How to use a Cen Tech multimeter? (7 Feature Guide)
Tools and Tips

How to use a Cen Tech multimeter? (7 Feature Guide)

18.02.2023 /

In this article, I will teach you how to use all seven functions of the Centech DMM.

The Cen Tech multimeter is a little different from other digital multimeters. The seven-functional model 98025 is capable of performing various tasks. I have used this in many of my electrical projects and hope to teach you all I know.

In general, to use a Cen Tech multimeter:

  • Connect the blackjack to the COM port.
  • Connect the red connector to the VΩmA or 10ADC port.
  • Turn on the power.
  • Turn the dial to the corresponding symbol.
  • Adjust the sensitivity.
  • Connect the black and red wires to the circuit wires.
  • Write down the reading.

Read the guide below to learn about the seven features of the Cen Tech DMM.

The Complete Guide to Using the Cen Tech Multimeter

Need to know something about the seven functions

Understanding the functions of a Cen Tech multimeter will come in handy when using it. So here are the seven features of the CenTech DMM.

  1. Resistance
  2. voltage
  3. Current up to 200 mA
  4. Current above 200mA
  5. Diode testing
  6. Checking the state of the transistor
  7. Battery charge

Later I will teach you how to use all seven functions. In the meantime, here are the corresponding symbols for all functions.

  1. Ω means ohms and you can use this setting to measure resistance.
  2. DCV stands for DC voltage. 
  3. ACV stands for AC voltage.
  4. DCA stands for direct current.
  5. The triangle with a vertical line on the right is for testing diodes.
  6. hFE used to test transistors.
  7. Two vertical lines with a horizontal line are for battery testing.

All of these symbols can be located in the scale area of ​​the multimeter. So, if you are new to Cen Tech models, be sure to check them out before you get started.

Ports and pins

The Cen Tech multimeter comes with two leads; black and red. Some wires may have alligator clips. And some may not.

The black wire connects to the multimeter's COM port. And the red wire connects with VΩmA port or 10ADC port.

Quick-Tip: When measuring current below 200 mA, use the VΩmA port. For currents above 200mA, use the 10ADC port.

Using all seven functions of the Cen Tech multimeter

In this section, you will learn how to use the seven functions of the Cen Tech multimeter. Here you can learn from measuring resistance to checking battery charge.

Measure resistance

  1. Connect the blackjack to the COM port.
  2. Connect the red connector to the VΩmA port.
  3. Turn on the multimeter.
  4. Turn the dial to the 200 mark in the Ω (Ohm) area.
  5. Touch two wires and check the resistance (it should be zero).
  6. Connect the red and black wires to the circuit wires.
  7. Write down the resistance.

Quick-Tip: If you get one of the readings, change the sensitivity level. For example, turn the dial to 2000.

You can also check for continuity using the resistance settings. Turn the dial to 2000K and check the circuit. If the reading is 1, the circuit is open; if the reading is 0, it is a closed circuit.

Measuring voltage

DC voltage

  1. Connect the blackjack to the COM port.
  2. Connect the red connector to the VΩmA port.
  3. Turn on the multimeter.
  4. Turn the dial to 1000 in the DCV area.
  5. Connect the wires to the circuit wires.
  6. If the reading is less than 200, turn the dial to the 200 mark.
  7. If the reading is less than 20, turn the dial to the 20 mark.
  8. Continue to rotate the dial as needed.

AC voltage

  1. Connect the blackjack to the COM port.
  2. Connect the red connector to the VΩmA port.
  3. Turn on the multimeter.
  4. Turn the dial to 750 in the ACV area.
  5. Connect the wires to the circuit wires.
  6. If the reading is less than 250, turn the dial to the 250 mark.

Measure current

  1. Connect the black connector to the COM port.
  2. If the measured current is less than 200 mA, connect the red connector to the VΩmA port. Turn the dial to 200 m.
  3. If the measured current is greater than 200 mA, connect the red connector to the 10ADC port. Turn the dial to 10A.
  4. Turn on the multimeter.
  5. Connect the wire to the circuit wires.
  6. Adjust the sensitivity according to the indication.

Diode testing

  1. Turn the dial towards the diode symbol.
  2. Connect the blackjack to the COM port.
  3. Connect the red connector to the VΩmA port.
  4. Turn on the multimeter.
  5. Connect two multimeter leads to the diode.
  6. The multimeter will show a voltage drop if the diode is good.

Quick-Tip: If you get one of the readings, swap the wires and check again.

Transistor check

  1. Turn the dial to the hFE settings (next to the diode settings).
  2. Connect the transistor to the NPN/PNP jack (on the multimeter).
  3. Turn on the multimeter.
  4. Compare the readings with the nominal value of the transistor.

When it comes to transistors, there are two types; NNP and PNP. So, before testing, you need to determine the type of transistor.

In addition, the three terminals of a transistor are known as emitter, base, and collector. The middle pin is the base. The pin on the right side (to your right) is the emitter. And the left pin is the collector.

Always identify the transistor type and three pins correctly before connecting the transistor to a Cen Tech multimeter. Incorrect implementation may damage the transistor or multimeter.

Battery testing (battery voltage measurement)

  1. Turn the dial to the battery test area (next to the ACV area).
  2. Connect the blackjack to the COM port.
  3. Connect the red connector to the VΩmA port.
  4. Turn on the multimeter.
  5. Connect the red wire to the positive battery terminal.
  6. Connect the black wire to the negative terminal.
  7. Compare the reading with the nominal battery voltage.

With the Cen Tech Multimeter, you can test 9V, C-cell, D-cell, AAA and AA batteries. However, do not test car batteries for 6V or 12V. Use a voltmeter instead.

important: The above article is about the seven function Cen Tech 98025 model. However, the 95683 model is slightly different from the 98025 model. For example, you will find a 10A port instead of a 10ADC port. In addition, you can find an ACA zone for AC. Don't forget to read the Centech DMM manual if you're confused about this. 

Take a look at some of our articles below.

  • Cen Tech 7 function DMM review
  • Multimeter diode symbol
  • Multimeter symbol table

Video links

Harbor Freight -Cen-Tech 7 Function Digital Multimeter Review

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