HF Multimeter w/ Backlight

[diggerrick]

I bought a #92020 multimeter for my electrical toolbox because of the backlight, but when you push the backlight button, it comes on nice and bright for a couple seconds, then fades out completely to the regular display within 5-10 seconds.

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-function-digital-multimeter-92020.html

Anyone else have this same meter to compare - maybe mine is defective?

This is about the same one they give away free with coupon, except for the backlight.

 

[srmofo]

cant expect too much from one of those little guys.....However I bet the cheap chinese battery is going bad....probably cost more to replace than the meter did though.

 

[gsport]

whatcha do... is also get one on their free flashlights to go with it....

 

[darkzero]

whatcha do... is also get one on their free flashlights to go with it....

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

isn't that a 9 dollar meter ?

 

[diggerrick]

I never considered the battery, as the meter is new off the shelf.

However, same results with a new Duracell battery.

This meter is going back - with the original battery installed.

 

[Kaervak]

I can't speak for the HF one, but I have a Velleman multimeter that does the same thing when you press the backlight button. I think all the cheap meters do that.

 

[bimmerZ5]

maybe that's just the way it was designed to operate? you only need to read the number off within a few seconds and then it can conserve energy. what happens if you hold down the back light button? if you want the back light permanently on, you could always tape down the button or something similar...