1. General Information
This digital multimeter is a high-quality, high-precision, safe meter suitable for professional engineers, maintenance engineers, and educational purposes.
Please read this operation manual carefully and pay attention to safety guidelines before operating this meter.
1.1 Safety Information
1.1.1 Safety Instructions
- Before operating this meter, the operator must observe all standard safety procedures regarding electric shock and unintended use.
- To ensure personal safety, use the accompanying test leads and ensure they are flawless before operation.
1.1.2 Safety Considerations
- When the meter is used near equipment producing strong electromagnetic interference, readings may become unstable or produce serious errors.
- Do not operate the meter or test leads if their appearance is damaged.
- The safety function of the meter will be nullified if not properly operated.
- Operate the meter with great care near exposed conductors or bus lines.
- The meter is prohibited from being used near explosive gas, vapor, or dust.
- Measurements must be made with correct input terminals and functions, and within the allowable measuring range.
- To prevent damage, input values must not exceed the extremes allowed by each measuring range.
- When the meter is connected to the circuit being measured, the operator must not touch unused input terminals.
- When measuring voltage exceeding 60V DC or 30V AC (valid value), be careful to avoid electric shock.
- When measuring with a test lead, place fingers behind its protective ring.
- When switching measuring ranges, ensure the test lead has been removed from the measured circuit.
- For all DC functions, to prevent potential electric shock from incorrect readings, first use AC functions to check for the absence of any AC voltage. Then, select a DC voltage measuring range equivalent to or greater than that for AC voltage.
- Before testing electric resistance, diode, or continuity, cut off the power supply to the circuit and discharge all high-voltage capacitors.
- Electric resistance measurement or continuity tests cannot be carried out in any live electrical circuit.
- Before current measurement, examine the meter's protective fuse. Power off the circuit before connecting the meter.
- When repairing TV sets or measuring power switching circuits, be careful to prevent high amplitude voltage impulses from damaging the meter.
- This meter uses 3 x 1.5V AAA batteries, which must be correctly installed.
- When the low battery indicator (?) appears, replace batteries immediately. Low battery levels can lead to incorrect readings, risking electric shock or personal injury.
- In measurement, Category II voltage must not exceed 600V.
- The meter must not be in service if its case (or part of its case) is dismantled.
1.1.3 Safety Symbols
| Symbol | Description |
|---|---|
| ⚠ | Warning, an important safety symbol. Consult this Operation Manual before using the meter. Unintended use may lead to damage to the device or its components. |
| ⚡ | High voltage warning |
| ⎊ | Equipment with double insulation or reinforced insulation protection |
| ∼ | AC (alternating current) |
| ⎓ | DC (direct current) |
| ⏚ | Ground |
| ⏃ | Fuse |
| CAT. II 600 V | Over-voltage protection |
| CE | Conform with European Union standard |
1.1.4 Maintenance Practices for Safety
- The operator must first pull out the test lead when the meter's case is opened or the battery cover is dismantled.
- Only designated replacement parts must be used for maintenance.
- Cut off all relevant power supplies before opening the meter. Avoid static discharge to prevent damage to meter elements.
- The meter can only be calibrated, repaired, and maintained by professionals.
- When the meter's case is opened, understand that some capacitance may retain dangerous voltages even if power is cut off.
- Stop using and maintain the meter immediately if any abnormality is observed. Ensure the meter is proven conforming before further use.
- If the meter is idle for a long period, remove the battery and store it in a place free from high temperature and humidity.
1.2 Input Protection Measures
- The meter can sustain a maximum input voltage of 600V (DC/AC) during voltage measurement.
- The limit voltage is 250 ACV or equivalent RMS voltage when measuring resistance, continuity, or diode.
- A protective fuse (F600mA/250V) is used for mA current measurements. A protective fuse (F10A/250V) is used for A current measurements.
