Proceed with caution to avoid any belts, fans, or other moving parts, touch the probe ends of the multimeter to the battery terminals – that should produce a reading of around 13.8-14.4 volts.

Part 2: Analog meters – Dealing with high voltage and current levels; Part 3: Analog meters – Getting the most out of your meter; Just about everything today is digital — including most meters: ...

Editor's note: If you're like us and can't bear to part with that crusty old (but magnificent) analog meter, David Ashton offers everything you want to know about these gems in this three-part series: ...

An analog value in the 2.5 V range is then generated and measured by the meter. The smooth motion of an old analog meter stands in nice contrast to the modern-day problem of unstable WiFi.