Home Circuits Lab Kits for Physics 202/242

Required Equipment (*NOTE* equivalent multimeter may work, but support may be limited.)

If needed, some loaner kits are available in the Alexandria campus library.

Crenova Multimeter –OR– AstroAI Multimeter

Crenova, originally used, matches more of the image/videos, but requires a screwdriver to install batteries. AstroAI typically comes with batteries installed and is cheaper. Most loaner kits use the AstroAI.

    • Other multimeters might work. Ask your instructor or check for the following:
      • Does your multimeter come with alligator clips
      • Can it measure resistors in the 1k – 10 kOhm range
      • Does it have with a battery or do you need to purchase one?
      • If it comes with batteries, do you need to install them? If yes, do you have the screwdriver (the screws on the back of the meters are usually very tiny)

Arduino kit 1 –OR– Arduino Kit 2

Kit 1 had a bigger circuit board, making it easier to set up circuits. Kit 2 is cheaper. Kit 1 recommended, but if out of stock, kit 2 will work.

    • Other Arduino kits may work. Ask your instructor or check for the following:
      • Similar range of resistors
      • Jumper wires
      • The breadboard
      • Power supply with the USB cable

Phillips Screwdriver –OR– Screwdriver Pen (If multimeter comes with batteries installed this may not be necessary)

Extra Equipment (*NOTE* NOT REQUIRED or typically used for lab, but may be useful in some circumstances)

Flat Screwdriver

Spare Fuses – Verify the fuse fits your multimeter before purchasing. 

Spare Battery – Verify the battery fits your multimeter before purchasing.

If you need assistance figuring out which battery/fuse fits your multimeter, the physics lab manager may be able to assist. You can email him at jwloyd@nvcc.edu to ask.

Instructor specific guides and Manuals

Prof. Stantcheva’s 232 manual

Other Resources

The links below are to videos giving short demos and explanations on kit components and multimeters and how to use them. They may and likely will very from lab activities for specific sections. Consult your instructor and lab manual for specific instructions.

If there are any issues with the links or videos not working, ie duplicated or broken links, please contact the lab manager at JWLoyd@nvcc.edu. Questions about particular activities or classes should be directed to the course section instructor.

Settings and Ports PDF

Generic multimeters and Kit Components and Usage

Stills and Short videos without explanations

*note* circuits may be set up in many positions and have the same results. The below images are just 1 or 2 options of many. Also the resistors used were done at random, not following any one particular lab, follow instructor or lab manual to select the proper components.

Plugging in probes

Plugging in alligator wires

Measure resistance (Vid)

Measuring resistance (Vid, no explanations)

Measure voltage (Vid)

Measuring voltage (Vid, no explanations)

Resistors in series (Vid)

Resistors in series 1

Resistors in series 2

Resistors in parallel (Vid)

Resistors in parallel 1

Resistors in parallel 2

Resistors in series and parallel (Vid)

Resistors in series and parallel 1

Resistors in series and parallel 2

Kirchoffs circuit

Kirchoffs (vid)