New meter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: TorqueRanger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2012, 08:29:13 pm
content: I am using a cheap $9 craftsman multimeter and it's about to die ....I work on basic electronic repair and alot in automotive. I would love to buy a fluke meter but they way out of my price range and I wanted to see what you guys are using or what I should get and my budget is about $50Oh how do you guys feel about the craftsman ,BK Precision,and klein meters ???I did watch the meter shootout but none of the meter above where reviewed and just wanted your guys thoughts here...

author: SgtRock
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 05, 2012, 10:28:19 pm
content: Dear TorqueRanger:--Have a look at these Fluke 77s on Ebay:http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_from=R40&_nkw=fluke%2077%20digital%20multimeter&_sop=15--They are tough and they are likely to be better than anything you can get for $50."Does not squirrel crack nuts on bough of oak tree."Lao Fu 1410 1620Best RegardsClear Ether

author: samgab
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2012, 10:39:41 pm
content: For the ~$50 range, I'd give serious consideration to the UNI-T UT-61E.Note, the "E" suffix, not the A, B, C, or D models, which are inferior.

author: TorqueRanger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2012, 11:23:11 pm
content: Quote from: SgtRock on October 05, 2012, 10:28:19 pmI would love to use a fluke again but in reality the money just isn't there ... I have basic electronic experience and make whatI think to be basic repairs on everything electronic..I would love to learn how to build my own circuits and know how it works...

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2012, 11:33:50 pm
content: Quote from: SgtRock on October 05, 2012, 10:28:19 pmThe above multimeters are total crap. Don't bother bidding for them on ebay.PS. The above statement may be slightly influenced by getting outbid by 1 second on an ebay auction for a Fluke 70 series multmeter for under $40.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2012, 11:39:52 pm
content: For under $50, you can surely get a Fluke 27/FM of these. It has microamps for electronics and built like a tank.Seehttp://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=21650

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2012, 11:43:51 pm
content: Here this one looks brand new for $40http://www.ebay.com/itm/280984986629PS. I have no affliation with the seller.edit: Or try and get it cheaper via auctionhttp://www.ebay.com/itm/320995307052The 27/FM is true RMS and the 27 is not.

author: TorqueRanger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 04:57:52 pm
content: Here are some item I would like to have in the meterBacklightHRC fuse or anything better than glass fuseUse a 9v battery so I can test LEDsAuto rangingSafe meter to use

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 03, 2012, 05:34:23 pm
content: Check the Amprobe AM-510. I think it ticks all your boxes.http://www.amprobe.com/amprobe/usen/Multimeters/AM-500-Digital-Multimeter-Series/AM-510.htm?PID=74033http://www.ebay.com/itm/Amprobe-AM-510-Commercial-Residential-Multimeter-600V-AC-DC-/190738808061?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c68eb3cfd

author: TorqueRanger
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2012, 03:52:36 pm
content: Quote from: TorqueRanger on November 03, 2012, 04:57:52 pmDoes fluke make any kind of meter that meets most of the specs that I can pick up cheap on ebay for a used one?

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 12, 2012, 08:37:29 pm
content: Quote from: TorqueRanger on November 12, 2012, 03:52:36 pmSure there are a number that meet the above criteria, but getting it at $50 requires patient ebay watching/bidding.I don't know 100% about the LED testing, but the below all have HRC fuses and a backlight and are likely to sell for $50 if you are quick at Buy It Now or lucky with a bid.Fluke 83 III, 85 III, 77 IV, 115

author: SherlockOhms
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2012, 02:57:30 am
content: Quote from: Wytnucls on November 03, 2012, 05:34:23 pmAmazon.com seems to have pretty good prices on Amprobe, but they are out of stock on some of the meters I was checking out. I just ordered an AM-520 fromhttp://www.testequipmentdepot.com/amprobe/index.htm.I can't actually recommend the meter or vendor yet, since I haven't received the meter, but it seems to have pretty good features and that was the best price I found ( for one that was actually in stock. )Edit - this should be a working linkhttp://www.testequipmentdepot.com/amprobe/multimeters/am-520.htm

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 13, 2012, 03:11:59 pm
content: Quote from: SherlockOhms on November 13, 2012, 02:57:30 amYou link doesn't seem to work, but good choice anyway.You'll have some extras compared to the 510: duty cycle, temperature, a bar graph, Max/Min/Peak and ...a flashlight!I don't know if there is much difference in price, but the 530 adds TrueRMS, which could be useful for people measuring non sine waveforms.Let us know how it works out for you.

author: titam
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2012, 02:09:13 am
content: Mastech MS8226.Buy the 8226T version if you want true RMS.I have 2, they work well.

author: T4P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 14, 2012, 11:47:51 am
content: But the MS8226T is quite pricey, it costs about the same as a UT61E and lacks any sort of bargraph.

author: FenderBender
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2012, 01:46:36 am
content: Quote from: SherlockOhms on November 13, 2012, 02:57:30 amMan I'd love to see the insides of one of these Amprobe-500 series meters....

author: SherlockOhms
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2012, 02:44:23 am
content: Quote from: FenderBender on November 15, 2012, 01:46:36 amI got the meter today already. The physical build seems pretty sturdy. It has a usable kickstand and rubber bumps on the back so it doesn't spin around on a desk the way the AM-220 did in Dave's $50 meter review.It comes with a padded carry case, thermocouple and velcro hanging strap. I'm pleased with it so far.If and when I open it up, I'll be sure to take some pictures.

author: FenderBender
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2012, 03:01:51 am
content: Sounds pretty good for a cheap meter. Can't wait!

author: SherlockOhms
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 15, 2012, 04:22:48 pm
content: I did take some pictures. I started a new thread about the Amprobe AM-530https://www.eevblog.com/forum/product-reviews-photos-and-discussion/amprobe-am-530-a-peek-under-the-hood/