Multimeter on a budget

[turnitup]

Hi all,

Anyone have a current digital multimeter that they like, that’s less than $50? Would love to have a Fluke, but just too expensive for my infrequent use, and my budget. I know that there are a ton of them out there, but an in-house recommendation (based on real use by my AK friends) would be great. In need of a new meter... Thanks

 

[Watthour]

I'll spare you the Tolstoy novel explanation, but one I think that should be considered as a "budget" DMM with desirable features is the ADM08D meters and clones. They are available on the Big Auction Site as well as that south American jungle shopping place.

As always, shop wisely. I've seen the identical meters priced from $25 to over $100.

 

[notdigital]

Innova 3320. $20 or so bucks.

 

[Watthour]

That one is probably O.K. However, unlike the ADM08D it does not have a transistor beta test function, does not have frequency/duty cycle measurement, cannot measure capacitance, does not have a hold function, cannot measure temperature, has no backlight, and does not measure µA.

From a safety perspective, the 3320 does not have a fused (safety) high current range like the ADM08D does, and is rated to only 600V compared to 750AC/1000DC for the ADM08D.

It does have a battery check feature which apparently slightly loads a cell/battery for testing, but that's about it.

Neither one is a higher-end device, but for $20-25 you're not going to get NIST-traceable accuracy and a lifetime warranty.

 

[Gazdatronik]

I use an Autool DM 500. A lot of meters use the same common chip inside, even Fluke, and this one is no different.
It does all the good stuff. Diode and Cap testing. The clamp meter works, and I use it daily as an industrial electrician.
The probes they come with are junk, so I swapped them with a set of Milwaukee probes.
You could also get a used Fluke 187, they are good meters for more detailed work. I don't use it too much for my job. It lives at home next to my Radio Shack 22-174B that has more bells and whistles for suited for electronics repair. Having the slots on the front for testing components is useful. I wouldn't use it at work as its class III(i think) plus it wasn't made to be beat on. All these would be fine choices and none of them should be over 50 bux by now.

 

[Watthour]

A bench-use and light duty meter usually had no place in an industrial or professional service environment. I still have a 8026B which I purchased new back in the early '80s, and used every day for almost 20 years in industrial maintenance. As I recall, it cost me about a week's wages back then, and as time has proven, it was worth every penny.

 

[turnitup]

Thanks for all of the input - it’s greatly appreciated. Can anyone tell me the difference between the ADM08A DMMs and the ADM08D meters?

Also thinking about getting an ESR meter, with the same type of cost conscious considerations. With an ESR meter, I’ll be able to check the condition of a capacitor, while still installed on a board - is this correct? Anyone have any recommendations for an affordable ESR meter?

Thanks again

 

[dr*audio]

Tenma makes great meters. Accuracy compares to Fluke. Used them at work.