Multimeter environmental data

[jives]

Hi all;
My digital multimeter at work (lab) went missing and we are in need of a replacement. Some of the new units have all sorts of environmental data available; e.g., lumenosity, humidity, temperature, decibels. We could potentially use some of these measures along with the standard volts/amps/ohms. We currently use separate gauges and meters when necessary, but they are getting on in years.

Anyone have any experience with these environmental measurements in these meters? Just some thoughts, cautions, etc.

 

[jallyn]

Is there a brand loyalty? What is the budget?

Extech by FLIR has all kinds of meters at reasonable prices.

Of course FLUKE is the gold standard in electrical test meters.

 

[jives]

Is there a brand loyalty? What is the budget?

Extech by FLIR has all kinds of meters at reasonable prices.

Of course FLUKE is the gold standard in electrical test meters.

We've bought most of our electronic equipment through Omega and they paste their name on all the products, so not sure of the actual device makers. Of course, Fluke is a no-brainer, but I'm more interested in the usability and utility of having these environmental sensors in the multimeter.

HF has what we are looking for but we've got more of budget for higher quality, somewhere in the $150-200 range, which will include good leads.

 

[Infinia]

Anyone have any experience with these environmental measurements in these meters? Just some thoughts, cautions, etc.

haven't said what "these meters" are and what measurements you need nor what kind of work you want them for.
My thoughts are that machines / tools that offer many disparate features rarely do ANY of them well. full stop. Infact they maybe hiding the facts with 'feature bloat' ( maybe it's really a toy) . For a start, IDK if you use the other 'long in the tooth' machines, compare basic specs then more importantly consider other factors like user interface or ask the folks that use them. Even for basic stuff like temperature I don't like to use DMMs. Low cost special purpose Tmeters have multiple sensors / thermocouple inputs with standardized plugs that DMMs rarely offer. It's almost always an advantage to have at least 2 different readings. Environmental stuff often the sensor is the limiting factor not the counter / display.
yes indeed there are many pitfalls to consider.

 

[jives]

Well, I reckon it does not hurt to get a DMM with the enviromental sensors and see how she goes. If nothing else it may provide some backup or secondary measurements.