Recommend me a MultiMeter

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Recommend me a MultiMeter

I have a Beckman, a BK, a Fluke [bench style], a Simpson [non-digital], and several POS.

Nothing wrong with using a POS for go/no go when accuracy doesn't matter.
If nothing else it saves wear n tear on your good equipment.
.

[Krankshaft]

Re: Recommend me a MultiMeter

I have no idea what you mean autoranging meters are too complicated?? They're easier to use. Manual ranging meters are a waste of time IMO why don't you whip out the vacuum tube meter while you're at it. Because apparently the time for the tubes to warm up doesn't bother you .

When measuring multiple points in a circuit the last thing I want to worry about is if my meter is in the right range.

The only Mastech product I own is a 5 amp 0-30V variable bench PSU. This first thing I did was replace the knockoff Chemicon and Chinamart caps in it and replaced the 3 Chinamart output transistors with with ones manufactured by ST semiconductor.

After that it's a decent unit. No experience with their DMMs but I bet the component quality will match their bench supply.

As for DMMs use the Chinamart crap (like we all did to get by in the beginning) but save up for a Fluke if do more than tinker with electronics on occasion. You won't regret it.

Amprobe, Gossen, and Agilent are good brands too.

[severach]

Re: Recommend me a MultiMeter

The Cen-Tech 90899 92020 98025 version of the DT830B meter is better made than the probes. I had to buy another because poking the black probe into the red hole showed that the red probe broke. These work fine for the simple stuff and at $2-$4 each I'm not out much when they break. I keep one in the car because the slide switch does not turn itself on when other stuff is piled on.

I like the Cen-Tech 37772 for bench use. The pushbutton on off is a lot better and more reliable than any rotate off meter and it works very well. Unfortunately the pushbutton on off turns itself on when in the car so it must stay on the bench.

I avoid autoranging meters. They are way too hard to use. The UI and construction of the Cen-tech 37772 is perfect other than the lack of a backlight.

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Recommend me a MultiMeter

I've bought the Harbor Freight 'Centech' meters for the sole purpose of tearing them apart for the display modules and misc IC's for use in projects.
- It's cheaper than buying the parts at Digikey or Mouser.
- Hell, it's cheaper than JUST the shipping to buy the parts at Digikey or Mouser.
.

[bsweasel]

Re: What a $1 multimeter (DT830B) looks like

First of all, this is a hobby of mine and I'm not a pro where I depend on my equipment. So I wanted the cheapest possible multimeter to check fuses, shorts (continuity), ohm tests, etc. Nothing fancy. For me, it doesn't make sense to buy a $50+ multimeter to repair a $20 residue value monitor. Even $20 would be hard to justify unless I'm trying to fix a several hundred dollar LCD or plasma TV.

This DT830B multimeter sells on amazon, but can be found on ebay for $1 + shipping. I didn't expect the greatest or most accurate, but I did it expect it to work.

After waiting 39 days, it finally arrived today. Well, big disappointment. It doesn't work at all. When I set it to ohms (200) and touch the two probes together I get nothing on the LCD display. Nothing. So I change 9V batteries (both are new and known to work) and same thing.

I tried measuring simple things like AA batteries and I get nothing at all on the display.

So naturally, I will be asking for a refund, but in the meantime, I decided to take it apart. See pics.

PROS
====
- lightweight
- rotary knob feels solid and makes a nice click sound

CONS
====
- very poor soldering job inside (see npn tester)
- 9V battery prongs need to be pryed out to make contact and hold battery in case
- user "manual" is your typical poorly written crap
- no "tone" for continuity
- plenty of reports on amazon saying it doesn't work or fails very quickly

PS. I'm going to order a different "cheap" ebay multimeter and borrow a multimeter from a friend! :-)

This is the same meter as the Harbor Freight - Centech

https://www.badcaps.net/forum/newrep...reply&p=107354

Can't beat it for a few bucks and if you kill it, go buy another.

