New Guy here needing advice - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Elantramax1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2015, 01:49:21 pm
content: Hi all. New guy here from the US. And I am looking for some advice on a Multi Meter. To be used mostly for Home and Automotive work. Do you recommend any models? The Fluke 88V is a bit out of my price range. I am currently considering a couple of models:1: OTC 39802: Bosch MMD 540H3: Innova 3340 with the Inductive Amp ProbeThanks all

author: Yago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2015, 01:51:45 pm
content: Take a look at the Brymen meters, very good value money for quality meters.

author: Elantramax1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2015, 02:01:04 pm
content: Thanks. I am Trying to find something accurate. And has the features I would need for Automotive work. But I am on a limited budget. Some of what I have found has been Unreliable. Currently have a Snap-On MT2400 Graphing Meter. Its almost 20 years old. So old I cant get parts. Still works. They had Boards with Software for different vehicles. Pin layouts, How to connect for readings, Etc.Bought a Craftsman 19 range Multi a few years back. Never did get a good reading. On both V and Ohms. I am trying to avoid that Junk.Some of the companies are OK. Recently I purchased an Innova 31703 Scan Tool. Its good. Not on the same level as a Snap-On or a Dealer tool. But Way more affordable. Just found out Bosch/OTC are the same company. They supply Auto Manufacturers with tools. They each have their Pluses and Minuses.

author: Yago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2015, 02:17:19 pm
content: Yes, I noticed that they do have features specific to auto use.Lightages might pop in the thread and be able to highlight a specific meter in the Brymen range that has the features you need. (he is a Brymen dealer).Actually...http://www.brymen.com.tw/product-html/cata310/Bm310L2.htmNow finding that might not be easy, TME don't seem to run it, again Lightages or Iloveelectronics (both sell Brymen meters) might pop in and help.Edit: TME have the 319:http://www.tme.eu/en/details/bm319/car-multimeters/brymen/#

author: Elantramax1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2015, 02:52:41 pm
content: I just check Amazon, They don't have the Brymen. Are they available in the US?

author: Yago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2015, 03:07:13 pm
content: Pretty sure some of the USA guys here have bought from TME, seem to recall under 5 days delivery to USA from Poland.In this thread, post 69&70, Unbiased bought Brymen from TME no problems.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/brymen-bm869-short-review/60/Take note though, their website is a bit tricky and slightly unnerving, but the price and delivery are super fast.

author: Elantramax1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2015, 03:12:27 pm
content: I don't know How they are to deal with. My Main issue is with USPS/Customs. Is there an Import Tariff? Any issues with receiving items from overseas? I know I have had issues with selling items on Ebay.

author: Yago
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2015, 03:26:46 pm
content: I couldn't tell you anything on that as I am UK.I can tell you that Brymen meters are high quality, well built with good protection.They are rapidly becoming the poor man's Fluke.

author: KD0RC
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 11, 2015, 04:51:54 pm
content: Quote from: Elantramax1 on January 11, 2015, 03:12:27 pmI had no issues ordering mine from TME a few weeks ago. I went to their site, ordered the meter, paid for it using a credit card and got it in a few days. There were no taxes, fees or hidden costs. They did the shipping for $9.90! Contrary to other posts here, I got a DHL tracking number as soon as it was shipped, and was able to watch it as it made its way from Poland to Colorado. I would not hesitate to buy from them again.

author: Elantramax1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2015, 09:07:36 pm
content: Thanks all. I think I am going to get one here in the US. For the following reasons:1: Warranty- Will I be able to get it Warrantied? Do I have to ship back to the Seller?2: Credit Cards- Mine might have a problem with International orders. I've already had 3 replaced last year due to the Maleware problems at Home Depot, Kmart. And an attempted purchase at Bookstore. I forget which one. Had the name like a University.I may just pay the money for a Fluke. As they seem to have a Reputation. Either a 88V or 233A Kit.

author: teslafan
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2015, 09:15:29 pm
content: FYI: Some Greenlee models are equivalent dmms with USA Ltd lifetime Warranties. You'll recognize them right off. Also, brands, i.e., some: Extech, Voltcraft, Craftsman Pro, etc. Not sure if they have an automotive model, but maybe worth looking into. Research will turn up more. Checkout DMM database here on EEVBLOG for specs.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2015, 09:43:15 pm
content: Quote from: Elantramax1 on January 11, 2015, 01:49:21 pmI know nothing about auto repair, but in order for us to help you narrow down a selection of choices, can you specifically list what auto features in you need in a multimeter?For example, on the Fluke 88V, I see RPM. Is that something you need?

