help me choose a multimeter?

[keanej6]

i'm gonna order some stuff so i can dive into the world of diy audio, and i need help choosing a multimeter. i'm very new to this whole scene, so i don't need anything too fancy obviously, and the more bucks i can save the better. is this too cheap? it's way cheaper than the other meters, but if it'll do the job then cool, but i don't want to buy a piece of junk. if that's not a good option can you recommend me something from that site, because i have other stuff in their shopping cart. thanks!

 

[ericj]

That's an above-average $7 dmm. I sincerely doubt that you'll regret it.

It's probably not more accurate than the $6 harbor freight unit, but the extra dollar gets you a hold button and a continuity beeper, plus the rubber boot!

Of course, if you order $50 worth of stuff from them, be sure to get the free DMM they offer as a gift with a $50 purchase.

 

[keanej6]

oh dang i didn't even see that deal, thanks ericj! do you think i should get the $7 dmm and the pliers and cutters (i don't have any) or should i get the $25 dmm?

 

[ericj]

Eh, you need one good pair of wire clippers, one halfway decent wire stripper, and one pair of pliers. Having a whole set of clippers and pliers is overrated - i say this having bought a similar set from HF.

Look for wire clippers that cut close to the board. If you go to Harbor Freight or some similar supercheap store (which i wholeheartedly approve of), don't be afraid to go through the bin looking for the best pair they've got.

As for pliers, one needle-nose will do the job. If you want to augment that, get a pair or six of hemostats aka mosquito foreceps. You should be able to get these very cheaply at any good electronics store, anywhere that caters to fishermen (who use them to tie flies), or any medical supply store - though the medical supply is probably the most expensive place to get them.

As for the $25 dmm, it's probably a little more accurate and while it has more features, the frequency counter and capacitance meter features they added are fairly limited.

I would not buy this meter for $25, but i would gladly accept it for free if i had no other meters.

 

[D_Tinnitus]

Wow, good deal for a first meter. Nothing to regret.

After a while when you know you'll be getting into more serious electronics, you can then easily upgrade to something lots fancier, like a Fluke.

 

[pinkfloyd4ever]

Would that other stuff happen to include one of these soldering stations? Circuit Specialists Inc. - Auto-Temp Electronic Temperature Controlled Soldering Station (379UL) Circuit Specialists Inc. - CSI Deluxe Station w/Analog Display (CSI-STATION1A)
If not, I'd def recommend one of the 2.
The Xytronic (they just call it auto-temp) is slightly higher quality, but the CSI one uses the same size tips as the Hakko 936, which are prob the most widely available soldering tips out there (a package of 10 or 12 different sizes & shapes can be had from ebay for under $10 i believe)

I ended up going with the Xytronic, but I've heard nothing but good things about the CSI one also, so you should be happy with either

 

[Uncle Erik]

I'd keep an eye on eBay for a used, discontinued Fluke. I used a Fluke 12 for few years and think it is a pretty good value. You might also nose around and see if you can get an inexpensive desktop model. HP made some really nice ones that are affordable now.

 

[jamess71]

Good Move. I bought the solder station w/ digital temp control from CSI and like it alot. I got the plier set and it's pretty much junk. My diagnal cutters are dull as hell already. And some of the pliers tips, needlenose, dont even come together when closed. Stick with the freebe MM and you should be fine.

James

 

[ericj]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Erik /img/forum/go_quote.gif I'd keep an eye on eBay for a used, discontinued Fluke. I used a Fluke 12 for few years and think it is a pretty good value. You might also nose around and see if you can get an inexpensive desktop model. HP made some really nice ones that are affordable now.

Wavetek/Meterman is a brand to know as well. Quality every bit as good as Fluke but with only half the name recognition, and thus fewer bids at ebay.

I love nearly everything about my Meterman 231. The continuity beeper is a little slow - for that i love my craftsman 81437 -- which is another good one to look for. It'll be listed as 81437 or 34-81437. I recommend no other craftsman meters, only this one particular model. Use the search feature to find out why.

 

[keanej6]

gah, i went with the plier set, oh well. thanks for the input though guys, i'll be asking much more questions here in the future in this neck of the woods i'm sure.

and yes, pinkfloyd i got the csi soldering station with the digital display. at least i made one good purchase

 

[applegd]

I used this B+K Precision 2706A DMM. It is very good!

B+K Precision - Electronic Test Equipment - Power Supplies, Function Generators, Multimeters, DMM, Analyzers, Oscilloscopes

 

[slowpogo]

Interesting how B+K seem to have the rights to the phrase "tool kit." I didn't know you could copyright something that generic. It would be like Ford copyrighting "chassis."

 

[jsmithepa]

Hey guys, am looking for a DMM with a built-in current cramp, must do 10mA - 20 amps AC/DC current. Built-in, no cramp attachment. Seen anything like that, and as cheap as possible, am not too proud.