Multimeter Recommendation June 22, 2017, 04:53:45 pm I was reviewing this thread and wondered if there are any new suggestions for multimeters?good, basic multimeter recommendation?I spoke with a tech guy at Progressive Industries today about my EMS that I have mentioned in another thread and his first question was what brand of multimeter was I using. In my case, I can't get the cheap one I have to read voltage from an AC outlet.I made no headway with the tech. Until I get a reliable meter and open the case on the EMS we can't get started to diagnose the problem.
Re: Multimeter Recommendation Reply #1 – June 22, 2017, 05:32:01 pm JimAs a former Electronic Tech my personal preference would be Fluke!I've owned a Fluke #77 for years.The link will take you to an Amazon page whereon is listed a Model 115, which should do everything you need done. Fluke 115 Compact True-RMS Digital Multimeter - - Amazon.com As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Multimeter Recommendation Reply #2 – June 22, 2017, 07:51:48 pm Steve I agree about Fluke. I have an 87 and 179 from when I used to work. Great devices and have only had to change the batteries. And the fuses occasionally when I forgot to switch. I also have a couple cheaper meters and a couple clamp-on ammeters/multimeters that I only paid about $24 for, MasTech is the brand I think. They work fine and compared to the Flukes they are accurate enough for measuring DC and AC voltages in the LD. Don't know about the HF cheapies. I use my multimeters so frequently that I don't mind paying more.
Re: Multimeter Recommendation Reply #4 – June 22, 2017, 08:31:04 pm Thanks for the suggestions. I was looking at the Fluke 115 but I don't know if that is simply overkill for my needs and abilities. I really need to take some sort of course in using one.I mostly use the really cheap one I have had for years testing batteries. As I mentioned in my other post today I was trying to check voltage at outlets and couldn't get a reading.
Re: Multimeter Recommendation Reply #5 – June 22, 2017, 08:34:59 pm Mine's an ancient Fluke 73III, in an armored case. It has taken a beating in life and still works.I assume most of us who own Flukes used them in our professional lives.They are durable and accurate devices and more than what you need and probably want to spendFor around the RV use, a multimeter in the $25-40 range is more appropriate .Larry
Re: Multimeter Recommendation Reply #6 – June 23, 2017, 11:09:28 am One more for Fluke. My old one stays at home and always soldiers on, year after year.$25 model from Home Depot lives in the Lazy Daze and seems to work just fine. When it gets damaged, or soaked, (or .....) I won't be as angry as if I would be if I broke the Fluke. Same for the boats. A couple of years and the salt air corrodes important inside parts and I toss them and get another. It is good enough...Harold
Re: Multimeter Recommendation Reply #7 – June 23, 2017, 11:23:14 am As with others, my Fluke 77 stays at home - a $25 Sears models rides shotgun. However, when the LD is in the driveway, it is usually the Fluke I get out for troubleshooting. It reads faster, has a better display, rated more accurate, and is as rugged as a tank.However, were I to own or recommend just one reliable meter for home or on the road, it would be a Fluke.
Re: Multimeter Recommendation Reply #8 – June 23, 2017, 11:39:57 am My Multimeter is Extech EX330 from Amazon for $53.99. I am not a professional but this suits my purposes. It was recommended to me by the tech at Northside Service Co when tracing problems on my NuTone intercom system in my house. I highly recommend it. It is also AutoRangingKevin
Re: Multimeter Recommendation Reply #9 – June 23, 2017, 12:23:49 pm this is a very good "basic" meter for leaving in the RV... i have this, and for basic tasks, it matches my fluke measured values better than any cheap meter i've used. As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Multimeter Recommendation Reply #10 – June 23, 2017, 08:10:55 pm For motorhomes, the best meter I've used measures AC/DC voltages with probes (the usual way) and AC/DC currents by CLAMPING around the cable - no need to open a connection and put the meter in series with the circuit. I have two, a $150 unit bought 15 years ago, and a $60 Sears unit bought 3 years ago. They have comparable function and accuracy. The Sears unit:Sears.comThe clamping feature is invaluable when dealing with batteries (range 40A to 400A), letting you check DC currents output from solar panels and chargers, current draws by inverters, check the engine battery charging, even lighting current to trailers. Don't settle for a standard digital voltmeter/ammeter when you can a clamp style current meter (with all the volt and other functions) for only $60!
Re: Multimeter Recommendation Reply #11 – June 23, 2017, 08:44:03 pm Thanks all. I didn't know it but now I need a $180 multimeter. Actually a clamp style is something I've wanted for a while. I've repaired countless electronics with my trusty Goldstar DM311 but it has very limited features compared to higher end models.I do keep a Harbor Freight freebie multimeter in the LD. It's fine for many things but when it runs low on battery it doesn't tell you and it won't give a proper reading.