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 12, 2015, 10:23:37 pm
content: Greenlee does not have the automotive model.I cannot import and export a BM319 at a good price from here. I am sure that iloveelectronics could do better. I see no reason why you should be afraid to buy from TME. I had one problem but I seem to be the only one.I am sorry to say that the fear of buying outside of the US will limit your options and prices.I will say this: I became a distributor for Brymen in Chile after I had purchased three of their meters and was very impressed. I did not start pushing as Brymen dealer who then tried to push the brand on the forums.

author: Elantramax1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2015, 10:50:39 pm
content: Quote from: retiredcaps on January 12, 2015, 09:43:15 pmRPM. I work on other stuff as well. My Yamaha Majesty, Power Yard equipment. It would need to be 2 Cycle.Ma for if I have to track down a Battery Draw.Amp Clamp (Inductive) so I can check the Alternator outputMost of my work now is, In the driveway. I don't work as a professional Tech anymore. I would like to. But I have a bad shoulder. The result of a Motorcycle Accident Sept 2012. Broken L Clavicle. Tendonitis.I want something accurate. I have a Craftsman that I am about to toss. 19 range model. Basic unit. Never read correctly. Readings jump.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2015, 10:59:23 pm
content: Quote from: Elantramax1 on January 12, 2015, 10:50:39 pmI will have to research how those things work before I can make an intelligent comment.QuoteIf you want to start another thread and post some clear focused pictures of the pcb inside (both sides), perhaps we can help you fix this Craftsman as backup meter? It could be something as a bad solder joint on the input jacks or it needs a good IPA pcb bath due to contamination.

author: Elantramax1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 12, 2015, 11:32:24 pm
content: That Craftsman reads .01 on 20V DC. Leads Open. 200 Ohm reading shows .3 Leads connected.I have an Old Snap-On Vantage (MT2400) from 1997. Version 3.0 Board. Oldie, But works good. Cant get Transducers and Boards for it. It does use standard Test Leads. Which I have replaced once. Its a Graphing Multi Meter. Does 2/4 Cycle rpm. TPS Sweeps (Graphing mode). I am looking for something I can use if this one decides to die on me. New version from Snap-On is almost $3Khttps://store.snapon.com/Vantage-153-Ultra-Component-Test-System-Component-Test-System-VANTAGE-153-Ultra-P771116.aspxMine is not as advancedThanks

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2015, 12:16:20 am
content: Quote from: Elantramax1 on January 12, 2015, 11:32:24 pmThe two above readings are normal.When you measure something like a 9V battery, is your DCV reading steady and stable? When you measure a 1k ohm resistor, do you get a steady 1k ohm reading?

author: Elantramax1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2015, 12:23:22 am
content: I don't have a Resistor on hand. But a fairly new 9V shows 9.68 on 20V.200 Ohm is showing 1(2 spaces).(Blank space) Sometimes flashes -leads connected

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2015, 12:39:03 am
content: Quote from: Elantramax1 on January 13, 2015, 12:23:22 am9.68V is plausible for a new battery.QuoteI thought earlier you got 0.3 when the leads were shorted together in the 200 ohm range?Definitely something wrong if it shows "1" (over range) when leads are connected and shorted together.Or I am missing something here?If you are sometimes getting 0.3 and sometimes "1", then one of your leads could be bad. You can just use one probe at a time to see which is bad.For example, put your meter into 200 ohms mode and put the black jack into COM. Put the black tip probe into the V/ohm jack. It should read 0.3 ohms. Wiggle the cable ends around and see if it stays steady at 0.3 ohms. Then do the exact same for the red probe.

author: AG6QR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2015, 01:01:41 am
content: Quote from: retiredcaps on January 13, 2015, 12:39:03 amAgree with retiredcaps that 9.68V is completely plausible for a new battery. But I'll also point out that some meters can show readings that are higher than true if the meter has a low battery in it. All DMMs work by comparing the measured voltage to a reference. If the reference voltage drops below what it's supposed to be, then the displayed readings will go high.The reference voltage is generated using some circuitry that should remain very stable over a wide range of battery supply voltages. A well-designed meter will stop displaying measurements before a low reference voltage causes readings to go out of spec. A "medium well" designed meter will at least pop up a "low battery" warning as soon as the reference voltage drops out of spec, but it may show wildly inaccurate readings while the "low battery" indicator is on. A very poorly designed meter might show erroneous readings without giving you an easy way to know they're bad.In any case, if you suspect the meter's readings are higher than they should be, it's not a bad idea to try putting a fresh battery in your meter and see if that changes anything. And look for any sort of possible "low battery" indicator on the display, while you're at it.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2015, 01:04:35 am
content: Quote from: AG6QR on January 13, 2015, 01:01:41 amSome of the fresh zinc 9V batteries I have measured with some yellow and grey multimeters (no load) is around that 9.6, 9.7V ballpark. That is why I think it is plausible.

