Low Cost

Digital Multimeter

QM1500

HOBBYIST

Low Cost

Digital Multimeter User Manual

Thank you for purchasing this Low Cost Digital Multimeter. This multimeter is the perfect introduction to meters, and data capture of standard measurements including DC and AC voltage, DC current, resistance, transistor, and diode testing.

Just move the rotary switch to the correct position, plug in your leads and you’re good to go!

Please familiarise yourself with the functions of the multimeter before use. We recommend retaining this manual for ease of reference.

• Improper use of this meter can cause damage, shock, injury or death.

• Always remove the test leads before replacing the battery or fuses.

• Before using the meter, please inspect the condition of the test leads and the meter itself for any damage. If damage is present, please discontinue use.

• Do not measure voltage if the voltage on the terminals exceeds 1000V above earth ground.

• Use great care if voltages are greater than 30VAC RMS. Anything above this is considered a shock hazard.

• Always discharge capacitors and disconnect power before performing diode, resistance or continuity tests.

• Do not exceed the maximum limits of the input values shown in the specification tables on pages 12, 13, 14 & 15 of this manual.

• Remove the batteries from the meter if it will be unused for an extended period of time.

• Always turn the function switch to the off position when not in use.

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FUNCTIONS

Max. Display

Basic Accuracy

DC Voltage Range

AC Voltage Range

DC Current Range

AC Current Range

Resistance

Capacitance (CAP)

Frequency (Hz)

2000 counts

0.500%

400mV - 1000V

4V - 1000V

4mA -10A

4mA - 10A

400Ω - 40MΩ

4nF - 100µF

Up to 10MHz

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LCD Screen

Function

Switch

COM Input Jack

The tilt stand & battery compartment are at the rear of the multimeter.

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FUNCTIONS

Autoranging/

Manual

Mode

Function Switch

LCD Screen

Hold & Backlight

Relative Button

• The meter’s default setting is autoranging. This automatically selects the best range for the selected test/measurement.

• To set the meter to manual, press the RANGE button.

The ‘AUTO’ icon on the screen will turn off.

• Press the RANGE button to move through the available ranges until you see the range you want.

• To exit the manual mode and return to autoranging, press and hold the RANGE button for 2 seconds.

• Manual ranging cannot be selected for capacitance and frequency measurements.

• The MODE button helps you to move through various operations with various icons displayed on screen.

• It works in conjunction with the function switch to measure things like resistance, diode, continuity and capacitance.

• It also allows you to select between AC or DC current measurements.

• Select a measurement range by turning the switch to the preferred option.

• Readings and measurements taken by the multimeter will display in this area.

• Press the HOLD button to lock readings as displayed on the screen. Press again to unlock.

• Press the HOLD button longer to turn the backlight on.

Press the button longer again to turn the backlight off.

• Press the REL button to store a reading for referencing at a later date. Then reference any new inputs against the stored measurement.

• Press the REL button again to cancel the relative measurement function.

• Not to be used for Hz/duty, diode and continuity measurements.

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F

Ω

Hz

V

A, mA, µA

AC

AUTO

DC

HOLD

SYMBOL DESCRIPTION

Continuity

Diode Test

Low Battery

Farads (Capacitance)

Ohms

Hertz (Frequency)

Volts

Current Range

Alternating Current/Voltage

Autoranging

Direct Current/Voltage

Display Hold

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AC/DC VOLTAGE MEASUREMENT

On some low AC and DC voltage ranges - when test leads are not connected to a device - the display on the screen may show a random, changing reading. This is normal and caused by high-input sensitivity of the multimeter. When connected to a circuit, the multimeter will display a stabilised, accurate measurement.

1) Set the function switch to the VAC or VDC position.

2) Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.

3) Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive VΩCAP jack.

4) Use the Mode button to select AC or DC voltage.

5) Connect the test leads in parallel to the circuit under test.

6) Read the voltage in the display.

DC CURRENT MEASUREMENT

Do not measure 20A currents for longer than 30 seconds. Exceeding 30 seconds may cause damage to the meter and/or test leads.

1) Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.

• For current measurements up to 4000μA DC, set the function switch to the μA position and insert the red test lead banana plug into the μA jack.

• For current measurements up to 400mA DC, set the function switch to the mA position and insert the red test lead banana plug into the mA jack.

• For current measurements up to 10A DC, set the function switch to the 10A position and insert the red test lead banana plug into the 10A jack.

2) Press the MODE button to show “DC” on the screen.

