Best home gamer Digital Multimeter??

[DIY_Guy79]

Im looking to purchase a good digital multimeter in the near future.

It will be for all around use. Mostly continuity and voltage drop testing in low voltage circuits like automotive or lawn equipment with 6v-12v systems.

However, I occassionally get into wiring up new fixtures or working on equipment like a welder or air compressor that would have me testing on 120v-240v circuits.

Also I have been looking at getting into building guitar amps.

With that said, Im looking for a good meter that will be accurate enough to do something as intricate as building/designing circuits like in a guitar amp, safe enough to trust on 120v-240v AC circuits, and robust enough its not gonna be obliterated the first time it slides/falls off the fender of a car.

I'd love to find one that includes an accurate thermometer for checking transmission fluid on my dodge or anywhere else it could be useful.

Im not rich and not looking to spend $200+ on a Fluke meter. Its not gonna be a professional daily use tool. I'd very much like to stay around $50 or less. But have considered some up to $100 (Fluke 116 on ebay can be found around that price). But I really dont want to spend that much if I dont have to. Fluke is great, but Im not sure I really need to invest that much into a meter that might be used a couple times a week(if that).

Meters I am considering:

Amprobe am-510
Innova 3320
Mastech MS8229
Klein Tools MM400
Fluke 101

Any other suggestions?

 

[ItsNemo]

Either buy the cheapest of cheap ($10) or buy a Fluke 117 (or really an 87V). You don't gain anything in the middle ground between the two really.

 

[FigureItOut]

I'd disagree that there's nothing worth having in the mid range. I wouldn't worry too much about accuracy, nothing you described requires more accuracy than you'll get from a cheap meter. I have meters ranging from a $40 Klein to a $350 Fluke and I doubt I'd see more than %0.01 difference in an automotive DC voltage measurement between them.

Using it a couple times a week as you say, I'd invest in something reasonably robust. I like the Kleins at Home Depot. Maybe get the cheapest one they have with all the functions you need, spend the rest of your budget on leads. Either Fluke or Pomona. Fluke TL-223 is a great starter kit. You can upgrade your meter if you find you need more function, but leads really make or break your usage experience.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[unslow1]

I probably have 10 different ones. None have really been great or terrible. One of them is a Fluke. Make sure you pick up a couple of the HF freebies. Those are great for when you aren't certain if you are going to damage the meter. They are also nice to toss in the car tool kit.

 

[californiaHank]

Used Fluke 77 IV. Check eBay. You can usually find one in excellent condition for around $100 (or maybe a bit more if you want a carrying case or specialized test leads.)

Reliable, accurate, durable. US made. (A lot of low end Fluke models are now made in Asia.)

Safe. (Ceramic sand-filled fuses and other good stuff - I don't care about damaging the meter, but I really care about how a high energy source can potentially damage me when there's a fault.)

It will handle all routine electrical, electronics and automotive work.
I have been carrying one (or its predecessor models) for many years for electronic repairs in the field.
The only like-to-have feature I find missing is a DC microampere scale, but that's a fairly specialized thing.

 

[MBfreak]

Quote
I doubt I'd see more than %0.01 difference in an automotive DC voltage measurement between them.
Unquote.

That is quite an accomplishment. You must have =>5 digits on the $10 unit.

Ola

 

[cvairwerks]

Simpson 260 Series 5 or newer. Analog meters have places that they shine way over digitals. Ringout and simply quick looking for voltages being present are two of those area.
Dinking with tube gear means high voltages too, approach 800+ volts in some circuits.

 

[californiaHank]

Simpson 260 Series 5 or newer. Analog meters have places that they shine way over digitals. Ringout and simply quick looking for voltages being present are two of those area.
Dinking with tube gear means high voltages too, approach 800+ volts in some circuits.

I have fond remembrances of the classic Simpson meters, but they really belong to another era. They have a very low input impedance which means they put too much of a load on modern low voltage/low current circuits for good measurements, and they're probably 20 to 50 times less accurate than a modern digital meter. OK for some go/no go stuff, but not for more sophisticated troubleshooting.

 

[danb35]

Or for more of a budget choice, look at a used Fluke 27. $50 or less on eBay, and built like a brick. That means it's big and heavy, but also means you can abuse the hell out of it and it'll keep on ticking. And as noted with the 77 IV, safe, which is important when you're working on mains power. Doesn't do temperature, though.

 

[Mr_B]

Get the klein, they can be had less than 40bucks . I would also consider get a uni-t 210E mini clamp for a second meter as they like 30bucks on eBay and super useful on auto testing and a fast quick and compact meter .

 

[snickers muncher]

I've got the Innova 3320, but I might use it only once every two months. I got it for automotive use and testing batteries. I did use it yesterday though when I switched two circuits---trading an outlet and 120/240. It does show phantom voltages often, so a meter with low impedance capabilities might come in more handy.

