need help with getting a digital multimeter - Page 2

AndrewT · 8th February 2006, 09:52 AM

Hi,
the spec for the frequency range of voltage reading ability should look just like that for amplifiers. eg. 20Hz to 500Hz +0.5db -3db or something much superior to suit your requirements.

If you arrange to make comparisons of almost identical voltages then the response errors of the DMM can be almost eliminated to quite high frequencies. I use mine upto 200kHz but it's spec is to only 500Hz.
Asumming my sine wave generator is putting out nearly constant voltage as I sweep through the frequency range, I find that a 1990mV signal at 100Hz appears to have fallen to about 160mV when reading a 100kHz signal, but comparison negates that big apparent error.

darkfenriz · 8th February 2006, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ad_breaker
.... so here's what I need: something that also measures low ohms, capacitance, and frequency and it MUST be able to do accurate AC voltage measurements over the 20hz-20khz range. RMS and a dB readout option would also be nice.

You forgot the most important: 'diode' buzzer (beep-beep).
Priceless tool when debugging circuits.

EC8010 · 8th February 2006, 11:46 AM

The Fluke 89 IV is a very nice meter but I think what you're really after is an AC test set AND a DVM. As has been pointed out, DVMs have their limitations at AC and the true RMS feature is rarely of use in audio. You might like to have a look at the Neutrik Minilyser.

mnemneth · 19th February 2006, 02:00 AM

Hi guys,
in this day and age, there is no requirement to spend megabucks on test equipment.

The far East is falling over itself to provide cheap and accurate measuring kit.

This item would probably do the business for the original poster;

http://www.jaycarelectronics.co.uk/p...=&SUBCATID=546

A lot less than $200 and certainly seems to meet his requirements.

I've dealt with thios supplier and they are excellent.

HTH,
Sandy

anatech · 19th February 2006, 02:13 AM

Hi ad_breaker,
Everything Hugo, EC8010 and AndrewT said.

Fluke makes about the only accurate handheld DMM out there. It is the only one that will hold it's calibration. I know you are not going to send your meter in every (even) two years for calibration.

Buy the Fluke. <- period

I worked as a calibration technician, this is a fact. I have some Fluke handhelds.

Sandy,
Sadly, no that meter can not be trusted. Many techs spend good $$ on bench meters. Mine was around $1,500. They can go higher too. There is very good reason to spend money on good test equipment. Think of it as an investment, not unless you only have to check if the mains are present, the fuse is good and the battery has voltage. Then all you need is a couple of test lights and a continuity tester.

-Chris

8th February 2006, 11:46 AM	#13
EC8010 diyAudio Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Near London. UK	The Fluke 89 IV is a very nice meter but I think what you're really after is an AC test set AND a DVM. As has been pointed out, DVMs have their limitations at AC and the true RMS feature is rarely of use in audio. You might like to have a look at the Neutrik Minilyser. __________________ The loudspeaker: The only commercial Hi-Fi item where a disproportionate part of the budget isn't spent on the box. And the one where it would make a difference...

19th February 2006, 02:00 AM	#14
mnemneth diyAudio Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Dundee	Frequency measuring multimeter Hi guys, in this day and age, there is no requirement to spend megabucks on test equipment. The far East is falling over itself to provide cheap and accurate measuring kit. This item would probably do the business for the original poster; http://www.jaycarelectronics.co.uk/p...=&SUBCATID=546 A lot less than $200 and certainly seems to meet his requirements. I've dealt with thios supplier and they are excellent. HTH, Sandy

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8th February 2006, 09:52 AM	#11
AndrewT diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Scottish Borders	Hi, the spec for the frequency range of voltage reading ability should look just like that for amplifiers. eg. 20Hz to 500Hz +0.5db -3db or something much superior to suit your requirements. If you arrange to make comparisons of almost identical voltages then the response errors of the DMM can be almost eliminated to quite high frequencies. I use mine upto 200kHz but it's spec is to only 500Hz. Asumming my sine wave generator is putting out nearly constant voltage as I sweep through the frequency range, I find that a 1990mV signal at 100Hz appears to have fallen to about 160mV when reading a 100kHz signal, but comparison negates that big apparent error.

19th February 2006, 02:13 AM	#15
anatech diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Georgetown, On	Hi ad_breaker, Everything Hugo, EC8010 and AndrewT said. Fluke makes about the only accurate handheld DMM out there. It is the only one that will hold it's calibration. I know you are not going to send your meter in every (even) two years for calibration. Buy the Fluke. <- period I worked as a calibration technician, this is a fact. I have some Fluke handhelds. Sandy, Sadly, no that meter can not be trusted. Many techs spend good $$ on bench meters. Mine was around $1,500. They can go higher too. There is very good reason to spend money on good test equipment. Think of it as an investment, not unless you only have to check if the mains are present, the fuse is good and the battery has voltage. Then all you need is a couple of test lights and a continuity tester. -Chris