If you thought that digital multimeters are too expensive...

[peteski]

...here is a deal for you.




Here is a $5 full-function digital multimeter.  Perfect for model railroaders (since we do need at least some basic ways to measure current, voltage, and resistance.  Many model railroaders don't own a multimeter using an excuse that those things are too expensive and that they would rather spend the money on modeling supplies.   Well, this one costs less than a spray can of hobby paint.  No more excuses. 

I have been dealing with the company which sells it - they are on the level. The sale ends on October 21st - so there are only couple more days to get this deal.

I also posted this info in the N/Z scale section on purpose: Most modelers who frequent the Electronic forum already own multimeters.

[alhoop]

Or at the other end if one gets into SMD.

http://www.smarttweezers.us/

These cost $400.

Al

[rschaffter]

I have a similar model I got from Harbor Freight a while back.  It's a good meter, but one caveat is that since it is not UL approved, so I only use it for low-voltage testing.  Sears has meters in the $25 range (less on sale) that are UL approved...

[Paradise275]

Great.
Now we need a course on how to read them

Rick

[jnevis]

Great.
Now we need a course on how to read them

Rick

DC pack: power on, throttle up, probe on each rail
0VDC=bad, 12-15VDC=good

 

[peteski]

I have a similar model I got from Harbor Freight a while back.  It's a good meter, but one caveat is that since it is not UL approved, so I only use it for low-voltage testing.  Sears has meters in the $25 range (less on sale) that are UL approved...

That is exactly the application I was talking about - model train type of voltages (less than 30V) current and resistance.

Great.
Now we need a course on how to read them

Buying a multimeter is a good start.   

Seriously, one of these is indispensable for even the most basic troubleshooting in the model railroad hobby.   Basic electrical knowledge is pretty much a requirement of this multifaceted hobby we call model-railroading. Unless you're in it to just build some plastic kits, displaying your rolling stock in a display case, and participating in online forums. 

[glakedylan]

retailer linked to OP requires minimum sale of $10
thought I would add capacitors
or resistors
not sure, however, which type to purchase for
purpose of constant power (locomotive) for the capacitors
and if that works with DC not just DCC

any help will be greatly appreciated

respectfully
Gary

[Baronjutter]

Bought a bunch of LED's to fill out the $10 minimum, then saw shipping is a flat $10 so got a bunch more stuff I don't need and don't even know how to install or use to make the shipping "worth it".  I've got all sorts of electronic crap coming my way now!!  Maybe I can rig up a railway crossing with these flashing red led's though.

[mmagliaro]

retailer linked to OP requires minimum sale of $10
thought I would add capacitors
or resistors
not sure, however, which type to purchase for
purpose of constant power (locomotive) for the capacitors
and if that works with DC not just DCC

any help will be greatly appreciated

respectfully
Gary

For LEDs in locos, I'd get a smattering of values from about 560 ohm up to about 2.7k ohm.  Buy the 1/8th watt size.
You don't need any more power handling than that for an LED, and the small size makes it much easier to fit into
small spaces - assuming you don't want to go surface mount which are tricky to solder.

[peteski]

retailer linked to OP requires minimum sale of $10

Duh!    I forgot about that (and about the shipping charge).  I was so excited to see the price of that multimeter.  One thing I buy from them is an excellent 12V miniature gearhead motor: http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/prodinfo.asp?number=G16300  That thing is perfect for all sorts of animation. At this point I probably have couple of dozen of these in my stash.

[glakedylan]

peteski

thanks for the information.
the combination purchase of multimeter and the gearhead motor
seems like the best purchase option.
mine is on order!

respectfully
Gary