Whats the best multimeter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: ablacon64
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2013, 07:37:24 pm
content: I don't keep a multimeter on my pocket.Think your pool has an error, 2 options that are the same.The "best multimeter" will depend on what you're planning to do.

author: Excavatoree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2013, 07:49:34 pm
content: It's either the Vichy or the Fluke, depending on who you ask. Vichy folks think Flukes are overpriced, FLuke folks think VIchys are overpriced. (Because they don't pay you to take the stupid things off their hands)Seriously, ablacon64 has the correct answer. It depends on what is known as your "philosophy of use."Are you carrying it to the top of a transmission tower?Are you calibrating precision equipment?Do you need one that can be dropped of of an excavator onto a concrete factory floor?Will it sit in your lab on a velvet pillow?These types of questions will determine which meter is best. As Dave says, "Horses for courses."

author: AndreaEl
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2013, 08:03:04 pm
content: there are no a best multimeter in all condition.In every single condition there are a group of multimeter that can be meet the desired accuracy.For example a electrician that want check if the voltage in a house is in the "accepted value" (example: 230v +-10%) would never go to buy a multimeter with 8.5 digit...But in this case the best multimeter don't must have the absolute precision in voltage, rather must have a weight content, and a small size. And better if it is also resistant.Sorry for bad english

author: walshms
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2013, 08:06:51 pm
content: The best multimeter is the one that does what you need it to do, when you need it to do it, does it safely, and doesn't annoy the hell out of you while you use it.Really -- that's all anyone should really be concerned about. Go watch Dave's Multimeter Shootouts, and you'll get an idea of what to look for... then choose one that's safe, does what you need and fits within your budget.

author: zorder
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 08, 2013, 08:48:22 pm
content: Okay, lets put the case of an electronics hobbyist. I don't need it to be super resistant, or to calibrate precision equipment. I'm just tired of having multimeters that either I can't trust, or with a lot of features that doesn't work well (like measuring capacitance).What about a high quality meter, without going to the professional/overpriced segment?

author: carpelux
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2013, 08:58:59 pm
content: The best multimeter is the one that's within reach and have enough specs at the time I need to do some measurements. So, if I'm working on wiring extra lights my car a small el cheapo meter could be worth it's weight in gold and if I'm trying to calibrate something a 7 1/2 digit meter is the shit. They are not interchangeable but both are the best meter, at the given time.

author: sanjin
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 08, 2013, 09:07:59 pm
content: Have a look at this:For 100 dollars you can get a good meter that will be more than enough for an average hobbyist

author: CodiJack
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2013, 09:18:29 pm
content: What about real idiot proof baby UNI-T UT120C?https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/uni-t-ut120c-review-and-tear-down/

author: zoomtronic
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 08, 2013, 09:33:38 pm
content: I will stick to my Sanwa multimeter

author: shk1d29
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2013, 09:41:33 pm
content: It is also a matter of how big your pocket is. But I think one of the best value for your buck (for electronics) is the UNI-T 61E. You an get one for about $60 or less. For accuracy, features and not so cheapy feel this DMM is great. It even comes with a serial cable for data logging. Or you can buy an USB adapter one for $15 on ebay. If you want the real cheap way out, you can always get a Mastech MS8268 for around $25 that I think is a real cheapy feeling DMM, but its a good starter DMM in my opinion.

author: Dave
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2013, 10:36:25 pm
content: Best multimeter?I would bet my bottom dollar on Agilent 3458A. Too bad my bottom dollar wouldn't be enough.

author: idiotsecant
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 09, 2013, 12:10:21 am
content: I have used a no-name french canadian multimeter for 5 years, and it's still reasonably accurate and repeatable in the ranges I use it!

author: Attorney
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2013, 01:39:12 am
content: My vote is for a good used (or NOS) Fluke 8060A. This was once Fluke's top-end portable DMM back in the early 1980s. It has excellent accuracy and is manual ranging without (thank God) a detestable auto-ranging feature.Paul

author: zapta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2013, 02:13:06 am
content: Quote from: zoomtronic on October 08, 2013, 09:33:38 pmAnalog or digital?

author: Excavatoree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 09, 2013, 02:54:10 pm
content: Quote from: Attorney on October 09, 2013, 01:39:12 amTo each their own, but I find that the manual ranging Fluke meters (80xx) are no faster than the modern autoranging meters. That is the auto-range meters select a range and display a reading as fast, or faster than the older manual range models. I've tested several models to determine this.Is that your reason for preferring manual range, or is it something else?I like all Fluke meters, equally.EDIT: I forgot to add that any of Fluke's auto-ranging meters can be set to "manual range mode," thus providing any benefits of a manual range.

author: zoomtronic
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 09, 2013, 03:02:16 pm
content: Quote from: zapta on October 09, 2013, 02:13:06 amDigital RD 701

author: geraldjhg
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2013, 07:15:40 pm
content: any fluke you can affordany fluke you can affordi personally prefer bench dmm have a hp3466a because leds are WAYmuch better to see as the EMIT lightnowdays i carry arround an cem dt-377 but ac/dc clamp meterbecause i cant buy a better one with the same functions

author: Stonent
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 14, 2013, 07:27:54 pm
content: The best multimeter is a benchtop one that also fits in your pocket that can measure from 0.000001 femtoamp up to 999999 petaamps and similar scale to volts as well. It can also measure the resistance in Ohms from Pluto to earth all within 0.00001% accuracy.