Problem with Draper 61023 auto ranging digital multimeter?

Galman

Hi all and I hope all is well.
I have a problem with a Draper multimeter and I would really appreciate some help with this.
The problem is basically this. When the meter is not connected to any circuit it still displays readings. For example if the meter is set to read voltage and the leads are not connected to anything, i.e. just left hanging loose the meter still reads anywhere between 0.01v and 0.03v. The same goes for current readings. When the leads are not connected to any circuit it reads anywhere between 0.01A and 0.03A.

Should the readings not be zero? Is there a way to set the meter to zero before taking readings?

I was told that if the instruments test leads are shorted together (tips touching each other), the reading in the display should go to zero. This quick test confirms correct instrument zero on its voltage range. I tried this but this does not happen. So, I'm wondering is the meter defective?

Also, I just wondering what this particular symbol means on the display....it's a circle with a square in the middle of it. It is displayed on the top left hand corner.

Again, thanks for any help or suggestions. Really appreciate it.

Masteroid

Galman wrote: »

Hi all and I hope all is well.
I have a problem with a Draper multimeter and I would really appreciate some help with this.
The problem is basically this. When the meter is not connected to any circuit it still displays readings. For example if the meter is set to read voltage and the leads are not connected to anything, i.e. just left hanging loose the meter still reads anywhere between 0.01v and 0.03v. The same goes for current readings. When the leads are not connected to any circuit it reads anywhere between 0.01A and 0.03A.

Should the readings not be zero? Is there a way to set the meter to zero before taking readings?

I was told that if the instruments test leads are shorted together (tips touching each other), the reading in the display should go to zero. This quick test confirms correct instrument zero on its voltage range. I tried this but this does not happen. So, I'm wondering is the meter defective?

Also, I just wondering what this particular symbol means on the display....it's a circle with a square in the middle of it. It is displayed on the top left hand corner.

Again, thanks for any help or suggestions. Really appreciate it.

I think your meter is registering induced currents and voltages from the ambient electromagnetic noise such as 'mains hum', the 50Hz signal that plagues practically all sensitive electronic equipment.

And don't forget that the meter leads themselves form a low resistance and therefore cause a small voltage drop across the meter input when connected.

Galman

Thanks very much for the reply. Yeah that makes sense. I didn't think about that before. You've being very helpful so thanks very much. Hopefully I can help you out at some point! Thanks again.:)