Author Topic: Choosing a multimeter (Read 3171 times)

Bailgang · « **on:** January 21, 2018, 10:08:31 AM »

Within the past year I've had 3 multimeters fail, 2 were older radio shack analog meters that finally succumbed to water damage from a garage fire I had years ago and a more modern digital meter I bought from a local advance auto parts store a few years ago. Why the newer one failed is still a mystery but I'm down to 1 pocket size digital meter that I've had for close to 30 years now and it's showing it's age. What I'm looking for is a meter that's not outrageously expensive yet is reliable from a long term point of view. I'm not an electronic whiz so the meter doesn't have to have all the bells and whistles yet have enough functions to satisfy my needs. With so many Chinese knock off meters with questionable build quality currently available it's hard to know which meters are actually decent. Fluke is the name that always seems to stand out in regards to quality so would say a model 114, 115 or 117 be the best choice or are there other more reasonably priced yet reliable meters available? Give me some opinions.

strynboen · « **Reply #1 on:** January 21, 2018, 11:01:48 AM »

go for one vho can thek kondensators "farad"units..and have a nice "beeb "funktion for closed/ konneltion test..i use mine too for points adjust....it stoops beeb vhen the gap opens..(.somtimes even vith the kondensator konnekted)..i have just a"biltema" brand. vho does a nice job.but is Money not a issue a fluke is the best ..but for most a good" betveen" preised often do a good job..use it evry day fluke vinns..once a month..all can do the job..just not the low cost ones
http://www.biltema.dk/da/Vaerktoj/Malevarktoj/Maleinstrument/Digitalt-multimeter-DMM-1000-P-2000024201/

Duke McDukiedook · « **Reply #2 on:** January 21, 2018, 12:19:59 PM »

Eh, I found a Fluke 87 III on Ebay for around $100US and it has worked great for me so far no matter what I have used it for.
Like you said it is hard to find reasonably-priced units so sometimes ya gotta pony up for more quality stuff.

MikeSimon · « **Reply #3 on:** January 22, 2018, 05:17:48 AM »

I have owned a Sears Craftsman multimeter for 20+ years now. Still works perfect.

rocket johnny · « **Reply #4 on:** January 22, 2018, 10:54:31 AM »

don't buy the el cheapo one from freight harbor , junk

ekpent · « **Reply #5 on:** January 22, 2018, 02:28:31 PM »

Quote from: rocket johnny on January 22, 2018, 10:54:31 AM

don't buy the el cheapo one from freight harbor , junk

The really el cheapo is usually free with a coupon and a minor purchase. Might be OK to have kickin' around a saddlebag.

jgger · « **Reply #6 on:** January 22, 2018, 05:29:22 PM »

If you get the El cheapo from Harbor Frieght open it up and take out the battery. Throw the rest of it in the trash.

b52bombardier1 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 22, 2018, 06:10:13 PM »

The cheap meters struggle with taking accurate measurements of small values of AC. And this problem hampers its ability to check for diode leakage of AC out to the battery posts.

For me, I love my Fluke 17B.

Rick

Tim2005 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 25, 2018, 12:19:24 PM »

Has anyone found any reasonable multimeter leads online (probes and clips options type) online, for those of us who already have a meter of sufficient quality? There seem to be few options between the Fluke/Megger at 50+ per set and the rubbish ones at 2 per set, and it is very hard to tell quality from the pictures.

2wheels · « **Reply #9 on:** January 25, 2018, 12:42:16 PM »

I like these
https://ca.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Pomona-Electronics/3782-24-2?qs=sGAEpiMZZMv8kklI404QlVzzwyWt7SCd

I work in electronic repair and use these every day. 10 dollars a piece and mine last more than 10 years now.

strynboen · « **Reply #10 on:** January 25, 2018, 01:32:37 PM »

megger"s is expensive..and use a lot of battery power.
..but are often a seperate meter mostly for test for leaks to ground.in the elektro motor shop.industri.
.and have the normaly ohm/volt as a sekundery funktion.and the old ones industrial can messuring very low leakings..and ohms differenses in vindings..and low restistens differenses in thik Windings..like starters motors..vho normal ohms just give a full direkt konnektion reading=zero ohm
..but oftens ve dont used them ,,the Scalas vas not optimale..the probes vas a bit streange..
..easyer to grab a normal multimeter...

they are nice to thek sparkplug for shorts..

in a normal shop i dont use them so often..so to bay one..better take the few parts to a shop and get them testet..

Bailgang · « **Reply #11 on:** January 25, 2018, 02:52:46 PM »

You guys are awesome, thanks so much for the input. Right now I'm stuck as to exactly what meter I want, do I want a a meter that's primarily designed for electronic use or an automotive type? I'll make up my mind soon .

2wheels · « **Reply #12 on:** January 25, 2018, 04:07:48 PM »

Id buy a used Fluke ,no more than 10 years of normal use, before getting a 50 dollar new one.

