Multimeter Troubleshooting Tutorial

[Save Old Iron 1,566]

Due to the overwhelming positive response I received from the initial poll, I will start work on how to make this a reality.

I would like to have as many members as possible vote on which of the listed systems on their tractor they would like to see covered first .

I will let the poll run for a week or two and then start to develop the first tutorial from the most requested subsystem. The 2nd most popular request gets developed 2nd ,etc.

You might well have guessed I listed Basic Multimeter use on top of the list as I feel this may be the most popular choice and the tutorial that gets developed first.

I will develop tutorials for ALL the subsystems regardless of the voting here. I am only trying to establish the ORDER in which to develop them.

Mods, Is it possible to immediately "pin" a tutorial section where only I have access to update the tutorial, but everyone have access to a separate "comments" section for that individual tutorial?

This will keep the tutorial "clean" while still allowing all participants to comment and help update and contribute to the content of the tutorial.

Thanks

[rmaynard 15,422]

For some, the basics of a multimeter is a must. Not a long tutorial, but just the basics like red is + and black is - etc. From what I have read here on the forum, there are a lot of people that need to start with that. Others want specific uses such as 'how do I test my ammeter, or ignition switch?'.

Any tutorial needs to go in a logical sequence starting with basics and progressing through specifics without jumping around.

Set up an outline and follow it.

You are the teacher and we are the students. You set the lesson plan, we follow. Don't let the students get you off course.

My 2 cents worth.

Bob

[bmuone 15]

I agree with Bob. If you start out too advanced, you will loose the interest of those who do not understand what you are talking about. And the future wh'ers with questions on simple things can be referred to your earlier lessons. Again tks.....

[linen beige 14]

I had to go with "other", because you didn't include "All the above".

I think going through the choices you listed would be great!

Starting with the basic use and functions of a multi-meter would really help those not familiar with them, as well as some of us that might not know all the fun things they are good for.

[FarmerJim 5]

I am anxiously awaiting these tutorials to begin! I will need it all as I am not

"electrically" inclined and the po of my restore stripped ALL the wiring out of it B)

[tophatbufflo 2]

Follow the order you have listed for the poll. Start with the basics for new or unexperienced members and then just follow like you have on the poll. Thanks and good luck B)

[rickv1957 72]

Chuck,cover all choices as your info is great and lots of folks can learn including myself!,Rick

[KC9KAS 4,741]

I am somewhat proficient with a meter, so like others said....Start with the basics and go forward from there.

[coolhandblack 45]

Im excited...i just bought a cheap one and dont know how to use it so I vote for start with the basics!

[bo dawg 516]

I agree, just start with the beginning and work your way through the whole system. B)

[MikesRJ 552]

My opinion:

A brieft BEE course (Basic Electricity & Electronics), as it applies to a 12v charging/electrical system, in conjunction with the use of the multi-meter for testing and demonstration purposes of that set of principles.

[IthacaJeff 151]

It seems that basic multimeter use would be a good place to start. I should

add that this is a terrific service that I know we are all grateful for, so

thank you!

Jeff in Ithaca. . . whose electrial systems look like birds' nests held together

with electrical tape!

[dobeleo 7]

I am embarrased to say I only use my multimeter for is a continuity tester. Any tutorial here would be greatly appreciated! Especially with what I am working on below. The harnesses have been cut. I do have a schmatic though, can rewire, it is just a matter of knowing the components I am wiring to are good!

Attached Image

[Save Old Iron 1,566]

Any tutorial needs to go in a logical sequence starting with basics and progressing through specifics without jumping around.

Bob, thanks for the response and good advice.

I agree with your comments.

As you might have guessed, I placed the Basic Multimeter Use vote at the top of the list for a reason.

I fully expected this would receive the most votes. I just wanted to confirm my hunch.

As far as jumping around ... I'll try to keep the coffee pot unplugged as much as possible.

[Save Old Iron 1,566]

If you start out too advanced, you will loose the interest of those who do not understand what you are talking about.

Dayton,

your right on the money.

My greatest challenge will be to establish the most reasonable starting point.

I have had a multimeter in my hand for 40 years and its use is second nature to me.

So I will count on the help and comments of those who are "first timers" to keep me on track and on subjects. As always, questions and comments will be welcome as we develop the tutorial, I will expect the content to evolve as others contribute and bring up additional questions on the subject.

Thanks for your advice.

[Save Old Iron 1,566]

I had to go with "other", because you didn't include "All the above".

Jim, thanks

I reworded my original post to make it a bit more clear.

I do intend to create tutorials on ALL the sections listed, I am just looking to sort out (by popularity) the order in which I create the tutorials.

The "other" vote is there because I'm sure I forgot something !!

[Save Old Iron 1,566]

Farmerjim, tophatbuffalo,Rickv1957, bowdawg and KC9KAS

thanks.

your comments back up my suspicion the basic use of the meter is the first tutorial that needs to be started.

I will count on your inputs to keep it on track.

Rick, I'm still waiting for your post of an Ozark tree rat to add to my collection. Can't you find one playing a banjo near the lake !!

[Save Old Iron 1,566]

Im excited...i just bought a cheap one and dont know how to use it so I vote for start with the basics!

coolhandblack,

good point you brought up.

One of the topics that needs to be covered is the variety of meters out there.

Accuracy is just a given these days, A $10 meter (for our purposes) is just as accurate as a $200 meter.

It may not be as feature rich but if taken care of properly, a low bucks meter will work just fine.

Personally, I would try to hover around the $30 - $50 range to get a good quality meter that would last thru constant outdoor use.

Choose a meter on dependability - not accuracy claims or features you will not use.

The "toy" digital meter I bought for $6.99 at HF lasted about a year, The Simpson 260 I bought back in 1973 still works every time I use it.

[Save Old Iron 1,566]

A brieft BEE course (Basic Electricity & Electronics), as it applies to a 12v charging/electrical system

Mike,

very good idea - I will do so and it will be "tractor based" in description and with pictures. I am going to try to keep this whole process based in the tractor world and not the electronics lab.

But your showing your RJ bias .... what do you have - about 6 feet of wiring total in the RJ's ??

Come on up and help me rewire my 520H - bring about a half mile of multicolor wires, a half dozen fuse holders and a box of microswitches, vacuum switches and relays!!

[MikesRJ 552]

But your showing your RJ bias ....

No RJ bias here. I was thinking of the '73 10-8 when I wrote it. But to be clear, the RJ has less than a foot of wiring for the kill switch and maybe an additional foot of wiring combined contained within the engine shrouds for everything else.

Just between you and me, paired-up we could have that 520H rewired with a completely re-fabricated harness, plus some experiential modifications and upgrades, in about three hours.

[Iggy68 28]

I think the tree rats should be holding the meters in every tutorial,. B)

[Save Old Iron 1,566]

Mark,

excellent idea

I have my writer already on line

[Iggy68 28]

My wife often is looking over my shoulder while I am reading the square, She busts out in a hysterical laugh everytime you post one of those rats. Keep it up and thanks. B)

[tophatbufflo 2]

Do you prefer analog or digital? B)

[rickv1957 72]

Rick, I'm still waiting for your post of an Ozark tree rat to add to my collection. Can't you find one playing a banjo near the lake !!

Chuck,will see what I can do on a Ozark Hillbilly tree rat with teeth and a bango! Rick