Are there any Multimeters with FAST and variable threshold continuity test? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: djsb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2024, 08:08:55 am
content: Before I build my own variable threshold continuity test circuit, are there any Hand held or bench multimeters out there with it included?It needs to be fast responding, so I can test pins quickly by dragging a test probe along one end of a multipole connector.I'm looking for an excuse to buy a bench multimeter, but apart from the Siglent SDM3065X, what others have this. Thanks.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2024, 08:24:37 am
content: Funny, we are in the same boat!So far the only bench DMM model that -based on a review I watched- has fast continuity is the Uni-T 8805E (bench model). I have investigated around 12 bench DMMs (including the ones from Siglent). It is odd that the most simple function has been implemented so poorly on what usually are rather expensive pieces of equipment.

author: Phil1977
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2024, 08:28:56 am
content: The OWON XDM1x41 beeper is superfast and latched in Diode-Test mode, and the threshold voltage can be set between 0.1V and 3V.In continuity test it´s not as fast but still okay. Resistance threshold is adjustable between 0 and 1kOhm.

author: rf-messkopf
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2024, 08:42:30 am
content: I vaguely remember seeing this option in the Gossen MetrawattPM-Series Multimetersmenu. According to the manual, this option is there, but it doesn't tell the setting range. I've never changed it from its default value (10 ohms) though.I can check this when I get back to the copy of my Gossen multimeter.Edit:And yes, the continuity test is fast on the PM multimeters, with no appreciable delay.

author: TizianoHV
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2024, 08:57:25 am
content: It's not new, but the Keithley 2000 series (2000, 2015, 2700, 2790...) has this functionality and it's as fast as it gets (Dave reviewed the keithley 2015, testing the continuity).Plus, they are one of the fastest autoranging multimeters in DC and resistance (it's slow in AC but I almost always use it for DC). When measuring resistors, it will almost instantly autorange (it's so fast because it doesn't uses relays for autoranging).

author: tautech
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2024, 09:07:38 am
content: Quote from: djsb on October 09, 2024, 08:08:55 amBased on these tests from a year ago ?https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/siglent-new-bench-dmm-sdm3055/msg4840136/#msg4840136Maybe I need check the new SDM3055 firmware continuity response.....

author: dustooff
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2024, 09:56:55 am
content: I can confirm that Rigol 3058 & 3068 both have continuity setpoint,from the manual,3. Set the Short-circuit resistance.Press Set to set up the resistance of short-circuit. The default value is set as 10Ω when leaving factory. Users may carry on the Continuity measurement directly without modification.They respond as fast as you can drag a probe down a row of pins looking for a short or tracing the circuit across the PCB.Set at 50 ohms to quick test carbon membrane switches.A feature that gets called on regularly.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2024, 03:40:39 pm
content: The downside of those Rigol models is that their display is super tiny.

author: Hexley
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 11, 2024, 03:54:32 pm
content: From the manual for the Keithley DMM6500, page 4-23:The DMM6500 can test continuity using the 2-wire 1 kΩ range with a user-selected thresholdresistance level. When the measured circuit is below the set threshold level, the instrument displaysthe resistance readings. When the measured circuit is above the threshold level, the instrumentdisplays the message OPEN.