2. A Schematic Diagram for the Meter
2.1 A Schematic Diagram
The multimeter features the following components:
- LED light
- Non-contact voltage indicator
- LCD screen
- "FUNC/HZ" selection key
- Backlight & LED key (?)
- Rotary switch
- Input socket
- Hold key (HOLD)
- NCV indicator (NCV)
2.2 Description of Symbols on the Display Unit
| Symbol | Description |
|---|---|
| ? | Low Battery Indicator. To avoid electric shock or personal injury due to incorrect readings, promptly replace the battery when this indicator appears. |
| ⏻ | Auto Power Off Indicator |
| − | Negative Input Polarity Indicator |
| % | Duty Cycle |
| ⟷ / ? | Diode Test or Continuity Test Mode |
| H | Data Hold Mode |
| NCV | Non-contact AC Voltage Detection Mode |
| AUTO | Automatic Range Measurement Mode |
| ℃, ℉ | Unit of Temperature (Celsius; Fahrenheit) |
| V, mV | V: Unit of Volt; mV: Millivolt (1x10⁻³ or 0.001 volt) |
| A, mA | A: Unit of Current; mA: Milliampere (1x10⁻³ or 0.001 ampere) |
| Ω, KΩ, MΩ | Ω: Ohm, unit of electric resistance; KΩ: Kilohm (1000 Ohm); MΩ: Megaohm (1,000,000 ohm) |
| mF, µF, nF | F: Farad, unit of capacitance; mF: Millifarad (1x10⁻³ or 0.001 farad); µF: Microfarad (1x10⁻⁶ or 0.000001 farad); nF: Nanofarad (1x10⁻⁹ or 0.000000001 farad) |
| MkHz | Hz: Unit of Frequency; KHz: Kilohertz (1x10³ Hz); MHz: Megahertz (1x10⁶ Hz or 1000 KHz) |
2.3 Description of Functional Keys
| Key | Description of Functions |
|---|---|
| HOLD | Press to hold the measured value; press again to cancel. |
| FUNC/HZ |
|
| ? | Short press to turn on/off backlight (auto off after 15S). Long press (approx. 3S) to turn on illumination and backlight (auto off after 30S). Short press again to turn off illumination. |
2.4 Description of Input Socket
| Input Socket | Description |
|---|---|
| COM | All public input terminals are connected to black test leads or public output plugs of exclusive multi-function test sockets. |
| VΩmA⟷Hz℃ | Positive input terminal (connected to red test lead) for voltage, current (mA), electric resistance, capacitor, diode, beep on/off test, temperature, frequency, duty ratio measurement. |
| 10A | 10A positive input terminal (connected to red test lead). |
2.5 Accessories
- Operation Manual (x1)
- Test Lead (x1 pair)
- K-Type Thermocouple (x1)
3. Operational Guidelines
3.1 General Operation
Auto Power Off
If no operations are made for 15 minutes after initialization, the meter will sound a reminder and automatically cut off power, entering dormancy. The meter can be rebooted by pressing any key.
Reading Hold Mode
The reading hold mode keeps the current reading on the display, indicated by the "H" symbol. Change the measurement function position or press the HOLD button again to exit this mode.
Backlight and Lighting Function
- Short press the ? button to turn on backlight; short press again to exit. It turns off automatically with no operation for 15S.
- Long press the ? button to turn on the lighting function and backlight simultaneously. Short press the button again to turn off the lighting function. It turns off automatically with no operation for 30S.
Function Select
Press the "FUNC/HZ" button to enter function selection mode.
3.2 Measurement Guidelines
3.2.1 Measurement of AC Voltage and DC Voltage
⚠ To avoid electric shock and/or damage to the meter, do not attempt a voltage measurement if the voltage (valid value) is over 600V DC or AC current.
⚠ To avoid electric shock and/or damage to the meter, do not attempt to impose between any public terminal and ground any voltage whose valid value is over 600V for DC or AC current.
The meter provides DC/AC voltage measuring ranges: 600.0mV, 6.000V, 60.00V, and 600V.
