How To Use A Multimeter

How To Use A Multimeter



Safety First

Important Life Safety Notice

Injury, death, loss of property, fire, electric shock, malfunction, reduced performance & machine life, and critical failures can result from not reading, understanding, and following the Operation Manual: 


Nova Series Users Manual


The machine must only be operated by trained and authorized personnel. The scopes of competence for the different activities in the scope of operating the machine must be clearly defined and observed, so that under the aspect of safety, no unclear questions of competence occur. 


This applies in particular to activities on the electric equipment, which must only be performed by qualified . For all activities concerning installation, set-up, start-up, operation, modifications of conditions and methods of operation, maintenance, inspection and repair, the switch-off procedures that may be provided in the Operation Manual must be observed.


Voltages Present in Thunder Equipment

There are many hazards to be aware of when working with our machines. You will be dealing with 110V AC 60Hz power that can deliver up to 20A (it only takes 0.5A to kill you) across the entire Thunder Laser USA lineup. 


The Nova series machines with water-cooled DC excited glass tubes utilize a high voltage DC power supply that is capable of outputting 30,000V DC at 30mA and more. The HVLPS Output (big red wire) should NOT be metered. That wire is big, red, and scary for a reason.


The Nova and Odin series have 2 DC power supplies: a 24VDC for the electronics, lighting and signalling, etc..., and a 36V DC LVPSU dedicated to the X and Y axis motors.


The Thunder Laser machines outfitted with air-cooled RF excited metal tubes will not have a 30KVDC HVLPSU. The RF tubes are powered by a 48V DC LVPSU.


Other Dangers and Hazards

Besides the risk of electrocution, you must be mindful of the motion control components, peripherials, etc... as well as the CO2 laser beam itself. The moving parts of these systems can injure, pinch, trap, and even kill you so pay attention and, if you are not confident (or competent) to perform any of these task, you should consult someone who is.


How To Use A Digital Multimeter

Here are some tutorials and other resources on the proper operation of an auto-ranging digital multimeter. Please observe all safety information and best practices. 


Multimeter Crash Course

If you need to dig right in as soon as possible, the safety info above and this 4:37 long video will get you off and running.



More Resources

Here are more resources on meters:



Choosing A DMM

High Quality Model

Here is an industrial quality true rms meter:

https://www.amazon.com/Fluke-117-Electricians-True-Multimeter/dp/B07GKW6DN4/ref=sr_1_4


Here is an autoranging multimeter with some cool features like full backlighting and built-in flashlight for use in dimly lit areas, kickstand, non-contact voltage detection, data retention, etc... It measures  AC/DC voltage, AC/DC current, resistance, continuity, frequency, capacitance, and diode, liquid temperature, wire on-off, and has a battery checker.


You can get one of these Amazon Prime for around $40:

https://www.amazon.com/KAIWEETS-Multimeter-Resistance-Capacitance-Temperature/dp/B07SHLS639/




El Cheapo Basic Model

Here is basic unit that runs around $9: https://www.amazon.com/WeePro-Vpro850L-Multimeter-Voltmeter-Continuity/dp/B07VHC1NMC/



When and What To Measure

We have a growing knowledge base of technical documentation that covers power, wiring, diagnostics, etc... If you are working with Thunder Laser USA Support they will provide more specifics on a case-by-case basis.


Its equally important that you understand the details of your machine and its components. Here are some excellent resources to get you going:




    If you are a Thunder Laser USA client and still need Technical Support after exhausting the resources in the Knowledge Base, simply email support@thunderlaserusa.com and the Technical Support Team will promptly assist you!