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DIY Stompboxes => Building your own stompbox => Topic started by: hclip on October 31, 2005, 07:59:46 PM

Title: multimeter recomendations
Post by: hclip on October 31, 2005, 07:59:46 PM
Hey everyone...
Can anyone make a recomendation on a multimeter to get?I see alot out there and they all vary in pricing, and im not sure what features i should be looking for.Thanks...
Title: Re: multimeter recomendations
Post by: Rick on October 31, 2005, 10:05:40 PM
Hello,
I can seriously vouch for my Fluke12 meter bought a few years ago. It's taken some abuse over the years, dropped on a concrete floor once or twice, even taken some rather high voltages for a moments mistake.
It does al your volt/amp/cap measurements accurately and is nearly bulletproof. I paid $100 cdn for this meter maybe 10 years ago and it is still my workhorse.  You can find cheaper units as I did in the past but they very likely will not last like this one does. Ya gets what ya pays for !!!
...Rick
.
Title: Re: multimeter recomendations
Post by: smashinator on October 31, 2005, 10:42:51 PM
These things are handy: Measure capacitance, Measure hfe (transistor gain)

If you want to build a tube amp eventually, get one with a good, high voltage capacity.  Mine can handle up to 1000 volts, which is more than enough.

Basically, buy as much multimeter as you can afford.  www.circuitspecialists.com has a nice selection of multimeters in many price ranges.  Mine was right around $60.  I've been happy with it.

Fluke multimeters appear to be very nice, and if you're a pro I'd say go for it but if not (unless you're rich), I don't see the need to buy one.
Title: Re: multimeter recomendations
Post by: Hal on October 31, 2005, 10:48:46 PM
this has been discussed MANY times.

search

moral: cheap is better than nothing, but you cant go wrong investing in a good one.   Fluke is good.
Title: Re: multimeter recomendations
Post by: gaussmarkov on October 31, 2005, 11:11:03 PM
Quote from: Hal on October 31, 2005, 10:48:46 PM
this has been discussed MANY times.

search

moral: cheap is better than nothing, but you cant go wrong investing in a good one.   Fluke is good.

here are some sample results from searching (using search button above):

Multimeter question (http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=38360.0)
multimeter recomendations (http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=38644.0)
Good Multimeter Suggestions (http://www.diystompboxes.com/smfforum/index.php?topic=27370.0)

you can probably find more. good luck! ;)
Title: Re: multimeter recomendations
Post by: Paul Perry (Frostwave) on November 01, 2005, 08:54:14 AM
Anyone looking for a cheap semi-precision meter, I'm very happy with my DM-341 (about $100 US). 20,000 count, .05% DC precision. I think that's the best one can do under $500.
Note, you don't need anything like that for stompboxing. Just make sure you have transistor checker & audible continuity test, those 2 things will cover 90% of problems!! and checking batteries covers half the remainder.