Multimeters - What Features To Look For.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

Well.... I tried to say it earlier....based on working on electronics stuff as a hobby... you get what you pay for. R U gonna use this tool for a long time? FLuke! or other good brand. How many $20 units are you willing to buy before you get a good one.... seems like it always comes down to that with cheap stuff... lord knows I've tried it my share of times!

So you don't think the MS2108 is any good?

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Therapy

So you don't think the MS2108 is any good?

I own one. Works well for my purposes. Started getting inaccurate readings a few months ago, just needed calibrating I think, but they sent me a new one at no cost.

[Tymadman]

The MS2108a is being sold on eBay in Australia for $50 with free postage! I see they are Cat III rated too.

[s/v Jedi]

$135.-

http://www.amazon.com/Fluke-115-Comp...keywords=Fluke

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

$135.-

http://www.amazon.com/Fluke-115-Comp...keywords=Fluke

Yeah, but not DC clamp on...that sure makes testing easier on a boat.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Yeah, but not DC clamp on...that sure makes testing easier on a boat.

That is one of my requirements.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

Yeah, but not DC clamp on...that sure makes testing easier on a boat.

Originally Posted by Therapy

That is one of my requirements.

Well then, here you go: Fluke 325 40/400A AC/DC, 600V AC/DC TRMS Clamp Meter w/ Frequency, Temp, & Capacitance Measurements - Amazon.com

[DotDun]

Or go used. A Fluke 334 with inrush.

Fluke 334 Clamp on Meter with Case | eBay

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by DotDun

Or go used. A Fluke 334 with inrush.

Fluke 334 Clamp on Meter with Case | eBay

Also check out Amazon Warehouse, you can find some good deals there too.

[Tony B]

Originally Posted by cadmus

I have some low end unreliable multimeters. I rarely use anything other than DC and AC current and maybe the little alarm that sounds when you have a closed circuit............

The only recommendation I have is probably up for debate. ANALOG!
I use my meter mainly for trouble shooting and seems like in most cases, I can never get to see what the meter is doing while my arms are stretched in a tiny space. When trouble shooting, 99% of the time I am looking for voltage/no voltage. From an odd angle, I am just looking for meter deflection and not needing a precise number.
The other thing I recommend is a fairly heavy meter - one that wont tip over due to the uncoiling of the probes.

Regards
Tony B
KC5SDI

[Saltyhog]

Originally Posted by Tony B

The only recommendation I have is probably up for debate. ANALOG!
I use my meter mainly for trouble shooting and seems like in most cases, I can never get to see what the meter is doing while my arms are stretched in a tiny space. When trouble shooting, 99% of the time I am looking for voltage/no voltage. From an odd angle, I am just looking for meter deflection and not needing a precise number.
The other thing I recommend is a fairly heavy meter - one that wont tip over due to the uncoiling of the probes.

Regards
Tony B
KC5SDI

For basic circuit testing, go/nogo, buzzing out wires, checking lamps etc., I find this more useful than a DVM.

[OceanSeaSpray]

Originally Posted by osirissail

For use on a cruising boat I would strongly suggest only getting a "digital" multimeter with at least 2 digits after the decimal point. Battery voltages from full to effectively discharged (50%) is about 1/2 of a volt (0.5V). Analog meters can rarely give you a display where that can be discerned with any reasonable amount of accuracy.

Digital multimeters can be purchased from US$5 to US$15 from various stores and on-line. So there really isn't a significant price savings by going to analog meters.

Buying a junk-grade digital multimeter is the worst choice you can make. Digital is a must, the last two digits are just too relevant when measuring batteries, but it also needs to be accurate. Cheap $15 multimeters are not much better than random number generators in the two digits past the decimal point.

If you can afford it, buy a mid-range Fluke or something like that. Trade-grade instrument in all cases.

I keep my multimeter in a sealed freezer box. Like brand new after years of use on board. Pack a spare battery with it!

On a boat, a meter with a current sensing "clamp" can be quite handy, only way of easily getting heavy current readings. Sometimes a second instrument to do that is not a bad way to go. Then you can keep an eye on current and voltage together.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by DotDun

Or go used. A Fluke 334 with inrush.

Fluke 334 Clamp on Meter with Case | eBay

Just be aware that not a hall effect meter, no DC clamp ability, Its a real "gotcha" in the cheaper clamp on meters, you really have to check the specs hard.

dave