[avahifi]

If you don't have a digital multimeter then here is one you should not pass up.

It measures resistance, DC and AC volts, current, and even tests transistors and diodes.

It costs all of $4.00.  I have a very similar one from Harbor Freight Tools I use for a backup that actually works quite well - same unit I think, just different color case.

Here is the link to it.  http://www.parts-express.com/3-1-2-digit-19-range-digital-multimeter-with-transistor-test--390-500?utm_source=Retail&utm_medium=Email_Newsletter&utm_content=390-500&utm_campaign=email110515A#lblProductDetails

Frank Van Alstine

[srb]

Unless you're ordering an additional $96 of merchandise at Parts Express shipping will cost you $6.95 for a total of $10.95 .....

but there's no shortage of cheap multimeters around ....

This one looks to be the same one from
Rakuten.com for $5.84 w/free shipping
http://www.rakuten.com/prod/digital-voltmeter-ohmeter-multimeter-tool-500v-10a/228314150.html?listingId=201070815

Or one similar to what I have with backlight and rubber cover from
Newegg.com for $8.88 w/ free shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2HW2J16087&cm_re=multimeter-_-9SIA2HW2J16087-_-Product

[Jim Hamley]

http://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-Digital-Multimeter-Voltmeter-Ohmmeter/dp/B013QA28AU

$9.48 with free one-day shipping with Prime

[randytsuch]

Or $5.99 and instant gratification if you have a Harbor Freight nearby

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-function-multimeter-98025.html

But the Rakuten deal seems best since it has free shipping.

[srb]

Or $5.99 and instant gratification if you have a Harbor Freight nearby

The main problem with that is physically having to enter the store and endure the overwhelming stench of oily Chinese steel.  But you can also get your free LED flashlight ($1.00 value). 

Steve

[rajacat]

Anybody have a suggestion for a cheap meter that, in addition to basic multimeter functions, also measures capacity?

[srb]

Anybody have a suggestion for a cheap meter that, in addition to basic multimeter functions, also measures capacity?

I think that capacitance is probably the least accurate measurement function in dirt "cheep" multimeters.  Here's one for $14 shipped, but I have no experience with it.

DT9205A Handheld Digital Multimeter DMM Capacitance & hFE Test
http://www.rakuten.com/prod/dt9205a-handheld-digital-multimeter-dmm-capacitance-hfe-test/287467722.html

If I needed very accurate measurements for something like speaker crossovers I would probably bite the bullet and get something like a Fluke.

Steve

[plaf26]

I've had the Harbor Freight version (in a yellow case) for several years now and it works great.  Although I still occasionally go back to my 40+ year old analog VOM.

[mikeeastman]

I picked up 4 of the red meters from Harbor Freight and the 3 I tried went up in smoke when I tried to measure the voltage on a battery, hopefully the yellow ones are better.

[lowtech]

You are either very fond of birds or a bad speller (who knows, maybe both).   

[mikeeastman]

 

[charmerci]

dirt cheep, cheep....


(ahem, as opposed to cheap.)

[Guy 13]

Hi all,
I have a Craftmaster (Sears) digital meter with clamp for AC amps.
I think I paid 65 USD about 6 years ago.
I also have three or four analog models that I paid 8 USD when I was on planet Vietnam.
I use them once in a while and they all still work fine.
Actualy, I am surprised they did not blow up in my face.
I once had a Fluke meter (250 USD) that I had for many years,
but on day I've dropped it and the case broke (Even if it was supposed to be shock proof.)
them even if I glued back, the Vietnamese humidity went in and all the contact got rusted
and it died. 

Guy 13
 

[Delacroix]

OK, basic question, what meaningful audio gear measurements can a typical audiophile make with one of these?

[JerryM]

OK, basic question, what meaningful audio gear measurements can a typical audiophile make with one of these?

mul·tim·e·ter
/ˈməltiˌmētər,ˌməlˈtimətər/
noun
noun: multimeter; plural noun: multimeters

An instrument designed to measure electric current, voltage, and usually resistance, typically over several ranges of value.

[Delacroix]

Not what I asked......try to imagine what someone with no experience of using one of these can DO with it

/ DO /
verb: to perform or execute.

[Odal3]

Frank - thanks for posting. Exactly what I was looking for.

[stonedeaf]

1.) set to DC millivolt range and after you've let (most) SS amps run for 10-15 min without speakers hooked up and no input -measure DC offset. This can keep you from buying a lot of junk (otherwise known as epic restorations).
2.) Resistance (ohms scale) allows you to test phono cartridges ,tonearm wiring, speaker voice coils , - don't try and measure SUTs.
3.) tube bias measurements.
4.) Is that nice flameproof resistor just sittin there or is it still working ?
Basic service tool used more than anything else you'll find on a tech's bench.

[G Georgopoulos]

obviously lot's of guys here are newbies,dont buy a cheap one with various ranges,buy an autoranging one,it would be easier to use and dead accurate,these things measure dc/ac mains volts, dc/ac mains current, resistance,continuety,etc.for audio signal measurements you'll need an oscilloscope,you cant do that with multimeters....cheers...

[Jim Hamley]

OK, autoranging and:
DC voltage: 400mV ±(0.8%+3), 4/40/400V ±(0.8%+1), 600V ±(1.0%+3)
AC voltage: 4/40/400V ±(1.2%+3), 600V ±(1.5%+5)
DC current: 400/4000'A ±(1.0%+3), 40/400mA ±(1.2%+5)
AC current: 400/4000'A ±(1.5%+5), 40/400mA ±(2.0%+5)
Resistance: 400ohm ±(1.2%+2), 4k/40k/400k ±(1.0%+2), 4Mohm ±(1.2%+2), 40Mohm ±(1.5%+2)
Capacitance: 4nF, 40nF/400nF/4µF/40µF ±(4.0%+3), 100µF ±(5.0%+10)
Frequency Hz: 99.9Hz/0.999kHz/9.99kHz/99.9kHz ±(0.5%+3)

For under $20 with same day delivery available

http://www.amazon.com/Etekcity-MSR-P600-Digital-Multimeter-Capacitance/dp/B00NWGZ3A6/ref=dp_ob_title_ce