The configuration and characteristics of a newly developed comprehensive characteristic instrument for shape memory materials (SMM), Model SMT-1,have been introduced briefly in this paper.By using several advanced technologies and methods,this instrument can carry out the combination measurements of force(tensile, compression or bending),displacement and electrical resistivity in a wide range of temperature from -150℃ to 400℃ for sheet,strip,wire or spring of SMM,according to different requirements.A computer system autocontrols the experimental process,proceeds data and draws curves.It is possiblo to investigate and estimate the characteristic properties and the phase transformation of shape memory materials, and carry out some research work, which can be hardly studied by using mechanical or physical testing method independently.Some of the essential experimental methods and the significant results,as examples,have also been listed in this paper