Measurement of AC voltage or DC voltage:
- Turn the rotary switch to the V position and press "FUNC-Hz" to choose DCV or ACV.
- Connect the black test lead to the COM input socket and the red test lead to the V input socket.
- Use the other two ends of the test leads to measure the voltage of the circuit (in parallel connection).
- Read the measured voltage value on the LCD screen. When measuring DC voltage, the display will show the voltage polarity of the circuit connected to the test lead in red.
Notes: Within the 600mV DC and AC voltage measuring range, even without input or test lead connection, the meter may display some information. In this situation, short circuit the "V - Ω" and "COM" terminals to reset the meter to zero.
The AC voltage measured with this meter is True RMS (root mean square). These measurements are accurate for sine wave and other waves (without DC offset), square wave, triangular wave, and step wave.
3.2.2 Electric Resistance Measurement
⚠ To avoid damage to the meter or measured equipment, do not attempt a resistance measurement unless all power sources for the circuit have been cut off and all high-voltage capacitors fully discharged.
Ohm (Ω) is the unit of electric resistance.
The measuring ranges for electric resistance are 600.0Ω, 6.000KΩ, 60.00kΩ, 600.0kΩ, 6.000MΩ, and 60.00MΩ.
Measurement of electric resistance:
- Turn the rotary switch to the Ω position and press "FUNC/Hz" to choose Ω.
- Connect the black test lead to the COM input socket and the red test lead to the V/Ω input socket.
- Use the other two ends of the test leads to measure the electric resistance of the circuit.
- Read the measured electric resistance value on the LCD screen.
Notes:
- The measured electric resistance value may differ slightly from the rated value.
- To ensure accuracy for low resistance measurements, first short circuit the two test leads and record their resistance. Then subtract this reading from the measured resistance.
- When the meter is in open circuit, the display will show "OL", indicating the measured value is over range.
3.2.3 Diode Test
⚠ To avoid damage to the meter or measured equipment, do not attempt a diode test unless all power sources for the circuit have been cut off and all high-voltage capacitors fully discharged.
Diode test outside the circuit:
- Turn the rotary switch to the ⟷ position and press "FUNC/Hz" to choose ⟷.
- Connect the black test lead to the COM input socket and the red test lead to the V/Ω input socket.
- Connect the black and red test leads to the positive and negative poles of the diode respectively.
- The meter displays the forward bias value of the diode. If the polarity of the test lead is reversed, the meter will display "OL".
3.2.4 Beep Continuity Test
⚠ To avoid damage to the meter or measured equipment, do not attempt a diode test unless all power sources for the circuit have been cut off and all high-voltage capacitors fully discharged.
Steps for a continuity test:
- Turn the rotary switch to the ? position and press "FUNC/Hz" to choose ?.
- Connect the black test lead to the COM input socket and the red test lead to the V/Ω input socket.
- Use the other two ends of the test leads to measure the resistance of the circuit. If the measured resistance is less than 30Ω, the beeper will sound continuously, and the LED will be on.
3.2.5 Capacitance Measurement
⚠ To avoid damage to the meter or measured equipment, do not attempt a capacitance measurement unless all power sources for the circuit have been cut off and all high-voltage capacitors fully discharged. Use the DC voltage position to determine that all capacitors have been discharged.
The measuring ranges for capacitance are 60.0nF/600.0nF/6.000µF/60.00µF/600.0µF/6.000mF/60.00mF.
Measurement of capacitance:
- Turn the rotary switch to the F position.
- Connect the black test lead to the COM input socket and the red test lead to the F input socket.
- Use the other two ends of the test leads to measure the capacitance of the capacitor and read the measured value on the LCD screen.
Note:
- Measurement of large capacitance requires a period of stabilization for the reading.
- To avoid damage, pay close attention to polarity when measuring polarized capacitors.
3.2.6 Measurement of DC Current and AC Current
⚠ Do not attempt a current measurement in a circuit if the voltage between the open-circuit voltage and ground is over 250V. If the fuse blows during measurement, you may damage the meter or get hurt.
