http://ask.metafilter.com/tags/multimeter Questions tagged with 'multimeter' at Ask MetaFilter. Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:22:13 -0800 Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:22:13 -0800 en-us http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 http://ask.metafilter.com/132188/Scope%2Dthis I'm looking for affordable multimeter/scope software and USB compatible test probes for my Vista based laptop. At work, I currently use a laptop for a lot of my automotive diagnosis. I have some hardware and software that turn my computer into a fantastic scan tool. A scan tool's best friend is a good multimeter. However, my multimeter doesn't have any scope or logging features. I also want to reduce the amount of gear that I have to drag back and forth to the car. The more I can run off my laptop, the better. <br> I've been Googling, and all the PC multimeter/scope software I've found is either expensive or requires a bulky adapter for the test leads. <br> <br> Criteria:<br> Intutive interface for someone familiar with a scope.<br> <small>It doesn't need to be too fancy. I just need to look at analog and digital signals and adjust the ms/division and volts/division until the trace looks good on my screen. An auto-range feature would be nice, too.</small><br> Compact, light-weight hardware or adapter. <small>Test leads must be USB inputs. My laptop doesn't have a serial port.</small><br> Reasonably priced. I don't want to have to sell too much headlight fluid to pay for it ;)<br> <br> Thanks everyone! tag:ask.metafilter.com,2009:site.132188 Mon, 07 Sep 2009 13:22:13 -0800 DSO laptop multimeter PC scope Jon-o http://ask.metafilter.com/66836/Bad%2Dwiring%2Dor%2Ddefective%2DPC%2Dpower%2Dsupply%2DWhy%2Dam%2DI%2Dgetting%2Dshocked Bad wiring or defective PC power supply: Why am I getting shocked? Okay, so they are rewiring the apartments in my building and after they replaced my breaker box and I powered up the server I keep in my closet it failed to boot. When I took the cover off it and then leaned on the metal shelving unit it sits on I got a shock. One quick multimeter check later I noticed that the AC voltage between the ground on the machine and the metal cabinet was 60 volts, which seems like a lot. <br> <br> My question is whether the power supply in the PC is shorted or if they miswired the ground on the outlet. Normally I would just call the electrician back, but the fact is I drilled a couple of unauthorized holes in the wall to get power into the closet in the first place, so I don't want to attract attention unless I have to. How can I check if they socket is grounded correctly using only a multimeter? tag:ask.metafilter.com,2007:site.66836 Thu, 12 Jul 2007 11:04:22 -0800 electricity multimeter shock wiring frieze