Robot Building for Beginners, Third Edition

CHAPTER 8 ■ CLIPS AND TEST LEADS

Testing Jumpers

You’re now going to learn how your particular multimeter displays an electrical connection or lack of
connection. Then, you’ll make a test connection with an alligator jumper lead.

Setting Up a Multimeter for Continuity Testing

1. As always, connect the black test lead to the COM terminal of the multimeter.


2. Connect the red test lead to the W or ohm terminal of the multimeter. Most likely
   the test leads will be in the same places they were when you were testing the
   voltage of the 9 V battery.


3. If your multimeter has a continuity feature, turn the dial to that (see Figure 8-5).
   A continuity test checks to see if a continuous (unbroken) connection exists
   between the two probe tips. A continuity setting is nice because it usually beeps
   when a connection is complete, so you don’t need to look at the display.

Table 8-1. Alligator and Hook Jumper Leads

Supplier Part Number Price Description

All Electronics MTC-5 $6.95 (5) Black, red, green, yellow, and white long IC hook

All Electronics MTL-10 $2.95 (10) Two sets of five colors alligator

Jameco 10444 $4.95 (10) Two sets of five colors alligator

Jameco 135299 $10.95 (5) Black, red, green, yellow, and blue mini IC hook

Mouser 548-285 $7.11 (10) Two sets of five colors alligator

SparkFun CAB-00501 $8.95 (5) Black, red, green, yellow, and blue mini IC hook

Figure 8-5. Multimeter dial set to continuity