Suggestions for a Digital Multimeter

[Mike9]

What models, what recommendations do you have what are the requirements for amp work?

[Dave C]

Fluke , Beckman , B&K, Extech and some of the better Radio Shack models would be suitable. Look for DC voltage capabilities of at least 600v or preferably higher. Ability to read in milliamps and amperage up to 10 amps or higher is useful as is the ability to read capacitors though not a requirement. A suitable meter can be had for < $50 up to whatever your budget will allow. I use Fluke 73III,25 and 187, I also have a couple of older Beckman 100's and some much older VTVM meters that come in handy occasionally.
Dave C

[axepilot]

Fluke makes a ton of different, great DVM's.

[Hacksaw]

I have a B&K test bench series,, its been faithfull for almost 20 years now. like these guys say, Fluke, etc.. real goods units. just dont go cheapo radio shack etc..

anyone still use the ol simpson analog? :-)

[billdurham]

I would look for a meter that can display AC volts in dB. Comes in quite handy doing audio work. I have an old Fluke 8060A

BD

[Hacksaw]

I would look for a meter that can display AC volts in dB. Comes in quite handy doing audio work. I have an old Fluke 8060A

BD

The replacement, the Fluke 180 looks very good. I like the record feature. Three days and PC download.

This is almost as bad as GAS'ing for a new amp.

[LesPaulMan]

I'm giving this thread a bump, as I'm also looking for a good meter.
Leaning towards a Fluke because of their high quality. Just not sure what model I should get.

[justonwo]

The Fluke 179 is a great DMM and covers all the measurements you'd need to make in an amp.

Hioki also makes great DMMs.

[vibroverbus]

i've said before - dig my Meterman 38XR with temp probe, data collection SW, capacitance etc. etc.

auto-ranging, min/max/avg/hold all cool features to have no matter what brand you go with...

[tonezoneonline]

Flukes are the industry standard and I have several but the one I grab most often is a Amprobe AM-71.Check them out.They have a wide range of prices and features.

[Slick51]

:AOK My autoranging 112 is a thing of beauty...autoranging, true RMS, audible continuity check, and inexpensive to boot.

For my money, this was the one to beat; and still is!

Slick51

[clothwiring]

What's wrong with cheapo Radio Shack ones? I do the minor-ist of work, bias and testing the ohms on my guitars. Should I really get a better one?

[AL30]

What's wrong with cheapo Radio Shack ones? I do the minor-ist of work, bias and testing the ohms on my guitars. Should I really get a better one?


I've got a few cheapo's as well. They work. But, I keep blowing things up in them and it's getting frustrating. I guess it's my fault, I should pay better attention. But I won't have that problem with a good one. I'm thinking about biting the bullet and picking up a Fluke. It's going to save me a lot of headaches.

AL

[mbratch]

What's wrong with cheapo Radio Shack ones? I do the minor-ist of work, bias and testing the ohms on my guitars. Should I really get a better one?I bought a "better" Radio Shack DMM a few years ago and still use it. I think I paid more than $50 for it IIRC. It gets me by for most things (AC/DC voltage, resistance, capacitance, diode test, continuity test). My frustration with it is that it won't measure any electrolytic caps for some reason, regardless of their size/value. So lately I've been in the market for a Fluke or something more industry recognized.

[mbratch]

The replacement, the Fluke 180 looks very good. I like the record feature. Three days and PC download.

This is almost as bad as GAS'ing for a new amp.+1. LOL