Is it me, or is the toughest part of starting out with Arduino simply identifying resistors?
I understand a multimeter would help. Can anyone recommend something on Amazon.ca. I will admit to being overwhelmed by the choice offered.
Or is there a better way to identify resistors?
Thanks.
Buy a simple (and cheap) one from your local electronics shop - don't waste your money on something fancy
Which resistors are you referring to?
.
LarryD:
Which resistors are you referring to?
.
Any, and all. Think of me as an absolute newb. I got an intro kit to Arduino. So far, so good, but I cannot tell one resistor from another, and while, with a magnifier, I can identify the bands, the book I have (Dummies) recommends using a multimeter as a simple way of identifying the resistor once wants.
I just need to know if something like this (http://www.amazon.ca/Etekcity-Professional-Ranging-Digital-Multimeter/dp/B00NWGZ4XC/) is a good choice, or if there's something better.
Thanks for any input.
Maybe when you add a URL, put it on a separate line so we can select it easier, with no brackets.
A good head magnifier has become a must for me since my eyes are getting so bad.
As mentioned, buy a cheap meter.
EDIT
this is reasonable:
For this.. almost any Multi-Meter will work.
(I suggest going to your local Harbor Freight and getting the FREE one).. look online for the coupon.. usually these alternate being free each month between batteries and flashlights!) lol
If you want to by the best.. look for (expensive) FLUKE meters..
maybe a good first project to build an Arduino based OHM meter? 
Where are you in Canada? Okay, you're reclusive. Just PM me if you are in the GTA. I can suggest some must go places.
Which country you live in may make a difference in what you can get. I use the free harbor freight multimeters 95% of the time, but they don't have the audio "beep" continuity function, which you really need for life to be good.
xl97:
look for (expensive) FLUKE meters
My kids got me one a few Christmasses ago, lucky me. (Although I think my wife actually put it on the credit card which means I actually paid for it....)
Somewhere on the web a few years ago, and I don't have time to look now, someone made a nice jig for testing resistors. Trouble is they often sproooooing off across the room when you try trap the wire against the desk. So this rig consisted of two hooks made of copper wire, into which you dropped the resistor. Then it had a hinged weight which dropped onto the resistor to keep it in place, and make nice contact. The meter probes plugged into sockets on the other end of the wire hooks. So it was a matter of dropping the resistor into the hooks and the meter was automatically on the resistor wires.
Can't remember if I saw that here.... maybe an Instructable...
Yes, I hate playing "tiddly winks" with parts, where I can't hold the probes on with my fingers, because of the skin resistance influencing the measurement. I had a carpet once that had a pattern similar to lots of spilled parts. Made it really tough.
JimboZA:
and I don't have time to look now,
Hah! found it... check it out here
There is always something "better" but if all you want to do is check resistors and low DC voltages then "free" or a $10 job is all you need for starters. Once you've become truly hooked you can then explore buying a more professional unit and I bet you'll still be happy using the cheapy. As to accuracy of super-cheap meters, they might not pass any lab tests but are usually more than good enough for hobby work.
jackrae:
As to accuracy of super-cheap meters, they might not pass any lab tests but are usually more than good enough for hobby work.
.... just don't forget to add a Dymo label "For indication only" in case the quality auditors ever pop in
LarryD:
Maybe when you add a URL, put it on a separate line so we can select it easier, with no brackets.A good head magnifier has become a must for me since my eyes are getting so bad.
As mentioned, buy a cheap meter.
EDIT
this is reasonable:
http://www.amazon.ca/DT-830B-Screen-Digital-Multimeter-Ammeter/dp/B00XDSIVPW/ref=sr_1_12?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1457046604&sr=1-12&keywords=ohm+meter
I did order a head magnifier. Thanks for your suggestion!
aarg:
Where are you in Canada?
I am neither reclusive not in the GTA. I am, sadly, in London...
Thanks. I have ordered just such a unit.
To everyone responding, I appreciate your input. Yes, I am new. No, I am not yet adept at posting. Yes, I should have posted the url on a separate line. Thank you all for your very kind responses...
Thanks!
JimboZA:
Hah! found it... check it out here
I would buy that unit in a minute.
Paul__B:
Oh come on!
You see, that's what I mean. Imagine if you are entering at the level of a Dummies book (that's me!)
The pic you posted means nothing to me. I appreciate that you are trying to be helpful, but I just found myself in a situation where I had to describe "computer programming" to my elderly father-in-law.
I was at a loss. But I will tell you one thing: I didn't send him a picture of my IDE. FWIW.
I have several of these at different locations in the house.
LarryD:
I have several of these at different locations in the house.
I have only one head magnifier on the shelf in my "work area" and can't find the loupe, but I have 1 dioptre and occasional 2 dioptre specs all over. 3 D are pretty good.