Multimeter

[fauxpas]

Will this do what I need for tube amping? Or is it a 'wannabe' meter?



A handheld digital multimeter for measuring DC and AC voltage, DC current, Resistance, Diode and Transistor with battery operated
Blue backlight - good for use in dark
Thick rubber casing protects the multimeter from splashes and minor bumps
Test leads and 9V battery included
Low power requirement with auto power off
Data hold function
Continuity beeper

Specification:

DC Voltage: 200mV/2V/20V/200V ±0.5%, 600V ±0.8%
AC Voltage: 200V/600V ±1.2%
DC Current: 200?A/2mA/20mA ±1%, 200mA ±1.5%, 10A ±3%
Resistance: 200?/2K?/20K?/200K?/2M? ±0.8%
Display: LCD, 1999 counts
Fuse protection: F-200mA/250V
Operating Temperature: -0C to 40C
Overrange Indication: Only figure "1" on the display
Polarity Indication: "-" displayed for negative polarity
Low Battery Indication: - /+ display

[Rob11966]

Looks OK - How much are you going to pay for it? Personally, I would like auto range resistance and volts. Have a look at the Chinese manufactured flukes on ebay - I think that you could pick up a decent meter with auto range and capacitance for about AUS 100. Check out this for example -

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Fluke-17B-Mul...QQcmdZViewItem

[fauxpas]

The ones I was looking at were all $20...

[hnb2907]

Hi there,

For me, it's missing a 20VAC range. Measuring AC heater voltages on the 200VAC range won't be very precise.

Hope that helps?


Cheers,
Chris.

[zeonrider]

But, what is freq. range on AC Voltage scale.

Regards zeoN_Rider

[fauxpas]

Originally posted by zeonrider
But, what is freq. range on AC Voltage scale.

Do you mean the increments?

[fauxpas]

If you guys haven't worked out already, I'm not only new to valve amps, I'm also new to electronics. I'm 41 and trying to get my head around some concepts that baffle me, mainly because a lot of the 'noobs start here' links take for granted the reader has a basic knowledge of electronics or, the reader knows the purpose of each component.

Therefore, I spotted some DIY DVDs that guide you through a build project and they reckon other than metal/wood working tools, you only need a multimeter.

[Colt45]

Should be fine... I'm partial to the 1980's fluke bench meters, they're cheap on eBay, accurate, not made in china, etc..

used mercedes vs. new kia...

[fauxpas]

The only meter I am currently qualified to use is a thermometer and I can tell you, when the aluminium case hits 56 Degrees Celsius, I start freaking out.

[chrish]

If it is around $20 I would say go for it. What you will REQUIRE to get as well will be a set of leads that either have alligator clips or those little spring loaded retractable clips. You do NOT want to be holding on to those probes around the voltages you will be measuring. One slip and you may fry yourself or your project.

And read this Safety Practices, General and Ultra-High Voltage

The voltages in these things are very dangerous! Even the charge stored in the capacitors when the power is disconnected is dangerous!

Having said all of that, my dad (an electronics engineer) used to build tube gear in his youth. He came from a background of having very little money, and his first projects were completed with salvaged parts without the use of any test gear, he did not even have a multi-meter.

I have a few multi-meters, but tend to use the cheap ones initially in a project, because if something is grossly wrong, it is better to blow up a cheap multimeter than an expensive one! I have something like this that I use regularly http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.st...uct/View/Q1469

Yes, I can only get readings for the heater voltage to one decimal place, but if it says 6.3 V I am happy! I have a mid-priced auto-ranger that I use frequently too, and also an old Fluke that my dad gave me that I use less frequently - don't want to wreck it!

Hope this helps, and good luck!

Chris