How to Use a Digital or Analog Multimeter: Measure Voltage, Resistance, Continuity, and Amps

[@roygunnargranmo4641]

I absolutely love your analog needle deflection vs digital meter demonstration. I saw somebody making the case that because of the bar graph. Digital meters are always superior. Your demonstration proves otherwise I'd say

[@Barry-Watson]

Another plus of analog meters is that for most modes they don't really require any internal batteries. So there is a reliability factor there.

[@joehead1294]

If you buy a good meter it makes it harder to 'let the smoke out'. I started out with analog when I was young and I still like analog, but you can't beat the numbers game. No more squinting at the needle or misreading the scale. Don't get me started on the x. 😁

[@jamesmhebert]

Hey Barry. Just found your channel and I to say how much I appreciate your knowledge and delivery style. Of course, I have subbed. Also one question… are there any reasons for choosing an analog over a digital meter? Or analog AND a digital meter? I’m curious if one excels at providing a reading that the other does not. It seems that digital is accurate to more degrees and, in choosing, one would select digital over analog. Unless I overlooked something? Thank you!

[@Barry-Watson]

Thanks and welcome! Analog is really good for seeing a change in signal. If you need to adjust for a peak or null, if a signal is cutting out (put the meter on and tap the circuit board or shake a wire harness) or something like that. I would get a digital meter first, and probably use that most often. But I do like the analog meter for some tasks. For most folks a analog meter is not a must-have tool. I can imagine that these days some people have never used an analog meter, so I wanted to cover it in the video in case folks encounter one and wanted to know how to use it confidently.

[@jamesmhebert]

@@Barry-Watson Ha! Lol. I wrote this at 22:15 into the video, and just after that you spoke about this very thing! Sorry to ask about that, but I appreciate the added explanation. 👍🏼

[@mojoemurphy]

I use a meter every day for work, often on stuff that can easily kill me if I mess up, and I only use fluke

[@jodychapman-nu3pl]

no parralax mirror on it

[@Barry-Watson]

Yeah, depends on the model. Good feature. I have one with, and one without the mirror.

[@joehead1294]

Those analog meters have limited CAT ratings. I don't want to explain that.

[@Barry-Watson]

Thanks! I try to stay away from those really high voltage, high energy circuits you find in commercial power distribution where those safety ratings become an issue. For around the homestead, fixing electronic stuff, and house wiring, a little caution and common sense has kept me alive... so far. Of course, when dealing with anything that can easily kill you, proceed with care, caution, and hopefully enough knowledge. Cheers!