LABORATORY EXERCISE

(DOMICILE PROJECT)

Analog Multimeter (Model AC360P)

Aliah Joy DS. Junio

BSEE 2-2

March 05, 2021

Project Summary
A multimeter is a handheld tester used to measure electrical voltage, current
(amperage), resistance, and other values. In this project, the student assembled a
multimeter and learned how to measure the voltage, resistance and current using the
device then analyzed the acquired values from both series and parallel circuits.
I. Introduction
A multimeter or a multi-tester, also known as a volt/ohm meter or VOM, is an electronic
measuring instrument that combines several measurement functions in one unit (voltage,
current and resistance). Multimeters can be analog or digital. Analog instruments are
usually based on a microammeter whose pointer moves over a scale calibration for all the
different measurements that can be made while digital instruments usually display digits
but may display a bar of a length proportional to the quantity measured. One of the primary
advantages of an analog multimeter is being more responsive to changes than a digital
multimeter such that the swinging of the needle can more easily indicate things like ranges
and how much a measurement is spiking whereas the screen of a digital multimeter may
update too quickly to accurately pin point the measurement. Additionally, analog types cost
lower than a digital type. Advanced units come with more features such as capacitor, diode
and IC testing modes. Basically, it is used to troubleshoot electrical problems in a wide
array of industrial and household devices such as electronic equipment, motor controls,
household appliances, power supplies, and wiring systems.
As precautionary method before using any electrical test equipment, people should
always first refer to the user's manual for proper operating procedures, safety
precautions, and limits.
II. Purpose
• To know and identify the basic component of the multimeter and its respective
function.
• To learn the step-by-step procedure in assembling an analog multimeter.
• To learn how to measure voltage, current and ampere values from a series
and parallel circuit using the assembled device.

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III. Scope

The student used a DIY analog multimeter thus is subjected to more error
compared to the fixed multimeter. The DIY device is used to obtain the theoretical
value, measured value, and the difference for voltage, current and the resistance in
series and parallel circuits.
IV. Methodology
A. Components
• Dial Display: Where measurement with a needle indicating the reading can
be viewed.
• Scale: a series of marking used for reading the value of quantity. There are
different types of scale, for voltage and current readings the scales have mostly
linear which mean equal division for resistance.
• Pointer: a needle indicating the values read from scale
• Zero OHM Adjuster: adjusts the pointer to the 0 at the right side before
measuring resistance.
• Zero corrector: makes it possible to manually adjust the pointer to the zero
position of the scale.
• Range Selector Knob: selects the function (voltmeter, ammeter, or
ohmmeter) and the range for the measurement.
• Negative Input jack (COM): Common ground, used in ALL measurements.
Used for negative probe (black) only.
• Positive Input jack: Used for positive probe (red)only.
• Output jack: allows measurement of AC voltage when superimposed on a DC
voltage
• Test Probes: Positive probe (red) and Negative probe (black) used to connect
to the circuit or device under test.

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 B. Equipment and Materials
The following materials are included inside the multi-tester kit bought.

NAME QTY PHOTO

Housing with selector switch
1
and meter assembly
Fuse (0.5A) 2
PCB 1
Battery terminals 1
2(black)
Jumper wires 1(white)
3(red)
Adjustment knob 1
Fuse holders 2
Probe 2
Face Plate 1
1.5V Battery contactor 2
1.5V Battery spring chip 1
Batteries 4
Input jack tube 3
Copper contact brush 1
Spring 1
Steel ball 1
Screw 1