 

[Showkey]

Simpson analog is great old tool ........but.........has no place in modern vehicle electronics, especially testing SRS ( airbag) systems.

This meter thing has been hashed and rehashed a hundred times..........any basic meter will work in most situations, the operator skills and knowledge is a far greater variable in the equation. The meter can be like a tire pressure gauge......if you “know” it’s off by a .5 then compensate and your all good. Taught vehicle electrics for years, the $1000 and $8.00 meter smoke the same when the novice does it wrong. We had a table for shame to prove it.

 

[seber]

Klien or Ideal will have enough robustness not to fall apart in use. Unlike the junk from HF. I have found three flukes at flea markets for $10 each. Also one at a resale for $20. Most people have no clue.

 

[Davefr]

Either buy the cheapest of cheap ($10) or buy a Fluke 117 (or really an 87V). You don't gain anything in the middle ground between the two really.

I also disagree. There's never been such a robust offering of middle ground DMMs.

Example:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016JXASYE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

You get 6000 count true RMS, Temp, NCV, Capacitance, uA, Hold, Backlight, Min/Max, %, leads + thermocouple for $50, CATIII rating, etc, etc. With 5 star reviews.

Flukes problem is they neuter their middle ground meters as a scheme to get you to go 87V to get it all. They other guys don't do this. (however the 87V's Autohold feature is a godsend!!)

Don't get a Fluke 77. For amplifiers you'll want a Capacitance scale and it lacks a temp probe for automotive.

 

[DFB]

Uni Trend line meters are solid and fairly inexpensive, there have been GJ threads on these if you search for the name.

The 210 AC/DC clamp meter has been the most popular one recently, there seems to be only one link on Amazon left for them at the moment, the price has crept up to the $50 mark

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XSMDMYV/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Their older 202 series of clamp meters run about half the price of the 210 but no DC amps. I have one of those for basic electrical work

They have a lot of other versions of DMM, the 33C another one I own has a temp sensor and has been quite accurate and also matches my little UNI T 300C Infrared temp gun. There is like 4 available models of the inexpensive 33 each with different features. The 61 line is another step up. Another DMM meter does rpm

Overall they are all quite rugged, some models have rubber shell protectors I also have their model 371 non contact digital tachometer and voltage detector pen
http://www.uni-trend.com/html/product/General_Meters/

You can find pricing on a lot of the UT's thru Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XSMDMYV/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[theoldwizard1]

I'd disagree that there's nothing worth having in the mid range. I wouldn't worry too much about accuracy, nothing you described requires more accuracy than you'll get from a cheap meter. I have meters ranging from a $40 Klein to a $350 Fluke and I doubt I'd see more than %0.01 difference in an automotive DC voltage measurement between them.

I concur about the "mid range" ! Lots of value between $50 and $100 !!

Seriously look for one with an "amp clamp". I have a UNI-T UT210E. Small, does everything you ask for (and more) except temperature. The UT204A is larger and does temperature.

 

[ItsNemo]

I also disagree. There's never been such a robust offering of middle ground DMMs.

You get 6000 count true RMS, Temp, NCV, Capacitance, uA, Hold, Backlight, Min/Max, %, leads + thermocouple for $50, CATIII rating, etc, etc. With 5 star reviews.

Flukes problem is they neuter their middle ground meters as a scheme to get you to go 87V to get it all. They other guys don't do this. (however the 87V's Autohold feature is a godsend!!)

Don't get a Fluke 77. For Amps you'll want a Capacitance scale and it lacks a temp probe for automotive.

I'd disagree that there's nothing worth having in the mid range. I wouldn't worry too much about accuracy, nothing you described requires more accuracy than you'll get from a cheap meter. I have meters ranging from a $40 Klein to a $350 Fluke and I doubt I'd see more than %0.01 difference in an automotive DC voltage measurement between them.

Using it a couple times a week as you say, I'd invest in something reasonably robust. I like the Kleins at Home Depot. Maybe get the cheapest one they have with all the functions you need, spend the rest of your budget on leads. Either Fluke or Pomona. Fluke TL-223 is a great starter kit. You can upgrade your meter if you find you need more function, but leads really make or break your usage experience.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

There's little difference in most $10-20 meters versus the $50-100 ones in terms of features and accuracy, especially for what the OP is doing. So if you care enough to spend decent money on one, you might as well go straight to a Fluke 116 or 117.

I'd also say $50 isn't a mid range meter really, a 117 is getting into mid range (~$150-200) and even an 87V could be considered mid range. The upper end of meters go into the thousands, so really the scale isn't like $10, $50, $200. It's more like $100, $500, $2000.

 

[FigureItOut]

Quote

I doubt I'd see more than %0.01 difference in an automotive DC voltage measurement between them.

