EEVblog 1392 - No temp probe? No problem!

Think your multimeter doesn't have inbuilt temperature measurement? Think again!
Dave shows you a trick to measure ambient temperature with your multimeter without a temperature probe.

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#ElectronicsCreators #Multimeter #Tip

[flymypg]

I was taught this when I was in the military, to ensure our cold-junction correction was working before using a meter to measure an external temperature. Over the past 40 years I had totally forgotten about it. Thanks for the reminder!

[gblargg]

5:01 The lag for ambient temperature issue is a good reminder that this works both ways: if you're using a thermocouple and just moved the meter to a different environment, you need to wait for the meter's temperature to equalize or the thermocouple reading will be off.

[fratink]

It took me a while to realize that this wasn’t actually a late April fools video. Super cool and thanks for sharing!

[SeanBZA]

Have met some ultra cheap ones which do not have that, and simply have a 25C offset for temperature measurement.

[LarryKapp]

Australian time warp - two minute tech tip is almost 6 minutes long over here ! ha ha

[Steviodaddio]

HVAC installer here and “retired” controls engineer. I check temps every install with a temp tool and didn’t even think to use this feature and keep the thermocouple around as either a backup or bring one less tool. Great stuff!

[MushookieMan]

I put my multimeter in the microwave to see if it really measures ambient temperature, something went wrong!

[GreeceUranusPutin]

The standard probes are a thermocouple junction whether you want them to be or not. Copper wires with plated probe tips. Fortunately the voltages produced are small.

[michak]

wow! you blowed my mind, used multimeters for 15 years and didn't know this trick

[TheManLab]

I just tried it out on a UNI-T UT139C and it works! I also tried it out on a pocket multi meter ANENG AN 8009 and I didn't even have to short the leads out. I sprayed both of them with a can of compressed air and it actually picked it up.
This is something I'll remember for life and a little trick I'll show people who didn't even know about it.

I always wondered why I did that and I never clocked on n thought there was something weird or wrong going on with the meter. But now I know 👍🏻

Thanks once again Dave for all of your tips 🙂

[Petertronic]

Just tried it on my BM235, boom it works! Fascinating.

[dktr]

Clever. I check the fuse in the meter by setting the buzzer and put the probe in the mA test socket. When the fuse is in working order it will go through the mA jack to COM.

[McTroyd]

A few month's back I shorted the leads while changing modes on your BM235 meter. Passed through the temperature mode and was shocked to see it reading the ambient temperature. At the time, I assumed it was just some internal zero reference that happened to coincide with the ambient temp. Cool to know it actually is reading a thermo couple! I shall remember this trick.

[wilbertbirdner]

I'm willing to bet that Dave has the biggest multimeter collection in Australia.

[Joh]

this is a real nice trick for those that have multimeters that use that dinky little insert module.

appreciate the tip!

[quantumleap]

Now for the most important question, Dave? Just how many multimeters DO you have??? A guy with one meter knows what the temperature is; a guy with 2 or 3 or 7 or 8 is never

[Mark_C]

Immediately reaches for a meter. Oooh yeah, it only bloody works. Thanks Dave 👍

[MrCarburator]

Thanks. For same reason after you charge you keysight accu using the stock charger you have to wait for the multimeter board to cool down before you can do accurate thermocouple measurents. When charging the accu and the board can easily go to 35-40*C and so does the reference sensor. Fortunately for this type, you can judge by temporarily incorrect ambient temp indication.

[ExStaticBass]

Thanks for the tip mate. I knew how this all worked but I would never have thought to short the leads to get an ambient temperature reading. That's bloody brilliant! Honestly I feel a little dumb for not having thought of it myself. Live and learn right? Works on my Fluke 179.

[msnusteve]

Wow I've just gone to the radio shack to grab my multimeter to try this cool trick and it works. I've been using My multimeter for years and never knew that.