LARGE PRINT Digital Multimeter?

[bwringer]

I can find any number of multimeters with large numbers and some even have rudimentary lighted displays to coddle my ancient, withered, rheumy, aching eyes.

However, every daggum one of them forces me to fumble around for my magnifying glasses in order to see and interpret the teensy cryptic icons that contain important information such as WTF I'm measuring, the units, range, battery status, etc.

Worse, way too many meters have similarly teensy weensy icons silk-screened on the switch, where they're even more difficult to see (impossible in low light) and subject to damage.

So, fellow grizzled ancient sages of GJ, what say ye? Got a line on a multimeter that's more eye-friendly?

Not to offend the dedicated Flukeists, but I'm not very picky about brand.

There are assorted janky devices that can connect to a phone via bluetooth and use the phone's display, which seems like a decent idea. Are there any that aren't janky?

 

[American Locomotive]

The Klein MM400 available at big box stores seems to have nice large high contrast printing. If you want to spend more money, the Fluke 117 does as well.

Don't think you're going to get any larger than that.

 

[mrjaw14]

Snap-On makes one. I think it has an OLED screen. the tradeoff is that it's not visible outside in the sunlight very well and OLED has a lifespan.

What you might do is find a multimeter that has bluetooth and use your phone or tablet as the display. Be aware though that the bluetooth on one of the very major brands is severely lacking in distance.

 

[qdvuu]

Multimeters with connections to PCs exist, here's one for example. I've never used them but heard good things from folks who want to save datasets.

Fluke 289

I understand Agilent makes one also.

 

[richfinn]

I have a bunch of Multimeters from various brands

UNI-T

Facom

OWON

UEi

Fluke

The Fluke is always what I grab first, I've been using them for years and the "user interface" switch/pictograms/function buttons and display are just simple and foolproof to use.

The other meters can do some fancier tests and I tend to keep them just for a particular party piece they do really well, for example I use the Scope function on the OWON and almost never bother with it as a regular meter even though the display is excellent in poor light (I would have to charge it more often where the Fluke will run all year on regular batteries).

 

[SwissMetric]

The Gossen-Metrawatt METRAport 40S digits are 20 mm (about 0.8") high, good but very expensive.

Overall I don't know Metrawatt instruments very well, they're usually good and reliable but expensive and some more advanced testers are not very easy to use. I'm more used to Fluke instruments.

Edited:
I'd be careful with PC software for multimeters, also with Bluetooth and proprietary wireless USB adapters. Make sure to get feedback from real users.
While I highly rate Fluke hardware, I had quite some issues with their software (not instrument firmware) and wireless connectivity.
The digits of the mentioned Klein are somewhat smaller than the ones of the METRAport 40S.

 

[tool_scrounge]

As previously mentioned tuned, the Snap-on EEDM525F has a really big screen. But it is expensive, battery life is only 10 hours, display is not designed to be used in bright sun (I presume not bright enough).

https://shop.snapon.com/product/Aut...eters/Enhanced-Multimeter-TRMS-Color/EEDM525F

 

[Wamsutta]

$22.99 Amazon

 

[BrandonV]

Fluke 3000 FC plus your smartphone.

 

[BrandonV]

Overall I don't know Metrawatt instruments very well, they're usually good and reliable but expensive and some more advanced testers are not very easy to use. I'm more used to Fluke instruments.

That's a massive understatement. Trying to decipher the differences and specifications of Gossen multimeters is a true testament to German engineering. While it's by far the best-built multimeter I own, navigating their product offerings is a frustrating experience.

