What's a handheld DMM with a LOUD beeper? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: iXod
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2016, 04:33:57 am
content: I frequently find myself working on 5-color offset presses while they're running. Not only is this thing printing 200 sheets every minute (and the noise that makes), there's blowers, vacuum pumps, water chillers, fans, and any number of other accessories running within stone's throw.Using a DMM in any mode that beeps (non-contact voltage detect, continuity, etc.) is futile in this environment.I've used Flukes (77, 117, 87V) and Extech (330) but I sometimes have to put these up to my ear to hear it.Has anyone noticed a particular model that has a louder-than-average beeper?Cheers.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 16, 2016, 04:43:31 am
content: Dave's BM235 flashes the backlight for continuity - so you only need to have itsomewherein your field of vision.It works if the backlight is on, too.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2016, 04:48:54 am
content: Quote from: iXod on May 16, 2016, 04:33:57 am1) I have used a lot of meters including the Flukes you listed and by far, the Simpson 467, has the loudest beeper. The continuity feature is also very quick. The downside is that it is very old and will not meet current safety standards. Build quality is also suspect. Seehttps://plus.google.com/photos/112655239822287610782/albums/6106071623775568689I have the Xerox rebranded version. It is significantly louder than the Flukes listed above. It is so loud, I don't use it.If I have time tomorrow, I might try measuring how loud it is using some smartphone app?2) If you can't hear, some of the newer meters will flash the lcd if there is continuity. Some of the current Agilent/Keysight models have this feature.3) Another option might be to use a meter like the Fluke 233 with its detachable display so you can see the continuity/resistance reading instead of listening for it?http://www.fluke.com/fluke/caen/digital-multimeters/Fluke-233.htm?PID=56054

author: iXod
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2016, 04:57:34 am
content: Thanks. If I need a bench meter I'll consider finding one of these. But I'm looking for a handheld meter.Cheers.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2016, 05:05:33 am
content: Quote from: iXod on May 16, 2016, 04:57:34 amThe Simpson 467isa handheld meter.Look at the picture link I listed above. It uses a 9V battery and the dimensions are shown in this screenshot from the manual ...http://www.simpson260.com/downloads/simpson_467_user_manual.pdf

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2016, 05:11:13 am
content: More on the 467 ...https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/simpson-model-467-dmm/

author: iXod
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2016, 05:47:36 am
content: QuoteHadn't considered the option of a flashing backlight. Sounds (c; like an ideal solution.I would love one of those meters. But the shipping to USA and possible customs issues... dunno. Have other EEV-fanbois in the US ordered these?Thanks!

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 16, 2016, 08:03:56 am
content: Keysight U1272A is very loud, I'd say too loud.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2016, 08:20:48 am
content: It's funny that a lot of the comments I've seen are about DMMs with the beeper beingtooloud, and here's someone who says they're not loud enough!Do any DMMs have adjustable volume?

author: wraper
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 16, 2016, 08:34:25 am
content: Quote from: amyk on May 16, 2016, 08:20:48 amOn U1272A it can be adjusted in a workaround way. 3 buzzer frequencies can be set, only one of them (default) is very loud, guess because of the resonance.

author: Raj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2016, 08:43:22 am
content: you could google "audible ohms meter" if you intend it to be used in continuity testing only

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 16, 2016, 10:04:51 am
content: To avoid buying another meter, you could build a small accessory, strapped to your DMM, to light up a LED when the meter beeper is activated: