Which DMM?

[toolbox]

I need to get a DMM, bad. Which one of these would you recommend I get?
http://www.radioshack.com/category.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F011%5F008%5F002%5F000&Page=1&find=multimeter(keyword)

[Karnivore]

If all your doing is Vmods and general use the least expensive is fine, I would probably stay away from the cheapie fold up though..

[toolbox]

Would the 15-Range Digital Multimeter do fine?

Also:
How would I perm. attach SMD grabbers so the mod will last without soldering?
and
On a POT the metal part is in the middle, does that HAVE to be attached to the ground?

[sjohnson]

A $30 or so Rat Shack DMM would work just fine. Auto-Ranging is easiest to use.

[toolbox]

So you recommend this one?
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F011%5F008%5F002%5F000&product%5Fid=22%2D813#

Can you answer my other questions too please...

[2fast4u]

Auto ranging is the only way to go. Eliminates the human error. Don't skimp as it could cost you in the long run if you end up doing a lot of volt modding.

[toolbox]

In this picture:
http://www.radioshack.com/images/ProductCatalog/ProductImage/22/l22-813.jpg

What do all the settings mean, specifically.
(I really don't want to screw up, I've been saving for about a year and one problem = waste of saving/money)

[sjohnson]

This one will do fine: http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F011%5F008%5F002%5F000&product%5Fid=22%2D820

[toolbox]

Originally posted by sjohnson
This one will do fine: http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F011%5F008%5F002%5F000&product%5Fid=22%2D820

Karnivore said

I would probably stay away from the cheapie fold up though..
...
I'm a bit lost, I just want to start vmodding and a DMM is a place to start.

[Karnivore]

Originally posted by toolbox
I'm a bit lost, I just want to start vmodding and a DMM is a place to start.


Ok, first thing, There are a few reasons to NOT get the Fold up, yeah its cute, maybe even convenient to carry in a shirt pocket, But......

The things are annoying, the wires are typically stiff enough that they'll move it around at the most inconvenient time, and if your probing voltages, and the thing moves, and slightly pulls on your probes it can cause a slip, slips aren't good:stick: . Also, you cannot change the test probes, well not as easy as plugging in replacemets. The thin little wires used on those fold ups aren't very strong, every single one I've owned has always had the wire leads break from use. then your left with getting it open and soldering in new wires. all this and then the fact it uses tiny little watch type batteries, give me a 9 volt, I can get them anywhere any day!

Yeah you can use that foldup, yeah it will work, but unless your going to carry it around in a shirt pocket, do yourself a favor and get a FULL SIZE dmm with replaceable test probes, that uses the extremely common 9 volt battery.

Auto-Ranging is nice but not critical, do yourself a favor learn to use and read it properly (Not difficult)!

For Vmods you'll only really be making basic Voltage, and Resistance measurements, everything else on the DMM is a bonus, and you'll most likely never use it. The manuals are usually relatively easy to understand and some brief reading should get you measureing Voltage and Resistance in no time.


As for permanently attaching microclips (SMD Grabbers) there really isn't a way to permanently attach, except maybe some kind of glue or similar. I would learn to solder, not all that difficult and much more reliable then clips.

connection of the VR (POT), connection entirely depends on the application. Normally you should have a pretty good guide to consult for hook up. I've attached a picture of my old 9700P VGPU mod, straight forward, and easy enough to follow, as will be most mods you do.

[sjohnson]

Didn't notice that the probe wires were permanent. Karnivore is right about that.
That makes this one a logical choice - http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F011%5F008%5F002%5F000&product%5Fid=22%2D813

[Holst]

Hi,

Two real choices here.

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F011%5F008%5F002%5F000&product%5Fid=22%2D810

This is cheap but will be fine for performing voltmods.

This one is better as its auto range.. which is nice to have but hardly essential. But it does have a continuity tester which I personally fine VERY usefull when working out new mods.
The replacable probes are also a bonus.. if you get this one you are unlikely to need another again...

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F011%5F008%5F002%5F000&product%5Fid=22%2D813


How would I perm. attach SMD grabbers so the mod will last without soldering?

I have said this many times before... SMG rabbers are not and should never be used as a permanent solution.
They are fine for a quick test but are dangerous for long term use... they may move, fall off or short things out..
I wouldnt recomend anybody use them... solder is so much safer.

[toolbox]

Okay, all my questions have been answered, but I have a few new ones.

After I attach the VR where can I put it safely? So it won't fry anthing but in a place that is easy to access. I know it differs for each piece of equipment. But there has to be a few rules on where and where not it can be placed.

[Karnivore]

Originally posted by toolbox
Okay, all my questions have been answered, but I have a few new ones.

After I attach the VR where can I put it safely? So it won't fry anthing but in a place that is easy to access. I know it differs for each piece of equipment. But there has to be a few rules on where and where not it can be placed.


Common sense is probably the best way to determine where to locate. Keep the wires as short as possible, don't mount on other components if it can be avoided, If convenient a plastic, or supporting area is kind of nice. A good thing to do is look at sucessfull mods done by others, see how they were done, and look at the placement.

[Holst]

I allways cut off pins on the VR im not using then insulate the solder joints with heat shrink. If you cant get heatshrink then electrical tape will suffice.

Then double sided tape the VR to something nearby.

I often see people with uninsulated wires that are potentially lethal to your PC..

[toolbox]

thank you all for the great advice!

[Jeff]

If you have a Lowes around you, then you can also check out this one...
http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=158102-72068-DM-55

It has an audible continuity tester and it also has an external temperature probe. The only negative(which I don't really consider a negative) is the leads are permanently attached.