Good Multimeter Suggestions

[MattAnonymous]

As you all know, xmas is around the corner and I'm looking to get a good quality, versatile digital multimeter.  I was wondering what you guys would suggest.

Thanks,
Matt

[smashinator]

I have this one http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/4633

It's my first (and only) DMM.  It's got everything I need for effects and (eventually) tube amps.

[Aharon]

Depends what your needs are.
I have been doing well with a MasterCrap,I own several other needle readout but I use the digital 100% of the time.
If somebody asked me what I rather have,a $100 meter or a similarly priced soldering station I would go for the soldering station.
Aharon

[MattAnonymous]

Well, I do build circuits every now and then, but I mostly need it for automotive wiring.  I just want something reliable and accurate.  I bought a $10 analog one a while back and it has lasted me a while, but I'd rather see a number than have to eye-ball it.  I need something kinda sturdy too.  The price range I'm looking at is $50 or less.

Thanks again,
Matt

[Aharon]

You are in Florida,I don't know if you can buy a Fluke in the USA for $50.I don't think I could buy it here in Canada for that money.
For automotive you should be able to find something at the PepBoys or similar store for well under your limit.
Aharon

[smashinator]

Not to overly endorse circuit specialists, but they have a meter for every price range.  I'm quite happy with mine.  

Hey, order a soldering station and some solder off their website and get a free DMM.  Then you'll be all set.

[gtech]

Hey, check this sale at Active

This meter:

http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/meterman/dmm/dm73a.htm

with this clamp ammeter:

http://www.tequipment.net/WavetekAD40A.html

for $59.00 CAN

I already have 3 meters, but I bought one just for the AC clamp meter. But the meter will also be appreciated.

I don't know if it's on sale only in Canada right now, but it would be worth checking.

Regular price:

http://www.active123.com/b2c/redirect.cfm?pn=2&lang=eng&locationID=itemDetail_3&itemID=AD40A/DM73B/KIT


Gilles

[Hal]

i just got the same one as smashinator, without hold or true RMS for $20 from BGMicro.  I would _not_ reccomend it - you get what yuo pay for .  Maybe i'm just spoiled from using Fluke 77's all summer (i worked in a university lab), but I feal that I could use a good meter.  I need to get lucky and score one cheep :-D

[MartyB]

That Circuit Specialists DMM is nice.  They also have a deal to get one similar to that for free, with a purchase of fifty bucks, IIRC.  Peter Snow tipped me off in one of his posts to a great soldering station they sell for about $38.00.  Pickup $12 of other stuff and you get the DMM free!  I love mine.

[gtech]

The one at Circuit Specialist looks ok for the price.

One thing it has that I don't have in any of  the ones I own right now is the Data Hold. Very useful.

The Beeper is also nice to have when looking for wires or pins numbers. I realised that when I used one that didn't have it.

I also use a Fluke at work, but I have more options on a cheaper dmm I have than on the Fluke. So, even at work, I use mine...

But one other dmm I have wasn't worth buying. The little connectors of the transistor tester  began to fell apart.  The connectors are too thin.

So, quality is also a thing to consider.

Gilles C

[gtech]

Hey, check this sale at Active

This meter:

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/5980

with this clamp ammeter:

http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7182

for $59.00 CAN

I already have 3 meters, but I bought one just for the AC clamp meter. But the meter will also be appreciated.

I don't know if it's on sale only in Canada right now, but it would be worth checking.

Regular price:

http://www.active123.com/b2c/redirect.cfm?pn=2&lang=eng&locationID=itemDetail_3&itemID=AD40A/DM73B/KIT


Gilles

[spongebob]

A nice feature is auto-range, make sure you pick a model that has it, this really saves you a lot of time. For example you set the device to resistance mode and it will show the correct value no matter how big or small the resistance is.

Capacitance mode is also a plus, it doesn't have to go up into the high uF range but being able to measure caps with microscopically small labels is very handy from time to time.

Maybe you can pick up a used Fluke DMM on Ebay?