I pulled out my digital multimeter (RSR 1007) that I hadn't used in a while. It measures the resistance correctly, but the voltage reading is odd (note I've correctly set the range, DC/AC, it has a new battery, etc). For example if I hook it up to a 9v battery, it will take about 5 minutes to slowly drift from 0 to 9v. It seems to measure the voltage more or less correctly, but it takes a really long time, and doesn't seem very accurate, fluctuating more than it used to. I'm just wondering if this is a known/common failure mode, and if so I'd like to understand it and know if I can fix it.
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\$\begingroup\$ Sounds like busted input protection. \$\endgroup\$– Ignacio Vazquez-AbramsCommented Jul 12, 2016 at 4:08
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\$\begingroup\$ Or some very bad electrolytic capacitors. \$\endgroup\$– Michael KarasCommented Jul 12, 2016 at 4:10
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\$\begingroup\$ For the low cost of reasonably decent digital multimeters on Amazon and eBay it may make more sense to buy new as opposed to fix a tired old unit. \$\endgroup\$– Michael KarasCommented Jul 12, 2016 at 4:11
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\$\begingroup\$ So, are you measuring DC using the AC range? \$\endgroup\$– Andy akaCommented Jul 12, 2016 at 7:34
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\$\begingroup\$ Nope, and I tried to make that clear in the post. \$\endgroup\$– user1247Commented Jul 12, 2016 at 16:02
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1 Answer
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It is capacitor related. Use a screw driver to open the multi-meter's cover and look for any visual capacitor defect. Replace them if you found any. Try to re-solder resistors or any thing that looks loosen and odd.
It is a cheap one, don't waste much time on it. If you can't fix it move on and buy a new one.
answered Jul 12, 2016 at 4:19