Model Railway Forum

Well I didn't know it buzzed, you (or should I say) learn something every day.

No buzz heard on all tests.

I'll start half smiling again and crack on (tomorrow).

Many thanks.

If you touch the two probes together you should hear it buzz (I'm assuming it has a buzzer). If it doesn't buzz, something is wrong (assuming it has a buzzer again). It is normal practice to check that the meter buzzes every time you use it to make sure it is working properly.

Thanks for that, I’ve just checked on line, looks like it has no buzzer, that explains a lot.

So I’ll have to do it by the readings - so just had a read up, set to the lowest resistance setting, a near zero reading shows continuity and a reading of 1 or OL (open loop) is no current. Think that’s right.

So more testing tonight then hope I’m good to go.

Appreciate all the help.

Brian wrote: ↑Wed Mar 10, 2021 8:12 pm Your meter is switched to Buzzer

Isn't it set to 'diode test'? It should be set to 200 if you just want to check continuity.

I have two multimeters and only one of them has a buzzer.

darkscot wrote: ↑Thu Mar 11, 2021 12:25 pm

Brian wrote: ↑Wed Mar 10, 2021 8:12 pm Your meter is switched to Buzzer

Isn't it set to 'diode test'? It should be set to 200 if you just want to check continuity.

I have two multimeters and only one of them has a buzzer.

Yes I know it is on the Diode test function. All the multimeters I have (5 in all) all buzz when on Diode test setting! If the meter doesn't buzz when on the Diode test range then it needs to be on one of the Ohm ranges!
When on one of the Ohm ranges touch the test leads together ...This is the short circuit reading.
Open the leads and this is the Open circuit reading which is what you are looking for when testing the left motor brush strip to all wheels and metal. Remember to turn off the meter when finished.

Brian wrote: ↑Thu Mar 11, 2021 12:45 pm Yes I know it is on the Diode test function. All the multimeters I have (5 in all) all buzz when on Diode test setting!

You got me all excited there Brian! I suddenly wondered if my favourite multimeter does have a buzzer after all, so I had to go and check. But it doesnt!
My all singing, all dancing multimeter (that does beep) is from Maplin
https://www.maplin.co.uk/di-log-3-in-1- ... 0082541971
However, I do like my old fashioned clunky meter I have had for about 20 years.

Last time I bought a MM was from Maplin. I was just looking at the selection which were all out on display when an assistant asked if he could help. I said I wanted one with a buzzer and he said something like "Well these three don't for a start." So I chose one that did. Paid about £17 IIRC. I do miss Maplin, I know they were not cheap but if you needed something in a hurry ie not through the post they were handy.

teedoubleudee wrote: ↑Thu Mar 11, 2021 4:04 pm <SNIP>. I do miss Maplin, I know they were not cheap but if you needed something in a hurry ie not through the post they were handy.

Yes me too for that very same reason. Need one or two of something, pop in and 99 times out of 100 it is was hanging on the display racks hook or in the store room if not out on display.. They have an On Line presence but nothing at all like it used to be. https://www.maplin.co.uk/

The other place was Radio Shack (different name in UK but can't remember it)

teedoubleudee wrote: ↑Thu Mar 11, 2021 5:07 pm The other place was Radio Shack (different name in UK but can't remember it)

It was Tandy! I have still got a Tandy solar powered calculator I bought 30+ years ago.

I believe that Maplin tried to buy all (or most of) their shops when Tandy pulled out of the UK, but Carphone Warehouse beat them to it. I applied for a senior sales job with Maplin about this time as they had big plans to move more into the professional sector and compete with the like of Farnell and RS Components. However, it never happened and the rest is history. One particular question I remember from my interview was 'give as many reasons as possible for going to bed with your clothes on'!