[mfsoa]

I'm looking for advice on multimeters for basic DIY and household use. After buying cheapo RadioShack anolog ones every few years, I'd like a good quality digital unit that I'd use for basic audio stuff ("Does each monoblock output the same voltage" "Is the resistance of each interconnect the same" etc.) and around-the-house kind of stuff. Nothing too advanced.

Is there any special feature I might want in the future? A certain voltage range or amount of significant figures that will differentiate one model from another?

I hear the Fluke meters are good, and I don't mind spending a little money for a unit that'll last.

Any suggestions on specific models, retailers or desireable features that I may not have thought of?

Thanks in advance for your input!

-Mike

[Folsom]

Get a Simpson 260.

I have one and I am so lucky to have it. (in a fancy leather case)

Analog is better for almost everything. They are just flat out more useful. They can even test speakers. Screw digital. There are some super expensive digitals that do neat things but that is if you got $800+ and even then they only do more things, they still suck.

http://cgi.ebay.com/SIMPSON-260-MULTIMETER-VOM-VOLT-OHM-METER-LEADS_W0QQitemZ330086303038QQihZ014QQcategoryZ58276QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Simpson-Model-260-Multimeter_W0QQitemZ270087155865QQihZ017QQcategoryZ58277QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/simpson-260-multimeter_W0QQitemZ170078715255QQihZ007QQcategoryZ4678QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Avoid the ones with test leads like this, that go into the multi meter itself...

http://cgi.ebay.com/SIMPSON-260-SERIES-5-OHM-METER-WITH-CASE-INLAND-STEEL_W0QQitemZ250081702353QQihZ015QQcategoryZ58276QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[mfsoa]

What advantages do you see for analog. My dad (an excellent electrical engineer - I am not) used to like analog so that he could check continuity at a distance, like when you're in an awkward position away from the meter. The Simpson like you suggest looks like the one I remember him using years ago!

I was thinking digital for the unambiguous readout. I once thought I was having a channel imbalance and was able to trace it to faulty interconnects. I could clearly tell which IC I was testing based on the readout of a digital voltmeter hooked up to my amps. I guess you can be as accurate w/ an analog, but maybe it takes more care, I don't know.

Thanks for chiming in.

-Mike

[SET Man]

Hey!

   Talking about DMM. I've been using my Radio Shack DMM for about 7 to 8 years now



   It was Rat Shack top of the line model back than I think. I paid about $90 for it I think. After many years and many mods and projects later it is still going strong. Above showing the meter checking the speed of my turntable. Oh! BTW... it also helped me in building my SET amps too, the right channel shown in the picture.

   Anyway, I do wish that it had a better and easier way of measuring capacitance So, like you I might be looking for a new one soon also. Or maybe just a cap meter.

  As for analog vs. digital meter. I would say go with the digital one for the ease of use, more functions and portability

  I've been look at Fluke also and those from Triplett. But the Fluke 117 seems nice Should handle most audio DIY tasks.

  Good luck on your search and let us know what you decide to get and how you feel about it.

Take care,
Buddy

 

[BradJudy]

I have a Fluke, a Meterman and a cheap generic one. 

For most use, there isn't a need to get anything expensive.  The main things you pay extra for are true RMS measurement, logging, computer interface and measuring extra items (capacitance, temperature, transistors, etc). 

I think the Wavetek/Meterman's are a good <$50 choice.  I picked up a NOS one on eBay because it has transistor measurement capability and I've been using it more than my Fluke (bought used on ebay).  The Fluke can probably take more of a beating (it did the way the seller shipped it), but if you aren't a line-man or contractor, then that probably isn't a priority. 

Here are some Waveteks, look at the XP and XR series - http://www.tequipment.net/WavetekDigitalMulti.html

The reality is that a $5 cheap-o one from Harbor Freight or eBay will suit most people's needs, but if you're going to use it more than a few times a year, I think something a bit nicer is good. 

[EProvenzano]

Would one of you gents be able to point me to an on-line user's guide for basic multimeter use? MM for dummies, etc...

I want to play around with a cheapo multimeter I bought from Home Depot, but I don't want to widow my wife in the process 

Thanks 

[BradJudy]

You can try the multimeter tutorial video here: http://tangentsoft.net/elec/movies/

I haven't watched it yet, but he did a good job with his other videos and his website in general.

He also has soldering tutorials and other things. 

[Levi]

I have a Fluke 79III True RMS digital multimeter.  I dropped it so many times and still works! 

[ctviggen]

I have a Radio Shack meter, which I've had for years now.  It's perfectly suitable for around-the-house, "Is this circuit hot?" type of stuff.  I also think it's OK for other applications, but I like the looks and beefier cases of the Flukes.  I haven't yet gotten totally into DIY, although I think I'm going to start travelling that road.  In that case, this is a good thread for me, as I would like to get something different.

[Thebiker]

I have been using a middle of the road (@$50) Radio Shack digital for a few years now and it does everything I need and does it easily.  I went for auto sensing so it chooses the proper range for what I'm measuring.  Got it originally to bias my tube amps, now I use it for everything else I need a meter for.  I haven't taken my old analog meter out in a couple of years.