Affordable multimeter

[SC-AW11]

Im look for an affordable multimeter. Have a basic Cman but want something a bit better since I blew the fuse. I was thinking Auto ranging?

I was looking on ebay I found these Innova's?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Equus-3320-...758?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5655d84ec6

 

[Skin]

Nothing wrong with Cman. Replace the fuse. Auto ranging is a feature that not everyone likes. My 88V can be set to either and I constantly do it manually.

 

[spotco2]

A basic Craftsman will do anything that a home owner will want if they are just messing around with stuff around the house as long as they know how to use it.

You don't blow fuses in meters unless you hook them up wrong. You can even blow a Fluke if you hook it up wrong.

 

[SC-AW11]

lol obviously any would blow. thats the point of the fuse. Im not searching for a homeowner meter. Im in tech school. I'll get a Fluke 88 in a couple years or so. But want something better til then.

Interesting that not everyone likes them. It seemed easier for me. Maybe prefer manual after prolonged use or something?

 

[slidehammer]

Im look for an affordable multimeter. Have a basic Cman but want something a bit better since I blew the fuse. I was thinking Auto ranging?

I was looking on ebay I found these Innova's?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Equus-3320-...758?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5655d84ec6

Looks like you can get the same model from Amazon for less than $20.

I would get a Fluke. Whatever you do, get a meter with a backlight. After years of squinting at dim LCDs while under dashboards or in equipment cabinets, I've decided that's the single most important feature in a DMM.

 

[Davefr]

Im look for an affordable multimeter. Have a basic Cman but want something a bit better since I blew the fuse. I was thinking Auto ranging?

I don't get it. Why is a better meter less succeptable to blowing a fuse? High end Flukes blow fuses just like CM's when you hook them up wrong. The big difference is that Fluke fuses are very expensive.

If you simply want a better general purpose meter look for a used Fluke 77 in good shape or open your wallet deeper and get a Fluke 87V.

 

[larry_g]

One of the guys here did or linked to a meter test of some of the cheaper meters.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[gte718p]

Fluve 77 IV can be had on ebay for $129 shipped. My meter grew legs last year. When I run into a problem that my cheap meter can't handle that is what I am picking up.

FLUKE 77 IV No relation to me.

 

[jerryd68]

I use a multimeter everyday at work and have found that the Fluke meters last the best. The 77 is a very good meter if you dont need all the bells and whistle's of the 87.

 

[mikebramel]

Id look for an ESI

 

[3xpendable]

My cheap CM won't test small caps like the ones found in computer monitors. But it will test bigger ones like found in RV A/C units. I don't get it

 

[Fudog]

I would look at the Klein MM5000 or 6000 that are made in the USA and have an excellent DC accuracy.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

TPI multimeters are a good value for the money.
Hell, even snapon has their top of the line model rebadged and sold under their name.

many models and price ranges:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0095X615Q/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0095X64Q2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0095X66V0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[ddawg16]

Nice thing about the Fluke....if you have it in ohms and connect it to the 240Vac line....you don't get smoke.

For the money? I think the little Harbor Freight MM is a great little package. I bought one for my son as his first meter and we have both used it quite a bit. Does fine. One advantage of it is that you select the range....so it's pretty easy to see what your reading. With auto range....some people have trouble seeing the little 'mv' on the display....so when you see 122.3....if you don't see the mv....you could think it's 122 volts.....

My main meter is a Fluke 179....but I doubt you want to spend $300

 

[zkling]

Im in tech school. I'll get a Fluke 88 in a couple years or so. But want something better til then.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned, what features do you need? Cap? Thermocouple? Diode testing?

The craftsman pro models are pretty nice and can be had for ~$50 on sale. They are actually made by extech.

You could look for a Fluke 87 on ebay. They are the standard in multimeters. Even the older fluke models from ebay would be good for general multimeter usage, again depending on the features you need.

 

[0.511MeV]

I like BK Precision a lot for "affordable" meters and even other electronics test gear. My BK multimeter is rated for CAT III 600V, but I'm not willing to use it to that extent. I only use it on very low power items if I'm troubleshooting.

Fluke is very good stuff, and I've got a pile of their gear. Can't recommend it highly enough.

 

[larry_g]

Nice thing about the Fluke....if you have it in ohms and connect it to the 240Vac line....you don't get smoke.

