UNI-T UT61E Digital Multimeter Continuity Test Not Working - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: fabry891
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 26, 2024, 05:15:01 pm
content: Hello everyone,I have had a UNI-T UT61E digital multimeter for a few years now, which has always worked well for my hobby use.Today I noticed that in continuity test mode if I put the two leads in contact, even with a low ohm value less than 1, I do not hear the beep, but I hear a quick beep only when I disconnect the leads. Also in DC voltage test mode, even without leads inserted, I have a value of about -0.3 V.I also tried to power it with an external power supply, to exclude the battery problem, but the problem persists.I wonder if anyone has already had the same problem as me and how to solve it.Thanks.

author: Kleinstein
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2024, 05:51:31 pm
content: Using an external power supply is usually a bad idea.Geting -0.3 V DC when open is a bad sign and likely not directly related to the continuity problem.With a handheld DMM there is usually is low chance for a repair, as parts are hard to get and new calibration may be needed, that may be difficult (rarely the procedures are public) or expensive to get.A possibly issue effecting multiple areas could be a damage from humidy or a leaking battery. If no longer under warranty, maybe have a look.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2024, 06:45:47 pm
content: That sounds bad.What was the previous thing you did to it?

author: mendip_discovery
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 26, 2024, 07:22:57 pm
content: Check your test leads/try another set.

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2024, 05:34:28 am
content: Quote from: mendip_discovery on December 26, 2024, 07:22:57 pmBad leads won't subtract 0.3V DC from the input, especially when they aren't connected.

author: fabry891
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 27, 2024, 02:27:58 pm
content: Quote from: Fungus on December 26, 2024, 06:45:47 pmNothing special, I always work with low voltage and low current. I don't know if it's my fault or the quality of the instrument.

author: fabry891
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 27, 2024, 02:31:57 pm
content: Quote from: mendip_discovery on December 26, 2024, 07:22:57 pmTried another set of leads, same problem. Same leads on another meter work. Mystery. I think I'll just keep it that way at this point. Eventually I have another multimeter/oscilloscope for more precise measurements.

author: tunk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2024, 03:48:11 pm
content: Take it apart and clean the rotary contacts?

author: Fungus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2024, 03:50:40 pm
content: Quote from: tunk on December 27, 2024, 03:48:11 pmTurn the switch vigorously a dozen times. Push down on it, hard.

author: stj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 27, 2024, 05:42:34 pm
content: post a pcb picture.there are 2 variants - if i see which you have i can post a schematic.it could be as simple as a shorted diode.

author: fabry891
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 27, 2024, 10:42:30 pm
content: Quote from: stj on December 27, 2024, 05:42:34 pmFollowing some forums I tried to remove the potentiometer VR1 (2k ohm, while in the circuit diagram it is indicated 1k ohm) and the DC value returned to almost zero, but obviously not from correct voltage readings, while always without the potentiometer, the continuity test works correctly. Does this mean something?Here are the pictures of the pcb.https://photos.app.goo.gl/QZ5J3MTrFgMMEqaJ6https://photos.app.goo.gl/HgmjpTX6Ghv68PAh7Circuit diagram:https://photos.app.goo.gl/VvY5VaPfyc5fJD6C8

author: Datman
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 28, 2024, 02:48:40 pm
content: - Measure VR1- Verify that the value is less than the total resistance- Take note of the value- Move a bit the cursor- Verify a minimal resistance variation- Move the cursor some times- Replace the cursor at the previous resistace- Reinstall VR1.

author: Tronix4U
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 23, 2025, 11:48:03 am
content: Hi! I have the same problem with continuity-test on my UT61E (just a short beep when disconnecting both probes fromeach other). The continuity-test (...beep-signal) works only in Diode-mode correct (even when Diode-mode itself works also). It seems that VR1 does not effect continuity-test at all since VR1 is to adjust the reference-voltage to the ADC. I also recogniced that DC-measuring is quite inaccurate (no idea when this happend). Open or shorted leads show a negative ofset of -0,26V. If I adjust VR1 while connected to a V-Reference source I can adjust exactly 10,00V (matching the DC-source), but changing to 5,00V or 2,500V the error is increasing up to the ofset value (about -0,26V). I have also a calibrated DMM6500, so I trust my V-Reverence source...Is there a way to adjust the ofset? Maybe this would also solve the continuity problem...