 

[rpcraft]

I have a Klein CL800 and the letters are large enough for me to see without glasses. Not sure what your vision correction situation is. I have to wear 1.5 readers for anything closer than the end of my arm (choice I made with cataract surgery was to see the road better at distances and my home PC is far enough away and large enough to where I don't need them but laptop screens I need them if that gives you any comparison. I can make out stuff on my iphone 13 screen OK without them but I prefer them on when doing facetrash and really making sure I do not misread messages. I'd say it is probably about the readout is the same size as what the fellow linked from amazon above but the Klein has auto ranging, a current clamp, non contact voltage testing (for AC), temp sensor and is backlit, for about 112 bucks on amazon. It's also IP40 drop rated which is pretty important depending on your work zones. I do a lot of car work and also at work in a sub fab with a lot of pipe chases so there are usually lots of places to use the clamp to hang stuff off but occasionally I will knock it off a ladder and it's survived fantastically.

 

[jayemm]

Maybe something inexpensive like this to suffice until you find one you like better.

Amazon.com

 

[iron block]

However, every daggum one of them forces me to fumble around for my magnifying glasses in order to see and interpret the teensy cryptic icons that contain important information such as WTF I'm measuring, the units, range, battery status, etc.

Well, you could go in a different direction and get one of these talking meters from Marlin P Jones. 35042 DMM

Might turn out to be a toy, but for $33 it's not too big a risk, perhaps.



At least you would not need your glasses to know WTF you're measuring.

 

[SwissMetric]

The Snap-on EEDM525F backlight is always on, which possibly explains at least partially the very poor battery life. Expensive considering the quite basic performance. That model has been discussed very recently in another topic.

More generally I'd recommend to only get multimeters which can also be operated with very common primary batteries likes e.g. AA or 9 V, at least as option if there is a proprietary battery. Some multimeters require an optional battery adapter.
Proprietary replacement or additional battery packs tend to be very expensive and hard or impossible to get after some time and it also happens that cells of "new" spare batteries are degraded due to their excessive storage time.

Also I'd still recommend an entry-level multimeter from any major manifacturer rather than some cheap unknown instrument. If there's a serious issue you at least know exactly who's the manufacturer and they can't afford to not meet the stated safety requirements.

Cheap random low(est)-cost multimeters are a poor choice, it's less expensive to get a good one which can last many decades. Also the quality of the cables and probes plays a role.

That's a massive understatement. Trying to decipher the differences and specifications of Gossen multimeters is a true testament to German engineering. While it's by far the best-built multimeter I own, navigating their product offerings is a frustrating experience.

I didn't criticize the BBC Camille Bauer Gossen Metrawatt instruments as such, I only meant that some are not too intuitive to use if you do not work daily with, especially some safety testers, wasn't referring to basic multimeters. The Metrawatt are highly regarded but way less widespread than Fluke.

Serious multimeter manufacturers publish very detailed specs, some details are only in the manuals or even separate specification documents. Especially also for calibration equipment and power analyzers you require very precisely defined specs also due to calibration traceability and other requirements mostly defined by some standards.

Details like the buzzer reaction delay of the continuity test and the update frequency of the display are also important.


The one below and similar ones I'd definetly avoid. Also CAT III 300 V so low that I would only use it for PELV or SELV (safe voltages). Couldn't find out how to add text below this last quote.

$22.99 Amazon

 

[bwringer]

Klein MM400

Interesting, and good to know. In the photos, it looks like the Kleins tend to have larger icons in the displays than many others. Reasonably priced, good availability at any Home Depot, and good quality...

$22.99 Amazon

Nice! The display looks pretty much the same as the Kleins. The icons are bigger than some. The markings on the face and buttons look pretty usable as well.

Maybe something inexpensive like this to suffice until you find one you like better.

Amazon.com

Niiiice! Now that has some very, very good ideas, and is getting very near what I had in mind. Whether it's well-executed I have no idea, but I can guess... That graph on the screen is a great idea. Maybe this general concept will make it to one of the "better" brands eventually.

For 20 bucks, I might actually give that one a try just for giggles.




For all the Flukeist faithful worried about my looming demise via electrocution or arc explosion... 99% of my meter usage is 12VDC on motorcycles and cars. I'm not an electrician or doing industrial maintenance.

