The pointer multimeter is an average value meter. It has an intuitive and visual reading indication.
(The general reading value is closely related to the swing angle of the pointer, so it is very intuitive).
A digital multimeter is an instantaneous meter. It takes a sample every 0.3 seconds to display the measurement results. Sometimes the results of each sampling are very similar. They are not exactly the same. This is not as convenient as the pointer type for reading results.
Analog multimeters generally do not have an internal amplifier. Therefore, the internal resistance is small. For example, the MF-10 type has a DC voltage sensitivity of 100 kΩ/V. This is a good one. The MF-500 DC voltage sensitivity is 20 kΩ/ Volt.
The digital multimeter uses an internal op amp circuit. The internal resistance can be made very large. Often it is 1M ohm or more. (That is, higher sensitivity can be obtained). This makes the impact on the circuit under test smaller. Measurement High precision.
Because the internal resistance of the pointer multimeter is small, and most of the discrete components are used to form a shunt and voltage divider circuit. Therefore, the frequency characteristics are not uniform (relative to the digital type). The frequency characteristics of the pointer type multimeter are relatively better.
The internal structure of the pointer type multimeter is simple, so the cost is lower, the function is less, the maintenance is simple, and the overcurrent and overvoltage capability is strong.
The digital multimeter uses a variety of oscillation, amplification, frequency division, protection and other circuits, so it has more functions, such as measuring temperature, frequency (in a lower range), capacitance, inductance, or as a signal generator and so on.
Due to the internal structure of multi-purpose integrated circuits, the overload capacity is poor. (But now some can automatically shift gears, automatically protect, etc., but the use is more complicated). Generally, it is not easy to repair after damage.
The output voltage of the digital multimeter is low (usually not more than 1 volt). It is inconvenient to test some components with special voltage characteristics (such as thyristor, light-emitting diode, etc.)
The output voltage of the pointer multimeter is higher, (10.5 volts, 12 volts, etc.).
The current is also large (for example, MF-500*1 ohm gear has a maximum of about 100 mA), which can easily test thyristors, light-emitting diodes, etc.
For beginners, an analog multimeter should be used.
For non-beginners, two meters should be used.