May not be killed by 240, but 3kv will. BTDT. Fluke replaced it under warranty. I sent it to be repaired and they replied that it was under a year old and they would warranty it, even tho it was my fault.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[ddawg16]

May not be killed by 240, but 3kv will. BTDT. Fluke replaced it under warranty. I sent it to be repaired and they replied that it was under a year old and they would warranty it, even tho it was my fault.

lg
no neat sig line

Yep....and the person doing the connecting.......

Yikes.....I don't want to even be 'close' to medium voltage....

 

[Brownsfan]

I would look at the Klein MM5000 or 6000 that are made in the USA and have an excellent DC accuracy.

How in the hell did I miss this? When did they come out? I have a mm2000 and bought it when my old fluke 73 died. The Klein is great(madein Korea I believe) accurate and true rms for 110 bucks. The only issue is the auto ranging is a little slow. I may want to sell it now and get the 5000 or 6000. Good for Klein. They get some flack here but I have a lot of Klein stuff and no issues

 

[cheechi]

I have that Innova 3320. It's nice for what I need. I also have a few of the freeby HF ones, a Radio shack one from years ago, maybe a more basic CM model. I have about 6 all together. I hardly use any. Getting a new multimeter for the sake of it is dumb. If it has more features, and you need those features now, do it. If you're in school, I'm sure there are other things that want the money.

Buy the fuse, buy the Fluke when you get out of school or at a point when you definitely need what it does.

 

[SantaAna12]

I got this one for my van box:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050LVFS0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have a Simpson, but I like autoranging too. It has a backlight you can toggle too.

When I looked into affordable, I came up with this.

 

[bonneyman]

For many, many years my main meter was a digital clamp meter sold by Johnstone. I had a Realistic analog meter that I had in school and kept as a back-up.
Bought a Fluke multimeter, and I could take it or leave it. After about 3 months traded it in on a Fluke 12, which I now use solely as an electronic thermometer.

Just found my old JS meter on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/JOHSTONE-DI...180?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f253166a4

 

[diesel research]

Interesting that not everyone likes them. It seemed easier for me. Maybe prefer manual after prolonged use or something?

autoranging is slower and less accurate within a given meter.

testing "static" "dumb"b circuits like a battery feed is one thing.

moving on to something like a power trunk or door lock, the pulse happens so fast, you can get a 0v reading or some messed up average. peak and hold.

sure a scope is optimal for these fast pulses, but a manual meter saves time.

 

[86k10]

This is something to consider. I don't know much about it but it looks ok. Does anyone know about this multimeter?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001TD1SP8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Old Engineer]

I just picked up the MM5000. What a great meter. High safety rating, measures to 1000V, True RMS, best display i have ever seen on any meter, and MADE IN USA!!!! Before this Klein meter, you needed to dish out close to $300 for a new USA meter. Now, you can get a quality USA meter for only $150.

Gotta love Klein!!

 

[Brownsfan]

Where did you get it? I would like to find one at a local store if possible. But online will do.

 

[treimers]

autoranging is slower and less accurate within a given meter.

testing "static" "dumb"b circuits like a battery feed is one thing.

moving on to something like a power trunk or door lock, the pulse happens so fast, you can get a 0v reading or some messed up average. peak and hold.

sure a scope is optimal for these fast pulses, but a manual meter saves time.

I'll second that...

It really does depend upon what you're in "tech school" for -
electronics or electrical work or automotive electronics are
three utterly different things, and that's before we bring
RF into the picture.

If you're doing electronics, you need both a digital AND an analog meter like a Radio Shack 18-Range MICRONTA 22-201
That's a really basic meter, but good for learning on.

I've done hundreds of measurements of voltage where seeing the needle
quivering back and forth as some other adjustment, like tuning a slug or capacitor, and literally seeing instability via the needle.
Only possible with a scope or an analog meter - a digital just refuses to do that.

And checking for an exact voltage down to tenths of a volt was far easier
with a digital

I have two Radio Shack 43 range meters, one of which was an Archer kit I built. I use them in radio work more than I do a digital one.
But with my Arduino and PC work, a digital is better.

I have a Pantech I bought in Israel years ago - and a Fluke 199B Scopemeter..

 

[Old Engineer]

Where did you get it? I would like to find one at a local store if possible. But online will do.

Toolup.com

http://www.toolup.com/search.aspx?SearchTerm=Mm5000

Let me know if there is anything about it that you would like info on. I have only found 1 review, and there was not much detail in it. I think it is too new to find one in stores yet.

 

[Old Engineer]

autoranging is slower and less accurate within a given meter.

testing "static" "dumb"b circuits like a battery feed is one thing.

moving on to something like a power trunk or door lock, the pulse happens so fast, you can get a 0v reading or some messed up average. peak and hold.

sure a scope is optimal for these fast pulses, but a manual meter saves time.

I agree that auto ranging is slower, since the meter has to determine the range first, and that takes some time. So, manual ranging is faster. But, most good auto ranging meters can be forced into a range, and still be fast, like manual ranging.

But, don't agree that they are less accurate. Ranging has no effect on accuracy.

 

[crewchief888]

i've used fluke meters for 25 years.
all the const eq dealers i've worked for typically used fluke meters during tech schools.

i prefer autoranging, and a backlight....

 

[Brownsfan]

Toolup.com

http://www.toolup.com/search.aspx?SearchTerm=Mm5000

Let me know if there is anything about it that you would like info on. I have only found 1 review, and there was not much detail in it. I think it is too new to find one in stores yet.

I have the mm2000 from Home Depot and I have had it for over a year now with no complaints. I don't know if I can justify buying it yet since the features are pretty similar. I think I paid 119 for it and I also have the AC/DC clamp meter also from Home Depot and it was 139. Both are GREAT meters and feature packed for a good price.

 

[senor fozz]

I would just go with a used fluke, a 117 can be had for 50 dollars. I have had my used meter for 5 year and it is still going strong. Fuses get costly though, so don't be dumb.

 

[Old Engineer]

My name says who I am. I am an old engineer, and I've been using Fluke meters for over 30 years. They make a damn fine meter, and they have served me well for all those years. But, more than one company can make a nice meter as well. If only 1 company can make good cars, we would all be driving Fords, and that would be the only car on the road.

Fluke has been overcharging us on meters or years. But, I want to buy USA, and until now, Fluke was my only choice. Even though I like Fluke, I would not buy a 117, because it is made in China. If I wanted a decent USA meter, with a backlight, the lowest Fluke I could buy would be the 177, at $280. But, I would get that meter, because it is USA made.

When I started using meters 35 years ago, ALL Flukes were USA made. Now, only a few of them are, but Fluke is charging USA prices, for China and Taiwan meters. No thanks. Klein giving me USA choices for $145 and $190 is a welcome change to this meter market.

 

[scarney1988]

I have an auto ranging CM unit with thermocouple, diode testing, duty cycle, 20A that has served me very well in the automotive field. In addition to this, I have a portable oscilloscope which I use for the problems that require it in my box. It is a rebadged fluke sold as a matco from the late 90s I believe.

If you are just starting out, I would not spend big money on your first meter until you are certain you wish to remain in your field of study. The above mentioned kleins and flukes will work great for you as a HF unit.

good luck

 

[jeffmoss26]

I would love a Fluke but I will settle for my Craftsman meter. I had a really cheap one from Micro Center that lasted until I dropped it on a concrete floor.
I really just use it for checking voltage and continuity when fixing CCTV systems.

 

[kc-steve]

I would love a Fluke but I will settle for my Craftsman meter. I had a really cheap one from Micro Center that lasted until I dropped it on a concrete floor.
I really just use it for checking voltage and continuity when fixing CCTV systems.

It's funny how that works. I used a company-owned Fluke 8020 professionally for years and loved it. Then in "semi-retirement" I own three HF Centek meters. They work fine. But I recently found a couple of used Flukes from a closing business at a fair price and love Fluke again.

Steve

 

[zoomieport]

IDEAL Industries is second to only to Fluke in multimeter sales in the world...

We make (yes, in Taiwan) a great line of affordable, accurate (more accurate than Fluke in some cases), true RMS, manual or auto ranging, two year warranty...

Check them out...

http://www.idealindustries.com/products/test_measurement/multimeters/

ZOOM

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I would love a Fluke but I will settle for my Craftsman meter. I had a really cheap one from Micro Center that lasted until I dropped it on a concrete floor.
I really just use it for checking voltage and continuity when fixing CCTV systems.

Leave it to Jeff to invent the Micro Center Smackmeter

 

[Old Engineer]

IDEAL Industries is second to only to Fluke in multimeter sales in the world...

ZOOM

I highly doubt that.......

 

[celticbhoy]

Personally, if you're planning on buying a 88V in the future, i'd just stick with the Craftsman for the mean time until the 88V time comes.