3) Remove power from the circuit under test, then open up the circuit at the point where you wish to measure current.

4) Touch the black test probe tip to the negative side of the circuit.

5) Touch the red test probe tip to the positive side of the circuit.

6) Apply power to the circuit.

7) Read the current displayed on the screen.

AC CURRENT MEASUREMENT

Do not measure 20A currents for longer than 30 seconds. Exceeding 30 seconds may cause damage to the meter and/or test leads.

1) Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.

• For current measurements up to 10A, set the function switch to the 10A position and insert the red test lead banana plug into the 10A jack.

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• For current measurements up to 400mA, set the function switch to the mA position and insert the red test lead banana plug into the mA jack.

• For current measurements up to 4000µA, set the function switch to the µA position and insert the red test lead banana plug into the µA jack.

2) Press the MODE button to indicate “AC” on the screen.

3) Remove power from the circuit under test, then open up the circuit at the point where you wish to measure current.

4) Touch the black test probe tip to the negative side of the circuit. Touch the red test probe tip to the positive side of the circuit.


5) Apply power to the circuit.

6) Read the current displayed on the screen.

RESISTANCE MEASUREMENT

To avoid electric shock, disconnect power to the test area and discharge all capacitors before taking any resistance measurements. Remove the batteries and unplug the line cords.

1) Set the function switch to the Ω CAP position.

2) Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.

3) Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive Ω jack.

4) Press the MODE button until “Ω” displays on the screen.

5) Touch the test probe tips across the circuit or part being tested. It is best to disconnect one side of the part being tested so the rest of the circuit will not interfere with the resistance reading.

6) Read the resistance displayed on the screen.

CONTINUITY CHECK

To avoid electric shock, never measure continuity on circuits or wires that have voltage on them.

1) Set the function switch to the Ω CAP position.

2) Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.

3) Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive VΩCAP jack.

4) Press the MODE button until displays on the screen.

5) Touch the test probe tips across the circuit or wire you want to check.

6) If the resistance is less than approximately 35Ω, the audible signal will sound.

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DIODE TEST

The value that displays on screen during the diode check is the forward voltage.

1) Set the function switch to the Ω CAP position.

2) Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.

3) Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive VΩCAP jack.

4) Press the MODE button until display on the screen.

5) Touch the test probes to the diode or semiconductor being tested.

6) Reverse the probe polarity by switching probe position. Note this reading.

7) The diode or junction can be evaluated as follows:

A) If one reading shows a value and the other reading shows OL, the diode is good.

B) If both readings show OL, the device is open.

C) If both readings are very small or zero, the device is shorted.

CAPACITANCE MEASUREMENTS

To avoid electric shock, disconnect power to the area being tested and discharge all capacitors before taking any capacitance measurements.

1) Set the function switch to the Ω CAP position.

2) Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.

3) Insert the red test lead banana plug into the positive VΩCAP jack.

4) Press the MODE button until “nF” displays on the screen.

5) Touch the test leads to the capacitor being tested.

6) The test may take up to three minutes or more for large capacitors to charge.

Wait until the readings settle before ending the test.

7) Read the capacitance value displayed on the screen.

TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENTS

The temperature probe is fitted with a type K mini connector. A mini connector to banana connector adaptor is supplied for connection to the input banana jacks.

1) Set the function switch to the temp position.

2) Insert the temperature probe into the input jacks, making sure to observe the correct polarity.

3) Press the MODE button to indicate “ºF” or “ºC”.

4) Touch the temperature probe head to the part you wish to measure. Ensure the probe remains in contact with the part until the reading stabilises (about

30 seconds).

5) Read the temperature displayed on the screen.

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FREQUENCY MEASUREMENT

1) Set the function switch to the HZ% position.

2) Insert the black test lead banana plug into the negative COM jack.

3) Insert the red test lead banana plug into the negative VΩCAP jack.

4) Touch the test probes to the circuit being tested.

5) Read the frequency displayed on the screen.

MEASUREMENT SPECIFICATIONS

The following guide is based on an environmental temperature of 18-28°C and humidity <70%.

