ 95KΩ OHM (Ω)
ACV 1000 30V VOLTAN (V)
2. Measurement of analog multimeter
A. Compare the value of V / I with R
Based on the table 1.1, is there any different value ? if yes, please explain.
Yes, based in table 1.1 the value of R is difference between V/I and compare with
multimeter reading. This problem happen because of an error in the doing of
experiments. In addition, the multimeter set to the correct position is also an important
role in addition to reading mutimeter correctly.
B. Analog multimeter can check the condition of components whether good or not. Discuss on
how to check the condition of switch and fuse.
Switch
To perform this method correctly, you will need to apply this method in both cases
(ON & OFF positions) on switches and push buttons…In other words, first apply
this method on switches/push buttons and then “Push” the push button and perform
the same method again. At first attempt, if meter reading is “Zero” and in the
second attempt, the meter reading is infinite, it means Switch/Push button is in
good condition. If Multimeter reading is “Zero” or “infinite” in both attempts, it
means switch is in short circuit or continuity connection is broken and you should
replace it with a new one

15. Fuse
To verify Fuse condition, We perform the same method I.e. continuity test as
mentioned above. In short, if the meter reading is “Zero” it means Fuse is in good
condition. If Multimeter reading is infinite, it means Fuse continuity may be
broken or blown. So you should replace it with a new one immediately.
C. The multimeter is not suitable to measure capacitor with the low capacitance value.
Thus, define the suitable equipment to measure it.
 multimeter for measuring capacitor is not suitable. financing tool used is the digital
capacitor meter, it is the most suitable because there is a fuse that prevents the meter
was broken. Moreover the equivalent series resistance (ESR) of real capacitors;
usually without the need to disconnect the capacitor from the circuit it is connected
to. Other types of meter used for routine servicing, including normal capacitance
meters, cannot be used to measure a capacitor's ESR, although a few combined
meters are available which measure both ESR and out-of-circuit capacitance.
D. Discuss the advantages using Digital Multimeter than Analog Multimeter
Here are the main points of comparison between the two.
 In analog multimeters, visual indication of changes in the reading is not good due to the
effect of damping torque. Whereas in a digital multimeter, an excellent visual indication of
changes in reading is acquired.
 Analog multimeters are accurate, but not as much as the digital multimeter due to the
magnetic effect in the coil being degraded after usage. Digital multimeters are highly
accurate compared to analog.
 An analog multimeter is less costly compared to the digital counterpart due to a simple
construction and no power supply being required. But in the case of a digital multimeter, it

16. is far more expensive than the analog multimeter and has a complicated construction, and
also requires a power supply.
 In an analog multimeter, the range has to be adjusted by the user. Whereas in a digital
multimeter, the range is adjusted automatically.
 In a digital multimeter, the mechanical handle can be easily rotated to tune the circuit to its
peak.
CONCLUSION
Multimeters are very cheap tools for the number of functions that they provide. It's generally
worthwhile buying one that has all of the functions you need and then looking after it. For the
conclusions that can be derived from these experiments is how the correct way to use a multimeter,
and a method of reading the multimeter correctly besides position selector terminals multimeter
correctly and accurately. In addition, we can also prevent damage to the equipment by placing the
right range.
REFERENCES
http://www.repairfaq.org/REPAIR/F_semitest.html
http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/captest.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESR_meter
http://circuit-zone.com/?cat=test_and_measurement
http://www.brighthubengineering.com/diy-electronics-devices/94131-digital-and-analog-multimeters-
which-is-best-to-use/