Unquote.



That is quite an accomplishment. You must have =>5 digits on the $10 unit.



Ola

Alright, your point is solid, ha ha. Still though, I said nothing about owning a $10 meter.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[bushmechanic]

I honestly didn't follow the quality difference with Fluke until I bought one.

It would be worth checking around for a used unit. If you don't find anything in the budget, sure; hit something cheaper by all means.

 

[Davefr]

The OP said he "wants to stay at $50 or less". That's outside of Fluke territory except for used 75/77 series that offer only the most primitive features. It can't measure temp and I would not want to venture into amplifier territory without a capacitance scale. Also beware that many older used Flukes have the common faint LCD problems.

Maybe he can get by closer to $20 but for around $50 he can pretty much get it all.

Sure a $400 Fluke 87V with a Cat IV 1000V rating will be a better meter but it's well outside of his stated budget.

I have a 87V and also have the cheaper UT139C and each one has some advantages.

 

[Citation]

I have two Fluke meters (187, 27 FM). For the OP I think the Uin-T ut210e clamp meter is a great option. I would supplement that with a second meter as sometimes two meters are needed to complete a reading. I also have a ut210e because I wanted the amp clamp. Note that not all amp clamps will do mA DC so this is a useful improvement over many clamps.

It's not a great meter for bench use and lacks temp readings but it's still a great meter on a budget.

The ebay Fluke 27s can be great deals for a tank of a meter. However, they lack some of the features that are common on newer meters like capacitance and temperature. If you search my old posts on this same subject (keyword brymen) I have other budget suggestions that I also like.

 

[californiaHank]

Don't get a Fluke 77. For amplifiers you'll want a Capacitance scale and it lacks a temp probe for automotive.

The 77 IV Fluke has a capacitance scale.

 

[Davefr]

The 77 IV Fluke has a capacitance scale.

Yes, but they're closer to $100 used and will still lack temp, uA, true RMS, NCV.

 

[General Geoff]

The Innova 3320 and 3340 are great inexpensive meters. The 3320 is readily available for under $25 or so, and the 3340 seems to go for around $75. The 3340 has temperature reading for use with a thermocouple probe, an alternator test, and RPM reading. The only thing the 3320 does have that the 3340 doesn't is quick battery test LED indicators for 1.5, 6, 9 and 12 volt batteries which puts a small load on them while measuring voltage. Neither are true-RMS.

Next step up for me would be a Fluke 17B+, Chinese-made but high quality at least as of a couple years ago. I picked one up in early 2017 and it's been great. Not True-RMS though. Clocks in at $100-$120.

Best meter I have is a Brymen BM-869S, which at ~$220 retail is out of your preferred price range. But it's a very accurate, True-RMS meter that has a lot of bells & whistles the Innova meters don't have, including data logging via USB.

 

[Legion Prime]

I got a pair of Aneng AN8001 meters last fall for about $18 delivered. They're actually pretty decent, on rather the small side but they're supposed to be fairly accurate and if you smoke one you're not out much. There's a couple threads over on EEV Blog.
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/aneng-an8001-6000-count-true-rms-multimeter/

 

[DIY_Guy79]

Thanks for the responses guys. I hadnt looked into the Fluke 77iv. It looks like a pretty great choice. I see people saying thats a bad choice because it doesnt have a capacitance scale. What does that mean? I see the 77 iv measures capacitance, I dont know what you guys mean by capacitance scale though.


On a side note, I found a guy with a used Klein MM2000 here locally for $20.seems like a good deal.

 

[Davefr]

Thanks for the responses guys. I hadnt looked into the Fluke 77iv. It looks like a pretty great choice. I see people saying thats a bad choice because it doesnt have a capacitance scale. What does that mean? I see the 77 iv measures capacitance, I dont know what you guys mean by capacitance scale though.

The IV version does have capacitance. The non IV version does not. It's a great choice if you increase your budget and don't care about temp, uA, NCV or RMS.

IMHO, RMS and a uA scale isn't too important for a home meter but I'd hate not to have temp or NCV. You can get a small NCV detector real cheap but it's nice to have it integrated into the meter.

 

[torqueman2002]

See: EEVblog #91 - $50 Multimeter Shootout.

EEVblog #99 - $100 Multimeter Shootout

EDIT - Add

EEVblog #75 - Digital Multimeter Buying Guide for Beginners

 

[DFB]

Both those videos are almost 10 years now old curious to how relative the models are still?

 

[Mr. T]

If you hadn’t said about guitar amps I’d say most any $50 meter would do okay.

Working on amps, especially old tube amps, can be extremely dangerous if you aren’t familiar with how they work and how to properly test the circuits.

You might end up needing to read milliamperes of direct current on a 400-700V circuit. This dramatically increases how “safe” of a meter you need to use.

