multimeters

[BGKYK5]

No, no, I didn't think anybody was knocking me. I was just agreeing that, yes, Fluke makes awesome meters. But it doesn't mean I'm going to run out and get one. For what I use them for, my money is better spent elsewhere. If used one every day for work, I'd be singing a different tune.

 

[ThaMule]

Cool, I understand where you are coming from. I too prolly would not have a nice Fluke if Uncle Sam had not of been so kind to offer it to me!

 

[kp texan]

While I agree that Fluke makes the best multimeter (I have a Fluke 177 for work purposes), my basic use home multimeter is this auto ranging true RMS one by Extech: http://www.radioshack.com/sm-extech-true-rms-digital-multimeter--pi-2104750.html

I ended up getting it off ebay, still new in the package for about $40. The Extech meter seems to be pretty accurate (I've compared it back to back with my Fluke), it is definitely higher quality than a cheapo multimeter, and I don't honestly have anything bad to say about it. I wouldn't hesitate to get another Extech true RMS multimeter again, especially since they can be had for much less than a Fluke. It also looks like Extech is making some newer True RMS multimeters such as the EX520, EX530, EX470, and EX430.

Now, if I had to use a meter every day for work you know what my answer would be but it sounds like you don't need that.

-Wes

 

[pvfjr]

I have an inexpensive TPI meter. It's been pretty durable, has the molded rubber thing around it. I've dropped in on rocks numerous times, dropped it in water. Once, I left it sitting on my motor, and drove 400 miles on a hot August day. Whoops. The whole screen turned black like a watch that sat out in the sun too long. I figured it was dead and just tossed it behind the seat. Pulled it out a couple weeks later, there wasn't a thing wrong with it. It may not measure frequencies and what not, but that's what my Tektronix Oscilloscope is for. I used an absolute ton of Fluke equipment doing avionics in the AF, and I will agree that it's the best. But, I can't afford it, and other stuff works fine for occasional home and auto use.