looking to pick up one of these things... have no idea where to start. i figure its going to be a slight investment, but i am not going to be making a career out of it... i would like one that gave me the basic data needed for a hobbiest enthusiast level. what are some of the features that i would need... places to purchase... prices to expect...
i mean i guess i could just pull something out at ratshack or homedepot, but just thought i could sollict some free advice first.
thanks
(oh, and mods, please send to the correct forum, if there is one)
a multimeter is a multimeter. get one that's cheap and doesnt have a ton of extra features.
I have access to a nice Fluke @ work but i have never had a need for anything more than my $10 RS special for testing continuity and DC Voltages. Did some household AC problem solving w/ it too. With my crappy meter i have modded/repaired UA5s, Made cables (XLR, unbalanced, 7pin, power, etc..), Custom VR circuits/boxes; and have never felt that I needed a beter meter w/ more features.
I find it useful to have both an analog and a digital meter. I sometimes prefer to see the needle jump around on the analog than to see a bunch of numbers fly by on the digital.
one feature that you might want to make sure it has is an audible continuity tester. especially if you're gonna make cables. my first one did not have one, so i bought another.
Quote from: heath on October 10, 2005, 06:40:55 PM
one feature that you might want to make sure it has is an audible continuity tester. especially if you're gonna make cables. my first one did not have one, so i bought another.
Stole my words Heath ;D
Certain multimeters "beep" when there is continuity accross the given circut. This is alot easier than determining continuity throught the "current" setting.
Mine has a backlight, which is cool, but not useful at all ;)
thanks for all the info folks... +t's all around ;D