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Hoffman Amps Forum image Author Topic: testing diodes with multi meter  (Read 3399 times)

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Offline smackoj

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testing diodes with multi meter
« on: August 07, 2025, 02:05:10 pm »
Hi old friends; I have a KMD GV60D hybrid amp (made in UK mid 80"s) SS preamp with 2-6L6 pwer tubes. I have the chassis out and was randomly checking diodes with my Fluke meter. I found 2 identical side by side on the power section board. One tests normal, short beep and a reading. The 2nd one has a long beep for as long as I hold the probe on it and it shows a much smaller reading than the first one. Is this continuous beeping telling me the diode is bad? I don't know if this is a Zener or not? I found a poor quality schemo but the board has no numbering on it so I am not sure where it's at on the schemo. It's a small diode and I cannot read the number as it sits on the brd.
Thanks amigos

Offline shooter

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Re: testing diodes with multi meter
« Reply #1 on: August 07, 2025, 02:27:25 pm »
to properly test a diode, one side needs to be lifted(out of circuit), using OHMS not continuity: one direction will read very high resistance(many k-ohms to infinity), reversing the leads should read a low resistance (ohms to hundreds of ohms)


zeners can only be tested for shorts with an ohm meter.
Went Class C for efficiency

Offline smackoj

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Re: testing diodes with multi meter
« Reply #2 on: August 07, 2025, 02:56:16 pm »
Thanks Shooter that's good info.......much appreciatedJack D

Offline acheld

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Re: testing diodes with multi meter
« Reply #3 on: August 09, 2025, 10:04:06 am »
Many Fluke multi meters have a diode testing function.   It works well, but I had to look at the manual to figure out how to use all the features, including what the sound meant. 

Go to Fluke.com, and use the fluke chat bot -- you can enter "user manual" and your model number and it will give you the link.   Really worth it.

Offline smackoj

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Re: testing diodes with multi meter
« Reply #4 on: August 13, 2025, 02:56:30 pm »
Good info. Thank you

 


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