So yea, it's possible to get buy with cheap meters. But its a classic case of you get what you pay for. Someone starting out will find them somtimes ambiguous, less flexable, and less reliable than a Fluke. Fluke is a true American success story. I suggest that if you have $100 you call around to the local pawn shops. Look for An old (1996/97) model 87 or 88 and a model 112. These models arnt made any more, and the new ones run closer to $200 but you are probally going to have it for a decade at least.
Hey, Perry, I just bought this meter, what do you think?
http://www.ebay.es/itm/260983885801?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
http://www.ebay.es/itm/260983885801?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
I think you'll find that that meter is better suited for amp repair work than any meter that you've ever used. I don't know anyone who has a 10, 11 or 12 and doesn't use it for repair work, no matter what other meters they have.
Thank you, Perry, I am very satisfied with his answer, and I'm hoping that I get to start using ...
cheap meters
I've got a Fluke 10 and it works excellent. Got it for $20 at the pawn shop. Also have a Fluke 75 but it's out of whack and has to be re-calibrated.
I've got a Fluke 10 and it works excellent. Got it for $20 at the pawn shop. Also have a Fluke 75 but it's out of whack and has to be re-calibrated.
Have you looked at YH112? It is obviously trying to look like a China only market real Fluke 15B. All the buttons, switch positions, and even the raised rounded rotary is intended to mimic the Fluke 15B.
The one big difference I notice is the 7 segment display. The YH112 is slanted whereas the Fluke 15B is straight up and down which I prefer. It does have one nice feature with the input jack shutters to prevent newbies from blowing their fuse if the multimeter is in the wrong setting.
Obviously, the internals and firmware will all be different so if you get one, I would love to see pictures in eevblog teardown style.
I have no experience with this multimeter so I don't know if it can read AC with a DC bias or not.
This site (not a recommendation as a vendor, only suggestion for picture purposes) seems to have some decent pictures.
YH-112 Mini LVD Digital Multimeter - Tmart.com
This model is also available on ebay for $20 USD + shipping to your country.
PS. I have purchased several used Flukes and have no interest in buying this multimeter for my own use.
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You can modify to a Fluke 12 since the internals for the Fluke 10, 11, and 12 are the same according to Excavatoree's post (with pictures)
Fluke 25 - My first Digital Multimeter - Page 1
I have an used Fluke 75. It was still within spec, but I DIY calibrated by comparing it to a couple of other multimeters. The Fluke 75 only has one adjustment pot and it is for DC voltage. I believe the service manual suggests a 3.0V DC source for the calibration voltage. I used an ATX power supply and adjusted the Fluke 75 until it read the same as my other multimeters.
I have read that you can also change a resistor on the Fluke 75 to get the autohold feature of a Fluke 77.
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I have been using the Klein Tools MM200 Auto Ranging Multimeter ($30) with no problems what so ever. It has worked well until I ran it over. Purchased another one and its working just as good as the first. for $30 you cant go wrong.
One Fluke 17B that I got for $95 is fair also in the cheaper end, slower but not electrician's, more geared towards electronics.
I believe the major differences between the two are the 117 has low impedance and volt alert.
For USA people, you can get a 115 as low as $65 and a 117 for a low as $95 (both used) on ebay. New may cost $10 to $20 more depending on your luck and the number of bidders.
have you looked into the extech dm110? they usually run about 40 though. just happened to see it today, and remembered the thread.
edit: just found that it took almost 4sec to ohm to 3.5ohms.
edit: just found that it took almost 4sec to ohm to 3.5ohms.
There are a lot of Fluke model 12 meters on ebay right now. Most are selling for about $50. These rarely show up for this price and this quantity. For those interested in repair work, this is a very good deal for a very good meter.
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