Multimeters

[Bash]

Originally Posted by rebel heart

I've had a cheap crappy one for years.

Me too. I've got screwdrivers that cost more than the multimeter that I've been using since 1988.

[Rhapsody-NS27]

Originally Posted by rebel heart

I've had a cheap crappy one for years.

+1 I have a couple cheap ones I got together for 10 bucks. Nothing fancy but does what I need.

[David M]

Originally Posted by Bash

Me too. I've got screwdrivers that cost more than the multimeter that I've been using since 1988.

Has the price of vodka and orange juice gone up that much?

[S/V Alchemy]

Out of curiosity, which Fluke model is in the opinion of posters the most appropriate for onboard use? I need some bells and whistles, but not all.

[rebel heart]

Originally Posted by Bash

Me too. I've got screwdrivers that cost more than the multimeter that I've been using since 1988.

I've got some Enderes screw drivers. Those things are boss.

Originally Posted by Dan_78

+1 I have a couple cheap ones I got together for 10 bucks. Nothing fancy but does what I need.

9/10 I'm just checking for voltage (or a circuit in general). I've think I've had this hunk of crap for about a decade.

[David M]

Probably cycles per second is the fanciest you will ever need if you have a genset. You want current (amps). Maybe capacitance.

This covers all of those measurements...
Fluke 77 IV Series Digital Multimeter | Digital Multimeters | Digital Multi meters by Fluke Corporation

Most of the time you can get away with the very basic measurements...
Amazon.com: Fluke 114 Electrical TRMS Multimeter: Home Improvement

[familycruisers]

I do refrigeration. I use UEI meters. They are the quality of fluke, but imho, more tuned to the service tech. Fluke is good for electricians and service techs that havent tried UEI! LOL Lots of built in options, I use the DL379. Still have a DL250 and they recondition any unit for $35 bucks! The only thing that was wrong with it in 12 yrs was the capacitance stopped working.

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by rebel heart

I've had a cheap crappy one for years.

+1 cheap and crappy works well for any job I'm doing on the electrics.

[delmarrey]

Originally Posted by four winds

My Fluke is 20 years old. That's the brand I used in the USAF, so I bought one after leaving the service.

It's been in the drink for 30 minutes at 10 feet and survived. It's not water proof, I took it apart and let it dry for a day and all was well.

The original 9v battery lasted 15 years, but nobody believes that. I replaced the battery when it started to fail to zero on OHMS.


A waterproof Fluke would be hard to beat in my opinion.

My battery must be due for replacement pretty soon. I bought my last Fluke in 1992.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by teneicm

What are people's thoughts on having multimeters with DC amp clamp capabilities to measure DC amperage without having to split open a wire or getting to an exposed terminal? ...

Absolutely priceless!

[four winds]

Originally Posted by delmarrey

My battery must be due for replacement pretty soon. I bought my last Fluke in 1992.

Mine actually lasted 20+ years and was still working fine. A friend bought me a knew battery last year when I came over to troubleshoot his boat wiring, after I had mentioned it wouldn't zero. I just threw out 15 years for some reason, maybe thinking it sounded more reasonable.

BTW, I have no problem with the cheap meters, they just never seem to come back from friends who borrow them. I don't loan out the Fluke.

[DeepFrz]

We have had this discussion several times before. Cheap and dirty will be okay for a large percentage of your needs, however when it comes down to the crunch some time and you need accurate and repeatable readings, you may need something like a fluke. I have never used a UEI.

Having been an electronic tech./mainframe specialist for many years I know there are times when only quality works. Not having the quality tool available can be very frustrating and costly.

[teneicm]

This seems to be a good mix of function and price. Anyone have any experience with this model or brand (Elenco)?

http://www.amazon.com/Auto-ranging-D...d_sim_sbs_hi_5

[four winds]

Looks like the Elenco st3030, more info to help.

Autoranging AC/CD Digital Clamp Meter | Model: ST3030 | Elenco® Electronics | Educational Toys, Test Equipment and Electronic Toys

For what it's worth their test equipment product line includes frequency counters, function generators, oscilloscopes, etc.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by four winds

BTW, I have no problem with the cheap meters, they just never seem to come back from friends who borrow them. I don't loan out the Fluke.

Ah. There's the difference. I don't loan out the cheap one, either.