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Gear / Technical Help => Ask The Tapers => Topic started by: jeromejello on October 10, 2005, 04:36:20 PM

Title: Multimeter info
Post by: jeromejello on October 10, 2005, 04:36:20 PM

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)

Title: Re: Multimeter info
Post by: jpschust on October 10, 2005, 04:53:26 PM

a multimeter is a multimeter.  get one that's cheap and doesnt have a ton of extra features.

Title: Re: Multimeter info
Post by: fozzy on October 10, 2005, 05:00:28 PM

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. 

Title: Re: Multimeter info
Post by: Chuck on October 10, 2005, 05:07:51 PM

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.

Title: Re: Multimeter info
Post by: 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.

Title: Re: Multimeter info
Post by: Patrick on October 11, 2005, 12:11:35 AM

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  ;)

Title: Re: Multimeter info
Post by: jeromejello on October 11, 2005, 10:18:23 AM

thanks for all the info folks... +t's all around  ;D