Table 1. Miscellaneous Parts

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 NAME VALUE QTY PHOTO
R1 15 MΩ 1
R2 4 MΩ 1
R3 800 kΩ 1
R4 150 kΩ 1
R5 40 kΩ 1
R6 5 kΩ 1
R7 240 Ω 1
R8 0Ω 2
R9 1Ω 1
R10 10 Ω 1
R11 102 Ω 1
R12 3 KΩ 1
R13 6.75 MΩ 1
R14 1.8 MΩ 1
R15 360 kΩ 1
R16 83.3 kΩ 1
R17 195 kΩ 1
R18 34 kΩ 1
R19 2.08 kΩ 1
R20 200 Ω 1
R21 18.5 Ω 1
R22 44 kΩ 1
10 kΩ
R23 Variable 1
R24 18 kΩ 1
R25 31 kΩ 1
0 Ω (below
R8/above
R D1 in PCB) 1
Table 2. Resistors (all are 0.25-Watt, ±5% tolerance carbon composition
type)
NAME SPECIFICATION QTY PHOTO
Signal Diodes 1N4148 4
D1-D4

C1 0.047µF/400V Mylar 1
C2
0.047µF/25V 1
Ceramic

Table 3. Semiconductor and Capacitor

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 C. Tools

Figure 1. Soldering iron and lead Figure 2. Side cutter Figure 3. Phillips screwdriver

D. Procedure
• Prepare the PCB board in smooth concrete area together with the materials
and tools to be used for soldering each part.
• Start with the tallest components, and solder interconnecting wires last. For
through-hole components, place them in the correct holes in the PCB. Make
sure they sit flush against the board.
• Bend the lead of the part slightly to keep it in place.
• Once the soldering iron has reached the desired temperature, touch it to the
pad to heat the lead of the component and the pad. Make sure the temperature
is correct. Too low of a temperature can create a joint that doesn't provide an
adequate electrical connection. Too high of a temperature can damage the
components and board.
• Then, apply the solder. The solder will flow around the component liquid. Use
enough to create a solid connection without gaps but not so much that you're
left with excess solder.
• Pull the iron straight up from the component. The solder joint should form a
cone-like shape.
• Check your joint to make sure that it appears shiny and that there are not any
gaps or too much solder
• If the solder joint is adequate, cut the excess component lead above the joint.
• When removing a connection or undoing a mistake, you can often resolder over
the original and add a touch of new solder. If you want to take the extra step
and do it right, you can remove the old solder completely and start with a fresh
work area.

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 • Repeat these steps for resistors, capacitors, diodes, fuse holder, and input jack
tubes. (Optionally, use not less than 90% isopropyl alcohol and a toothbrush to
clean the remaining solder residues on the PCB.)
• Solder lastly the connecting wires and battery contactors.
• Dismantle the back of the range switch. Insert the spring first then the steel
ball atop of it on the detachable part then carefully put both back together.
• Use a 9V and two 1.5V batteries in the battery compartment. Always insert
the batteries with the positive and negative pole in the correct direction.
• Insert the red test leads in the positive input jack while the black test leads in
the negative input jack. Conduct a sample test run.
• Set your multimeter to the lowest setting for resistance. Touch the red probe to
the black probe. Check the display to make sure that it reads "0," as there
should not be any resistance between the two probes. If the multimeter fails
any of these tests it is probably defective and will need to be replaced.
See next page for the process with pictures.

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Figure 4. Flow chart of the step-by-step process of assembling and testing

E. Schematic Diagram

Figure 5. Model AC360P Schematic Diagram

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V. Results and Analysis

Figure 6. SERIES CIRCUIT

A. Ohmmeter Test

Theory (Ω) Measured (Ω) Difference (%)

R1 1 kΩ ±5% 950 Ω -5%
R2 160 Ω ±5% 160 Ω 0%
R3 6.8 kΩ ±5% 6.5 kΩ -4.41%
Total resistance 7960 Ω 7610 Ω -4.40%

Table 4. Resistance values from a series circuit

The total resistance is the algebraic sum of all resistances present in a

series circuit. The Table 4 showed that the expected total resistance is 7960 Ω,
but the DIY analog multimeter measured 7610 Ω with a of -4.4% relative difference,
therefore there is a decrease of resistance due to the ±5% tolerance of each
resistor. (see index A for computations)

