Multimeter suggestions, please?

[sodakar]

Hi again.

Can I get some *solid* recommendations on multimeters from you electrical gurus? I have no idea what brands are good, and what features (beyond the basics) would be advantageous to have for the future. My budget is $50-$100.

My experience in using multimeters does not go beyond the engineering/circuitry design courses I took in college long ago... I would want a digital one that can do AC/DC Volts and Amps, along with finding resistances and continuity... But beyond that... I don't know what other features I'd want, or who makes good multimeters.

So... it's a classic case of the user not knowing what he/she wants, or even having a clue as to what features he/she wants. ...but... I plan on using it extensively and learning much, so I want one that I won't outgrow/learn too quickly.

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Humbly yours,

- kaz

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I have used Fluke multimeters daily for the last 12 years - there are none better. Unfortunately, the ones under $100 do not normally have an amperage range. I would try to scrape together enough to buy a Fluke 75 (haven't checked the price lately - about $150, I think)

 

[busbar]

metersandinstruments.com has the Fluke 73 for $118.50 (with free shipping last time I ordered.)

The 73 is about the lowest price with currnet ranges. Fluke products are outstanding.

 

[vcal]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by weremala:
I have used Fluke multimeters daily for the last 12 years - there are none better. Unfortunately, the ones under $100 do not normally have an amperage range. I would try to scrape together enough to buy a Fluke 75 (haven't checked the price lately - about $150, I think)<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

How important, in your opinion, is true R.M.S. capability?

 

[Chas]

Hello everyone, I too would like some suggestions on a good meter. My question is what meter do you need to measure draw - ma on a battery going through a flashlight or led and also to measure the ma of a new (or used) battery. would this one work http://www.web-tronics.com/autrandmmcsi.html.
or ??

I'm sure by my asking this question, you know I am green and with little background in electronics, just an honest question.

Best Regards to all,

 

[vcal]

Hi Chas,
On that site link that you have, there's a perfectly adequate model (#9300-$20.) for the hobbyist.
-OR-
How about Mr. Gadget's very nice offer to get a decent one for you for less than $6.?

p.s.-the DMM 9300G on the Circuit Spec. measures amp draw, but does Not specify whether it's fused or not...
-(Gadget's unit has both features)

 

[Marked]

I saw a nice meter I like to have. But it was a 1000 or so for it. Worth that but don't have that for a meter.

 

[Chas]

Everyone appreciate your input (no punt intended) - my link to the meter I was asking about was not correct, this is the correct one - www.web-tronics.com/freedmmoffer.html. DO NOT CLICK ON THIS LINK CUT AND PASTE IT, FOR SOME REASON IT TAKES YOU TO THEIR START (DIFFERENT) PAGE. - Click on picture of meter to go to specs for it.

Can anyone tell me if this is a good one, It's free with a $50.00 order of other goods, and I am going to get a soldering iron and lux meter, so no problem meeting the $50 figure.

Appreciate one and all comments etc.

Best Regards,

 

[vcal]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Chas

Can anyone tell me if this is a good one, It's free with a $50.00 order of other goods, and I am going to get a soldering iron and lux meter, so no problem meeting the $50 figure.

Appreciate one and all comments etc.

Best Regards,[/QB]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'd GO for it, Chas.
After looking at all the features on that meter, IMO it will work great for the hobbyist, or even a technician.
That way, you can take your own recommendation on that lux meter also

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

DMM dcV and dcA Measurement Specs

web-tronics DMM $29.99 (free with $50 or more purchase) web-tronics

dcV ranges: 200mV, 2V, 20V, 200V, 1000V
dcV accuracy: +/- 0.5%

dcA ranges: 200uA, 2mA, 20mA, 200mA, 2A, 20A
dcA accuracy: +/- 0.5% for ranges 200uA, 2mA, 20mA
dcA accuracy: +/- 1.2% for ranges 200mA & 2A
dcA accuracy: +/- 2.0% for ranges 20A & 20uA

CEN-TECH 30756 $4.99 (www.harborfreight.com)

dcV ranges: 200mV, 2000mV (2V), 20V, 200V, 1000V
dcV accuracy: +/- 0.5%

dcA ranges: 200uA, 2000uA, 20mA, 200mA, 10A
dcA accuracy: +/- 1.0% for ranges 200uA, 2000uA, 20mA
dcA accuracy: +/- 1.2% for ranges 200mA
dcA accuracy: +/- 2.0% for range 10A

FLUKE 73 $129.00 at web-tronics

dcV ranges: 320mV, 3.2V, 32V, 320V, 600V
dcV accuracy: +/- 0.3%, +/- 0.4% for 600V

dcA ranges: 32mA, 320mA, 10A
dcA accuracy: +/- 1.5%

The 2 CEN-TECH DMMs I bought thru Gadget also have nice Ranges of measurement and its readings compares with my Radio Shack Metex 11.

FLuke 73 has better dcA measurement accuracy according to specs (+/- 1.5%), but the jump from 320mA to 10A makes me doubt the +/- 1.5% accuracy of its measurement of current over 320mA. Its a very wide range from 320mA to 10A to maintain a +/- 1.5% accuracy.

I like the DMM from web-tronics (29.99 or free with $50 purchase) because of its ampere measurement ranges. After 200mA is 2A, it did not jump from 200mA to 20A. I've been told by technicians that the closer the range of meter to the actual current or volt measured will be better. Which also means more Ranges of measurement (no big jump from one range to another) and lower percentage of Accuracy is better. In my opinion this is a good buy.

My guide to buying multimeter is Ranges, Accuracy, and Functions against Price.

I hope this helps.

- verge -

 

[sodakar]

Wow, I stopped checking for updates on this thread for one day, and ya'll are all over it -- awesome!

Thanks a ton for the suggestions on what to look for!

 

[Go Go Gadget Flashlight]

I like the cheap little meters I got at Harbor Freight. They're not super accurate, but for simple projects, they work great.

I have other good meters, so these cheap ones just make it handier to do multiple projects.

I can only get them until tomorrow and then they go off sale.

Email me if you want one or more. You can always get a cheap one AND get a nicer one for better accuracy. If you're just planning on tinkering, you probably don't need a Fluke.

My $0.02...

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Oh, what the hell! Take a second out on the ole' homestead and buy the best!
http://www.tm.agilent.com/classes/MasterServlet?view=productdatasheet&pro-ItemID=1000001297&language=eng

 

[Go Go Gadget Flashlight]

For that price, it ought to do dishes, windows, wash the car, vacuum, sexual favors, etc....

Hey! It doesn't even measure current!

That's probably a $3000 "accessory".

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

It measures up to 2Amps DC.