Making a Reference
Just a couple days ago I put out a purchase on digikey for a new chip. It's technically for a project but its far more for my peace of mind. It's the Analog Devices LT1236BCN8-5 chip. An inline voltage reference generator.
The intent behind this purchase is that I still need a multimeter, but I'm both strapped for cash right now and also a cheapskate. So if there's a way that I can grab some bunk low cost multimeter and confirm *how* inaccurate it is, I'd be miles better off than a medium quality multimeter that I dont know the inaccuracy of.
It should get here on the 9th if tracking is to be believed, (Not that it often is) and at that point I plan
to
update this page again with more about how the multimeter testing and calibration goes.
I have now grabbed the cheapo RadioShack multimeter from my grandfathers. This presents a problem as I have now identified the listed accuracy of my multimeter to be +/-2% +/-3 digit, and with it also only being able to do AC/DC voltage, resistance, and inline current measurement. I think I will have to spring for a proper multimeter anyways.
I still plan on utilizing the voltage reference to at least attempt to get a sense if it has since drifted outside of its original specifications due to its age, but I suspect that it's probably a lost cause to attempt to penny pinch quite this hard.