Multimeter Question
- Thread starter hmc610
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diesel research
Well-known member
Auto-range con-slower than manual range when you need to take a fast pulse measurement. I don't mean when you are in a hurry, I mean when the pulse only happens for a second. A momentary pulse from your truck popper for example. Many better auto-rangers have a muanal range button, this is fine.
Manual range-you have to know what voltage you are expecting.
Since you are looking at cheaper meters, you will likely end up with a non-true RMS meter. They give some iffy readings on AC voltage sometimes. AC voltage is found all over around the house, in 2 wire crank/cam/speed sensors, knock sensors, and in bad alternators, amongst other places.
Manual range-you have to know what voltage you are expecting.
Since you are looking at cheaper meters, you will likely end up with a non-true RMS meter. They give some iffy readings on AC voltage sometimes. AC voltage is found all over around the house, in 2 wire crank/cam/speed sensors, knock sensors, and in bad alternators, amongst other places.
thedeatons
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2011
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Fluke 77 just like they gave me in the Navy as an Electronics Technician. They have auto-ranging, and a manual feature. There are plenty of Craftsman mutlimeters that have similar functions.
In the Navy I used manual and auto as a component level troubleshooter. Around the house, and for simple tasks on the car I use auto, have for 10 years. You should have no trouble with auto unless you are in a garage as a tech and requiring specialized test equipment.
James
In the Navy I used manual and auto as a component level troubleshooter. Around the house, and for simple tasks on the car I use auto, have for 10 years. You should have no trouble with auto unless you are in a garage as a tech and requiring specialized test equipment.
James
This one at Sears would be dandy for home use. The clamp is just so handy, same for the temp probe, when you get into serious home repairs. $50 on sale right now.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-digital-clamp-on-ammeter/p-03482369000P
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-digital-clamp-on-ammeter/p-03482369000P
Drew_flux
Well-known member
^^^ that meter in the link, looks good for home use. You may want to look at automotive based meters, with things like rpm,temp,dwell.
The Craftsman meters are "ok" at best if all you are doing is verifying basic voltages and continuity being there or not being there. As mentioned before, if the expect readings are known, then a manual one is fine.
That being said, if you are needing to measure precise readings, then a good true RMS meter from FLUKE is money well spent.
That being said, if you are needing to measure precise readings, then a good true RMS meter from FLUKE is money well spent.
rlitman
Well-known member
My Craftsman multimeter is made by Extech. I'm not sure which other ones are or are not though, but they do not all appear to be.
That clamp meter listed above is ok. It's a "4000 count" meter. Stay away from "2000 count" digital meters (ones that only read as high as 1999, instead of 3999. They're junk.
Fluke has both USA and imported meters, my 87V is made in USA.
Fluke has both USA and imported meters, my 87V is made in USA.
diesel research
Well-known member
The higher priced cman "professional" meters appear to have nice features/specs (water resistant/backlit/etc) for a lot of your basic/semi-pro stuff. That said, there has been some complaints that the symbols on the dial easily rub off, so you would be highly advised to apply a clear screen protector over the symbols.
Krokodil
Well-known member
If you have to ask this question, then auto range is what you will need and use 100% of the time.
Sears has the following meter on sale for $11.49 - Craftsman Multimeter, Digital, with 8 Functions and 20 Ranges, normally $22.99
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_03482141000P
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_03482141000P
metaleltr
Well-known member
I have had an ideal 61-360 for about 4 years. In this time there are some thing that i have discovered that I do not like about it.
No back light
No thermocouple probe option
I also need to get a set of alligator clip leads, test probes are handy for some things but other tasks call for clips.
No back light
No thermocouple probe option
I also need to get a set of alligator clip leads, test probes are handy for some things but other tasks call for clips.
Sureshot
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have always found the cheap meters to be a flop and crappy leads etc. Have bought many Simpson meters from Ebay. They have seen rough oilfield outside in the mud use and stand up great. We like the analog meters to see a capacitance kick. I like the Model 260.
There are many good meters out there such as simpson and fluke. I've owned a craftsman meter before, and wasn't impressed with it. I would suggest spending some extra money for a fluke (or another good brand). It is a tool that you should really last a long time, unless your needs change.
jasonreck71
Well-known member
Whichever one you decide on I would recommend a back lit one...Just spent 3 weeks trouble shooting my heat pump in my barely lit attic...back lit would have been worth the extra money...Just my 2 cents
Alchymist
Well-known member
Wonderful adjunct to a digital meter - but you must know how to use it.
And good luck finding a good one.Attachments
kc-steve
Well-known member
Wonderful adjunct to a digital meter - but you must know how to use it.
Yup, the old Simpson 260 is a good one. I just saw one for sale for $50 but passed on it for several digital multimeters. I'll probably be selling a couple soon like a Triplett 2202 and Fluke 70 after I buy some new test leads.
Steve
lzenglish
Well-known member
I agree with the Simpson 260 fans! I have 2 of them, both with the white reset buttons on them, which was an extra cost, but well worth it. Have been using them for many years with no problems. BUT, I also have a Fluke muti meter, and Fluke clamp-on digital, for electronic and amp readings. By the way, does anyone still have the old amprobe clamp on meter? I do, and will pass it on only when I'm dead, probably to the wifes new boyfriend! Lol If your ony going to use it at home, I would buy yourself a cheap generic digital mutimeter, like a UEI.
Wayne
Wayne
Alchymist
Well-known member
You mean this one?
Attachments
diesel research
Well-known member
Wonderful adjunct to a digital meter - but you must know how to use it.
Agreed, they still have uses for the "professional". By pro, I mean someone who knows what they are doing. Kind of like a test light. It only belongs in the hands of a trained individual, not a homeowner that does not know when it is appropriate to use. Yet again, manual ranging meters could fall into the same category.
Seems most of the cheapest/simplest are not meant for the beginner.
Alchymist
Well-known member
Agreed, they still have uses for the "professional". By pro, I mean someone who knows what they are doing. Kind of like a test light. It only belongs in the hands of a trained individual, not a homeowner that does not know when it is appropriate to use. Yet again, manual ranging meters could fall into the same category.
Seems most of the cheapest/simplest are not meant for the beginner.
Yep, you only reverse the leads once on a DC source!
lzenglish
Well-known member
Absoulutly!!!! I put allot of miles on one the one I own, but the leads could use a replacement.
Wayne
tradesmanschoice
Well-known member
Don't muck about, just get yourself a Fluke. The low-end models are made in China. The more advanced high-end models are still made in the USA.