B. Voltmeter Test

Theory (V) Measured (V) Difference (%)

V source 3V 2.9V -3.33%
R1 (1 kΩ) 0.380V 0.4V 5.26%
R2 (160 Ω) 0.061V 0.02V -67.21%
R3 (6.8 kΩ) 2.584V 2.5V -3.25%
Total load voltage 3.00V 2.92V -2.67%

Table 5. Voltage values from a series circuit

The total voltage drop across a series configuration of resistors is equal

to the sum of the voltage drops across each resistor. The Table 5 above showed
that the expected voltage drops across R1, R2 and R3 using Ohm’s Law are
0.38V, 0.061V and 2.584V respectively with a sum equal to the voltage supplied
by the battery. On the other hand, the DIY analog multimeter measured 0.4V,
0.02V and 2.5V respectively wherein the calculated total of voltage drop has -

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 2.67% relative difference therefore there is a minimal capacity loss in the battery
and resistors which can be caused due to an aged battery. (see index A for
computations)

C. Milliammeter Test

Theory (𝝁A) Measured (𝝁A) Difference (%)

R1 (1 kΩ) 0.38 mA 0. 58 mA 52.63%
R2 (160 Ω) 0.38 mA 0. 58 mA 52.63%
R3 (6.8 kΩ) 0.38 mA 0. 58 mA 52.63%
Total current 0.38 mA 0. 58 mA 52.63%

Table 6. Current values from a series circuit

The current in a series circuit is equal to the applied voltage divided by the
equivalent resistance and is the same for each resistor throughout the series
circuit. The Table 6 above showed that the theoretical current value is 0.38 mA
while in the DIY analog multimeter measured 0.58 mA with a 52.63% relative
difference that means there is a decrease or lost current in every circuit branch.
(see index A for computations)

Figure 7. PARALLEL CIRCUIT

A. Ohmmeter Test

Theory (Ω) Measured (Ω) Difference (%)

R1 1 kΩ 900 Ω -10 %
R2 6.8 kΩ 6.5 kΩ -4.41 %
R3 160 Ω 155 Ω -3.125%
Total resistance 135.19 Ω 129.59 Ω -4.14%

Table 7. Resistance values from a parallel circuit

When resistors are connected in parallel, more current flows from the
source than would flow for any of them individually, and so the total resistance is
smaller than the smallest resistor in parallel circuit. The Table 7 above showed that
the expected total resistance is 135.19Ω while in the DIY analog multimeter
measured 129.59Ω with a -4.14 % relative difference of that means there is a
decrease or lost resistance. (see index B for computations)

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 B. Voltmeter Test

Theory (V) Measured (V) Difference (%)

V source 3V 2.9V -3.33%
R1 (1 kΩ) 3V 2.9V -3.33%
R2 (6.8 kΩ) 3V 2.9V -3.33%
R3 (160 Ω) 3V 2.9V -3.33%
Total load voltage 3V 2.9V -3.33%

Table 8. Voltage values from a parallel circuit

As shown in the Table 8 above, the potential drop across each resistor in
parallel circuit is the same. The theoretical total load voltage is 3 Volts while the DIY
analog multimeter measured 2.9 Volts with a -3.33% relative difference therefore there
is a capacity loss in the battery which can be caused by a worn-out battery. (see index
B for computations)

C. Milliammeter Test

Theory (𝝁A) Measured (𝝁A) Difference (%)

R1 (1 kΩ) 3 mA 2.3 mA -23.33%
R2 (6.8 kΩ) 0.44 mA 0.29 mA -34.09%
R3 (160 Ω) 18.75 mA 18.35 mA -2.13%
Total current 22.19 mA 20.94 mA -5.63%

