Im in the market for a new meter and would like one made specifically for automotive work.
Im not going to be building computers or working on high tension lines I'd just like all the new tools on an automotive multi meter.
Are you a pro or just a DIY guy? AKA are you working under extreme time constraints or do you have a bit more time for projects like at home? Most pros will spend the money for something that will save them a bit of time, because to them, time IS money. Also, what meter do you currently own?
If it saved me enough time I'd be willing to pay $300.00 more or less, but I dont want to spend money just for a name. I'd love to have one that allowed me to see injector cycling with graphs or something to that effect.
Do you HAVE to have the ability to plot the injector forms? If so what you will have to get into is a scope meter. Something along the lines of the Fluke 98, 97, or equivalent. Even used these will probably completely max out your budget.
I'd love to hear recommendations on meters and any info on new features that werent available the last time I bought a meter in 1996.
Not a whole lot has changed with electricity since 1996
Yea some of the meters are a bit more advanced and come in a smaller package, even at a cheaper cost. But as far as critical measurements. Not much different.
I'm personally a fluke (used at that) fan. They are very nice meters, but definitely not the only outfit out there that makes good multimeter.
As has been mentioned above the Fluke 87X is kinda a standard in multimeters. Even a few auto manufactures spec them for repair (I think GM is one IIRC?). They are a good, accurate all around meter. After that some folks like to go towards the fluke 88 which is an automotive geared meter. It adds direct readings of duty cycle (like for injectors) and RPM readings (as well as something else I can't recall off the top of my head). It is nice for those that need a quick reading and time is money. This will allow you to directly measure fuel injector pulses, just not plot them on the screen.
Extech, Ideal, amprobe, UEI all make decent meters with similar features at, usually, lower prices than fluke. Just a few others to consider when shopping.
Me personally as a home shop guy. I typically use an old (1988?) fluke 27FM, basic but does lots of what is commonly needed. Then a Craftsman pro (ex tech meter), a fluke 87, and finally a bench oscilloscope for waveforms or high freq stuff. Then again in my own garage time is on my side, so if it takes me a bit longer to calculate a final value or pull out another machine I don't mind.
If you are blowing loads of fuses in your FLUKE it means you need to go back to trade school and learn how to use the thing properly
Ive put one fuse in my 77 since I was an apprentice and apprentices normally take care of one or two a year in my 87 at work.
I have a set of leads that I put fuses in for when I have apprentices with me now.
^
Accidents happen, sure we have all been there. But blowing fuses on a regular basis is a bit of a concern.
, but your protecting a big investment with those silly fuses.