I built this poor man's semi automated multimeter in a couple of minutes.
The idea was to reduce the torque needed to turn the meter dial and avoid constantly moving the test lead between the voltage and current sockets.
Parts used
An Arduino for the code, servo control and mode indicator
A small hobby servo
A switch
A potentiometer
Some wires
A small black project box
The servo was connected mechanically to the multimeter selector. The controls on the box moved it between measurement positions.
I tested it first with the meter in resistance and continuity mode, then added the external switch and plugs.
The hobby servo was far from a perfect solution because it only had about 180 degrees of movement and could not reach every position on the dial. A continuous rotation servo, stepper motor or another drive mechanism would cover the complete range.
Other ideas were replacing the knob with buttons or voice commands, connecting the control box directly to the meter and controlling several meters from one hub. That last idea came from Kfir.
I also wanted to modify the probes with small switches and LEDs, something like a logic probe, so some of the meter controls could be used without taking a hand away from the measurement.
The proof of concept video has some irritating music, but the mechanism works.
Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coFyyLu7euw
Photos and videos
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