Automotive multi meter

[Nocturnal-G]

I have an esi multimeter on my wish list that I will be ordering shortly. Its the esi 597 and the kit on amazon comes with meter, leads, amp clamp and heat probe for 150.

Are there any major differences between that and the 585K?

I checked earlier to see the meg ohm impedance for the 597 but couldn't find it. The 585 says its 10, the above TPI says 50.

 

[sdguy55]

Are there any major differences between that and the 585K?

I checked earlier to see the meg ohm impedance for the 597 but couldn't find it. The 585 says its 10, the above TPI says 50.

I couldn't tell you I guess. I'm getting that one because it seemed to fit the bill for me. I guess I don't see where I would need that many ohms. Maybe I'm not thinking of something that I should? Is there an instance in which you need the meg ohm feature?

 

[richfinn]

What do you guys think about the tpi 183a? Do you think it's close as good as the fluke feature wise? Or the 192? I have about a 200$ limit on a dmm. Now I'm leaning more towards a dmm and maybe I'll grab a pp3 another time. Glad I got this thread started before Xmas Haha.

I couldn't tell you I guess. I'm getting that one because it seemed to fit the bill for me. I guess I don't see where I would need that many ohms. Maybe I'm not thinking of something that I should? Is there an instance in which you need the meg ohm feature?

Your worrying too much about input impedance, it just helps a meter give an accurate reading safely.

For what you guys are doing (automotive) all the meters mentioned are fine.

I like the following features (limited to 5 since I posted a long list last week)

1. Backlight

2. Min/Max record

3. Bar graph/nice LCD Display

4. Tough holster and stand

5. Frequency

You will have basics like volts/amps/resistance and all good meters auto range.

Forget automotive **** like RPM/dwell. You work with scan tools

DC clamp probe is nice/Temp function is OK sometimes

 

[sdguy55]

Would you mind giving an example richfinn of why the bar graph is nice? I use my meter on a somewhat regular basis bit am willing to admit that I might not use it to its full potential.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

So if I go with the TPI 589, I should have more than enough meter at my fingertips? I've heard
good things about the loadpro and the book/DVD sounds like I may learn a little something. But I'm a novice when it comes
To multi meter needs.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

What is 4,000 count which I see on most vs 50,000 count I've seen on a few?

 

[richfinn]

Would you mind giving an example richfinn of why the bar graph is nice? I use my meter on a somewhat regular basis bit am willing to admit that I might not use it to its full potential.

It's a digital version of the old analogue meter with a needle, good for looking at fast changing signals where the the numerical display is hard to follow.

It works well for looking for glitches in a throttle position sensor if you don't have a scope

 

[richfinn]

What is 4,000 count which I see on most vs 50,000 count I've seen on a few?

The display counts to 4000 before it has to range up.

For example it will go up to 4000mv then switch to the next range of 40.00v and so on.

 

[richfinn]

What is 4,000 count which I see on most vs 50,000 count I've seen on a few?

So if I go with the TPI 589, I should have more than enough meter at my fingertips? I've heard
good things about the loadpro and the book/DVD sounds like I may learn a little something. But I'm a novice when it comes
To multi meter needs.

I don't know, I do use load pro that's why I pointed you to the TMX kit as it looks like a nice starter kit.

 

[Nocturnal-G]

Rich, what do you think of the ESI 590? I can't seem to figure out which multimeter to buy...

I take it the 590 is a big improvement over the 585 since its auto ranging and 20 amp instead of 10.

I'm open to all brand suggestions, just looking at ESI since they have a high reputation from what I've seen.

 

[richfinn]

Rich, what do you think of the ESI 590? I can't seem to figure out which multimeter to buy...

I take it the 590 is a big improvement over the 585 since its auto ranging and 20 amp instead of 10.

I'm open to all brand suggestions, just looking at ESI since they have a high reputation from what I've seen.

Both good features to have

 

[signcrafter]

So if I go with the TPI 589, I should have more than enough meter at my fingertips? I've heard
good things about the loadpro and the book/DVD sounds like I may learn a little something. But I'm a novice when it comes
To multi meter needs.

The FET book by Dan Sullivan is a very well written book and it's not just a boring text book. He goes out of his way to explain things in a way that dumb guys like me can understand.

It's a digital version of the old analogue meter with a needle, good for looking at fast changing signals where the the numerical display is hard to follow.

It works well for looking for glitches in a throttle position sensor if you don't have a scope

So the bar graph is more or less a "needle" to see the readings going up or down quickly? Can you explain how you would test a TPS using an 87 with bar graph? To be honest I don't think I've ever even looked at the bar graph on the bottom.

