Multimeter Recommendations

[MixMasta]

I'm looking to buy a new digital multimeter as my current ones are of dubious accuracy. Anyone have recommendations?

As for a price point, obviously less is better, but if someone gave a bunch of great reasons why I need a $200 Fluke or something I would consider it. That said $100 +/- (USD) would be something I'm comfortable with (though I love a deal). Brands, accuracy, features, anything worth talking about would be interesting to me. I've never owned one that I can calibrate so it would be interesting to know what a consumer can normally adjust himself vs. something that maybe is professionally calibrated. When would a hobbyist want to get a multimeter calibrated?

I would use it for basic electronic projects, though I would like it to be accurate enough for something unexpected (<= 1% for most features). The ability to measure capacitance would be very nice, an audible continuity test, clips and probes. More measuring features would obviously be better then less. As I learn more about computer and electronics repair my needs will grow too. I see some have the ability to measure temperature, lux, decibels, and other things I wouldn't normally think of.

Maybe I am not sure where to look, but there seems to be a lack of multimeter related discussions on the internet that I can gleam insight from to make a knowledgeable purchase.

[PeteS in CA]

Re: Multimeter Recommendations

Newark has the Fluke 110 for $130. It seems like it might have the features and kind of accuracy you need.

[MixMasta]

Re: Multimeter Recommendations

But Fluke doesn't make that model anymore and Newark is out of stock?

[PeteS in CA]

Re: Multimeter Recommendations

Must be a recent change. The model 115 is available through Newark, though the website says it is not in stock (2 week lead time), and the price is $150. If you don't care about being able to measure capacitance, the model 114 is in stock and is $130.

[MixMasta]

Re: Multimeter Recommendations

I like them, the accuracy is 2% though. Really the 170s are the ones I probably would need to get and they are over $200. I guess I was hoping someone would say that they have a nice meter thats some other brand that met my specs and price target.

Must be a recent change. The model 115 is available through Newark, though the website says it is not in stock (2 week lead time), and the price is $150. If you don't care about being able to measure capacitance, the model 114 is in stock and is $130.

[davmax]

Re: Multimeter Recommendations

Depends where you live.

US Link:http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/sto...egoryId=604065

[davmax]

Re: Multimeter Recommendations

Australian link pricein A$: https://secure4.vivid-design.com.au/...=&SUBCATID=558

Search for Digital Multimeter on eBay

[davmax]

Re: Multimeter Recommendations

eBay Example: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/DIGITAL-MULTI...QQcmdZViewItem

[MixMasta]

Re: Multimeter Recommendations

Well this really threw me for a loop... which one do you suppose is right? (Hint check DC accuracy)

[PeteS in CA]

Re: Multimeter Recommendations

The latter PDF is from Fluke's website and is consistent with what I saw several days ago, also on Fluke's website. The Test Equipment Depot PDF looks like an incomplete, possibly preliminary or corrupted, version of the Fluke PDF. I have no problem trusting the Fluke page - they're putting their reputation on the line while TED is merely risking slightly reduced sales and the cost of updating their website.

[PeteS in CA]

Re: Multimeter Recommendations

I was just browsing Jameco's current paper catalog and noticed that they also have the Fluke 115 for $150. Jameco also has the Extech MP510, which has better DC accuracy specs than the Fluke 115, for $140. They also have the Meterman 37XR, similar specs to the Extech, for $130, but the Capacitance measurement tops out at 400uF. The Fluke and Extech DMMs can measure up to 9999uF.

I've used some Extech instruments, though not DMMs,and found them satisfactory. I must sound like a test equipment snob sometimes. Working in (mostly) engineering labs in various companies with 50 up to 10,000 employees is very different from being self-employed or a hobbyist - different needs and economics - so yeah, I'm spoiled. I believe that either the Fluke or the Extech models would serve you well - accuracy and durability - but you know your needs and budget.

[willawake]

Re: Multimeter Recommendations

i think my most expensive multimeter cost $15

[MixMasta]

Re: Multimeter Recommendations

I just received my Fluke 175 that I bought off ebay New for $120. Ebay seems to have a bunch of the 115 type that typically go for around $100 and I was happy to pay the bit extra for the higher accuracy of the 175, which retails for over $200. I am happy!

[Aalelan]

Re: Multimeter Recommendations

I just got this meter two weeks ago.. I like it so far, and its a good price.. I was looking for an easy to use temp monitoring model too

http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bi...RMOMETER_.html

[MixMasta]

Re: Multimeter Recommendations

I have enjoyed measuring the capacitance of my caps since getting my new meter. Its nice to see 3300 uF Samxon register over 4000 uF while the junk caps I am replacing get readings like 63 uF for a 3300 uF cap. If I could do it over I would probably buy one with a temperature probe too.