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What functions should I look for in a Mult-Meter

G

goody75

Member
So I am going to get a multi-meter and want to know what functions should I look for in one?

How important is being able to read capacitance?

Are there any brand names that I should be limiting my search too?
 
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goody75 said:
So I am going to get a multi-meter and want to know what functions should I look for in one?

How important is being able to read capacitance?

Are there any brand names that I should be limiting my search too?
Click to expand...

What kind of work do you want to do?

Personally, I can't get by without capacitance and diode capability.
 
Frequecy counter and capacitance meter function helped me. Here in Akihabara, Korean-made or Taiwanese-made ones are sold at resonable prices. I have had no trouble with a Korean one, which I paid $10 for.
 
I agree on the diode function, gotta have it. It's great for checking transistors as well. I also use the Hfe function to better match outputs and input differential pairs in amp sections along with assessing general health. Also the frequency counter function is needed in doing some FM multiplex calibrations. One thing I wish my meter with LCD display had is backlighting though.

You can live with one that does more than you need, but not the opposite! Let us know what you choose.
 
KGBMAN said:
What kind of work do you want to do?

Personally, I can't get by without capacitance and diode capability.
Click to expand...

Right now, I'm modifying CD players but that will expand to other audio equipment as well as DIY builds. I am currently in the midst of modifying my 1st CD player, a Rotel RCD-955ax. I have another thread on this and am having issues (1st Project / Disassemble CD Player???) I already replaced most of the diodes and some PS caps. So I probably want to have features to measure them.

I found a sales ad @ Sears for a Craftsman multi-meter (www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_03482003000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1)
Does this look like a good one?

Thanks.
 
Frankly, I don't look for too much complexity in a multimeter. If I can measure volts and Ohms I am pretty happy. Complexity runs up the cost and lowers reliability for rarely used functions. I'd rather buy two or three cheap ones than one fancy one.

Right now I have about five old school analog VOMs I use a lot, and about four or five DVMs of various vintage. I have a voltage calibrator, a VTVM, an impedance bridge, and a counter. A few audio oscillators and a few oscilloscopes. And an assortment of power supplies, signal generators, and so on. Nearly all of my stuff has been gotten in used condition, some requiring repair.

My total investment has been really low and nearly everything works. The only meter that is seriously inaccurate is my aged Simpson 260.
 
goody75 said:
Right now, I'm modifying CD players but that will expand to other audio equipment as well as DIY builds. I am currently in the midst of modifying my 1st CD player, a Rotel RCD-955ax. I have another thread on this and am having issues (1st Project / Disassemble CD Player???) I already replaced most of the diodes and some PS caps. So I probably want to have features to measure them.

I found a sales ad @ Sears for a Craftsman multi-meter (www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_03482003000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1)
Does this look like a good one?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

It looks okay other than there's no Hfe function. In your DIY amp projects you may need it. If you're not planning on building or repairing amps then no problem.
 
I started out buying cheap DMM's for use in residential wiring applications and occasional electronic repair. These are the same type sold at Harbor Freight for a few dollars. After I accumulated a dozen or so that were either non-functioning or miscalibrated, I bought a Fluke. The Fluke is still going strong after10 years. In fact, I now have a Fluke clamp meter, as well.

The Fluke meters are expensive so a hobbyist should be looking on the used market where a reasonably new meter can be purchased for less than half-price. The durability and support of their product should dissuade any fears when purchasing a used Fluke.

Hfe, capacitance, and diode checking capability will be "must-haves" if you plan to keep in the electronic servicing and repair part of audio. I don't have all of that with my Fluke so will be upgrading to a new meter when I find one at a good price.

Good luck with your search. BTW, I still use a pair of cheap Harbor Freight DMM's for certain tasks but usually cross check with the Fluke for final results.
 
goody75 said:
Right now, I'm modifying CD players but that will expand to other audio equipment as well as DIY builds. I am currently in the midst of modifying my 1st CD player, a Rotel RCD-955ax. I have another thread on this and am having issues (1st Project / Disassemble CD Player???) I already replaced most of the diodes and some PS caps. So I probably want to have features to measure them.

I found a sales ad @ Sears for a Craftsman multi-meter (www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_03482003000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1)
Does this look like a good one?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

I have a craftsman 81437 DMM, and its great. Its five years old and no longer sold, but they have newer models with the same features. I've used the capacitance test on it and that feature is a must for me. Sears guarantees are excellent, I've never had a problem returning something that was defective, and you can find a Sears store anywhere.
 
Keep in mind, regarding brands: Amprobe is the same quality as Fluke AND made by the same people.
It affords a significant cost savings over Fluke while sacrificing some accuracy.

Also, the reason a lot of these 'Harbor Freight'-type cheapo meters have a limited lifespan (besides the obvious low-quality) is that they have NO input protection. Hook it up incorrectly and POW!, the meter fries.
 
I use a Tenma 72-7730 they can be had fairly cheaply from Farnell ~$190 AUS. It has all the functions i need of it. the only thing which it doesn't have is HFe, other wise it is fantasic i used the Hz setting to check the alignment of my amature radio gear. Fluke are very good but you have to pay for the name. there are quite a few not so well known brands which are jus as good and can be had at half the price. Check out what the local electricans supply place stocks, they wont sell tradies crap.

thats my 2c
 
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