bigalpha
Moderator
- Location
- Tucson, AZ
I'm in the market for a new multimeter. Which do you like and why?
I need a new multimeter
- Thread starter bigalpha
- Start date
I bought a Fluke 88 meter used off ebay for like $40. the display was wacky and the numbers were faded out on some of them. But I bought a kit to correct it on ebay also, for $25. The kit was easy to install, now I have a good working meter for $65. I am very pleased with it.
old_man
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Loveland, Colorado
I'm a EE, so I have a nice 189 Fluke, but for the jeep, I keep a $3 Harbor Freight under the back seat. It does everything you need on a Jeep. The key is having a nice set of test leads and knowing how to use the meter.
WB9YZU
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Madison, WI
I do the same thing as Tom. $3 harbor freight special in each Jeep and a Fluke 73III in the shack.
-Ron
-Ron
the_midwesterner
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Evansville, IN
I have a fluke 77 and I love it! I just keep mine in a pelican case to protect it from damage.
Nothing like having the right, good/quality, tool for the job.
Nothing like having the right, good/quality, tool for the job.
bigalpha
Moderator
- Location
- Tucson, AZ
What identifies a nice set of test leads?
old_man
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Loveland, Colorado
That all depends on what you use the multimeter for. I keep a pouch with all types of tips. I like a set of clip leads so you can connect to ground or what you are measuring. A good place to start for a vehicle is 6 feet. I have a set that are about 12 feet that work great for troubleshooting tail lights. I also have probes that have long needle tips so you can back probe connectors. If anybody is interested, I can lay out my set and take a pix.
bigalpha
Moderator
- Location
- Tucson, AZ
Yeah, some pics would be great. I really only use the MM on the Jeep.
zr2toxj
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Leeds, Maine
I have this kit, but I also use it for work. Little pricy, but you get what you pay for. The nice thing about these is you can attach them and leave them on as you turn circuits on/off, etc. Alligator clips, small hooks, etc.
Also when you are choosing leads make sure to check out the markings for UL listing, category I, II, III, etc which gives you the safe ratings for use.
You can buy them individually too.
http://www.myflukestore.com/categories/view/test_leads_probes/page:2
Also when you are choosing leads make sure to check out the markings for UL listing, category I, II, III, etc which gives you the safe ratings for use.
You can buy them individually too.
http://www.myflukestore.com/categories/view/test_leads_probes/page:2
cheap multimeter? Sinometer. I've had one kicking around and generally being abused for 15 years.
it's just now starting to have display failure. But it's been dropped in the mud, dropped on concrete and lived in a jeep for the last 8 years, so no complaints.
backlight is a worthy feature to have.
it's just now starting to have display failure. But it's been dropped in the mud, dropped on concrete and lived in a jeep for the last 8 years, so no complaints.
backlight is a worthy feature to have.
bigalpha
Moderator
- Location
- Tucson, AZ
The multimeter I'm replacing was ruined in a flood - are there any value to a ruined MM or should I just toss it in the dumpster? It's a craftsman.
