poll about analog multimeter-which one to buy? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: SnakeBite
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2012, 09:06:15 pm
content: hi guys,i searched for a good analog meter and i found three model that i can't decide between them. can you please vote on the multimeter you think is the best.if you like, you could add a short explanation on you opinion.thanksIdo

author: Short Circuit
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2012, 09:13:49 pm
content: A because B & C are ugly as hell

author: G7PSK
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2012, 09:17:04 pm
content: It has to be the AVO they were at the time the best meters in the world and are still very good today. I still use a model 8 panclimatic as it is the most robust meter that I have come across and being moisture proof which is a big bonus when handling with hands covered in oil and diesel or using outside in the rain, it also withstands knoks that would kill a dvm, I swear by them and not at them as I often do with the dvm's.

author: saturation
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2012, 09:21:11 pm
content: I've used the Sanwa YX360 since the late 1970s, just beware of all the fake models out there, the real model is made in Japan. Its not as accurate or as robust as the other 2 when all 3 were new, but is the most bang for buck in an era dominated by DMM.

author: zaoka
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2012, 10:45:57 pm
content: Get Simpson 260XLP, its got low ohm range where it can measure without turning on transistors and diodes + protection circuit. Bad side is that its very confusing, however, best accuracy.Another good meter is Triplett 630, the best quality meter I ever seen, very accurate and its got x1000000 range where it uses 30V battery. Bad side it does not have 30V range.You also have Triplett 60-NA, bad side is that its using plastic window instead of glass.If you want it to be so accurate go with Simpson 270 otherwise I would choose Triplett 630.Never seen AVO analog meter.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Triplett-630-Type-4-Suspension-Multi-Meter-/300752291858?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item46063bc812New high quality probes for this meter:http://www.ebay.com/itm/PROBE-MASTER-TEST-LEADS-ONLY-8013S-SHROUDED-/300563133486?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item45faf5742e

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 07, 2012, 11:32:21 pm
content: Quote from: zaoka on August 07, 2012, 10:45:57 pmI have the 630NA, great meter, they still make it.http://www.flickr.com/photos/eevblog/sets/72157626756036624/Dave.

author: SnakeBite
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2012, 11:44:43 pm
content: how can i decide if everyone suggested other meter.

author: zaoka
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2012, 11:57:08 pm
content: Well without going into argument with other people I am big fan of analog multimeters and there are rare meters that I did not come across and resale on eBay, here in USA and back in Europe.With high respect to Sanwa i have to say that Simpson and Triplett are better in many ways, first is accuracy, second is large dial (double or tripple bigger than new Sanwa) , better case, relay protection. These meters are in production for over 50 years with minor modifications, you can still find these meters that are over 20 years old and working like new. (Sanwa has good model back from 197x)Another good model was Hioki M-230A, this was best japanese analog multimeter at that time. I own it as well.Sencore is the only brand I would compare with Simpson and Triplett.Dave my Triplett 630 looks almost exactly the same from inside.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/general-chat/show-your-multimeter!/msg67082/#msg67082

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 25, 2025, 03:08:55 am
content: Quote from: Short Circuit on August 07, 2012, 09:13:49 pmBoth the Simpson and the AVO is better looking than the Sanwa although the Sanwa is a good deal for the money.

author: Wallace Gasiewicz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 26, 2025, 03:07:57 pm
content: I have accumulated various analog meters, Simpson model 635, 6KV, (courtesy of Canadian Air Force), an ASM USM 223, both of which have their uses, but my favorite analog meter is the Fourdee PSM 37 which has different impedance settings to match your antique schematics also. It uses op amps. There is no diode test but you can use the low ohms scale compare good diode to the diode under test...Also low voltage ohms.

author: Sassy Taste
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 27, 2025, 09:54:02 am
content: Well, Wal-mart and Home Depot digital multimeter are the preferred choice only because it gives exact numbers. They used to be cheaper, today the average brand there is $49 dollars to $60 dollars. Analog multimeters is $21.90 just about with out tax added yet. The brands are good because they're sold at a store that is highly well liked. You can buy it online and for $100s of dollars, but I don't see the point if you will be using it just to check specs on a circuit, bead board, home appliances, or equipment around the house or outlets. These brands at Wal-mart and Home Depot will definitely do.

author: EPAIII
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2025, 12:12:45 pm
content: Why on earth did you bring up a 13 year old thread and poll? And you did it without mentioning that it was that old.Quote from: BeBuLamar on February 25, 2025, 03:08:55 am

author: BeBuLamar
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2025, 01:33:28 pm
content: Quote from: EPAIII on February 28, 2025, 12:12:45 pmThe longer the time passes by the shorter it is. For something invented in the 21st century then 13 years is a long long time. However, for analog VOM 13 years is just like yesterday. There has been not much changes in the analog VOM in the past 13 years.

author: armandine2
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2025, 09:20:54 pm
content: ...AVO was the one I bought - I wouldn't buy two. I think they're good in an educational setting.But if space is at a premium you won't use it.

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2025, 09:33:08 pm
content: Someone recently gave me a Simpson 260 because they heard I was an electrical engineer... Um.. thanks I guess, but now it's just another "thing" in the corner of my lab, who's sole job is to take up space.It came in a metal case and the foam inside is turning into sticky dust. Fun!

author: watchmaker
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: February 28, 2025, 09:41:24 pm
content: I have always liked the Simpson 260 and have 2 260 Series 8. I am in the USA so have no experience with AVO but it looks comparable.The 260 Series 8 can be found for under $75 and is still in production. The big thing is that it is VERY easy to adjust if someone screwed things up and the Series 8 all have mirror scales. If you get the Series 8P (I have one) the ckt protection makes it virtually indestructible.mV and uA. They have had almost 100 years to ensure linearity of the scales.However, I would NEVER use it on anything over 250 VAC.