Re: Multimeter Recommendation Reply #12 – June 30, 2017, 02:35:43 am I too have to agree that Fluke is the best for the past life I had led. Now that it finally gave up after some 30 years of use I have found I don't need to spend the 500$ I did back in the 80s. I use a wavetech meterman 5xpWavetek Meterman 5XP Manual Multimeter Test your electrical connections...40$ and will do everything the coach would need without a qualm. Regarding classes. Gave one at Ladeze last year. Ya missed out! 😜Lydia 4 Likes
Re: Multimeter Recommendation Reply #13 – June 30, 2017, 08:46:44 am Lydia, that Wavetek shows as "no longer available" on Crutchfield; I did find it on Amazon and a couple of other sites. Maybe you might want to "probe" (sorry; can't help myself) to check if a repeat session at Ladeze of "how to use a multimeter" would be a possibility? Since I'm a "volt dolt", I would certainly attend! 2 Likes
Re: Multimeter Recommendation Reply #14 – June 30, 2017, 10:17:08 am Quote from: JCT - June 30, 2017, 08:46:44 am Maybe you might want to "probe" (sorry; can't help myself) to check if a repeat session at Ladeze of "how to use a multimeter" would be a possibility? Since I'm a "volt dolt", I would certainly attend! I will have to arrange for a private lesson since I am banned from Ladeze.Jim
Re: Multimeter Recommendation Reply #15 – June 30, 2017, 10:37:25 am Sorry about the dead end link. 'Twas late. And was too happy to notice but suprised crutch field had same at all. I don't know if a repeat of the tussle that went on last year is I order but perhaps. Haven't Ben asked nor have I seen a agenda yet so figured something else may have been preplanned. 1 Likes
Re: Multimeter Recommendation Reply #16 – June 30, 2017, 12:16:05 pm As I understand it coconut bras and grass skirts are still accepted. However our wagon mistress may disagree. 😆 If you did do so I don't think I could concentrate on a lesson. I'd be laughing too hard. 1 Likes
Re: Multimeter Recommendation Reply #17 – June 30, 2017, 01:04:55 pm Quote from: Jim & Gayle - June 30, 2017, 10:17:08 amI will have to arrange for a private lesson since I am banned from Ladeze.In the past, I have been invited to show up and give classes.The catch was I had to wear a dress and leave immediately afterwards.Didn't accept the offer. 1 Likes
Re: Multimeter Recommendation Reply #18 – June 30, 2017, 04:12:13 pm "The catch was I had to wear a dress...."---You would have been the only one in that outfit! 4 Likes
Re: Multimeter Recommendation Reply #19 – July 01, 2017, 12:23:49 am The catch was I had to wear a dress Oh I could say so many things with that line. Best one is. From an old cult film. But. I won't I won't. I promise. Lyd 1 Likes
Re: Multimeter Recommendation Reply #20 – July 02, 2017, 09:54:32 pm As Eric mentioned above, clamp-on current measurements are the best thing since sliced bread.One must choose carefully, as only about 30% of the meters with clamps will actually measure DC current with the clamp. You have to read the specs carefully, and/or look for key words like Hall Effect, or 'clamp-on DC current measurement' specifically. Otherwise, you'll get one of the more common, and cheaper, AC-clamp-on-only units.Chip
Re: Multimeter Recommendation Reply #21 – July 03, 2017, 11:00:18 am I found this clamp-on multimeter among several others on an Amazon page; from the specs/information available on the product description, what opinions/comments can experienced multimeter users offer? Digital Clamp Meter, LIUMY Auto-Ranging AC/DC Clamp Multimeter with NCV,... As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Multimeter Recommendation Reply #22 – July 03, 2017, 03:13:00 pm Looks like a nice, well-featured model, from the specs. I use this:7 Function Clamp-On Digital Multimeternot autoranging, but much cheaper and it has fulfilled my needs.Steve
Re: Multimeter Recommendation Reply #23 – July 03, 2017, 03:56:46 pm Hi Joan. Looks like a versatile meter for the price. A bit large because of the clamps. I've burned out many a fuse because of using the internal shunt for current measurements. Maybe the clamp on feature would be ok, but I still prefer regular leads. The back light is good, the auto off is good. I really like the autoranging. Using cheap, easily available batteries is good. many times when you need it worst, it has been awhile and the batteries are dead (again...). It looks like I need to get better at mental C to F conversions, this meter doesn't mention Fahrenheit. Frequency, diode, capacitance measurement capability, not very useful, but good to have on the very rare instances you might need it. I remember having a DMM that would measure the beta of a transistor. Never used that feature, and I knew what it was. The carrying case is good to keep all of the parts together. I have a little pocket tester to detect voltages, and it is useful when I can find it, so this meter does that also. Data hold is useful. Continuity test makes noise when connected, good for verifying wiring. RonB
Re: Multimeter Recommendation Reply #24 – July 03, 2017, 04:10:49 pm Thank you, Ron and Steve! Very helpful! Ron, from this review (with photos), it looks like this meter has "regular leads" in addition to the clamp; am I understanding "regular leads" correctly? Digital Clamp Meter, LIUMY Auto-Ranging AC/DC Clamp Multimeter with NCV,... As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Topic: Multimeter Recommendation (Read 673 times)
previous topic - next topic
Topic: Multimeter Recommendation (Read 673 times)
previous topic - next topic