Do you wonder about all the parts of your mobile phone and the stuff that make it work? Well, there are the chip level parts or the electronics components. A few examples of these components are coil, diode, capacitor, regulator, transistor, resistor, and many more. Knowing about these small parts is essential when you need to check or repair your mobile device.
But we’re not going to talk about all the small parts – only one. That’s the resistor or mobile resistor. I’ll also show you how to check the mobile resistor using a digital multimeter and lots more.
What is a Mobile Resistor?
A mobile resistor has two-terminal components that aim to limit the current to other parts or components. Between the two terminals, a voltage drop happens. You can calculate or measure the resistance using Ohm’s Law that is – R=V/I. Here:
“R” means Resistance
“V” means voltage
“I” stands for Current
Alright, you got the formula, but how do you check a mobile resistor? That’s easy. From here, the digital multimeter comes in to help you measure resistance.
Multimeters use the same principle in measuring resistance. (The principle also applies even to analogue multimeters.) Other test equipment also uses the basic principle:
The idea is the digital multimeter or DMM places voltage on the probes that cause current to flow to the item in which resistance is measured. In using a multimeter, you don’t only check a mobile resistor but also determine the resistance on the test meter’s probes.
Take note: Besides checking a mobile resistor using a multimeter, you can also test If the resistor is working. That’s not all. Multimeters can also check if components have open or short circuits.
How to Check Mobile Resistor Using Digital Multimeter?
Digital multimeters are handy for measuring tools to check a mobile resistor. For example, it’s faster and easier for you to measure the resistance of the resistor. Why? Unlike analogue multimeters, you don’t need to set a digital multimeter to zero.
A digital multimeter provides a direct reading of resistance measurement. So, let’s talk about how to check mobile resistor using digital multimeter by following these simple steps:
- Get the mobile resistor that you would check.
- Insert the test meter’s probes to the right sockets. (Most digital multimeters have several sockets for the probes.) Insert the probes and place these to the required sockets correctly. The sockets are labelled as COM for Common, and there’s the Ohm sign. You can also see the voltage measurement socket.
- Switch on the multimeter.
- You select the required range for the measurement. The correct range gives you the best reading you can get from the test meter.
Take note: The test meter’s switch is labelled with maximum resistance reading. Choose one where the resistance estimated value is under but close to the highest range. In doing this, you can get an accurate resistance reading.
- You make the test or measurement by applying the probes on the mobile resistor. You can adjust the range if needed.
- After checking the mobile resistor, turn off the digital multimeter to save batteries. Don’t forget to set the function switch to a high range. Why? In this way, the multimeter wouldn’t be damaged.
Safety Tips in Checking Mobile Resistor with Multimeter
Whether you’re a pro or a beginner in using a digital multimeter, don’t forget to follow safety precautions. The multimeter is a reliable device in checking a mobile resistor because it gives you accurate readings.
But inaccurate readouts might result when you don’t follow the correct guidelines in using a test meter. In worse scenarios, the multimeter could be broken if you’re not using it correctly. So, here are helpful tips to remember in checking a mobile resistor with a test meter.
Check resistance if the resistor’s components aren’t connected to a circuit
Expert technicians and electricians advise you to don’t measure a mobile resistor’s resistance when the item is connected to a circuit. The correct way is checking the resistor when it’s not in the circuit. If you make an in-circuit measurement, the components of the resistor would be affected. Also, you wouldn’t get accurate readings if the resistor is in-circuit.
Turn off the multimeter when measuring the mobile resistor
As a safety rule, don’t forget to turn off the test meter when checking the resistor. The multimeter will be broken if the resistor is turned on during the testing. Also, any flowing current inside the meter would affect the reading.
Check for leakage paths in testing a mobile resistor
Did you know that the leakage path your fingers can affect the reading of a multimeter? If you’re checking resistance, the leakage path is noticeable. (The leakage path can add a low measurement such as a few megaohms.
Thankfully, the resistance levels in most multimeters are low, so don’t worry about leakage paths. But it’s different when you’re using a digital multimeter. (Specialized test meters often use high voltages so it’s still advisable to check for a leakage path.)
If you want to save money, you can buy resistors in assorted packs at electronic component outlets or department stores. It’s best to buy a digital multimeter than an analogue multimeter because of its easy use and accurate readings.
Remember: Using a digital multimeter, it’s easy and comfortable for you to check a mobile resistor. You can get precise readings on the meter’s display screen as long as the meter’s components aren’t affected. (See the safety tips above.) But in some cases, measuring the resistance on the resistor isn’t easy due to high resistance.
To Wrap Up…
Now that you know how to check the mobile resistor using a digital multimeter, you can try the procedure safely and correctly. Don’t forget to check the parts of the digital multimeter before using it so that you get the best measurement readings.
Follow the correct procedures checking a mobile resistor with a multimeter to ensure successful results. You won’t face hassles in testing the resistor if you remember the safety tips often. Also, ask for advice from experts because they can help you test the mobile resistor efficiently.
So, come now and test your mobile resistor using a digital multimeter!
