Multimeter question

[StarHalo]

Wife & I are heading to WalMart today anyway, so I may pick up a DMM while we're there (especially if they have the Equus 3320).

My local Wal-Mart does indeed carry the 3320. Be sure to check if they have Stanley HIDs in stock..

 

[Danielight]

My local Wal-Mart does indeed carry the 3320. Be sure to check if they have Stanley HIDs in stock..

I looked all over at our WalMart but didn't find the 3320. My wife & I were ready to leave, and I didn't feel like finding a clerk to ask "directions" (it's a guy thing, you know). Prior to our trip to WalMart, I did see an EXTECH DM110 at Lowe's for just under $30. If it's comparable to the 3320 in featues and quaity, I might just pick it up instead. I'll Google for some reviews first.

 

[StarHalo]

The multimeters (and the spotlights) in our Walmart are hidden in the automotive/RV section.

 

[Danielight]

The multimeters (and the spotlights) in our Walmart are hidden in the automotive/RV section.

OK, thanks, StarHalo. I looked through that section, but was in kind of a hurry, so probably missed them. I'll be in a different WalMart today, so I will look in their Automotive section. :thumbsup:

 

[Danielight]

UPDATE: I picked up an Innova Equus 3300 at WalMart today. Haven't had a chance to try it yet. Hopefully it will be accurate enough for my 18650s.

 

[aimxplode]

If it means anything, I have both the Harbor Freight and the Equus 3320 model, plus an older Micronta (Radio Shack). In the 1.5 to 4.2v range, my Equus and Micronta are identical. The Harbor Freight reads .02-.03v higher. Close enough? Up to you. Other samples of the same tester(s) may be a bit different though, of course. This is just what mine read.

My Harbor Freight reads .02 higher aswell. (Compared to the CottonPickers voltmeter, which I trust more).

Thanks for the info, TEEJ. Do you (or any other CPF members) have Cottonpicker's little voltmeter? If so, is $12.50 still the going rate for them? I did see them listed on a different website, and will probably buy one, but would be interested to hear from other "satisfied customers" first.

You can get it for $10 even from Cottonpickers in the CPF Marketplace. Shipping is pretty quick (5-7 days). This voltmeter is extremely convenient and consistent. I've put away my Harbor Freight meter since I got the new voltmeter. You don't need to worry about poking yourself with the leads, or having a big multimeter out just to measure a single cell. The magnets on each end attach to the battery and immediately displays the voltage.

Right, and I'm looking for a happy medium here. If I thought for sure that the Cottonpicker battery voltage tester was consistently more accurate than either the $5 or the $25 multimeter, I might just spring for the Cottonpicker now, and get a DMM later if I really needed it for other applications. I'm just thinking that I don't mind spending a little more now (I doubt that I'll ever be in the market for a $100 Fluke!), as long as the $25 Equus will be as accurate as the Cottonpicker for testing Li-Ion voltages before & after the battery charger.

Get it from CPF Marketplace for $10 flat. Cottonpickers provides excellent customer service should you encounter any problems.

 

[Danielight]

Thanks for the price info, aimxplode. At $10, I may have to pick one up. When you order thru the marketplace, do you just state that you are a CPF member? :D