Table 9. Current values from a parallel circuit

The current flows in a parallel circuit from the voltage source decreases or
lessens for it enters a junction, or node, where the circuit splits flowing through
resistors and enters each resistor. Thus, the total current in the parallel circuit is
the sum of the current through each resistor in each branch. As shown in Table 9
above, the theoretical current value total is 22.19 mA while in the DIY analog
multimeter measured 20.94 mA with a -5.63% relative difference therefore there is
a decrease or lost current in every circuit branch. (see index B for computations)

VI. CONCLUSION

The student designed a series and parallel circuit with a power supply of 3V and
three different resistors that is connected by a wire then successfully completed a
continuity test. Using the assembled multimeter, the student tested three basic
function of the device — ohmmeter test for resistance, voltmeter test for voltage, and
milliammeter test for current flow. On average, the DIY analog multimeter measured
resistance, voltage, and current with the value approximately -4.4%, -2.67% and
52.63% respectively in a series circuit, while in parallel was -4.14%, -3.33% and –
5.63% respectively. The Model AC360P analog multimeter has a standard ±5%
accuracy level therefore the result rates of resistance in both circuits had the highest

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 accuracy and acceptable values. The result rate of current in parallel is slightly lower
than in series yet the values acquired are still within the range of acceptable levels.
Lastly, the voltage source used was depleted before the test hence the result rates of
voltage fell below expectations. While in the milliammeter test having a 52.63%
difference is not a good result, it may be because of the high value of resistance use
with the little amount of voltage use. In conclusion, the performance rate of the
assembled analog multimeter is somehow good.

VI. Recommendations
Analog meter resistance should be ten times the circuit resistance to ensure accurate
readings. Upon testing the newly made multimeter make sure that the theoretical value of
the resistor that will be used to know if it is fully functional have a small value so that it
can be easy to know the result specially in milliammeter test. The user should know how
to read the results properly so that common errors can be avoided. When reading the dial
display of an analog meter it is possible to misread the position of the needle especially
in testing the resistance that Is why always set the pointer in zero to avoid getting error
because the resistance circuit tends to cause heavy scale compression.
VII. References
Random things by Blakbird. (2020, November 28). HOW TO ASSEMBLE ANALOG
MULTIMETER? [Video]. Youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDQWW9CfCD8&t=449s
Maharlikans Pinoy Tutorial. (2019, February 3). Analog Multitester Tutorial [Video].
Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/c/MaharlikansPinoyTutorial/playlists

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 INDEX A
CALCULATIONS FOR SERIES CIRCUIT

A. Ohmmeter
Theoretical Resistances
𝑹𝑻 = 𝑹𝟏 + 𝑹𝟐 + 𝑹𝟑 = 1𝑘Ω + 160Ω + 6.8 kΩ = 𝟕𝟗𝟔𝟎 𝛀
Percentage Difference
𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒅 − 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒐𝒓𝒚
% = × 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒐𝒓𝒚
7610 − 7960
%𝑹𝑻 = × 100 = 𝟒. 𝟒𝟎
7960

