Digital Multimeter Operator's Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides all safety information, operation instruction, specifications and maintenance for the meter, which is compact, handheld, and battery operated. This instrument performs AC/DC voltage, AC/DC Current, Resistance, Audible Continuity, Diode and hFE measurements.

2. Safety Precautions

[Warning Symbol] To avoid possible electric shock or personal injury, and to avoid possible damage to the Meter or to the equipment under test, adhere to the following rules:

• Before using the Meter, inspect the case for damage. Do not use the Meter if it is damaged or if the case (or part of the case) is removed. Look for cracks or missing plastic.
• Pay attention to the insulation around the connectors.
• Inspect the test leads for damaged insulation or exposed metal. Check the test leads for continuity.
• Do not apply more than the rated voltage, as marked on the Meter, between the terminals or between any terminal and grounding.
• The rotary switch should be placed in the correct position. To prevent damage to the meter, do not switch range settings while leads are connected to a component.
• When testing an effective voltage over 60V in DC or 30V rms in AC, special care should be taken as there is danger of electric shock.
• Use the proper terminals, function, and range for your measurements.
• Do not use or store the Meter in an environment of high temperature, humidity, explosive, inflammable, or strong magnetic fields. The performance of the Meter may deteriorate after being dampened.
• When using the test leads, keep your fingers behind the finger guards.
• Disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before testing resistance, continuity, diodes, or hFE.
• Replace the battery as soon as the battery indicator [Low Battery Symbol] appears. With a low battery, the Meter might produce false readings that can lead to electric shock and personal injury.
• Remove the connection between the testing leads and the circuit being tested, and turn the Meter power off before opening the Meter case.
• When servicing the Meter, use only the same model number or identical electrical specifications replacement parts.
• The internal circuit of the Meter shall not be altered at any time, as personal injury and/or damage to the meter may occur.
• A soft cloth and mild detergent should be used to clean the surface of the Meter when servicing. No abrasive or solvent should be used to prevent the surface of the Meter from corrosion, damage, or accident.
• The Meter is suitable for indoor use.
• Turn the Meter power off when it is not in use and take out the battery when not being used for an extended period of time. Constantly check the battery as it may leak after it has been in service for an extended period of time. Replace the battery as soon as leaking appears, as a leaking battery will damage the Meter.

3. General Characteristics

• Display: 3½ digits LCD with a maximum reading of 1999.
• LCD Size: 67 x 42mm
• LCD Angle Adjust: Yes
• Polarity Indication: "-" displayed automatically
• Over-range Indication: Only "OL" displayed
• Low Battery Indication: [Low Battery Symbol] displayed
• Range Select: Manual
• Operation Temperature: 0°C to 40°C, less than 80%RH
• Storage Temperature: -10°C to 50°C, less than 85%RH
• Battery Type: 9V battery (IEC 6F22, NEDA 1604)
• Dimension (H×W×D): 190 x 90 x 33mm
• Weight: Approx 236g

4. Electrical Symbols

• [DC Symbol]: DC (Direct Current)
• [AC Symbol]: AC (Alternating Current)
• [DC/AC Symbol]: DC or AC
• [Info Symbol]: Important safety information.
• [Manual Symbol]: Refer to the manual
• [Danger Symbol]: Dangerous voltage may be present
• [Ground Symbol]: Earth ground
• [Low Battery Symbol]: Low battery
• [Fuse Symbol]: Fuse
• [Diode Symbol]: Diode
• [Continuity Symbol]: Continuity test
• [Celsius Symbol]: Centigrade
• [CE Symbol]: Conforms to European Union directive
• [Double Insulation Symbol]: Double insulated

Note: Due to chip technology updates, displaying "1" only in the thousands will have the same effect as displaying "OL" on the screen.

5. Panel Description

The front panel of the DT9205A Digital Multimeter features the following components:

• LCD Display: Shows measurement readings.
• Power Button: Turns the multimeter on/off.
• Hold Button: Freezes the current reading on the display.
• Range Switch: Rotary dial to select measurement function and range.
• Terminals:
  • VΩ Terminal: For measuring voltage, resistance, continuity, diode, and capacitance.
  • COM Terminal: Common (negative) input terminal.
  • mA Terminal: For measuring current up to 200mA.
  • 10A Terminal: For measuring current up to 10A.

[Diagram Description: A detailed illustration of the multimeter's front panel, indicating the location of the LCD, Power Button, Hold Button, Range Switch, and the input terminals labeled VΩ, COM, mA, and 10A. Terminal specifications like CAT II 600V, 10A MAX, FUSED, 500mA MAX are also visible.]

6. Specifications

Accuracy is guaranteed for 1 year at 23°C±5°C, less than 80%RH.

5-1. DC Voltage

Input Impedance: 10MΩ

Overload Protection: 600V DC or 600V AC rms

Max. Input voltage: 600V DC

5-2. AC Voltage

Input Impedance: 10MΩ

Frequency Range: 40Hz ~ 400Hz

Overload Protection: 600V DC or 600V AC rms

Response: Average, calibrated in rms of sine wave

Max. Input voltage: 600V AC rms

5-3. DC Current

Overload Protection: mA: F0.5A/600V fuse; 10A: F10A/600V fused

Voltage Drop: 200mV

5-4. AC Current

Overload Protection: mA: F0.5A/600V fuse; 10A: F10A/600V fused

Voltage Drop: 200mV

Frequency Range: 40Hz ~ 400Hz

Response: Average, calibrated in rms of sine wave

5-5. Transistor hFE Test

5-6. Resistance

Open Circuit Voltage: about 0.5V (200MΩ range is 3V)

Overload Protection: 600V DC/AC rms

5-7. Diode and Continuity

Overload Protection: 250V DC/AC rms

5-8. Capacitance

Overload Protection: F0.5A/600V fuse

7. Operation Instructions

6-1. Measuring Voltage

1. Connect the BLACK test lead to the "COM" jack and the RED to the "VΩ" jack.
2. Set the function switch to the desired V or V~ range.
3. If the voltage magnitude to be measured is unknown beforehand, select the highest range.
4. Connect the test leads across the source or load to be measured.
5. Read the LCD display. The polarity of the RED lead connection will be indicated when making a DC measurement.