⚠ To avoid damage to the meter or equipment, do not attempt a current measurement unless you have examined the meter's protective fuse. Use correct input sockets, function positions, and measuring ranges. When a test lead is inserted into the current input socket, do not connect the other end of the test lead in parallel with any circuit.
The meter provides DC/AC current measuring ranges: 60.00mA, 600.0mA, and 10.00A.
Measurement of current:
- Turn the rotary switch to the appropriate position and press “FUNC/Hz” to choose DC or AC current measurement.
- Connect the black test lead to the COM input socket. Connect the red test lead to the mA input socket for currents less than 600mA; connect the red test lead to the 10A input socket for currents between 600mA and 10A.
- Disconnect the circuit to be measured. Connect the black test lead to the lower voltage end of the disconnected circuit and the red test lead to the higher voltage end.
- Connect power to the circuit and read the displayed value. If the display shows "OL", the input is over the selected range. Turn the rotary switch to a higher measuring range.
3.2.7 Frequency and Duty Cycle Measurement
⚠ Do not test any voltage higher than 250V to prevent electric shock or damage to the instrument.
- Turn the switch to HZ%.
- Connect the black test lead to the COM jack and the red test lead to the Hz jack.
- Measure the frequency value of the circuit under test with the other two ends of the test leads.
- Press the "FUNC-Hz" button to select Frequency or Duty cycle measurement, and the display will show the readings.
3.2.8 Measuring Temperature
⚠ To avoid electric shock and/or damage to the meter, do not attempt a frequency measurement if the voltage is over 250V for DC current or AC current (valid value).
- Turn the rotary switch to the °C/°F position and press "FUNC/Hz" to choose °C or °F.
- Insert the red plug of the thermocouple into the °C input, and the black plug into the COM socket.
- Directly read the temperature value from the display screen once stable.
Notes: The maximum measuring temperature for the K-type thermocouple is 250°C/482°F, and its instant measuring value can reach 300°C/572°F.
3.2.9 NCV Test (Non-Contact Voltage Detection)
Turn the rotary switch to the NCV position and place the top of the meter near the conductor. If the meter detects AC voltage, the beeper will sound alarms at different frequencies, and the indicator will flash.
Note:
- Voltage may still remain even in the absence of any indication. Do not rely solely on the non-contact voltage detector to check for voltage presence. Detection may be affected by factors like socket design, insulation thickness, and type.
- When voltage is input into the meter's input terminal, the voltage sensor LED may turn on due to induced voltage.
- External interference sources (e.g., flashlight, motor) may trigger non-contact voltage detection.
4. Technical Parameters
4.1 Overall Parameters
- Operating Environment:
- 600V CAT II Pollution level: 2
- Altitude < 2000 m
- Working temperature & humidity: 0~40°C (RH < 80%; <10℃ not considered)
- Storage temperature & humidity: -10~60°C (batteries removed when RH is < 70%)
- Coefficient of Temperature: 0.1 × accuracy/°C (<18°C or >28°C).
- Allowable Max Voltage between Terminal to be Measured and Ground: 600V DC or AC (valid value).
- Protection of Protective Fuse: mA position: F600mA/250V; A position: F10A/250V.
- Rotation Rate: Approximately 3 revolutions/second.
- Display Unit: 6000 counts displayed on LCD screen. Automatically displays unit symbol.
- Outrange Indication: LCD displays "OL".
- Battery Low Indication: "?" appears when battery voltage is below normal working voltage.
- Input Polarity Indication: "−" automatically appears.
- Power: 3 x 1.5V AAA battery.
- Dimensions: 148mm(L)×79mm(W)×48mm(H).
- Weight: Approximately 210g (not including batteries or test leads).
4.2 Precision Indicator
Accuracy: ±(% reading + digit)
The accuracy warranty runs for 1 year from the ex-factory date.
