Does a multimeter measure potentiometers and resistors in the same way?
1. Gently shake the potentiometer solder or adjustable resistor pins with your hand, and there should be no looseness.
2. When the shaft handle of the potentiometer is rotated clockwise and counterclockwise to the extreme position, the resistance value should be close to the nominal value of the potentiometer and close to "O", respectively. If there is a significant difference from "0", this potentiometer may experience a sound "cannot be turned off" fault when used as a volume control potentiometer.
3. Firstly, observe the appearance. Potentiometers or adjustable resistors should be clearly marked, with no rust on the solder joints or pins, flexible rotation of the rotary shaft, appropriate tightness, smooth hand feel during rotation, and no mechanical noise or shaking phenomenon.
4. Set the resistance range of the multimeter to the appropriate range, perform Ohmic zeroing first, and then connect two probes to the two terminals of the resistor to measure the actual resistance value. Checking the test value against the nominal value of the resistor can determine whether the potentiometer or adjustable resistor is intact. If the pointer of the multimeter does not move, it indicates that the internal resistor has been disconnected.
5. The center pin of a potentiometer or adjustable resistor is connected to its internal movable contact. Connect the two probes of a multimeter to the center pin and any other pin, and slowly rotate the handle. The pointer of the meter head should move smoothly and correspondingly. If the pointer jumps or falls, it indicates poor contact between the movable contact point and the resistor.