B. Voltmeter
𝑉𝑠 3𝑉
𝐼= = = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟖 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟑 𝑨
𝑅𝑇 7960Ω
Theoretical Potential Drops
𝑽𝒂 = 𝐼𝑅1 = (0.38 × 10−3 𝐴) (1000Ω) = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟖𝟎 𝑽
𝑽𝒃 = 𝐼𝑅2 = (0.38 × 10−3 𝐴) (160Ω) = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟔𝟏 𝑽
𝑽𝒄 = 𝐼𝑅3 = (0.38 × 10−3 𝐴) (6800 Ω) = 𝟐. 𝟓𝟖𝟒 𝑽
𝑽𝑻 = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟖𝟎 𝑽 + 𝟎. 𝟎𝟔𝟏 𝑽 + 𝟐. 𝟓𝟖𝟒 𝑽 = 𝟑 𝑽 = 𝑽𝒔
Percentage Differences
𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒅 − 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒐𝒓𝒚 0.02 − 0.061
% = × 𝟏𝟎𝟎 %𝑹𝟐 = × 100 = −𝟔𝟕. 𝟐𝟏
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒐𝒓𝒚 0.061
2.9 − 3 2.5 − 2.584
%𝑽𝒔 = × 100 = −𝟑. 𝟑𝟑 %𝑹𝟑 = × 100 = −𝟑. 𝟐𝟓
3 2.584
0.4 − 0.38 2.92 − 3
%𝑹𝟏 = × 100 = 𝟓. 𝟐𝟔 %𝑽𝑻𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 = × 100 = −𝟐. 𝟔𝟕
0.38 3
C. Milliammeter
Theoretical Currents
𝑉𝑠 3𝑉
𝐼= = = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟖 × 𝟏𝟎−𝟑 𝑨
𝑅𝑇 7960Ω
𝑰 = 𝒊𝟏 = 𝒊𝟐 = 𝒊𝟑
Percentage Difference
𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒅 − 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒐𝒓𝒚
% = × 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒐𝒓𝒚

0.58 𝑚𝐴 − 0.38 𝑚𝐴
%𝑰 = × 100 = 𝟓𝟐. 𝟔𝟑
0.38 𝑚𝐴

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 INDEX B
CALCULATIONS FOR PARALLEL CIRCUIT
A. Ohmmeter
Theoretical Resistances
R1= 1000 𝛀 ; R2= 160 𝛀 ; R3= 6800 𝛀
𝟏 𝟏 𝟏 −𝟏 1 1 1 −1
𝑹𝑻 = (𝑹 + 𝑹 + 𝑹 ) = (1000Ω + 160Ω + 6800Ω) = 𝟏𝟑𝟓. 𝟏𝟗 𝛀
𝟏 𝟐 𝟑
Percentage Differences
𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒅 − 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒐𝒓𝒚
% = × 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒐𝒓𝒚

129.59 − 135.19
%𝑹𝑻 = × 100 = −𝟒. 𝟏𝟒
135.19

B. Voltmeter
Theoretical Voltages
𝑽𝒔 = 𝑽𝑹𝟏 = 𝑽𝑹𝟐 = 𝑽𝑹𝟑 = 𝑽𝑻 = 𝟑𝑽
Percentage Difference
𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒅 − 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒐𝒓𝒚
% = × 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒐𝒓𝒚
2.9 − 3
%𝑽 = × 100 = −𝟑. 𝟑𝟑
3

C. Milliammeter
Theoretical Currents
𝑉𝑠 3𝑉 𝑉𝑠 3𝑉
𝑖1 = = = 𝟑 𝒎𝑨 𝑖3 = = = 𝟏𝟖. 𝟕𝟓 𝒎𝑨
𝑅1 1 𝑘𝛺 𝑅3 160𝛺
𝑉𝑠 3𝑉 𝑰𝑻 = 𝟑 𝒎𝑨 + 𝟎. 𝟒𝟒 𝒎𝑨 + 𝟏𝟖. 𝟕𝟓 𝒎𝑨 = 𝟐𝟐. 𝟏𝟗 𝒎𝑨
𝑖2 = = = 𝟎. 𝟒𝟒 𝒎𝑨
𝑅2 6.8 𝑘𝛺
Percentage Differences
𝑴𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒅 − 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒐𝒓𝒚 18.35 − 18.75
% = × 𝟏𝟎𝟎 %𝒊𝟑 = × 100 = −𝟐. 𝟏𝟑
𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒐𝒓𝒚 18.75
2.3 − 3 20.94 − 22.19
%𝒊𝟏 = × 100 = −𝟐𝟑. 𝟑𝟑 %𝑰𝑻 == × 100 = −𝟓. 𝟔𝟑
3 22.19
0.29 − 0.44
%𝒊𝟐 = × 100 = −𝟑𝟒. 𝟎𝟗
0.44

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