DC VOLTAGE

RANGE

40mV/60mV

400mV/600mV

RESOLUTION

0.01mV

0.1mV

ACCURACY

±(0.5% reading + 5 digits)

4V/6V

40V/60V

400V/600V

1000V

0.001V

0.01V

0.1V

1V

±(0.8% reading + 3 digits)

±(1.0% reading + 5 digits)

Input impedance: 10MΩ; Max. input voltage: 1000V DC

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AC VOLTAGE

RANGE

400mV/60mV

4V/600mV

40V/6V

400V/60V

1000V

RESOLUTION

0.1mV

1mV

10mV

100mV

1V

ACCURACY

±(1.0% reading + 3 digits)

±(1.2% reading + 5 digits)

Input impedance: 10MΩ; Max. input voltage: 1000VAC RMS;

Frequency range: 50~400Hz; all AC voltage ranges are specified from 5% of range to 100% of range.

DC CURRENT

RANGE

400µA

4000µA

40mA

400mA

10A

RESOLUTION

0.1µA

1µA

10µA

100µA

10mA

ACCURACY

±(1.2% reading + 3 digits)

±(1.0% reading + 3 digits)

Overload protection: fuse FF500mA/1000V and fuse F10A/1000V. Maximum inputs: 400µA DC (µA range), 400mA DC (mA range), 10A DC (10A range).

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AC CURRENT

RANGE

400µA

4000µA

40mA

400mA

10A

RESOLUTION

0.1µA

0.001mA

0.01mA

0.1mA

10mA

ACCURACY

±(1.5% reading + 5 digits)

±(3.0% reading + 5 digits)

Overload protection: fuse FF500mA/1000V fuse FF10A/500V.

Frequency range: 50~400Hz

RESISTANCE

RANGE

400Ω

4kΩ

40kΩ

400kΩ

4MΩ

40MΩ

RESOLUTION

0.1Ω

1Ω

1Ω

100Ω

1kΩ

10kΩ

Input protection: 1000VDC or 1000VAC RMS

ACCURACY

±(0.8% reading + 5 digits)

±(0.8% reading + 2 digits)

±(2.5% reading + 8 digits)

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CAPACITANCE

RANGE

40nF

400nF

4µF

40µF

100µF

RESOLUTION

10pF

0.1nF

1nF

10nF

0.1µF

Overload protection: 1000VDC or 1000VAC RMS

ACCURACY

±(5.0% reading + 7 digits)

±(3.0% reading + 5 digits)

±(5.0% reading + 7 digits)

FREQUENCY

RANGE

4Hz

40Hz

400Hz

4kHz

40kHz

400kHz

5MHz

RESOLUTION

0.001Hz

0.01Hz

0.1Hz

1Hz

10Hz

100Hz

1kHz

Overload protection: 1000VDC or 1000VAC RMS.

Sensitivity >0.5V while

≤

1MHz, >3V while >1MHz.

ACCURACY

±(1.0% reading + 3 digits)

±(1.2% reading + 4 digits)

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DIODE & CONTINUITY

RANGE FUNCTION

Display approximate forward voltage of diode

Built-in buzzer will sound if resistance is less than 30Ω

MAINTENANCE

BATTERY INSTALLATION

To avoid the false readings, replace the battery as soon as the low battery power indicator appears.

1) Turn the power off and disconnect the test leads from the meter.

2) Open the rear battery cover with a screwdriver.

3) Remove the old battery and insert the new battery into the battery holder, observing the correct polarity.

4) Put the battery cover back in place, secure with the screws.

REPLACING FUSES

1) Turn power off and disconnect the test leads from the meter.

2) Remove the battery cover.

3) Gently remove the old fuse and install the new fuse into the holder.

4) Always use a fuse of the proper size and value (0.5A/1000V fast blow for the

400mA range, 10A/1000V fast blow for the 10A range).

5) Replace and secure the cover.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Display:

Security Class:

Basic DCV Accuracy:

DC Voltage:

AC Voltage:

DC Current:

Resistance:

Measurement Type:

Input Impedence:

Dimensions:

Weight:

Battery Type:

BOX CONTENTS

1 x Multimeter

1 x Test Leads

1 x 9V Battery

1 x User Manual

2000 Count

CatII 500V

0.500%

200mV, 1000V (± 0.5%)

200V, 750V (max input 750V RMS) (± 1.2%)

200µA, 2mA, 20mA, 200mA, 10A (± 1.2%)

200Ω, 2kΩ, 20kΩ, 200kΩ, 2MΩ (± 1.2%)

Average

1Ω

125{H) x 68(W) x 23(H)mm

140g

1.9V (included)

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Distributed by:

TechBrands by Electus Distribution Pty. Ltd.

320 Victoria Rd, Rydalmere

NSW 2116 Australia

Ph: 1300 738 555

Int’l: +61 2 8832 3200

Fax: 1300 738 500 www.techbrands.com

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