Digital Multimeter to Read RPM

[bpankratz]

Hi I am looking for a new DMM, as inexpensive as possible. I require it to have the RPM setting unless someone can point me towards a better solution. I have actually ordered the Equus 3340 as of now, but after getting home and reading some reviews on the RPM setting I am kind of worried. Does anyone have any experience with the meter? Or is something like a Fluke 88v going to be my only option? I really did not want to spend that much.
Thanks.

 

[scaron]

maybe check out the 86 as a less expensive 80-series automotive meter? also check out the 78 which could perhaps be had for a little less money if you don't mind having a little less precision and don't care about temperature reading (which only an 8x-V will do). check out this page it may help you:

http://www.ebay.com/gds/Fluke-Meters-Models-and-Series-main-/10000000007478323/g.html

 

[bpankratz]

Thanks, I will definitely look into those 2 meters.

 

[kendogg]

I know one of the newer Amprobe ones will read RPM as well, I just bought an AM240. Amprobe is Flukes 'lower' line, so it's a great quality meter.

 

[richfinn]

maybe check out the 86 as a less expensive 80-series automotive meter? also check out the 78 which could perhaps be had for a little less money if you don't mind having a little less precision and don't care about temperature reading (which only an 8x-V will do). check out this page it may help you:

http://www.ebay.com/gds/Fluke-Meters-Models-and-Series-main-/10000000007478323/g.html

My Fluke 78 does temp and RPM, but I don't ever use those functions as it's just easier to view on a scan tool, maybe for classics with Plug wires????

Everything over here is Diesel or Coil On Plug now.

 

[bpankratz]

I would like it for small engine stuff, temp is not necessary but I would really like RPM.

 

[richfinn]

I would like it for small engine stuff, temp is not necessary but I would really like RPM.

A used Fluke 78 with an RPM80 might be good then, only downside is no backlight it's got everything else you might need.

 

[zkling]

If you are ambitious and cheap like me, you can just take a frequency reading and calculate the RPM from that. Make yourself a little chart for different cylinder and cycle engines. After some practice it is pretty fast. Now if you are a professional getting paid for your time, I wouldn't do that, but for the home DIY guy it is pretty handy. This is how the RPM multimeter actually takes a RPM reading, but it just does a handy little calculation for you and presents it in a more common format (RPM). When you get down to the brass tacks there are only a few electrical readings that are performed with a meter, other things are calculated off of those base readings.

 

[454ragtop]

TIF 250, I have one, haven't used it in a while, but works excellent, includes inductive pickup for RPM. Did a Google search to get an idea what it might be worth and found this http://surpluscityliquidators.com/view_product/97660/246
Don't think I even want to sell mine that cheap!
HTH, Jim

 

[cdods]

Not to dirgress to far from the OP, but does anyone have any experience with the OTC 3980 750 Series multimeter? As a DIY the Fluke 88 is kind of expensive, but the specs on this look pretty good for the price. Any other suggestions in this price range?

My cheap meter does fine for 99% of what I use it for, but doesn't have some of the auto specific functionality like RPM & dwell that I need for from time to time, and my cheap one is too slow to catch a lot of the fast changing signals/voltages.

 

[zkling]

You posted the exact same thing, word for word in another recent thread. Of which I answered. If you want a bunch of specific feedback, start your own thread.

Not to dirgress to far from the OP, but does anyone have any experience with the OTC 3980 750 Series multimeter? As a DIY the Fluke 88 is kind of expensive, but the specs on this look pretty good for the price. Any other suggestions in this price range?

My cheap meter does fine for 99% of what I use it for, but doesn't have some of the auto specific functionality like RPM & dwell that I need for from time to time, and my cheap one is too slow to catch a lot of the fast changing signals/voltages.