Multimeter?

[CheesePoofs]

I need to check out the alternator on my car so I figured this would be a good excuse to finally buy a multimeter. I'm going to school for engineering so I'll probably be using it for school projects, computer stuff, and working on my car.

Ideally I'd like to spend less than $50. I'd love some suggestions as I know next to nothing about who makes a good multimeter.

Thanks!

 

[dartworth]

http://www.amazon.com/Equus-33...timeter/dp/B000EVYGZA/

 

[0]

I've had everything from the $2 cheapies up to a Fluke 87 and handheld scopemeters (over a $1000). For what you want, a decent autoranging meter would be desirable. I believe harborfreight has some that would fit the bill. You may have a local store, I would check that out.

 

[Ricemarine]

Like these?...
If they are what you're looking for, I got that for $3 when they were on sale .

 

[0]

Originally posted by: Ricemarine
Like these?...
If they are what you're looking for, I got that for $3 when they were on sale .

that's definitely low end, which is fine for some basic measurement, a step up would be autoranging, like what dartworth had.

 

[PottedMeat]

I highly recommend a RF Vector Network Analyzer like this:

http://www.metrictest.com/prod...3770-04-13-15-17-70(N)

Or maybe your basic multimeter:

http://www.metrictest.com/prod...gmdl=HP%203458A-002(N)

I'd see if I could find a Fluke with capacitance + frequency. Or one of those logging ones.

 

[0]

sears:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_1...esters+%26+Accessories

 

[l0cke]

What you want is this
http://www.sparkfun.com/commer...o.php?products_id=8657

It's $60, but you will never have to worry about buying another one again. It's also auto-ranging

EDIT: argh BBcode I kill you...

 

[CheesePoofs]

Cool, thanks for the suggestions. Is there any way to get a sense of the accuracy of a given multimeter besides knowing the brand?

 

[0]

Originally posted by: CheesePoofs
Cool, thanks for the suggestions. Is there any way to get a sense of the accuracy of a given multimeter besides knowing the brand?

Yes, the number of digits.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: 0
sears:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_1...esters+%26+Accessories

QFT Sears makes great basic multimeters. People always want a Fluke and put off buying one until they have a real need, but in reality a basic one will get you in the ballpark and have you doing things you didn't think you would.

I got a basic sears multimeter and use it all the time. I was able to use it and follow a youtube video on diagnosing an a/c system saving myself about $1000 in the process (repair cost me $300 in parts and only a couple hours to install...diagnosis took about 1 hour or so).

not a bad return on investment.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: 0

Originally posted by: CheesePoofs
Cool, thanks for the suggestions. Is there any way to get a sense of the accuracy of a given multimeter besides knowing the brand?

Yes, the number of digits.

Plus the accuracy factor...for the most part most don't need 2 sig figs or more.

usually you will see 0.000 - 250.000V +/- some error factor either in percent or value.

 

[Modelworks]

If your just going to measure voltages any meter will do.
The one I use at home is available at any radio shack.
It also has temperature, frequency counter, hfe, capcitor, min max settings and a pc interface so you can log data. Was about $90 then but now is $69

Has a rubber case and has worked for several years now. It is also a True RMS meter which you may want if you go to engineering school.
http://www.radioshack.com/prod...eter&parentPage=search

 

[CheesePoofs]

I actually was hoping to be able to use this in school (taking some E&M classes next semester) and the like. I was thinking of getting the 61-312 from Ideal (http://www.idealindustries.com...tail.do?prodId=61-312) 'cause it goes for about $30 and seems to have everything I'll be needing. Although I can't seem to tell if it comes with leads :|

 

[Eli]

The meters should have accuracy specifications in the manuals. Should be able to find them online.

 

[Modelworks]

Don't worry about the leads. The ones that come with most meters are terrible. Instead pick up a new set that will actually last.
http://www.probemaster.com/sho..._24_26&products_id=198

Those are the ones I like.
They have a sharp point so they don't slide off when your measuring a small point on a circuit.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Modelworks
Don't worry about the leads. The ones that come with most meters are terrible. Instead pick up a new set that will actually last.
http://www.probemaster.com/sho..._24_26&products_id=198

Those are the ones I like.
They have a sharp point so they don't slide off when your measuring a small point on a circuit.

True...but if you are diagnosing cars and the like then alligators are better. I am surprised that link didn't offer them (unless I missed it).

A MM is really a question of purpose...many that use them rarely find themselves measuring voltage. I used mine so far mostly for ohms/continuity.

 

[Megatomic]

I'm an I&C Tech at a power plant and my meter of choice is a Fluke 789. Awesome meter but it's way more than you'll need. For my basic tasks at home I have one like a Fluke 87 made by Radio Shack and it's been great. It's a lot cheaper than it's Fluke equivalent, too.

 

[DrPizza]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: 0
sears:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_1...esters+%26+Accessories

QFT Sears makes great basic multimeters. People always want a Fluke and put off buying one until they have a real need, but in reality a basic one will get you in the ballpark and have you doing things you didn't think you would.

I got a basic sears multimeter and use it all the time. I was able to use it and follow a youtube video on diagnosing an a/c system saving myself about $1000 in the process (repair cost me $300 in parts and only a couple hours to install...diagnosis took about 1 hour or so).

not a bad return on investment.

I don't think Sears makes their own multimeters. I've seen a few hot deal for the Craftsman multimeters & people have figured out who makes them. For example, the 82140 is made by Extech. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Just pointing out that Sears brand isn't really Sears made. For what it's worth, for one particular model, I saw that someone searched for prices on the "identical" Extech branded item; Sears was the cheapest.

 

[DrPizza]

Originally posted by: Modelworks
Don't worry about the leads. The ones that come with most meters are terrible. Instead pick up a new set that will actually last.
http://www.probemaster.com/sho..._24_26&products_id=198

Those are the ones I like.
They have a sharp point so they don't slide off when your measuring a small point on a circuit.

They don't last too well if your son decides to see what your household voltage is... with the meter set to measure DC current.

 

[EarthwormJim]

I'd stick with a Fluke personally. It's something you're buying that can last a lifetime, so why skimp out.

 

[Triumph]

I've taken my $10 Sears to Afghanistan to work on vehicles, and guess what? It survived, and at $10 I'm not too worried about losing it. A $300 Fluke might just walk off.

As the others have said, it is all a question of purpose. If you want data logging, you're looking at a different breed than if you want to check your AA batteries. All I use meters for is checking for voltage, good grounds, and continuity. We have a good unit at work that measures current via the electric field rather than hooking up in series - much easier to use but not always necessary. For automotive work, a basic unit is good enough, who needs autoranging?

 

[huberm]

fluke is the way to go

 

[shortylickens]

I thought working at Tektronix I might be able to shed some light on this, but seeing as how you only wanna spend 50 bucks I would just agree with everyone else.
Get the most expensive Fluke you are willing to buy. At that price range I cant recommend a specific model.

 

[Joony]

Fluke!