What Multimeter/Voltmeter to Buy?
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What Multimeter/Voltmeter to Buy?
I think I'm going to ask for a voltmeter/multimeter for x-mas this year after fighting with some wiring issues rcently.
So what do you guys use, and why did you purchase it?
Some of my wants:
- Sub $75 (i'm not and electrician, and won't use it but maybe 1x/month)
- Not a Fluke brand (don't need to triple price for a brand name)
- Utility in ALL Applications (i'll use in for the car, but also at home (testing circuit continuity, batteries, etc))
- Maybe Self-Ranging (since I think it would make life easier)
- Digital Display
- Somewhat Compact (not a big deal, but it would be nice)
Recommendations?
[Modified by BQuicksilver, 6:55 AM 11/24/2003]
So what do you guys use, and why did you purchase it?
Some of my wants:
- Sub $75 (i'm not and electrician, and won't use it but maybe 1x/month)
- Not a Fluke brand (don't need to triple price for a brand name)
- Utility in ALL Applications (i'll use in for the car, but also at home (testing circuit continuity, batteries, etc))
- Maybe Self-Ranging (since I think it would make life easier)
- Digital Display
- Somewhat Compact (not a big deal, but it would be nice)
Recommendations?
[Modified by BQuicksilver, 6:55 AM 11/24/2003]
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Re: What Multimeter/Voltmeter to Buy? (BQuicksilver)
Not really sure if this is Tech related or not but here goes:
Get a Fluke meter, hands down!
May exceed the $100 limit but it'll last FOREVER!!!!!
Be sure to check Pawn Shops too, great savings there ;) :cheers:
Get a Fluke meter, hands down!
May exceed the $100 limit but it'll last FOREVER!!!!!
Be sure to check Pawn Shops too, great savings there ;) :cheers:
Burning Brakes
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Re: What Multimeter/Voltmeter to Buy? (BQuicksilver)
quicksilver
I totally agree with MeanGreen. Flukes makes the best meter you can buy and fits all of your wants except they are about $150. Radio Shack used to sell one made by them for Radio Shack, about $50. (I'd give you the model number on it but its in The Bahamas. Wish I was there with it.
I totally agree with MeanGreen. Flukes makes the best meter you can buy and fits all of your wants except they are about $150. Radio Shack used to sell one made by them for Radio Shack, about $50. (I'd give you the model number on it but its in The Bahamas. Wish I was there with it.
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Re: What Multimeter/Voltmeter to Buy? (VERYSOON)
I appreciate the advice guys, but I will not and cannot get a $150 multimeter not matter how reliable it is. I really would rather keep it in the $50 range. Keep in mind I'm not going to use this 'too' often.
They're all relatively accurate for the layperson (myself), and reliability/name just isn't worth tripling the price to me.
I'm really looking for the most features/utility for the $$. :yesnod:
Now if Fluke made a budget model with tons of features under another name, I'm all ears. :cool:
[Modified by BQuicksilver, 5:05 PM 11/23/2003]
They're all relatively accurate for the layperson (myself), and reliability/name just isn't worth tripling the price to me.
I'm really looking for the most features/utility for the $$. :yesnod:
Now if Fluke made a budget model with tons of features under another name, I'm all ears. :cool:
[Modified by BQuicksilver, 5:05 PM 11/23/2003]
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Re: What Multimeter/Voltmeter to Buy? (BQuicksilver)
What about these? Any input?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=42291 http://www.radioshack.com/product.as...%5Fid=22%2D813
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=42291 http://www.radioshack.com/product.as...%5Fid=22%2D813
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Re: What Multimeter/Voltmeter to Buy? (BQuicksilver)
A friend of mine has a Craftsman one like the one you found on ebay. It works fine, and should for you too.
I have a Fluke 87, which cost approx $320 new...a fast and accurate meter, but it's been sent in twice to be repaired already, so I'm not too convinced about the "lifetime" durability of it.
:cheers:
I have a Fluke 87, which cost approx $320 new...a fast and accurate meter, but it's been sent in twice to be repaired already, so I'm not too convinced about the "lifetime" durability of it.
:cheers:
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Re: What Multimeter/Voltmeter to Buy? (BQuicksilver)
What about these? Any input?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=42291 http://www.radioshack.com/product.as...%5Fid=22%2D813
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...category=42291 http://www.radioshack.com/product.as...%5Fid=22%2D813
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Re: What Multimeter/Voltmeter to Buy? (Mean Green)
Like I said, an extra $100+ just for perceived reliability on an item that won't get a lot of use just doesn't make any sense IMHO. If I was using it daily I'm sure I would think otherwise.
