Multimeters are electrical test devices which are used for checking the current, voltage, signal power, resistance, and frequency. Of the many types of multimeters available, the analogue type of multimeter is the oldest one and the first to be introduced in the market. The reading of an analog type of multimeter is done by following a needle along the marking scale. There will be multiple scales on the dial and many function settings on the manual switch which is present on the multimeter body. Like any device, this multimeter also has its own pros and cons. Following are the common advantages and disadvantages that you can notice in analog multimeters.
One of the main advantages of an analog multimeter is that it provides an error free reading. The readings shown on the dial are accurate and they can be noted down without any parallax errors. The multimeters can measure readings with three to five percentage of accuracy. These multimeters can measure many types of electrical outputs. The device can also function without a battery backup except when used in the resistance range.
An analogue multimeter is also best suited to take fluctuating readings. The fluctuation in the readings can be measured by the movement of the needle in the dial. This is one feature that is not present in digital multimeters. The response time of analog multimeters is also quicker than their digital counterparts.
Even though analog type of multimeters provides accurate readings, one should be careful to note them down accurately. It's quite easy to misinterpret the readings while counting the marked graduations on the scale. Since an analog multimeter lacks the analytical power of a digital multimeter, it won't have certain advanced features like waveform analysis and frequency measurements that are present in digital multimeters.
One should also be extra careful while using an analog multimeter. The moving parts of the multimeter are prone to get damaged very easily. For instance, you can damage the multimeter needle by simply dropping the device to the ground. This can cause the device to show erroneous readings. An analog multimeter is not well protected and so users have to be very careful while measuring readings of resistance in a 230 V power setting.
Even though many modern multimeters are available in the market, many still prefer to use analog multimeters owing to the sensitive measurement of changes in the circuit that it can provide. If you are planning to buy an analog multimeter, then you should carefully weigh the pros and cons of the device before making a final decision.
One of the main advantages of an analog multimeter is that it provides an error free reading. The readings shown on the dial are accurate and they can be noted down without any parallax errors. The multimeters can measure readings with three to five percentage of accuracy. These multimeters can measure many types of electrical outputs. The device can also function without a battery backup except when used in the resistance range.
An analogue multimeter is also best suited to take fluctuating readings. The fluctuation in the readings can be measured by the movement of the needle in the dial. This is one feature that is not present in digital multimeters. The response time of analog multimeters is also quicker than their digital counterparts.
Even though analog type of multimeters provides accurate readings, one should be careful to note them down accurately. It's quite easy to misinterpret the readings while counting the marked graduations on the scale. Since an analog multimeter lacks the analytical power of a digital multimeter, it won't have certain advanced features like waveform analysis and frequency measurements that are present in digital multimeters.
One should also be extra careful while using an analog multimeter. The moving parts of the multimeter are prone to get damaged very easily. For instance, you can damage the multimeter needle by simply dropping the device to the ground. This can cause the device to show erroneous readings. An analog multimeter is not well protected and so users have to be very careful while measuring readings of resistance in a 230 V power setting.
Even though many modern multimeters are available in the market, many still prefer to use analog multimeters owing to the sensitive measurement of changes in the circuit that it can provide. If you are planning to buy an analog multimeter, then you should carefully weigh the pros and cons of the device before making a final decision.
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