Reference conditions: ambient temperature between 18℃ and 28°C, relative humidity no more than 80%.
4.2.1 DC Voltage
| Measuring Range | Resolution | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| 600mV | 0.1mV | ±(0.5% Reading + 5 digits) |
| 6V | 0.001V | |
| 60V | 0.01V | |
| 600V | 0.1V |
Input impedance: 10MΩ
Maximal input voltage: 600V DC or AC valid value
4.2.2 AC Voltage
| Measuring Range | Resolution | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| 600mV | 0.1mV | ±(1% Readings + 4 digits) |
| 6V | 0.001V | |
| 60V | 0.01V | |
| 600V | 0.1V |
Input impedance: 10MΩ
Maximal input voltage: 600V DC or AC valid value
Frequency response: 40Hz-1kHz True RMS
4.2.3 Frequency
| Measuring Range | Resolution | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| 9.999Hz | 0.001Hz | ±(1.5% Reading + 5 digits) |
| 99.99Hz | 0.01Hz | |
| 999.9Hz | 0.1Hz | |
| 9.999KHz | 0.001KHz | |
| 99.99KHz | 0.01KHz | |
| 999.9KHz | 0.1KHz | |
| 9.999MHz | 0.001MHz |
Input voltage range: 200mV-10V AC valid value.
Overload protection: 250V DC/AC
4.2.4 Duty Cycle
| Measuring Range | Resolution | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| 1%~99% | 0.1% | ±(2.5% Reading + 5 digits) |
Input voltage range: 200mV-10V AC valid value.
Overload protection: 250V DC/AC
4.2.5 Capacitor
| Measuring Range | Resolution | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| 60nF | 0.01nF | ±(4% Reading + 5 digits) |
| 600nF | 0.1nF | |
| 6µF | 0.001µF | |
| 60µF | 0.01µF | |
| 600µF | 0.1µF | |
| 6mF | 0.001mF | |
| 100 mF | 0.01mF | ±(4% Reading + 10 digits) |
Overload protection: 250V DC/AC
4.2.6 Electric Resistance
| Measuring Range | Resolution | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| 600Ω | 0.1Ω | ±(0.8% Reading + 5 digits) |
| 6KΩ | 1Ω | |
| 60KΩ | 10Ω | |
| 600KΩ | 100Ω | |
| 6MΩ | 1KΩ | |
| 60MΩ | 10KΩ |
Overload protection: 250V DC/AC
Open-circuit voltage: 2.4V
4.2.7 Diode
| Functions | Testing Conditions |
|---|---|
| Diode test | Forward DC current: approximately 1.2mA; Open-circuit voltage: approximately 3.2V. The display unit shows the approximate value of the diode's forward voltage drop. |
| ? | The buzzer beeps when the resistance is less than 30Ω. |
Overload protection: 250V DC/AC
4.2.8 DC Current
| Measuring Range | Resolution | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| 60mA | 0.01mA | ±(1.2% Reading + 5 digits) |
| 600mA | 0.1mA | |
| 10A | 0.001A | ±(3% Reading + 5 digits) |
Overload protection: Protective fuse for mA measuring range (F600mA/250V); Protective fuse for 10A measuring range (F10A/250V).
Maximal input voltage: mA position: 600mA DC/AC (valid value); 10A position: 10A DC/AC (valid value).
When the measured current is over 5A, the duration of continuous measurement shall not exceed 10 seconds. Current measurement shall be carried out 1 minute after the completion of previous measurement.
4.2.9 AC Current
| Measuring Range | Resolution | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| 60mA | 0.01mA | ±(1.5% Reading + 5 digits) |
| 600mA | 0.1mA | |
| 10A | 0.001A | ±(3% Reading + 5 digits) |
Overload protection: Protective fuse for mA measuring range (F600mA/250V); Protective fuse for 10A measuring range (F10A/250V).
Maximal input voltage: mA position: 600mA DC/AC (valid value); 10A position: 10A DC/AC (valid value).
