Buying my first decent multimeter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: matt.zepess@gmail.com
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 01:30:40 am
content: I recently watched Dave Jones Episode on the $50 multimeter shootout. I noticed alot of those test arent neccessary for the price like the stand and table grip test... Its a nice feature to have but at $50 i mainly care about functionality and that its reliable/durable. I trust daves opinion but with the lack of multimeters at his disposal i dont think he could give a definitive answer on the best multimeter, So here my question comes in... Is the extech the best i can buy or is there something else i should check out? Im 16 so i dont have alot of cash to spend on something like a fluke or something but Ill extend the budget a little more if it means a better all around meter, So do you have any reccomendations?

author: dr.diesel
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 01:42:24 am
content: What kind of projects etc you plan to use it with?

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 01:52:24 am
content: I would say that the Extech is not the best bet anymore. You would be better off with a Uni-T UT139C, an Amprobe AM-510, or maybe a UT61E. Those are in the order of my preference. Do a bit of more searching here and you will find many other opinions and options. IF you plan to keep the probes out the wall socket, then a UT136B at $20 or so is an OK buy too. It just won't last too long.

author: matt.zepess@gmail.com
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 03:34:35 am
content: I do alot of general work with electronics, But i wouldnt mind a multimeter that can work with 110v power sockets. If anyone else has other opinions on good meters then comment them and ill look each one up.

author: matt.zepess@gmail.com
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 03:50:34 am
content: Quote from: Lightages on December 16, 2015, 01:52:24 amWhats the difference between the uni-t ut139c and the amprobe am-510? I see there both the same price and same free delivery. I think i heard of amprobe before but not uni-t is one more reliable/ has more functitons then the other? Would there happen to be anything that although still cheap blows these two out of the water even if they cost a slight bit more? Whats do you mean wont last long? Whats something decent thatll last me?

author: MarkF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 04:46:02 am
content: If you want to spend more, the Fluke 106 might be an option for less than $100. It would be okay for general electronics and you the Fluke protection for electrical power capabilities. If you will be doing detailed electronics, the 106 would not have the capabilities you would need.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 05:11:27 am
content: The UT139C is the best all-rounder for electronics and house work at 50$.The AM510 is not true RMS and is not built for electronic work.The Fluke 107 is well built and safe, but like the 106 is not true RMS and is more of an electrician's meter.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 05:22:58 am
content: Check the latest spreadsheet for a detailed comparison:https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/multimeter-spreadsheet/?action=dlattach;attach=187638

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 05:25:35 am
content: Yes, please spend a bit of time looking at and understanding the spreadsheet that Wytnucls has made. He has put a lot of work into it and it is a great resource for anyone looking to buy a multimeter.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 16, 2015, 07:19:35 am
content: @matt.zepess, Since you live in the USA, there can be lots of good deals for used multimeters via your local pawn shop, craigslist, etc.