TwoTired · « **Reply #13 on:** January 25, 2018, 04:14:49 PM »

I think if you get one with auto ranging and auto shut off. You will be happier in the long run.

Cheers,

strynboen · « **Reply #14 on:** January 26, 2018, 02:44:18 AM »

auto ranging can blurr the resultats a bit..specily in korodet viring test and old komponents like bikes..make it hard to get it read aut a solid resultat.

.
i dont like it on old stuff..

.but yes more vork to range the ohms/volts manuall..

but the meter vill give a varning if yoy take a to lov range..it blows not up..so no harm..just take a new heiger range and try Again..on job ve never took the auto range meters to do test..ve picked the older instruments to that spec job..(auto/industri- elektro rep shop)

crazypj · « **Reply #15 on:** January 26, 2018, 06:10:51 AM »

Quote from: ekpent on January 22, 2018, 02:28:31 PM

Quote from: rocket johnny on January 22, 2018, 10:54:31 AM
don't buy the el cheapo one from freight harbor , junk
The really el cheapo is usually free with a coupon and a minor purchase. Might be OK to have kickin' around a saddlebag.

The '$4.99 or free' 'red one' is pretty bad but OK to leave laying around for 'emergency' checks rather than accurate results. Don't even think about using it for resistance (Ohm) checks though. (even if you open it up it isn't possible to zero / full scale adjust it with the internal 'pot')
I found the HF POCKET meter in soft vinyl cover damn good and reliable.
Replacement 12v battery cost at least double what you pay for meter but as it lasted for more than 6 yrs (and didn't leak)so I got a replacement battery as it wasn't in stock (not sure it's even listed nowadays, sometimes they make things real good by accident

)

Quote from: Tim2005 on January 25, 2018, 12:19:24 PM

Has anyone found any reasonable multimeter leads online (probes and clips options type) online, for those of us who already have a meter of sufficient quality? There seem to be few options between the Fluke/Megger at 50+ per set and the rubbish ones at 2 per set, and it is very hard to tell quality from the pictures.

The only way I found to get decent quality at reasonable price was make my own.
Silver plated copper wire with flexible silicon insulation plus gold plated plugs and probes. Can't remember total cost but way less than $50.00 for 'Lab Quality' leads

2wheels · « **Reply #16 on:** January 28, 2018, 06:29:33 AM »

I use one of these as well.

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/Fluke-27-FM-Multimeter/253387447298?hash=item3aff119c02:g:q50AAOSw~3paaPI4

strynboen · « **Reply #17 on:** January 28, 2018, 07:18:48 AM »

this looks safer all parts inclusive and new...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/fluke-essential-multimeter-110-plus/122916334178?_trkparms=aid%3D888007%26algo%3DDISC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D49924%26meid%3De43bd4abe5ec4b019f3775d930c764d7%26pid%3D100009%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26sd%3D131347193438%26itm%3D122916334178&_trksid=p2047675.c100009.m1982

it have not amps reading!!! or capasity pf(kondensator test)..so a basis instrument

crazypj · « **Reply #18 on:** February 02, 2018, 06:11:07 PM »

Quote from: ekpent on January 22, 2018, 02:28:31 PM

Quote from: rocket johnny on January 22, 2018, 10:54:31 AM
don't buy the el cheapo one from freight harbor , junk
The really el cheapo is usually free with a coupon and a minor purchase. Might be OK to have kickin' around a saddlebag.

It is, I got a HF coupon freebie today. Haven't taken it out of package yet, Will test it on known settings/components next week sometime

Yamahawk · « **Reply #19 on:** February 03, 2018, 03:28:21 AM »

I have LOTS of the HF freebies laying around, I find they are very useful for voltage checking, or continuity checks... now as far as accurate, the Ohm readings are off a little as compared to my Fluke or my other HF expensive meter, but they work well enough to keep one everywhere. And as the "Price Is Right", Come on Down!! If they malfunction, keep the leads, and throw it away...
Oh, and my old Fluke 87 display just faded away, one digit at a time, until no longer readable...
Charlie

TwoTired · « **Reply #20 on:** February 03, 2018, 04:05:57 PM »

Quote from: Yamahawk on February 03, 2018, 03:28:21 AM

I have LOTS of the HF freebies laying around, I find they are very useful for voltage checking, or continuity checks... now as far as accurate, the Ohm readings are off a little as compared to my Fluke or my other HF expensive meter, but they work well enough to keep one everywhere. And as the "Price Is Right", Come on Down!! If they malfunction, keep the leads, and throw it away...
Oh, and my old Fluke 87 display just faded away, one digit at a time, until no longer readable...
Charlie

I did the same thing. For accurate work I use my Fluke meters. I must have 10 of those HF freebies stashed about. One of them broke just pressing the included leads into the face!

You know, you can repair your Fluke by replacing the display module. Just sayin'.

