No dumb questions right? multi meter and capacitors- CSI 2010

[claytushaywood]

I have a cheap CSI2010 model digital multimeter.  And I cannot figure out how to test for capacitance using the test leads.  There is a little place on the meter labeled Cx where I can plug in capacitor leads and measure capacitance.  On the four ports where the leads plug in for different modes there is another "Cx" label.  But when I try to measure capacitors with the leads in any position I get nothing. 

Am I missing something here?

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/content/60927/csi2010-0.jpg

^^^link to a picture of the meter I have.  Looking at the manual is just about pointless.

[jkokura]

It's the F section on the lower range of the dial. You need to select the range you need, from 2N up to 200U.

Jacob

[claytushaywood]

It's the F section on the lower range of the dial. You need to select the range you need, from 2N up to 200U.

Jacob

Sorry.  Let me clarify.

I can measure caps no problem when I use the two little sockets labelled Cx.  I havent been able to measure caps using my test leads.  I just thought I couldnt for the longest time.  I just recently "saw" the same "Cx" label in between two of the banana plug jacks - between 'Com' and 'mA'.  I tried plugging my leads into those two and of course selecting the capacitance range on the dial, but nothing

Am I missing something?  Or am I not supposed to be able to measure caps with my test leads and that little label just got my hopes up

[davent]

With the test leads are you trying to measure caps in circuit or liberated?

[jkokura]

The two middle connections for your leads have a little CX between them. I would connect leads to those to points, and then measure once you've turned the dial to the right point. That's how it would be done. If it's not working, I don't know why.

Jacob

[claytushaywood]

The two middle connections for your leads have a little CX between them. I would connect leads to those to points, and then measure once you've turned the dial to the right point. That's how it would be done. If it's not working, I don't know why.

Jacob
[/quote

yeh... i figured it just wasnt working.  was hoping for some magicks

[mandrewbot3k]

i have a csi something multimeter too, a bit different than that, but not much. the test leads are really finnicky at best. I found using the grooves close to the tips opposed to using the actual tips works the best for me. Maybe try that.

And like Jacob said, just make sure you have hte red lead plugged into the mA spot.

[claytushaywood]

i have a csi something multimeter too, a bit different than that, but not much. the test leads are really finnicky at best. I found using the grooves close to the tips opposed to using the actual tips works the best for me. Maybe try that.

And like Jacob said, just make sure you have hte red lead plugged into the mA spot.

ive resigned this to it just doesnt work

[davent]

Have you been able to measure mA's plugged into those two sockets?