When the measured current is over 5A, the duration of continuous measurement shall not exceed 10 seconds. Current measurement shall be carried out 1 minute after the completion of previous measurement.
Frequency response: 40Hz-1kHz True RMS
4.2.10 Temperature
| Measuring Range | Resolution | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| -20℃~1000℃ | 1°C | ±(1% Readings + 3 digits) |
| -4°F~1832°F | 1°F | ±(1% Readings + 3 digits) |
Overload protection: 250V DC/AC
5. Meter Maintenance
This section provides basic information on maintenance, including descriptions of protective fuse and battery replacement. Do not attempt meter maintenance unless experienced and have read calibration, performance test, and maintenance information.
5.1 General Maintenance
⚠ To avoid electric shock or damage to the meter, do not attempt to clean the inside of the meter. Remove test leads connecting to input signals before opening the case or battery cover.
Regularly use a damp cloth and a small quantity of detergent to clean the meter's shell. Do not use any abrasive or chemical solvent.
A dirty or damp input socket may affect readings.
Steps for cleaning input sockets:
- Disable the meter and pull all test leads out of the input socket.
- Clean up all dirty substances on sockets.
- Use a new cotton ball with detergent or lubricant to clean each socket, as lubricant can prevent dampness and pollution.
5.2 Battery & Fuse Replacement
⚠ To avoid electric shock or personal injury from incorrect readings, replace batteries once the "?" symbol appears on the display unit.
⚠ To avoid electric shock or personal injury, do not attempt to open the battery cover to replace batteries unless the device is powered off and test leads are disconnected from the circuit.
Battery replacement:
- Turn off the power of the meter.
- Disconnect all test leads from the input socket.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the screw of the battery cover.
- Take off the battery cover.
- Carefully remove old batteries and replace with 3 pcs 1.5V AAA new batteries.
- Fix the battery cover.
Fuse replacement:
When a fuse is blown, replace it with the same type of fuse.
- Turn off the power of the meter and take out the holster.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the screw of the back cover.
- Take off the back cover.
- Remove the blown fuse and replace with the same type of fuse.
- Screw the back cover.
- Put the holster back.
Product Warranty Information
Prokit's Industries Co., Ltd. provides warranty services for the MT-1236 True RMS Multimeter.
Warranty Description
- Under normal use, a 12-month free repair warranty is provided from the original purchase date (excluding consumables).
- The product warranty card must be stamped with the store seal and date to activate the warranty.
- Keep the warranty card safe; present it for repair services.
- After the warranty period, adjustment, maintenance, or repair services will incur labor costs. If parts need replacement, additional part fees will apply.
During the warranty period, the service center may charge for material costs or repair fees (as determined by the company's maintenance personnel) under the following circumstances:
- Damage to the product surface, including case cracks or scratches.
- Damage caused by misuse, negligence, improper installation or testing, unauthorized opening or repair of the product, modification, or any other reason beyond the intended use.
- Damage caused by accidents, fire, power fluctuations, other hazards, or natural disasters.
Non-Service Warranty Content
- Consumables within the main unit: such as batteries, fuses, etc.
- Accessories outside the main unit: such as test leads, temperature probes, etc.
- Repair or service beyond the warranty period, even without part replacement, will incur service fees according to the company's warranty and maintenance policy.
Contact Information
- Manufacturer: Prokit's Industries Co., Ltd.
- Manufacturer Address: 5F, No. 7, Lane 130, Minquan Rd., Xindian Dist., New Taipei City, Taiwan
- Manufacturer Phone: +886-2-22183233
- Manufacturer Email: pk@mail.prokits.com.tw
- Production/Sales Agent (Shanghai): Shanghai Prokit's Tools Co., Ltd.
- Shanghai Address: No. 25, Lane 1365, Kangqiao East Rd., Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Phone: +86-21-68183050
- Website: https://www.prokits.com.tw
- Origin: China, Shanghai
