Can ripple be checked with a multimeter?

[frank57]

Is it possible to see how much ripple is on a filter cap using a multimeter?
I can't remember where I saw it but someone mentioned switching to ac volts on the multimeter but didn't get
more specific.

[tubeswell]

You could try it I guess.

[Tiny_Daddy]

I get some sort of reading on the AC scale. But I would rather use a scope so I can see peak-to-peak, and frequency (half vs full wave) to check if a diode is out, or if the rectifier is way unbalanced.

[Fresh_Start]

My DMM has a max/min and an average function.  Yes, you switch it to measure AC volts.  So you can measure ripple with a DMM... sort of.  A scope or analog meter is much better though.

Cheers,

Chip

[frank57]

Are these handheld oscilloscopes of any use?
http://cgi.ebay.com/2Msps-sampling-rate-ARM-DSO-Nano-Pocket-Oscilloscope-/270683762446?pt=BI_Oscilloscopes&hash=item3f06026f0e

[jjasilli]

Maybe. checkout:  http://www.el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=9667.0