the difference between analog multimeter and A digital multimeter
A pointer multimeter can basically measure DC voltage, AC voltage, DC current, and resistance. Except for some special products, they cannot measure AC current. The latest pointer meters feature extended measurement functions due to the installation of amplifiers (especially suitable for small voltages and currents), the ability to measure capacitance, and the zero center multimeter function. To enhance operability and usability, some products include automatic range function, automatic polarity switching function, and a structure with a box that can store test lines. Some testers can measure the hFE (direct current amplification factor) of transistors and use temperature probes to measure temperature.
Difference from a digital multimeter
A pointer multimeter is an average value instrument that provides intuitive and visual reading indications. The digital multimeter, on the other hand, is an instantaneous sampling instrument that uses a 0.3-second sampling result, which is only very similar and not completely identical, making it inconvenient to read the results.
A pointer multimeter generally does not have an amplifier inside, so the internal resistance is relatively small. For example, the MF-10 type has a DC voltage sensitivity of 100 kiloohms per volt. This can be considered a top performer. The DC voltage sensitivity of MF-500 model is 20 kiloohms per volt. And digital multimeters, due to the internal use of operational amplifier circuits, can have a large internal resistance. Often at 1M ohms or higher, this allows for less impact on the tested circuit and higher measurement accuracy.
Pointer multimeters have low internal resistance and often use discrete components to form shunt and voltage divider circuits. So the frequency characteristics are uneven (compared to digital), while the frequency characteristics of a pointer multimeter are relatively better.
The pointer type multimeter has a simple internal structure, resulting in lower cost, fewer functions, simple maintenance, and strong overcurrent and overvoltage capabilities. The digital multimeter uses various oscillation, amplification, frequency division, protection and other circuits inside, so it has many functions, such as measuring temperature. Frequency (in a lower range), capacitance, inductance, or signal generator, etc. Due to the use of integrated circuits in the internal structure, the overload capacity is poor, and it is generally difficult to repair after damage.
The pointer type multimeter has a high output voltage and a large current (such as MF-500 * 1 with a maximum of about 100mA in the European range), making it easy to test thyristors, light-emitting diodes, etc. The output voltage of a digital multimeter is relatively low (usually not exceeding 1 volt). It is inconvenient to test some components with special voltage characteristics, such as thyristors, light-emitting diodes, etc.