 

[BrandonV]

Interesting, and good to know. In the photos, it looks like the Kleins tend to have larger icons in the displays than many others. Reasonably priced, good availability at any Home Depot, and good quality...

IMO the MM400 does not have a big or good screen.

You want the MM450. It has the reverse contrast screen and is quite a bit bigger than most standard units. I can vouch for it.

 

[bwringer]

IMO the MM400 does not have a big or good screen.

You want the MM450. It has the reverse contrast screen and is quite a bit bigger than most standard units. I can vouch for it.

Ooooohhh, now we're getting somewhere.

I'll agree that this screen is much better.

I also like how the leads are plugged in on one side, not on the face where they then get in the damn way constantly.

 

[BrandonV]

Ooooohhh, now we're getting somewhere.

I'll agree that this screen is much better.

I also like how the leads are plugged in on one side, not on the face where they then get in the damn way constantly.

I prefer the MM720 over the MM450 for the functionality (LoZ and the like) but for automotive use the MM450 has the biggest screen Klein offers (even compared to the MM720) and its like $60-70 at your local big orange store.

 

[WWheeler]

For all the Flukeist faithful worried about my looming demise via electrocution or arc explosion... 99% of my meter usage is 12VDC on motorcycles and cars. I'm not an electrician or doing industrial maintenance.

Since you've said that, then in regards to Wamsutta's suggestion I'd just point out that Ivan of the Youtube channel Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics has been using a couple of those AstroAI DMMs for a few years now, especially when he's working out wherever in the field in a customer's driveway or whatnot (like he's doing at 6:03 into this video here). He's said good things about them. He uses the one Wamsutta posted and the one with an amp clamp. They are both on his Amazon page.

 

[richfinn]

Interesting, and good to know. In the photos, it looks like the Kleins tend to have larger icons in the displays than many others. Reasonably priced, good availability at any Home Depot, and good quality...



Nice! The display looks pretty much the same as the Kleins. The icons are bigger than some. The markings on the face and buttons look pretty usable as well.




Niiiice! Now that has some very, very good ideas, and is getting very near what I had in mind. Whether it's well-executed I have no idea, but I can guess... That graph on the screen is a great idea. Maybe this general concept will make it to one of the "better" brands eventually.

For 20 bucks, I might actually give that one a try just for giggles.




For all the Flukeist faithful worried about my looming demise via electrocution or arc explosion... 99% of my meter usage is 12VDC on motorcycles and cars. I'm not an electrician or doing industrial maintenance.

We do want you to live but we want you to be happy and fruitful rather than frustrated and miserable, hence the Flukeyness

 

[Skellyii]

I'm at the same correction level that you are, and I've been using Fluke's since the 80s-90s.

However, I just bought the cheapo that @Wamsutta recommended from Amazon for my son, and it's pretty decent for me to read.

 

[KnurledNut]

I prefer the MM720 over the MM450 for the functionality (LoZ and the like) but for automotive use the MM450 has the biggest screen Klein offers (even compared to the MM720) and its like $60-70 at your local big orange store.

Good recommendation. The MM450 is going to be the biggest display. The MM720 also has a respectable size reverse contrast display and is a tough meter with an IP42 rating.

 

[BrandonV]

MM450.

 

[Steve_P]

I have a Astro AI 6000 and three Flukes. The Astro does have a larger "major display" size than the Flukes, but the minor display, like for DCV, Ohms.... Isn't significantly larger. The bottom line is that the writing on the dial for the selection is tiny in comparison to everything else, for all meters, so if you can't read that, then dunno. If you just want the largest display, then the Astro AI is king of what I have. It's a very nice meter for the $ but isn't going to withstand drops like a Fluke does with the rubber surround.

 

[bwringer]

MM450.

I now own this very meter (thanks, @BrandonV !) and it is indeed exactly what I was looking for. The display is indeed large and impressive, and it's very nice, solid quality all around. The side inputs are a fantastic feature, and the little LEDs telling you which inputs to use are handier than you might expect.

