Buying a digital multi meter

[wgr73]

I was looking at THIS one, it seems to be ok. I know that there are hundreds of different kinds...so if you guys want to give me any tips thats cool. Thanks!

[jsmithepa]

Looks fine, just about all functions u will ever need.

Just keep it out of a hot car... Once I had a meter like this and it got hot enuff (this is *only* california) that the casing started to melt... cheap China plastic!

Would be nice if it has an auto-off. Nothing more annoying that when u need it and find out the battery is dead 'coz u left it on.

[heatmizer]

Don't forget a k-type thermocouple for temperature readings

[aamefford]

wgr73, check out Tangent's article on the subject:

How to Buy a Multimeter

[breakfastchef]

I picked up an Innova 3320 DMM at Walmart a few weeks ago for $25.92 after reading some good reviews about it online. Nice meter; does everything I need. Take a look at EQUUS PRODUCTS, INC..

[ruZZ.il]

what are you using it for? if its just making cables, measuring bias voltages, some current, transistors and stuff.. and dont need anything too heavy, the ones that TomB sells at beezar.com (here). Like he says, you may prefer getting it from Harbor Freight. I assume since you're unsure what you really need, this would probably cover everything you'd ever need from it for.. a long time!

[Elephas]

The Fluke 117 works very well.

Here's an action shot:

[tomb]

Originally Posted by wgr73

I was looking at THIS one, it seems to be ok. I know that there are hundreds of different kinds...so if you guys want to give me any tips thats cool. Thanks!

Echoing ruZZ.il (but not touting my own business - thanks, ruZZ.il! ), this meter sells for $19.99 at Harbor Freight right now:


Harbor Freight Tools - CEN-TECH DIGITAL MULTIMETER AC/DC

Needless to say, that's a lot less than your ebay listing, especially when counting shipping. I happen to own one, and it works great. In answer to heatmizer's comments, it comes with the thermocouple ready to use. That said, I use the smaller $2.99/$3.99/$4.99 (depending on the sale period) for everything but temperature.

I pull this one out to measure temperature on heat sinks and heat-sink-mounted transistors. It works quite well for all the other readings, too, though.

EDIT: Harbor Freight changed colors from yellow to red on all their DMM's. This is the very same meter as in your link.

[dbfreak]

With a bit of discipline, it is worth saving up for a Fluke meter. You will thank yourself later.

[wgr73]

Thanks guys for all the help. I'll decide soon...