[devid21]

Re: Recommend me a MultiMeter

Meterman is Amprobe.
Amprobe now-made in Taiwan.

[Professor Peach]

Re: Recommend me a MultiMeter

LOL, yes, I managed to blow-up a Mastech meter!

I'd forgotten about Beckman, but they did become Wavetek; very good meters.

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Recommend me a MultiMeter

Mastech are crap!

So you've tried them..... LOL

[smason]

Re: Recommend me a MultiMeter

Beckman arfe pretty good too, but I'm a Fluke guy myself. My trusty Fluke 77 has been on the job since 1985ish

[Professor Peach]

Re: Recommend me a MultiMeter

Mastech are crap!

Far better to buy a second-hand, quality meter, than some cheap Chinese crap that'll get smoked (cos it will) and end up in landfill.
Using a second-hand product is, therefore, more environmantally friendly! And fits in with the repair-ethos of this site.

Quality meter manufacturers (IMO):-

Fluke, Gossen Metrawatt (German-made and *very* pricey), AVO, Megger, Amprobe, SOAR (Japanese), Tektronix (natch), HP/Agilent (also natch), Chauvin Arnaux, Metrix, Wavetek (now owned by Fluke and branded 'Meterman')

[PCBONEZ]

Re: Recommend me a MultiMeter

I agree too, however without having used their products I'll refrain from assuming MASTECH is crap.
.

[MXM]

Re: Recommend me a MultiMeter

^ and i'll have to agree with you.

peace.

[Professor Peach]

Re: Recommend me a MultiMeter

IMO, it's better to get a used Fluke than a new crap meter.
Look out for 75, 77, 79, 83, 85, or 87.

[devid21]

Re: Recommend me a MultiMeter

http://www.ceport.com.cn/catalog/pro...id=ogxbhnvxgts

[devid21]

Re: Recommend me a MultiMeter

hi
top of the range professional model
http://www.kew-ltd.co.jp/en/products...1061_1062.html

510€

[devid21]

Re: Recommend me a MultiMeter

Hi
Top of the range Professional model
http://www.kew-ltd.co.jp/en/products...1061_1062.html

[devid21]

Re: Recommend me a MultiMeter

Unfortunately could not find a link that has a multimeter FLUKE 87-5 counts 40000.

[Krankshaft]

Re: Recommend me a MultiMeter

The accuracy in what mode AC, DC current also plus or minus how many counts?

The other counts you mention 20000 and 40000 that are not tied to the accuracy percentage have nothing to do with accuracy they have to do with resolution or how many digits the LCD can display. The Fluke 87-5 also has a 40000 count mode by holding the back light switch. Also a fair price for a 87-5 Fluke is around $285 shipped nobody pays the MSRP.

It probably won't measure up to a Fluke in every regard but if those numbers are right and the accuracy counts aren't too high it's definitely a good buy. Unfortunately it looks like it's only available in Europe.

[devid21]

Re: Recommend me a MultiMeter

Hello all
Here are some comparative characteristics.
Fluke87v
AccuracyC-0,05%
R-0,2%
C-10mF
F-200kHz
Counts:20000
Price:400$
PeakTech 3360
AccuracyC-0,06%
R-0,3%
C-4mF
F-100MHz
Counts:40000
Price:150$

[Krankshaft]

Re: Recommend me a MultiMeter

I've got to admit I have a Fluke 87-5 that thing is porn for electronics guys . Complete overkill for somebody just fixing a few things.

It feels good to finally ditch my 50 dollar Ratshack meter though the autoranging time on that thing was atrocious something like 4 seconds.

When measuring resistors during troubleshooting that's a lot of waiting. Never measured currents over 400maH either since the 10 amp range was unfused. But at least it was Cat 2 rated with MOV protection.

Extech, Amprobe, and BK Precision are a few brands that come to mind. They have good models in the 50 range.

Highly unlikely you'll get a used Fluke in this range unless something is wrong with it.