Need Suggestion Common Parts for Arduino Projects

How much do you need to use your multimeter for? What do you check?

I use a meter constantly when I'm dealing with external components I'm wiring to an Arduino:

I measure resistors to make sure they are the value I think they are.

I check diodes and transistors to see if you aren't damaged before I try and use them, and that I'm correct in identifying device terminals.

I measure current actually being drawn by loads like relay coils, solenoids, motors, leds, etc, etc.

I measure voltage being supplied to the arduino board.

I read the actual voltage value of digital input and output pins.

The list goes on and on. The bottom line is that a digital multimeter is a basic requirement for anyone that is wiring stuff to an Arduino. It's as much an educational tool as it is a tool to help limit damage and help troubleshoot circuits that aren't operating as intended. If you aren't using a multimeter then you are working in the blind.

Lefty