I’d be looking for a meter that was rated CATIII 1000V at a minimum and built by a well known reputable manufacturer. This ups the price to a different level.

Proceed with caution.

Also can’t go wrong with an 87V here. I know they’re pricey but you won’t regret having one. Ever.

 

[6PTsocket]

I have fond remembrances of the classic Simpson meters, but they really belong to another era. They have a very low input impedance which means they put too much of a load on modern low voltage/low current circuits for good measurements, and they're probably 20 to 50 times less accurate than a modern digital meter. OK for some go/no go stuff, but not for more sophisticated troubleshooting.

Agreed. I have an old 260 that I keep for sentimental reasons but rarely use it. Your criticisms are all absolutely correct, low input impedence, low accuracy, need to adjust O for ohms, no auto ranging. It is a souvenier of when I measured voltages on pins under vacuum tube sockets.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[theoldwizard1]

for a few dollars over the $50 limit, an amp clamp, like on a UNI-T UT210E, is well worth it !

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have fond remembrances of the classic Simpson meters, but they really belong to another era. They have a very low input impedance which means they put too much of a load on modern low voltage/low current circuits for good measurements, ...

The flip side is that they DO have low impedance and will not record "ghost" voltage !

 

[ddawg16]

I have a Simpson somewhere....need to find it....

As for meters? From what the OP is describing....the HF $5 one....sometimes you can get them for free. It was just as accurate as my Fluke. Their only weakness is the test leads. They are supper cheap.

 

[Max]

No way do you want a Simpson 260 as your first meter. Unlike a modern DVM, the first time you set the range switch to the wrong setting you have a very good chance of wrapping the meter pointer around the stop and destroying your meter. Analog meters are nice for a few things like setting a null, but otherwise the modern DVM crushes them in features, reliability, stability, ability to be abused, and accuracy.

If you’re going to use your meter a lot, the Flukes are quality instruments and you’ll likely be very happy with one. If your needs are more modest, Klein will still give you a meter that will be accurate and more importantly safe to use. For me, there is no way I’d use the free HF DVMs to measure AC line voltage.

Max

 

[DIY_Guy79]

No way do you want a Simpson 260 as your first meter. Unlike a modern DVM, the first time you set the range switch to the wrong setting you have a very good chance of wrapping the meter pointer around the stop and destroying your meter. Analog meters are nice for a few things like setting a null, but otherwise the modern DVM crushes them in features, reliability, stability, ability to be abused, and accuracy.

If you’re going to use your meter a lot, the Flukes are quality instruments and you’ll likely be very happy with one. If your needs are more modest, Klein will still give you a meter that will be accurate and more importantly safe to use. For me, there is no way I’d use the free HF DVMs to measure AC line voltage.

Max

I have plenty of the HF freebies lol. All I have currently. And I 100% agree. I wouldnt go anywhere near mains voltage with one. I've only ever used them for low voltage DC stuff.

 

[Mr_B]

for a few dollars over the $50 limit, an amp clamp, like on a UNI-T UT210E, is well worth it !

Don't pay that .
Less than 35bucks (all it really worth) and closer to 30bucks if put in a offer or use ebay coupon .
https://www.ebay.com/itm/UNI-T-UT21...176542?hash=item360500dc9e:g:2J0AAOSwAPlXhvd-

While a very handy little meter with good functions they not that nice in constant use as menu functions and auto scale typically chinese .

 

[DFB]

Don't pay that .
Less than 35bucks (all it really worth) and closer to 30bucks if put in a offer or use ebay coupon .
https://www.ebay.com/itm/UNI-T-UT21...176542?hash=item360500dc9e:g:2J0AAOSwAPlXhvd-

While a very handy little meter with good functions they not that nice in constant use as menu functions and auto scale typically Chinese .

Those off your Ebay link are being shipped straight from China

Are you saying they're written and displayed in Chinese?

 

[6PTsocket]

I have a Simpson somewhere....need to find it....

As for meters? From what the OP is describing....the HF $5 one....sometimes you can get them for free. It was just as accurate as my Fluke. Their only weakness is the test leads. They are supper cheap.

Easy fix for that. I got some very decent test lead sets on ebay at a buck a set. That was about what I wanted to invest in a free meter. I was frankly amazed and would use them on my expensive meter. They are FAR better than the horrible ones that came with the feeebies.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Davefr]

Agreed. I have an old 260 that I keep for sentimental reasons but rarely use it. Your criticisms are all absolutely correct, low input impedence, low accuracy, need to adjust O for ohms, no auto ranging. It is a souvenier of when I measured voltages on pins under vacuum tube sockets.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

I still like to use one to test capacitors. Watching how the needle moves can give you a better idea then seeing digits on a LCD.