[russell_w_b]

If you get to aligning sets, then invest in an analogue multimeter (a second-hand 'AVO' 8 is ideal). Observing peaks, dips, and rate-of-change is far more easily undertaken with a pointer than a digital display.

Some circuits specify the voltages with regard to a particular meter loading (eg: the cct diagram may say: 'all voltages maesured using 20,000 Ohms/Volt meter'). Using a DMM is perfectly acceptable providing you accept that a reading may be higher than specified.