Still searching for a DMM - Jeers to Triplett & Cheers to Fluke!

[LuxLuthor]

I want something more accurate than my $20 Rat Shack yellow DMM, and am looking at this Extech EX430 as about the price range I want to go. I'm not in need of a $300 Fluke 87 or even a $150 one.

I'm not sure how this one looks...but those who know can probably help me figure out a good one for this price range. Thanks

 

[gammaray1965]

Re: Still searching for a DMM

Hi Lux, I can get the Triplett brand DMM. If you want to check them out, go here: http://www.triplett.com/ and click on Test Equipment and scroll down to Digital Multimeters and click the green click box. Let me know, I'll give you a better price!


-Gammaray

 

[LuxLuthor]

Re: Still searching for a DMM

The problem is I can't figure out which brand and model is a good unit in this middle price range I'm looking in.

 

[gammaray1965]

Re: Still searching for a DMM

What are you primarily going to be using a DMM for?

-Gammaray

 

[MarNav1]

Re: Still searching for a DMM

Do yourself a favor LuxLuthor, save your dough and buy a Fluke. You won't regret it.

 

[karlthev]

Re: Still searching for a DMM

Lemme know where you go with this one Lux. I got the $20 model you recommended and it works fine but, I guess I'd like something with a bit more advertised (and useful) accuracy as well.


Karl

 

[gammaray1965]

Re: Still searching for a DMM

Do yourself a favor LuxLuthor, save your dough and buy a Fluke. You won't regret it.

Marnav1, I was curious as to what model fluke you had in mind?

 

[MarNav1]

Re: Still searching for a DMM

A nice used 73 or 77 would work well. I used to have a yellow 29 that was real nice.
I believe the Fluke meters are worth the extra money. But if on a tight budget I bought
a Craftsman 82139 that works well, also if possible spend the extra money on some
good silicone test leads. My 2cents worth.

 

[Nebula]

Re: Still searching for a DMM

Lux - Like you, I had (still do but don't use it ) the Rat Shack $30.00 yellow job. When I started looking around for something a little better, but still compact, I found this line - http://www.metermantesttools.com/mmusen/products/MM+PM51+PM53+PM55.htm?catalog_name=MetermanUnitedStates.

I got the 55. It serves my needs and doesn't cost as much as the Fluke. Good luck with your search. Kirk

 

[gammaray1965]

Re: Still searching for a DMM

Lux, Triplett products have been around for quite some time. They were established in 1904. They have good products with a good warranty. I would suggest the 9005-A meter for all around use to anyone for basic operations!

-Gammaray

 

[louie]

Re: Still searching for a DMM

IMO, the meters in a given middle price range are all very competitive - not much difference, so buy what you like. Yup, I own Fluke, because I needed true RMS AC response to 20kHz for audio work. That costs big time in DMMs - most mid-low meters are only rated for AC measurements at 60Hz, or up to 400Hz or maybe 2kHz. If you don't deal with AC signals up there, you don't need this feature. Making meters with good DC accuracy cheaply is not a big deal these days. Making them durable, calibratable, etc, costs and then you should buy a Fluke. Most folks don't need that. BTW, Meterman is the budget line of Fluke.

 

[LuxLuthor]

Re: Still searching for a DMM

Well my most immediate need is for testing the various 250-300 batteries of various sizes & chemistries, and chargers, and various things related to my 8 computers, and minor "household" electrical appliances. I really don't need it for AC testing, and don't know what you mean by true RMS AC response to 20kHz, nor is it necessary to get one with industrial grade calibration.

I'm sure I would regret wasting that amount on a Fluke because I don't know how/what most of the things it can test for. I also would never buy a DMM used...and generally am not a "buy used" kind of guy.

I think either that Triplet 9005 or 9015 because it has temp measurement, but also has a lot more things I know nothing about....so prob one like the 9005. Thanks

 

[gammaray1965]

Re: Still searching for a DMM

Lux, if you are still interested in getting the 9005-A, send me a PM.

-Gammaray

 

[LuxLuthor]

Re: Still searching for a DMM

I ended up getting the Triplett model 9045 from Amazon.

 

[jrmcferren]

Re: Still searching for a DMM

Do yourself a favor LuxLuthor, save your dough and buy a Fluke. You won't regret it.

I agree, I have (by ignorance) attempted murder on one I got at a yard sale for a few bucks and it still lives strong (be it with a few burn marks on the circuit board). I don't know what model it is as it is laying around in a mess at home, but it is the best DMM I have had the privilege of using.

I have used different pieces of Fluke equipment over the years, while their prices seem high, it is well worth it.

 

[Al]

Re: Still searching for a DMM

Look into Fluke 170 series DMM's (175, 177, 179) 0.09% DC accuracy

 

[LuxLuthor]

Re: Still searching for a DMM

I honestly don't do enough technical electrical work beyond hobbys, and minor around the house projects to spend $200+ for a Fluke. It seems overkill to get Fluke for what I need. This Triplett is $78 and has way more capability than I will ever use.

 

[Handlobraesing]

Re: Still searching for a DMM

Get a Metex or an Extech with data-logging capability. This is something you won't regret having.

 

[LuxLuthor]

Re: Still searching for a DMM

This Triplet 9045 is the best one they make and should be enough for what I need.

 

[Sawtooth]

Re: Still searching for a DMM

Get a Metex or an Extech with data-logging capability. This is something you won't regret having.

Yeah, data-logging is a nice feature. A while ago, I bought a 50,000 count Protek 608 that has an RS232 interface (and software is free too) and I am quite happy with it.

While the Fluke's are definitely nice and rugged, they are certainly overkill for many people. While you can find a few well-reasoned arguments for spending big bucks on an expensive Fluke for some applications, I concluded (after alot of online research) that it is to a great extent just a name brand recognition thing. Most people will be perfectly happy with something far less expensive than a top shelf Fluke model.