author: Elantramax1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 13, 2015, 01:34:31 am
content: The Battery is fairly new in the Meter.I tried checking a pair of AAAs. 20V. There is no 2V range. First read 0.00. Then jumped to 1.5. Back to 0. Landed around 1.44. Each one. I should probably get my Snap-On and see what is shows.

author: Elantramax1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 14, 2015, 09:39:08 pm
content: I was looking at a Fluke 88V. However the Kit is really expensive. And is probably an "Overkill" for my needs. As I don't work as a Professional Mechanic anymore. Just the occasional side job. And some personal work. So I am back to Two of the Three I was considering. Toss up between the Bosch and OTC. Bosch has Higher capacities. OTC specs look more precise. Both would be used by their respective countries Auto Manufacturers. That's where my dilemma come from.Bosch:http://www.boschdiagnostics.com/testequipment/diagnostics/engineanalyzers/multimeter/Pages/MMD540HMultimeter.aspxOTC:http://www.otctools.com/products/750-series-automotive-multimeterThanks

author: nowlan
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2015, 12:21:41 pm
content: Try froogle.com for 88v prices.Suggest you have a look athttp://www.aeswave.com/if you want auto electrician stuff.back probes, relay testers, clamps.I think the auto style multimeter are mainly about min/max voltage and current record.Watch the battery/alternator voltage sag during crank/high beam.You will want a high amp current clamp to watch cranking camps.Multimeter can only do 20amp briefly, not 200; and require you to break circuit.Low current clamp for seeing if parasitic devices such as alarm, gps, killing battery when car is off.Might suggest you search garagejournal.com for advice too.

author: Elantramax1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2015, 08:20:12 pm
content: I have a separate tool made by Solar. Tests Batteries, Starter and Alternator. I am not exactly sure how it works. I heard it tests "Conductance". Like the Midtronics testers you see at the Auto Parts stores. It doesn't check for Draw.Thanks. I'll check those places when I have a chance.

author: Elantramax1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 15, 2015, 11:43:41 pm
content: I just looked at the AES website. The Fluke 88V Kit runs $419. Are they an Authorized Fluke Dealer?? They say they are. Fluke doesn't have them listed. The Bosch $199.Guess my big issue is, I am afraid to spend that much ($419) money. Like I sais earlier, I don't work as a professional Auto Tech anymore. Mostly just weekend and my own projects. Which isn't steady work.

author: Elantramax1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2015, 01:23:44 am
content: I decided to order the Fluke 88V Kit from Artic Tools. $435.99. Free Ship. No Tax. AES was charging $419 + $15.xx for UPS Ground. $22 USPS Priority mail. I bought an Innova 31703 from them before. And had no issues.

author: Wytnucls
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2015, 05:21:46 pm
content: Probably too late now, but if you don't mind second-hand, this one seems reasonably priced, if it includes the current clamp:http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fluke-88-Automotive-Multimeter-/251794830857?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3aa0243609

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2015, 06:12:51 pm
content: That auction has the original Fluke 88. The lcd has been upgraded to the upright and larger digits, but it does shows signs of fading digit syndrome. The original 88 lcd has slanted and smaller digits.Seehttp://mrmodemhead.com/blog/fluke-8x-faded-lcd/You can see in modemhead's 88, the digits are smaller and slanted compared to the auction picture.

author: Elantramax1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2015, 11:28:49 am
content: Well, It not too late for anything now. There was a problem at work yesterday. And Fortunately I was able to Cancel the order. As I may not be working for Trane anymore. And I don't see any job offers coming up soon. I don't know what I am doing now?? I studied Auto Mechanics at the County Vocational School. But when employers find out about my broken collar bone and bad left shoulder, Don't want to hire me. As I am a liability.

author: Elantramax1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2015, 08:45:34 pm
content: I went to Lowes today. And found a Southwire brand DVM. #10030S. It looks like it could've been made by ExTech. Double Molded Impact Resistant Housing. Has 7 Functions, 20 Ranges. Backlight and Hold. Cat III 600V rating. 9v Battery. Its only a 2000 Count Display. I bought his to replace the Craftsman. I am getting a different one for the Automotive work. Tests 1.5 and 9V Batteries.http://www.lowes.com/pd_464295-295-SW912_1z0wkj2+1z13xd5__?productId=50081424&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1%26page%3D1&facetInfo=Southwire

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2015, 09:16:55 pm
content: CEM Instruments makes some multimeters for Extech, Southwire and Bosch. The CEM characteristic is the large exaggerated LCD digits.http://www.cem-instruments.com/en/pro/sort7-1.html

author: Elantramax1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2015, 09:23:53 pm
content: Looks like a 922L without the Non Contact Voltage sensor. Same design. Different color

author: Elantramax1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: January 22, 2015, 08:47:19 pm
content: I stopped at a local Radio Shack. 50% Off Store Closing. Didn't know it. Anyway I found an Extech EX210T for $45. Now I need to decide which I am keeping??