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How to use a multimeter to measure a capacitor or resistor

Posted by py272 (A) on October 20, 2009 at 13:54:41

A while ago I posted a thread on diagnosing a channel imbalance problem I was having on a vintage Harmon Kardon 330 receiver. One respondent suggested the following as a way of diagnosing/fixing the problem since I did not want to send the unit out to a tech:


“I agree that the most likely culprit is a bad capacitor, but another possibility is a resistor whose value has wandered (gotta love carbon comp resistors).
To the original poster: The parts cost of fixing this amp will be minimal, a few dollars at most. If you can solder, but aren't strong on diagnosis, you could replace the capacitors and resistors in and around the tone control circuitry.
Even if you don't have a schematic, but do have a meter, you could compare the components in the two channels and replace anything that is significantly (20% or so) different in the bad channel.”


I am very green in the DIY area and am taking this project on as a learning experience. My question is how do I use a multimeter to perform the above testing? Which setting do use on the multimeter? FYI, I am using a cheap Sperry multimeter from Home Depot which I had bought for another project.

I assume I am taking the reading when the unit is not plugged in for power. Is this correct?

When measuring a capacitor/resistor, where do I touch the red and black leads of the multimeter?

In determining if a capacitor/resistor is bad, the value I measure is compared to what? The value written on the capacitor/resistor?

Any other tips or suggestions?


Thanks for any assistance you can provide.
Patrick

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