Note:

• In a small range, the meter may display an unstable reading when the test leads have not been connected to the load to be measured. This is normal and will not affect the measurements.
• When the meter shows the over range symbol "OL", a higher range must be selected.
• To avoid damage to the meter, do not measure a voltage which exceeds 600V DC (for DC voltage measurement) or 600V AC rms (for AC voltage measurement).

6-2. Measuring Current

1. Connect the BLACK test lead to the "COM" jack. If the current to be measured is less than 200mA, connect the red test lead to the "mA" jack. If the current is between 200mA and 10A, connect the red test lead to the "10A" jack instead.
2. Set the function switch to the desired A or A~ range.
3. If the current magnitude to be measured is not known beforehand, set the range switch to the highest range position and then reduce it range by range until satisfactory resolution is obtained.
4. Connect test leads in series with the circuit to be measured.
5. Read the reading on the display. For DC current measurement, the polarity of the red test lead connection will be indicated as well.

Note: When the display shows the over range symbol "OL", a higher range must be selected.

6-3. Measure Resistance

1. Connect the BLACK test lead to the "COM" jack and the RED to the "VΩ" jack (Note: The polarity of the red test lead is positive "+").
2. Set the range switch to the desired Ω range.
3. If the current magnitude to be measured is not known beforehand, select the highest range.
4. Connect the test leads across the load to be measured.
5. Read the reading on the display.

Note:

• For resistance measurements >1MΩ, the meter may take a few seconds to stabilize the reading. This is normal for high-resistance measurement.
• When the input is not connected, i.e., at open circuit, the symbol "OL" will be displayed as an over range indicator.
• Before measuring in-circuit resistance, be sure that the circuit under test has all power removed and all capacitors are fully discharged.
• The 200MΩ range has a 10 digits (1MΩ) constant; the figure will appear in short circuit status and should be subtracted from the measurement result. For instance: when measuring 100MΩ resistor, the figure 101.0 will be shown in display and the last 10 digits should be subtracted.

6-4. Continuity Test

1. Connect the BLACK test lead to the "COM" jack and the RED to the "VΩ" jack (Note: The polarity of the red test lead is positive "+").
2. Set the range switch to the continuity range.
3. Connect the test leads across the load to be measured.
4. If the circuit resistance is lower than about 30±20Ω, the built-in buzzer will sound.

6-5. Diode Test

1. Connect the BLACK test lead to the "COM" jack and the RED to the "VΩ" jack (Note: The polarity of the red test lead is positive "+").
2. Set the range switch to the diode test range.
3. Connect the red test lead to the anode of the diode to be tested and the black test lead to the cathode.
4. The meter will show the approximate forward voltage of the diode. If the connections are reversed, "OL" will be shown on the display.

6-6. Transistor Test

1. Set the range switch to the hFE range.
2. Identify whether the transistor is NPN or PNP type and locate the Emitter, Base, and Collector leads. Insert the leads of the transistor to be tested into the proper holes of the hFE socket.
3. This product is equipped with a multi-function socket; plug the two pins of the socket into the mA and COM jacks. Then start testing the transistor.
4. The LCD display will show the approximate hFE value.

6-7. Capacitance Measuring

1. Connect the BLACK test lead to the COM jack and the RED to the mA jack.
2. Set the function switch to the F position. (NOTE: The polarity of the RED lead is positive "+")
3. Connect test leads across the capacitor under measure and be sure the polarity of connection is observed.
4. The meter's standard multi-function socket can also be used as a measuring capacitor socket.

Note: To avoid damage to the Meter, disconnect circuit power and discharge all high-voltage capacitors before measuring capacitance. The tested capacitor should be discharged before the testing procedure. Never apply voltage to the input, or serious damage may result.

8. Battery Replacement

If the [Low Battery Symbol] sign appears on the display, it indicates the battery should be replaced. Remove screws and open the back case, replace the exhausted battery with a new battery (9V IEC 6F22, NEDA 1604 or equivalent).

9. Fuse Replacement

1. Fuse replacement should only be done after the test leads have been disconnected and power is off.
2. Loosen screws with a suitable screwdriver and remove the case bottom.
3. The meter is protected by fuses: mA: F0.5A/600V Fast or 10A: F10A/600V Fast, dimensions are 5x20mm.
4. Replace the case bottom and reinstall the three screws. Never operate the meter unless the case bottom is fully closed.

10. Auto Power Off

If power is on the meter for about 15 minutes, it will turn off automatically. To turn it on again, just push the power button twice.

11. Disposal

Dear Customer, If you at some point intend to dispose of this article, then please keep in mind that many of its components consist of valuable materials, which can be recycled. Please do not discharge it in the garbage bin, but check with your local council for recycling facilities in your area.

12. Warranty

This Instrument is warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year. Any instrument found defective within one year from the delivery date and returned to the factory with transportation charges prepaid, will be repaired, adjusted, or replaced at no charge to the original purchaser. This warranty does not cover expandable items such as batteries & fuses. If the defect has been caused by misuse or abnormal operating conditions, the repair will be billed at a nominal cost.

PN: 31.11.92B6