Cheers,

https://www.ebay.com/i/332285552148?chn=ps

Bailgang · « **Reply #21 on:** February 04, 2018, 11:05:34 AM »

I ended up settling with a Mac Tools EM710. I hope I made the right choice for my applications and hopefully it lasts longer than the previous Actron meter I purchased from my local auto parts store.

jgger · « **Reply #22 on:** February 04, 2018, 11:32:48 AM »

Meters are easy to find, I'm wondering where in the HE-double tooth picks did you find a Mac dealer?

I have a busted end wrench and a ratchet that needs a rebuild and can't find a dealer anywhere.

Bailgang · « **Reply #23 on:** February 04, 2018, 01:37:44 PM »

Quote from: jgger on February 04, 2018, 11:32:48 AM

Meters are easy to find, I'm wondering where in the HE-double tooth picks did you find a Mac dealer?

I have a busted end wrench and a ratchet that needs a rebuild and can't find a dealer anywhere.

Got it off ebay

Jore · « **Reply #24 on:** February 04, 2018, 08:13:52 PM »

There's a china only Fluke that AvE reviewed some time ago, you can get them for less than 100 dollars allegedly.

That said, last time I was in the us I wondered in to a harbor freight and almost bought an automotive multimeter they have for 30 bucks, according to the website it has all these functions:
This automotive multimeter allows you to measure AC/DC voltage, dwell angle and engine RPM. With the large easy-to-read LCD display, readings are clearly visible even in low-light settings. Functions on this automotive multimeter include diode test, HFT auto range, resistance measurement, capacitor test, Ohm, tach, low battery, auto zero, continuity and temperature.
Tests AC/DC voltage, DC current, resistance, frequency (Hz), continuity, diode, transistor, temperature, dwell angle and RPM (tachometer)
Large easy-to-read LCD display
Accurately measure dwell angle and engine RPM on 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 cylinder engines
Read temperatures from -4° to 1382° F (-20° to 750° C)
Audible continuity indicator
Over range indicator
Data hold
Low battery indicator
Auto-off

Bailgang · « **Reply #25 on:** February 04, 2018, 09:46:53 PM »

I've watched quite a few of AvE's vids (the guy is a riot) and saw the one about the China only Fluke meter.

Jore · « **Reply #26 on:** February 04, 2018, 09:51:22 PM »

Quote from: Bailgang on February 04, 2018, 09:46:53 PM

I've watched quite a few of AvE's vids (the guy is a riot) and saw the one about the China only Fluke meter.

Skookum!

demon78 · « **Reply #27 on:** February 05, 2018, 04:55:23 AM »

Kalahowa Jore
Bill the demon.

juntjoo · « **Reply #28 on:** February 05, 2018, 06:12:11 PM »

Quote from: jgger on January 22, 2018, 05:29:22 PM

If you get the El cheapo from Harbor Frieght open it up and take out the battery. Throw the rest of it in the trash.

juntjoo · « **Reply #29 on:** February 05, 2018, 06:15:38 PM »

Quote from: Bailgang on January 25, 2018, 02:52:46 PM

You guys are awesome, thanks so much for the input. Right now I'm stuck as to exactly what meter I want, do I want a a meter that's primarily designed for electronic use or an automotive type? I'll make up my mind soon .

me too. in the same boat. following your thread. to clamp or not to clamp? to tach or not... to temp... to harbor freight or to fluke?

Bailgang · « **Reply #30 on:** February 06, 2018, 02:32:30 AM »

This is the only meter I have that still works. https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/isi_teston_auto_ranging_dmm_checkman_mini_dm1000.html I've had it now for close to 30 years and it still keeps going. It's about the size of a small pocket calculator, it's auto ranging but has limited functions however it's quite capable of doing quick routine checks and it's small size makes it easy to pack on any of my bikes for a road trip.

Yamahawk · « **Reply #31 on:** February 06, 2018, 04:48:56 AM »

Here is a nice Greenlee, new other, been opened.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Greenlee-DM-65-1000V-CAT-III-AC-DC-10A-CAP-Auto-Ranging-Digital-Multimeter/263479885322?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D44040%26meid%3Dc20714a948884a5fae42957087603594%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D291991730191%26itm%3D263479885322&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

Here is one New!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Greenlee-DM-65-CATIII-1000V-CATIV600V-Auto-Ranging-Digital-Multimeter-/122942486022?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l4275.c10

It will do any testing on your motorcycle you should need a multimeter for. Not tach or dwell, but there are meters that do that also.

Here is a Cheapie that is auto range, and has nice specs if true... and CHEAP! They also have a infra red thermometer for temperature checking the cylinders.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/DM700-9999-Counts-Auto-Pocket-Mini-Portable-Ranging-Digital-Multimeter-Tester/173131481969?hash=item284f70c371:g:eoEAAOSwIaFZEXl7

Charlie

Bailgang · « **Reply #32 on:** February 07, 2018, 11:49:02 AM »

I arrived today in the mail. Now the next challenge will be to learn how to properly use a multimeter to take advantage of all its functions.

News:

Author Topic: Choosing a multimeter (Read 3171 times)