i would look on ebay (if thats an option for you). i got a really nice meter (retailed for around $600-$700 new), for about $60 shipped. it was in excellent condition, but missing manual and a lead. its worked great for me.
The Tenma brand has lots of ok meters that do a lot for cheap. They are not the most accurate but they do give you a lot for the dollar. Some less expensive meters even have L and C ranges that are great for crossovers. Most all have diode and some have Hfe ranges.
Why are Fluke multimeters so much more expensive? Are they that much more accurate.
I'm also in the market, since my old micronta radio shack multimeter has come up MIA. I'd like something that gives as much bang for the buck, while remaining accurate. What other brands besides Fluke are known for quality and reliability in multimeters? Do I really have to spend close to 100 bucks to get a real nice unit?
I'm also in the market, since my old micronta radio shack multimeter has come up MIA. I'd like something that gives as much bang for the buck, while remaining accurate. What other brands besides Fluke are known for quality and reliability in multimeters? Do I really have to spend close to 100 bucks to get a real nice unit?
Well, I can safely say that a good meter is a valuable tool when you're working on electronics. Especially projects.
For me, I use a Wavetek 330B, which is the same as a Beckman 3030B I believe.
It is one of the older true RMS multimeters that was calibrated for professional use. Mine was used in the industry for telephone systems calibration, so it had to be calibrated every year.
The meter, at it's original price, was about $400-$500CDN.
Mine came with case, manual, warranty card, two sets of probes, and a carrying strap. I got very lucky with this, I think I payed $30.00 for the kit.
As far as meters go, I like this one more than any Fluke I've used. Many people will argue that, however, I am happy with this Wavetek.
Either way, before I got this nice meter, I was using a $10.00 cheapie but it was still actually a good meter. It was close enough for normal measurements, had an hfe measurement, and was built with relative solidity.
You can get away with cheap meters in many cases, since price only really indicates name and accuracy, and in many cases, the loading property of the meter inputs, which you don't need to worry about in most measurements anyway.
For me, I use a Wavetek 330B, which is the same as a Beckman 3030B I believe.
It is one of the older true RMS multimeters that was calibrated for professional use. Mine was used in the industry for telephone systems calibration, so it had to be calibrated every year.
The meter, at it's original price, was about $400-$500CDN.
Mine came with case, manual, warranty card, two sets of probes, and a carrying strap. I got very lucky with this, I think I payed $30.00 for the kit.
As far as meters go, I like this one more than any Fluke I've used. Many people will argue that, however, I am happy with this Wavetek.
Either way, before I got this nice meter, I was using a $10.00 cheapie but it was still actually a good meter. It was close enough for normal measurements, had an hfe measurement, and was built with relative solidity.
You can get away with cheap meters in many cases, since price only really indicates name and accuracy, and in many cases, the loading property of the meter inputs, which you don't need to worry about in most measurements anyway.
sreten said:
Or even better, buy two dirt cheap ones for much less than
a not-too-expensive one costs, and you can measure two
parameters simultaneously, which often comes in handy.
It depends, though, if you have a scope or not. The dirt-cheap
DMMs usually don't have any smaller AC range than 200V,
so without a scope you might want some way to measure
small AC voltages, but it is a bad substitute for a scope.
Re: most raccomanded multimeter
Since the post asked about a favorite meter, mine is the Fluke 189. A little expensive, but very very nice. The average, min, max functions are wonderful, and the backlight has made it easy to troubleshoot things in the dark!
I like the fluke 87's. They're a good meter also.
I've used a bunch of cheap meters, and am not as happy with them, as the flukes. I own a few, but never use them, except for when the flukes are being used else where.
I also own a Tenma LCR meter, and have been happy with it for checking caps and inductors. It's not the most accurate unit out there, but hard to beat at under $200.
-Dan
Stefano said:
Since the post asked about a favorite meter, mine is the Fluke 189. A little expensive, but very very nice. The average, min, max functions are wonderful, and the backlight has made it easy to troubleshoot things in the dark!
I like the fluke 87's. They're a good meter also.
I've used a bunch of cheap meters, and am not as happy with them, as the flukes. I own a few, but never use them, except for when the flukes are being used else where.
I also own a Tenma LCR meter, and have been happy with it for checking caps and inductors. It's not the most accurate unit out there, but hard to beat at under $200.
-Dan
Flukes are very well built, made for the pro to use a work. They are accurate too. I use a 189 at work but at home its a Wavetek and a Tenma.faithblinded said:
I've used my Fluke 8060 for years. It has true RMS with 4.5 digit readout and a measurement range beyond 100kHz. The BW is important for audio measurements like tweeter Z. Many of the cheaper handhelds cannot make measurements beyond 1kHz or less. Here are the specs for many of the Fluke multimeters.
Fluke...
When it breaks, they have a thing called "parts" offered by a unique experience called "Customer Service". It's a crazy idea, but nice when you experience it. I had to buy a new LCD a few years ago. Twenty bucks. Painless.
Fluke & Milwaukee are in the same bittersweet category... they are nice tools, but it's sad that you will never buy one again. They will OUT LIVE YOU.
When it breaks, they have a thing called "parts" offered by a unique experience called "Customer Service". It's a crazy idea, but nice when you experience it. I had to buy a new LCD a few years ago. Twenty bucks. Painless.
Fluke & Milwaukee are in the same bittersweet category... they are nice tools, but it's sad that you will never buy one again. They will OUT LIVE YOU.
sreten said:
Another reason why this is good advice is that you dont have to be carefull with a 5USD meter....I buy a few from time to time and treat them like dirt....I too have a nice meter, but I rarely use it cause the cheap ones are just fine.
A good example is when I match mosfets. Ive simply soldered in the meter...so I have a mosfet matching machine...that meter was less than 3USD 🙂
Magura🙂
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