Multimeters?
- Thread starter magnetnerd
- Start date
Fluke 115. Same as the prohibitively expensive Fluke 87 V except it won't measure micro volts and micro amps which most folk can do without. Three years no quibble warranty, I've sent it back thinking it was broken when it was not and they didn't even blink, just sent me a brand new one back.
Best part, keep an eye on ebay and you can have it for a little more than 100$.
Best part, keep an eye on ebay and you can have it for a little more than 100$.
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Perhaps you know, Extech is a division of FLIR. Hence, their IR thermometer guns are comparable to Fluke. Just a little "did you know."That and the Extech EX505 = each other
The craftsman can be had for a bit cheaper sometimes, but they have the same warranty. Extech is very good on exchanges from my experience.
ijroorda
Well-known member
I have a couple of the HF coupon specials; just picked one up last week to throw in the truck toolbox. I also have an analog meter for applications where I need to see a quick pulse - like mentioned above with the power trunk lock, or reading codes from a Ford EEC-IV computer with no check engine light.
I mostly use my meters for DIY auto electrical stuff; they may not be accurate down to thousandths of volts as compared to a Fluke, but they have been accurate enough for everything I have thrown at them. Eventually I will buy a Fluke, or at least something in the upper tier of the "cheap" meters; right now, there are other tools I would rather spend my money on.
My two cents for now: get the HF special; it will work fine. One note: I would recommend immediately replacing the included crappy battery with a new name-brand; a low battery can give you strange readings and it's a pretty cheap upgrade.
I mostly use my meters for DIY auto electrical stuff; they may not be accurate down to thousandths of volts as compared to a Fluke, but they have been accurate enough for everything I have thrown at them. Eventually I will buy a Fluke, or at least something in the upper tier of the "cheap" meters; right now, there are other tools I would rather spend my money on.
My two cents for now: get the HF special; it will work fine. One note: I would recommend immediately replacing the included crappy battery with a new name-brand; a low battery can give you strange readings and it's a pretty cheap upgrade.
MBfreak
MEMBER EMERITUS
Hi guys.
To me, there is no difference in principle buying a 1/2" socket or a multimeter.
Buy the best you can afford.
Some cheaper DVMs are quite hard to use for the non-skilled or hurried user. Several different plug ins of the test leads, select the right range and slow sampling. But of course, they work reasonably well.
My favorite for hobby work is FLUKE 87 III. Can do almost everything. The one drawback is the overpriced fuse on the high amp range.
Search around for a used Fluke and you wil get an extremely good meter at a reasonable price.
Ola
To me, there is no difference in principle buying a 1/2" socket or a multimeter.
Buy the best you can afford.
Some cheaper DVMs are quite hard to use for the non-skilled or hurried user. Several different plug ins of the test leads, select the right range and slow sampling. But of course, they work reasonably well.
My favorite for hobby work is FLUKE 87 III. Can do almost everything. The one drawback is the overpriced fuse on the high amp range.
Search around for a used Fluke and you wil get an extremely good meter at a reasonable price.
Ola
richfinn
Well-known member
I like the MIN/MAX function on my Fluke 78, its the one function I use all the time working on cars, you can set up a volt drop test/current draw test and then go twist the key yourself.
You can record the highest or lowest reading on the screen and its saves time and having to get someone to help.
The only downsides to the 78 is no backlight/not having the ability to measure injector pulse width in milliseconds (I have to use a scope instead)
You can record the highest or lowest reading on the screen and its saves time and having to get someone to help.
The only downsides to the 78 is no backlight/not having the ability to measure injector pulse width in milliseconds (I have to use a scope instead)
Coach James
Well-known member
I have three C-man DMM and they look identical to Extech ones except for the color. I thought Extech was the OEM for C-man.
Coach
Coach
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
2manytoyz
Well-known member
I have Fluke meters at home, and calibrated ones at work. That said, a $2 Harbor Freight meter works just fine for what the OP was looking for. They ARE accurate, as compared against my calibrated meters at work. They do wear out in a couple of years from frequent use, but so what?
Some of my meters at work:
For only $2 a pop, I bought a dozen. Keep on in each vehicle, camper, boat, emergency kit, blah blah.
I don't know how they can make a meter for so cheap, yet have it actually work... AND include a battery!
If you later decide you want a really good meter that'll last you for many years, either Fluke, or Extech, make very good meters.
Some of my meters at work:
For only $2 a pop, I bought a dozen. Keep on in each vehicle, camper, boat, emergency kit, blah blah.
I don't know how they can make a meter for so cheap, yet have it actually work... AND include a battery!
If you later decide you want a really good meter that'll last you for many years, either Fluke, or Extech, make very good meters.
My only complaint about the cheapie HF meters is that they won't zero out reading resistance (or really, even close to zero). I bought a Craftsman meter in 1998 for $60 that has served me well.
I use the HF ones for checking batteries and stuff, but the resistance metering makes me wonder how accurate they are. Checking the two I have, they concur completely in voltage readings, so they are probably correct. They are nice, small meters, and I think I got mine for free (maybe $2).
I use the HF ones for checking batteries and stuff, but the resistance metering makes me wonder how accurate they are. Checking the two I have, they concur completely in voltage readings, so they are probably correct. They are nice, small meters, and I think I got mine for free (maybe $2).
Need4racin
Banned
buy whoever sells the cheapest one in this style: http://www.harborfreight.com/7-function-multimeter-98025.html
byoungblood
Well-known member
I have two RadioShack meters that I've owned for well over a decade now. They're a little worse for wear, but for the basic stuff I do, they both get the job done.
richfinn
Well-known member
Drop testing is even better with graphing!
Backlight is a must for me.
I use a scope sometimes, but I get by most of the time with a DVOM
I would get a Fluke 87/88 next time, but my 78 has been really good.
One other thing that bugs me is the 4v scale, why not just make it a 5v scale for an automotive meter?
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
I use a scope sometimes, but I get by most of the time with a DVOM
I would get a Fluke 87/88 next time, but my 78 has been really good.
One other thing that bugs me is the 4v scale, why not just make it a 5v scale for an automotive meter?
Just buy a 289!
5v scale, the bar goes from -5 to 5.. You know you want to. And it has a two-stage backlight, and graphing..
richfinn
Well-known member
Just buy a 289!
5v scale, the bar goes from -5 to 5.. You know you want to. And it has a two-stage backlight, and graphing..
Oh go on then, can I get one at RS Components?
Trey T
Well-known member
Sears got a deal on a set of DMM and AC voltage detector for ~15bucks on Black Friday.