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Mid-Priced Digital Handheld Multimeters

I still stand by the Tenma 72-7735. The specs compare very favorable with Fluke meters. We have had them for 2 years now at work, and they are still working perfectly. Send them in for calibration and they come back "Received In Tolerance." If I needed a meter, that's what I would buy.
Another route you could go is to buy a used benchtop meter. I have 3 Keithley meters; a 179, and (2) 197's. The 197 is really nice, and has useful features like dB, relative, autoranging, 4 wire resistance measurement.
I wouldn't necessarily buy this one, because it's untested, but it gives you an idea of what it's like. You can pick one up within your price range. Oh, and it's made in the USA. (In Solon, OH.)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/KEITHLEY-197-Autoranging-Microvolt-DMM-Multimeter-w-Test-Leads-IEEE-488-/120843425730?pt=BI_Electrical_Equipment_Tools&hash=item1c22d457c2
 
dr*audio said:
I still stand by the Tenma 72-7735. The specs compare very favorable with Fluke meters. We have had them for 2 years now at work, and they are still working perfectly. Send them in for calibration and they come back "Received In Tolerance." If I needed a meter, that's what I would buy.
Another route you could go is to buy a used benchtop meter. I have 3 Keithley meters; a 179, and (2) 197's. The 197 is really nice, and has useful features like dB, relative, autoranging, 4 wire resistance measurement.
I wouldn't necessarily buy this one, because it's untested, but it gives you an idea of what it's like. You can pick one up within your price range. Oh, and it's made in the USA. (In Solon, OH.)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/KEITHLEY-197-Autoranging-Microvolt-DMM-Multimeter-w-Test-Leads-IEEE-488-/120843425730?pt=BI_Electrical_Equipment_Tools&hash=item1c22d457c2
Click to expand...

Just saw it on sale for 39.99 so I snagged one. My fluke's buttons dont work so well anymore, you have to press them numerous times before it works...

Russellc
 
I might just mention about the safety category ratings on newer meters. Since tube amps can have some quite high voltages in them, having a newer meter that has a safety category rating might save you an unpleasant meter explosion. Also, for this reason I would prefer having a more modern meter. I think that the safety category rating started sometime around 1997. It might be wise to consider staying away from meters older than this for high voltages and make sure your test leads are voltage rated for the intended use and are in good condition.

Where I work, only Cat III meters are allowed for under 600V use and leads should be inspected regularly for scrapes, pinholes, cracks, etc. A good test lead set can seem a bit pricey, but it's worth it for safety when higher voltages are being tested.

Stay safe,
John
 
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I'm checking with Accucal on whether this 9802A is autoranging. The web page does not specify. I think it's not based on the number of settings visible on the dial, even though I can't read them.

I'm used to manual ranging with my old analog meter but it might be nice to have an autoranger. This looks like a nice meter as far as features, for a great price.
 
It does not look like an auto-ranger since it has a dial setting for discrete voltage/current/capacitance ranges.
 
I have a couple of Sears branded meters that are very accurate. As I recall they were $50.00 or less.
 
If you don't want a Fluke, I would agree with Extech as a cheaper, but still fairly robust DMM. If you think you will be using the DMM a fair amount and want to have it for a long time to come, spend the extra cash and get a Fluke. It is amazing what kind of abuse they can take and just keep on going! Tektronix used to make some DMMs that had higher resolution than most handhelds. You might get lucky and get a good deal on the used market. Don't underestimate how much you will use a handheld DMM. If it is a good one you don't even need a bench model!
 
dr*audio said:
I still stand by the Tenma 72-7735. The specs compare very favorable with Fluke meters. We have had them for 2 years now at work, and they are still working perfectly. Send them in for calibration and they come back "Received In Tolerance." If I needed a meter, that's what I would buy.
Another route you could go is to buy a used benchtop meter. I have 3 Keithley meters; a 179, and (2) 197's. The 197 is really nice, and has useful features like dB, relative, autoranging, 4 wire resistance measurement.
I wouldn't necessarily buy this one, because it's untested, but it gives you an idea of what it's like. You can pick one up within your price range. Oh, and it's made in the USA. (In Solon, OH.)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/KEITHLEY-197-Autoranging-Microvolt-DMM-Multimeter-w-Test-Leads-IEEE-488-/120843425730?pt=BI_Electrical_Equipment_Tools&hash=item1c22d457c2
Click to expand...

Mine came the other day. Killer buy, only 39.99 to my door? This is a no brainer! Easier to use than my Fluke! Tox, this one is nice, Im very surprised!

Russellc
 
tom3 said:
We have several meters at work and I always grab the Tenma. Does about everything and straightforward to work with. Don't hear a lot about them though.
Click to expand...

I'm sold, this thing is excellent for the small price!:thmbsp::thmbsp::thmbsp:

Russellc
 
I used my Tenma last night to check some capacitors I pulled from my Yamaha C4 the auto range is neat.
 
I finally decided I wasn't going to see another great sale like that one and sprang for the 72-7735 from MCM. $55 with free shipping. Can't wait, although now that it's spring, I'm too busy baling hay (err, mowing the yard) to tinker. But it'll get too hot soon and into the basement we go!
 
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