Multimeter Recommendations
Feb 19, 2019 09:59:43 #
I would try the local pawn shop. Always see good meters for a reasonable price.
Feb 19, 2019 10:26:35 #
cheap is good today , $ 20 will do it .you can buy a $ 400 fluke , but 95 % of the functions will not be needed .
Feb 19, 2019 10:30:55 #
Harbor Freight has a digital automotive multimeter for about $36.00. The guy on the EEVblog recommended an Extech EX330 available at Home Depot (but you must order it and pick it up or have it delivered - its not normally in the store). Obviously, the Fluke meters are top of the line and some of the analogs are great also (I have two simpsons and a micronta (radio shack)).
Feb 19, 2019 10:34:57 #
I think there are ratings ( like cat III, or category III) that describe the meter's capability. Others here may explain this better or expound on it more. But I think it might be something to consider versus your requirements.
Feb 19, 2019 10:35:16 #
agillot wrote:
cheap is good today , $ 20 will do it .you can buy a $ 400 fluke , but 95 % of the functions will not be needed .
OK...so here is a screen capture of the Harbor Freight digital multimeter. Most times, it is FREE with another purchase. It does the job of most non-technical applications...
Feb 19, 2019 11:06:05 #
tradio wrote:
We use Fluke meters at work but, they are probably a little more expensive than what you're looking for. They are however, very rugged, dependable and fairly accurate.
You can probably find a good working model on Craigslist. I had 3 Flukes, but sold one on CL some time ago. I think 2 is enough.
Feb 19, 2019 12:01:45 #
Typically the multimeters use a 9 volt battery. If you go for a cheap one, get one that has an auto-off feature. The multimeters with a big dial for functions, one of which is off, will not work well unless they have an auto off feature included. If they don't, you will spend more replacing 9 volt batteries than you will save on the cheapest meter, and you will not have a working meter when you need it unless you have a box of 9 volt batteries nearby.
Feb 19, 2019 13:27:56 #
Feb 19, 2019 13:48:40 #
Harbor Freight has them for $5.99. (+S&H if no store nearby)
No whistles or bells, but functional for general use.
No whistles or bells, but functional for general use.
Feb 19, 2019 13:51:51 #
I got at mine Harbor Freight quite a while back after my Radio Shack meter of many years died. Is was a "Free with any purchase" deal. It works as well as any digital meter I have ever had. The usual price is around $13. It ain't a Fluke but seems as accurate.
Ed
Ed
Feb 19, 2019 14:42:22 #
TriX wrote:
I had Eico's for a long time. (Smile) just sold my old Heathkit VTVM at last year’s hamfest...
I still have and regularly use a Triplett 630NA & a Simpson 269. Plus an assortment of Fluke DVM's.
I have a Triplett 310 brand new, in the box, with matching leather case. I will sell it if anyone wants a really good portable VOM.
Feb 19, 2019 15:01:59 #
BBurns wrote:
I had Eico's for a long time.
I still have and regularly use a Triplett 630NA & a Simpson 269. Plus an assortment of Fluke DVM's.
I have a Triplett 310 brand new, in the box, with matching leather case. I will sell it if anyone wants a really good portable VOM.
I still have and regularly use a Triplett 630NA & a Simpson 269. Plus an assortment of Fluke DVM's.
I have a Triplett 310 brand new, in the box, with matching leather case. I will sell it if anyone wants a really good portable VOM.
The 310 is an excellent and highly regarded meter - you couldn’t go wrong with it.
Often when I’m working on AC in a panel or somewhere it is critical that zero volts is REALLY zero volts, I check with my analog Triplett 630 - i’ve seen times when a DVM failed and read zero volts when the circuit was actually hot - I trust the 630.
Feb 19, 2019 16:56:10 #
TriX wrote:
The 310 is an excellent and highly regarded meter - you couldn’t go wrong with it.... I trust the 630.
Quite true. Us old guys understand and know how to read the nuances of a good VOM.
Like reading diode junction leakage or a charging or discharging cap. Monitoring changing grid bias under load.
DVM's certainly have there place and so do VOM's in experienced hands.
Feb 19, 2019 18:26:30 #
I have a Craftsman that I bought many years ago to replace a fluke that got backed over when I was a mechanic. Has done all I ever needed including working on high voltage ac and dc motor drives. Very rugged and less than $100 back then. Not sure the price now but it was less than my fluke and had many more capabilities.
Feb 19, 2019 21:26:26 #
bobforman
Loc: Anacortes, Washington State
I'm unfamiliar with the 310 but looks like an interesting unit (online). Fry's is the only vendor in my area and that's 75 miles away. What's your price?
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.