So not to flame, but I'd just rather not talk about Fluke products. I'd rather hear about which of those more budget-friendly models at Radio Shack, Lowes, Sears, etc offers the most features for the $$.
If I was done with med school I'd definitely just buy a nice Fluke and forget about it. A multimeter just isn't something I want to splurge on right now.
Thanks to all for the feedback!
So not to flame, but I'd just rather not talk about Fluke products. I'd rather hear about which of those more budget-friendly models at Radio Shack, Lowes, Sears, etc offers the most features for the $$.
If I was done with med school I'd definitely just buy a nice Fluke and forget about it. A multimeter just isn't something I want to splurge on right now.
Thanks to all for the feedback!
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Re: What Multimeter/Voltmeter to Buy? (BQuicksilver)
Fluke has a wide variety of mutimeters, check their website. The 87 is what GM requires us to use. I've seen Craftsmans version and have also used it, it is a good tool for the money.
Flukes biggest problem is the display going out but it is an easy fix that you can do at home for a couple of bucks.
Pawn shops are another good idea as stated, some of our younger tech's have bought them there for a fraction of the price.
Check this out for info http://www1.dealtime.com/xKW-fluke_m...017820/GS.html
Here is flukes
http://www.fluke.com/products/sections.asp?AGID=6&SID=9
[Modified by bowtiebandit, 6:59 PM 11/23/2003]
Flukes biggest problem is the display going out but it is an easy fix that you can do at home for a couple of bucks.
Pawn shops are another good idea as stated, some of our younger tech's have bought them there for a fraction of the price.
Check this out for info http://www1.dealtime.com/xKW-fluke_m...017820/GS.html
Here is flukes
http://www.fluke.com/products/sections.asp?AGID=6&SID=9
[Modified by bowtiebandit, 6:59 PM 11/23/2003]
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Re: What Multimeter/Voltmeter to Buy? (BQuicksilver)
Like I said, an extra $100+ just for perceived reliability on an item that won't get a lot of use just doesn't make any sense IMHO.
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Re: What Multimeter/Voltmeter to Buy? (Mean Green)
I have an excellent 10 Meg Input digital meter from Radio Shack. It does all the basic electrical checks and is great to have around the house. Forgot what it cost but it wasn't much and does an excellent job on the car. It will be reliable enough that when it breaks in 15 years or so you will be able to get a better one cheaper. Fluke and other industrial meters are nice and have their place but the extra reliabilty will buy you nothing since you really do not need it for your appliction.
Bill
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Re: What Multimeter/Voltmeter to Buy? (BQuicksilver)
Check Sears. I bought my Fluke there and they were having a 10% off everything sale at the time. We use them at work and never have any problems. That's why I bought one for home. I don't use it all the time but when you need it, it's ready to go. Just my .02 worth :auto:
Drifting
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Re: What Multimeter/Voltmeter to Buy? (J-Rod)
Go to a pawn shop and get a Fluke 87. You''ll never need another meter. I have 2 of them...
:D :leaving:
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Re: What Multimeter/Voltmeter to Buy? (flynbludream)
I make my living by working Industrial Maintenance, and at work I use a Fluke 87. However, for an occasional project at home I got a Craftsman #82139 for $30. It has all of the functions that a homeowner/car tweeker could want at a great price.
:cheers:
:cheers:
Melting Slicks
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Re: What Multimeter/Voltmeter to Buy? (BQuicksilver)
I bought a BK "Tool Kit" 2706A multimeter from Fry's for around $30. It has worked for me. This model also has a temperature probe which I use at the track to check the air temperature.
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Re: What Multimeter/Voltmeter to Buy? (flynbludream)
Go to a pawn shop and get a Fluke 87. You''ll never need another meter. I have 2 of them...
:confused: If you will never need another, then why do you have two of them? :skep:
:D :leaving:
:confused: If you will never need another, then why do you have two of them? :skep:
:D :leaving:
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Re: What Multimeter/Voltmeter to Buy? (J-Rod)
Radio Shack test equipment is just fine for Home or Automotive use.
I Just wouldn't recommended them for Industrial use.
I have owned one for several years, with a good set of test leads it's fine.
:seeya
This one looks like it would fill your needs for less than $30
Catalog #: 22-813
[Modified by BLACK/BLACKZ06, 2:40 PM 11/24/2003]
I Just wouldn't recommended them for Industrial use.
I have owned one for several years, with a good set of test leads it's fine.
:seeya
This one looks like it would fill your needs for less than $30
Catalog #: 22-813
[Modified by BLACK/BLACKZ06, 2:40 PM 11/24/2003]
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Re: What Multimeter/Voltmeter to Buy? (BLACK/BLACKZ06)
This one looks like it would fill your needs for less than $30
Catalog #: 22-813
Catalog #: 22-813
