digital multimeters - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: stefanblum
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 24, 2015, 09:46:53 am
content: I am looking to now buy a multimeter and will use it for everything in build or testing projects from small electronic projects to testing kilovolt projects. I know I must have autoranging function with manual override, microamp to amp range . A good general purpose dmm is now what I am after. Am I after a fluke 87 not v or a gossen metrawatt for around $800 australian. Are the rigol 1054z still hackable and thanks for advice on the last post guys and gals.

author: crispy_tofu
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2015, 10:16:17 am
content: Welcome to the forum.Quote from: stefanblum on October 24, 2015, 09:46:53 amWhat is your budget?Quote from: stefanblum on October 24, 2015, 09:46:53 amYes - you'll find plenty of videos on it on YouTube.

author: tec5c
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2015, 10:26:29 am
content: Quote from: stefanblum on October 24, 2015, 09:46:53 amCurious to know why you wouldn't want the 87V?

author: stefanblum
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 24, 2015, 10:38:15 am
content: From the author Stefanblum. I have been told that fluke 87V is not suitable as it does not have on of the critical ranges for microelectronic projects. Wheter this was incorrect hearsay or not I don't know.

author: crispy_tofu
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2015, 10:52:21 am
content: Quote from: stefanblum on October 24, 2015, 10:38:15 amThe 87V has all of the ranges that most multimeters have (excluding wattage)... are you mistaking it with the Fluke 101 and others that don't have a microamp (uA) range?

author: tec5c
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2015, 11:20:23 am
content: No Fluke multimeter is going to measure power consumption.The ranges have not changed since the first release of the 87 model (I think even all 80 series?)Can you explain what "critical ranges" you require? That way we can give you a more accurate response about what meter is going to suite your needs.Edited for clarification.

author: crispy_tofu
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2015, 11:27:48 am
content: Quote from: tec5c on October 24, 2015, 11:20:23 amNot sure what you mean, but meters like the Gossen Metrahit Energy can measure wattage/watt hours...

author: tec5c
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 24, 2015, 11:40:50 am
content: Right.But that's not a meter you'd want to get if your primary focus is microelectronics.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 24, 2015, 04:08:22 pm
content: No multimeter is going to be suitable for kilovolt measurements, at least not by itself. Make sure you get a high voltage probe to use for those kinds of measurements. And to give you a relevant answer, you still need to answer what is your price range.

author: stefanblum
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 25, 2015, 10:55:50 am
content: From Stefanblum. As written in the first post the budget is around AUD $800 possibly $1000 aussie dollars. It is primarily for microelectronics basic electgronic projects and I will be using it for high voltage and high amp projects later on and safety is a priority. Why is a fluke 87v not suitable for microelectronics.

author: crispy_tofu
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2015, 10:56:57 am
content: Quote from: stefanblum on October 25, 2015, 10:55:50 amWhy isn't it? We have nothing against it.

author: tec5c
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2015, 12:33:49 pm
content: I think you've been misinformed.I was referring to the Gossen M.Hit Energy not being the best choice if your focus is microelectronics.My preferable choice would be a Fluke 87V or if you want to spend the extra money, a Fluke 289.Though your statement about "kilovolt projects" is a little concerning. Even a Fluke 289 is only rated to 1kV. You may want to reconsider your project ideas vs your current knowledge/budget.

author: xrunner
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2015, 12:34:14 pm
content: Quote from: stefanblum on October 25, 2015, 10:55:50 amFYI - you do not have to keep saying "From Stefanblum" - everyone can tell who is posting because the system tags your post with the details of your member identity on the left.

author: SteveLy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 25, 2015, 02:21:55 pm
content: Quote from: stefanblum on October 24, 2015, 09:46:53 amThe above sentence is confusing and does not make much sense.Are you asking for advice about multimeters or just telling us what you're going to buy???

author: tec5c
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2015, 01:32:46 am
content: My interpretation was that his budget was around $800AUD and he was asking for advice about the two meters.

author: SteveLy
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2015, 09:55:01 am
content: In that case, I'd naively say, get the Fluke. But my experience is limited and I had to look up Gossen Metrawatt - never heard of them. It sounds like it will come down to what suits your needs better. And the G.M. might be the thing for you.(?)Off to watch Dave's G.M. DMM review video to get educated:

author: crispy_tofu
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2015, 10:04:47 am
content: I'll throw in Dave's 87V review (from aaaages ago) for good measure:(starts at 8:00)https://youtu.be/oQi2CKSbMtkhttps://youtu.be/whvSl_0p8e4

author: hayatepilot
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 26, 2015, 03:10:48 pm
content: Or get yourself a Keysight U1272A. Better bang per buck than the Flukes and Gossens and more ranges on microvolts and resistance (1 milliohm resolution, great for tracing shorts).You can get it for about 500AUD in Australia.Greetings