 

[Mugen112]

A nice RMS DVOM would be great but only if you know how to use the functions on it. 90% of all MASTER ASE TECHS don't even know how to use a nice DVOM to its true potential.

I would recommend an auto ranging meter. If your just using it to test resistances and voltages then you could look into Sears. Craftsman makes an auto ranging meter (doesn't have all the selections like .001, .01, .1, 1, 10, 100; just does it for you) and it sounds like it would do what your looking for. Sells for like $30.

 

[CWP1616L]

ToolTopia wants $75.00 to ship a Fluke 88.

EDIT: Read that wrong. It's free shipping on orders over $75.00



.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

The 88 I've been using is from the late 80's. The booklet says June 1990.

 

[Hyster Gareth]

RPM/Dwell is nice to have if you work on older ignition systems. For most auto mechanics not a necessity anymore. However for lift truck mechanics still quite a useful feature as many old smokers still out there.

 

[richfinn]

The FET book by Dan Sullivan is a very well written book and it's not just a boring text book. He goes out of his way to explain things in a way that dumb guys like me can understand.



So the bar graph is more or less a "needle" to see the readings going up or down quickly? Can you explain how you would test a TPS using an 87 with bar graph? To be honest I don't think I've ever even looked at the bar graph on the bottom.

That's exactly what it does, connect your lead to the signal wire of a TPS and ground then watch the bar graph move smoothly as you slowly open the throttle
If it suddenly drops to 0v then jumps back up you have a glitch in the track.

Also good for watching O2 sensors switch

Coolant temp sensor reference voltage drop outs etc

It's no scope but it's better than nothing.

 

[richfinn]

RPM/Dwell is nice to have if you work on older ignition systems. For most auto mechanics not a necessity anymore. However for lift truck mechanics still quite a useful feature as many old smokers still out there.

I can't argue with that, but for dealer techs working on modern cars
Get an amp clamp instead, I can go for months without seeing an HT lead
as everything is COP now in Europe. You can get RPM on the cheapest OBD scanner anyway.

 

[richfinn]

I would be looking for the best quality basic DVOM that's easy to use and has features you will use a lot.

I have a Fluke 78 and some UEI model (with a backlight and TRMS)

If my 78 had a backlight It would be perfect as it's easy to navigate and a pleasure to use.
If you like using it that's 90% of the battle, you can have every feature on earth but if you don't get along with it you will not use it.

Keep it as simple as possible and understand volt drop/schematics/ohms law and you will enjoy using it.

Don't forget to experiment with stuff, and do a bit of research.

 

[signcrafter]

That's exactly what it does, connect your lead to the signal wire of a TPS and ground then watch the bar graph move smoothly as you slowly open the throttle
If it suddenly drops to 0v then jumps back up you have a glitch in the track.

Also good for watching O2 sensors switch

Coolant temp sensor reference voltage drop outs etc

It's no scope but it's better than nothing.

I learn so much new on here everyday. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I've narrowed it down to these two meters.

http://testproductsintl.com/194.html#.UobPm-LO3Ak

http://www.esitest.com/589.html

Which do you guys think is the better meter all around? I like the features of the load pro, but i don't know much about these two companies.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

I've narrowed it down to these two meters.

http://testproductsintl.com/194.html#.UobPm-LO3Ak

http://www.esitest.com/589.html

Which do you guys think is the better meter all around? I like the features of the load pro, but i don't know much about these two companies.

Get the esitest set that Dan Sullivan put together. You will get a great under standing of elec troubleshooting if you follow his training.

Dan's a great guy and lives in the great state of North Carolina.
I met me a few years ago at a training seminar.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

That's the one I'm getting then. Hope I learn a lot! Watching a few of his YouTube videos he's pretty good at putting it in dumb terms I understand.

 

[richfinn]

That's what I would go for too If I was buying my first multimeter.

The FET book and load pro will help you get the most out of it and get you thinking.

Good luck.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I tried to PM you rich, i don't know if it sent?

 

[Tarheelgarage]

I tried to PM you rich, i don't know if it sent?

You're making this too complicated; just buy the damn meter like I said....

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Lol yes sir! I've been doing more research about multimeters and realize that the TPI has a 50,000 count which I believe when it goes up to 50 the decimal moves to the right whereas the ESI is 4000. Also the TPI goes up to 50 megaohms and let ESI goes up to 40 megaohms. But I'm wondering which one is more reliable and more accurate. I'm frustrating myself! I just don't want to choose one or the other and wish I had gotten the other. Life's too complicated.

 

[richfinn]

Hi I got the PM, The meter in the ESi tech kit is plenty good enough for automotive.

I agree 100% with Tarheel, it's the book and the leads that are the main reasons the meter itself is not that important, but it looks fine.