Can a DMM be trusted?

[Mike Watterson]

Better to use a 'scope and see the frequency and peak-to-peak voltage. Which is the voltage that's of most value.

Yes, maybe anything more than 1kHZ (some Analogue will go to VHF!) or not an AC+ DC mixed, not sine-wave, or not clean DC, needs a ’scope. But of course you might need a 10:1 probe (rarely more). Then what frequency of Analogue or sample rate & resolution of Digital?

Sometimes rocket science is easier.

[DrStrangelove]

While I was testing some diodes using the diode setting on one of my dmms, they all appeared to be open circuit.

Then the black probe fell off.

Oddly enough I'd tested for continuity a few seconds earlier and it had passed.

Sometimes the universe is just out to get you.

[ppppenguin]

The wheel tapper who condemned 50 wheels before he found he had a cracked hammer.

[Refugee]

Duff probes just waste as much time as possible before they get "outed".

[ppppenguin]

I found several caches of oscilloscope probes recently. Ranging from Tektronix that looked brand new in packaging to mangy looking things, odd witch's hats, earth leads etc.

I put as many good ones together as I could, to take up to the Broadcast Engineering Museum where we're short of probes. I kept a few, including a 100:1 probe which is useful on valve kit. Especially when working with a modern scope that doesn't go beyond 5V/div

[DrStrangelove]

I have a x100 probe which comes in very useful now & again.

I also have a x1000 probe that I've never used, though it might "come in handy" someday.

I bought another x1000 probe in work to frighten the students with.

[ppppenguin]

I would like a x1000 probe for looking at what's happening in line output stages. I know it's far from essential but it's interesting. I would also like a current probe. Can't really justify the cost of either.

[boater sam]

I use several DMMs for general use but still prefer an Avo 8, of which I have 5, for work on valve radios as they are robust and tolerant of misuse.
I have never really got use to autorange meters, I find them frustrating to use.
For work on domestic appliances I use an old Clark CDM45 as it is convenient with its temperature range with a thermocouple.