 

[sandyeyes]

I have a bunch of Multimeters from various brands

UNI-T

Facom

OWON

UEi

Fluke

The Fluke is always what I grab first, I've been using them for years and the "user interface" switch/pictograms/function buttons and display are just simple and foolproof to use.

The other meters can do some fancier tests and I tend to keep them just for a particular party piece they do really well, for example I use the Scope function on the OWON and almost never bother with it as a regular meter even though the display is excellent in poor light (I would have to charge it more often where the Fluke will run all year on regular batteries).

what model fluke and OWON do you have? whats the difference between a fluke 289 and 177 if you happen to know

 

[BrandonV]

whats the difference between a fluke 289 and 177

Lots of differences. 289 is a datalogging multimeter, greater accuracy, can measure AC+DC voltages combined, higher capacitance, higher frequency, higher resistance, conductance, dB, duty cycle, has LoZ, microamps, pulse width, along with bunch of other things.

Most people won't use the stuff on the 289. 177 or 87V are good choices (and perhaps even overkill in some regards while lacking in others) for anything a DIY type person is generally going to do.

 

[richfinn]

what model fluke and OWON do you have? whats the difference between a fluke 289 and 177 if you happen to know

I have a couple of older made in USA Fluke models (78/112), the OWON is a HDS272S model 70mhz with dual channels and a signal generator.

I don't need anything too fancy multimeter wise like the Fluke 289, the 112 has everything I need for a general purpose meter to be honest, I have a Picoscope too if I need to do anything more complex

The display is pretty good on the OWON

 

[sandyeyes]

I have a couple of older made in USA Fluke models (78/112), the OWON is a HDS272S model 70mhz with dual channels and a signal generator.

I don't need anything too fancy multimeter wise like the Fluke 289, the 112 has everything I need for a general purpose meter to be honest, I have a Picoscope too if I need to do anything more complex

The display is pretty good on the OWON

I have a couple of older made in USA Fluke models (78/112), the OWON is a HDS272S model 70mhz with dual channels and a signal generator.

I don't need anything too fancy multimeter wise like the Fluke 289, the 112 has everything I need for a general purpose meter to be honest, I have a Picoscope too if I need to do anything more complex

The display is pretty good on

I have a couple of older made in USA Fluke models (78/112), the OWON is a

I have a couple of older made in USA Fluke models (78/112), the OWON is a HDS272S model 70mhz with dual channels and a signal generator.

I don't need anything too fancy multimeter wise like the Fluke 289, the 112 has everything I need for a general purpose meter to be honest, I have a Picoscope too if I need to do anything more complex

The display is pretty good on the OWON

I have a couple of older made in USA Fluke models (78/112), the OWON is a HDS272S model 70mhz with dual channels and a signal generator.

I don't need anything too fancy multimeter wise like the Fluke 289, the 112 has everything I need for a general purpose meter to be honest, I have a Picoscope too if I need to do anything more complex

The display is pretty good on the OWON

model 70mhz with dual channels and a signal generator.

I don't need anything too fancy multimeter wise like the Fluke 289, the 112 has everything I need for a general purpose meter to be honest, I have a Picoscope too if I need to do anything more complex

The display is pretty good on the OWON

if I were to buy just one meter for professional automotive work Would the 112 be enough? I like the display on the Owen, but am currently being taught on a S/O multi meter similar to the fluke.

 

[BrandonV]

@sandyeyes

A 112 is more than enough for automotive diagnosis. Anything more complicated you'll need a oscilloscope.

Unless your working on an older car where the dwell/RPM functionality can be useful any decent multimeter will suffice.

 

[richfinn]

If you can find a used Fluke 112 in good condition it's a great little multimeter.

It's only real limitation might be the 600v rating if you are going to be dealing with EVs in the future, but for regular automotive work it's a nice compact tool with the features you really need and very intuitive controls.

I have multiple multimeters and oscilloscopes available but the 112 lives in my toolbag and is the most used