multimeter rather than test lamp?

can i use multimeter rather than test lamp? installing dyna s and 3 ohm coils 
is this possible? if so how

much thanx

Not too sure what is it for, but multimeter is always better than test lamp or probe. Test lamp or probe only tells you if it has current flowing. Multimeter will do much more. And if it's possible, try to get one with continuity tester. If you have one, it open up a whole different world. You can test something simple as switch without any current running through it. Cheaper one usually don't have the continuity tester, but even without it, it will be your best friend when troubleshooting your electrical system.

Just my opinion.

wrote:

Not too sure what is it for, but multimeter is always better than test lamp or probe. Test lamp or probe only tells you if it has current flowing. Multimeter will do much more. And if it's possible, try to get one with continuity tester. If you have one, it open up a whole different world. You can test something simple as switch without any current running through it. Cheaper one usually don't have the continuity tester, but even without it, it will be your best friend when troubleshooting your electrical system.

Just my opinion.

I agree that a multimeter is far superior for fault finding, however wherever possible you should test with the circuit Live and current flowing through it (the rational behind this is in my "fault finding guide" in the FAQ section) testing a dead circuit will send you down a rabbit hole more often than not 

 I think it is dependent on what you are attempting to find.

wrote:

 I think it is dependent on what you are attempting to find.

In what way ?

You should be able to use a multimeter instead of a test light.  Just set your meter for voltage and put the leads in the positions indicated in the instructions provided with the Dyna ignition.

But if you want to make a test light you can make a simple one by using the core from an old signal light.  That's what I use.

I didn't know life was possible without a multimeter.

wrote:

I didn't know life was possible without a multimeter.

I am with you 

   A test lamp is a binary device.  YES/NO.  That's it's full spectrum of capabilities. It has it's place for quick & dirty checks, but a meter is like a complete virtual (electrical) tool set in one's hand.

    To build on Wookie58's excellent advice above, the continuity tester built in to some meters is a simple sounder that produces an audible tone when testing for continuity or voltage.  An audible tone can be very convenient when probing a circuit, as one doesn't have to watch the readout for information, just listen for the tone.

   Don't cheap out on a meter.  Very good meters can be had for <$50.00.  Also, we'd Suggest Eveready Energizer lithium primary cells for it, as alkaleak (alkaline) cells will happily puke their corrosive guts into a meter without regard to it's value, and lithium cells are extremely unlikely to leak.

Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE

sorry my question was a little blandish, i do have a decent multimeter. i want to use multimeter to set dyna s modules to total timing, not sure how with multimeter. i know better than to assume. blue and black wires are 1/4 and yellow and red are 2/3. back probe each set to check when it fires?   

wrote:

sorry my question was a little blandish, i do have a decent multimeter. i want to use multimeter to set dyna s modules to total timing, not sure how with multimeter. i know better than to assume. blue and black wires are 1/4 and yellow and red are 2/3. back probe each set to check when it fires?   

If you connect the red lead from the meter to battery positive and the black lead to the switched side of the coil, at the point that it triggers it will pulse an earth to the coil and you will get a voltage reading on your meter

thank you wookie and all 
anyone know where can i get a new starter solenoid?