Will Mastech MS8268 Work for Troubleshooting Plasma TV? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Haplo
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 06, 2015, 12:13:57 pm
content: In terms of safety, will this work? I just need something for testing voltages. It claims to be Cat II 1000v and Cat 3 600v. It's the seems to be best meter in my budget in Canada. I know there is similar priced one on Amazon US that has Cat 3 1000v and Cat 4 600v but they don't sell it here.http://www.amazon.ca/Mastech-MS8268-Digital-Manual-Multimeter/dp/B000JQ4O2U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1436184518&sr=8-1&keywords=multimeterIf you guys have any suggestions for a better multimeter ~40-50 that is available in Canada, please let me know.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 06, 2015, 05:35:07 pm
content: I have a strong aversion to Mastech. Do not trust any of their CAT ratings.Consider the Amprobe AM-510 or the Uni-Trend UT139C. Both are much better values than any Mastech IMHO.

author: retiredcaps
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2015, 09:10:10 pm
content: For Canada, finding a properly third party certified CAT III meter for $40 for $50 is difficult.I suggest you consider the following options.1) Fluke 101. Before Joe did his tests,https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hear-kitty-kitty-kitty-nope-not-that-kind-of-cat/I suggested that the Fluke 101 would be a good option for the purposes of troubleshooting TVs.http://www.badcaps.net/forum/showpost.php?p=504409&postcount=10BTW, despite its website name, badcaps.net does have a forum where there is a lot of information about troubleshooting TVs. Tom66, a member here as well, is your plasma expert.2) Joe's tests suggests the Amproble AM-510 would be a consideration, but, as usual, we get hosed (pun) on the exchange rate and Amazon.com vs Amazon.ca differences.$37.88 USD + free s/h at Amazon.com and $79.55 CDN + $31.95 s/h at Amazon.ca3) If you can wait, this one at Canadian Tire goes on sale for about $25.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/canadian-tire-mastercraft-dmm-new-and-old-revision-teardown/PS. Troubleshooting a plasma means working with high voltage. It could be 400VDC if PFC is present and most of your sustain boards are in the 200VDC range. Using clips for hands free operation is recommended.

author: Lightages
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 06, 2015, 10:08:42 pm
content: The UT139C is available whipped to Canada for $50, including shipping on ebay. This from our friend here, iloveelectronics on his store.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Uni-T-UT139C-True-RMS-Digital-Multimeter-with-Temperature-NCV-Backlight-/171213085325You will have to wait till July14th for him to take the order and ship though.

author: Haplo
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 06, 2015, 11:26:54 pm
content: The issue I have with purchasing from china is the fact that if it comes DOA I'm completely screwed because return shipping will be at least as much as the meter itself. The seller doesn't cover any return shipping fees.@retiredcaps I set a price alert on the canadiantire meter. Thanks for the heads up!

author: Fat
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 07, 2015, 02:03:51 am
content: It won't be screwed up when it comes from Iloveelectronics. He's a member here and great to deal with. If you ask, I'd bet he'll test it for you before he sends it. He has to take the batteries out to ship it anyway.I bought a Brymen 257 from him last month. Great meter and great service.Fat