What is you ideal continuity tester? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2013, 10:32:41 pm
content: The question is simple.For me it nees selectable threshold, selectable max voltage, nice buzzer, maiby selectable frequency.Light segnalation, maiby blinker.A little led for light the zoneMust fit nice in the hand, and have interchangeable second probeFor you?

author: Dave
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2013, 10:36:25 pm
content: Latching beeper, fast response. My 87V has both.

author: notsob
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2013, 10:41:15 pm
content: Have a look at kripton's collection of continuity tester circuitshttp://kripton2035.free.fr/continuity-repos.html

author: MetraCollector
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2013, 10:58:13 pm
content: I am satisfied with my Ag 34401A.Time ago I used MY64.

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2013, 11:00:20 pm
content: 2 wires with 220 volts ac across them. sparks : contact

author: AG6QR
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 16, 2013, 11:49:06 pm
content: I use a continuity to get a yes/no answer to whether two things are connected, so I don't need adjustable voltage, threshold, etc.I do like the latching beeper and fast reaction of both of my Flukes, my 179 and 16. I also like the fact that they use low enough voltage so as not to send semiconductor junctions into conduction, so they don't indicate continuity through diodes and transistors.I like the V-Check feature of my Fluke 16. If I accidentally connect it to a voltage source of more than 4.5V (AC or DC), it will switch to voltage measurement mode and display the voltage. Without causing any damage whatsoever to the meter.

author: SLJ
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2013, 12:08:54 am
content: I use a 87V but thought you might enjoy seeing this early one from the 1920s in my collection:If the red dot moves out of the window you have continuity.Here are the instructions:http://www.stevenjohnson.com/pics/testometer-inst.jpg

author: zaoka
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2013, 01:14:33 am
content: Old analog Triplett meter is my favorite.

author: Neilm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2013, 06:24:28 pm
content: Fast response for a buzzer is a must.I saw a meter many years ago that played a tune (don't remember or care what) but it took about 5 seconds to begin playing. The only use for the meter was that when it was turned "off" the display stayed active with a clock that was reasonably accurate.Neil

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2013, 06:27:39 pm
content: agilent now do a multimeter with a tune that indicate the resistance

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2013, 06:32:19 pm
content: Tune or tone? I think tone. Though I could see a case for (2.3) Ohm on the (10R) Range.

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2013, 06:42:23 pm
content: yeah yeah tone bad english

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2013, 06:46:20 pm
content: If I understand correctly, I think Neilm's tester actually played atune...

author: Dave
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2013, 07:39:03 pm
content: Yeah, Agilent U123xA meters can do that. The pitch of the tone depends on the resistance they measure. It's annoying as f*ck, though. I just have it set to a constant pitch.The power-on tune was also annoying, I disabled it the first day I got that meter. I don't know what the hell Agilent were thinking when they implemented that tune.Aside from that, it's a really good meter. The measurements are spot on and you can disable the auto power-off function.

author: komet
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 17, 2013, 07:47:11 pm
content: I'd like my continuity meter to measure continuity between the points I intended to touch with the probes, rather than the rather old-fashioned standard of the points I actually did touch. GET ON WITH IT FLUKE

author: ben_r_
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2013, 09:13:57 pm
content: Any of the ones built into any of my DMMs...

author: Phaedrus
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 17, 2013, 09:17:11 pm
content: One that goes "beep" when it detects continuity between the leads.

author: Tube_Dude
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2013, 09:25:56 am
content: Quote from: zaoka on July 17, 2013, 01:14:33 amFor me too...

author: deephaven
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2013, 10:23:32 am
content: My vote is for my beloved Polar Toneohm 550. It's tone varies in frequency as the resistance changes and is great for tracking down those elusive shorts on a PCB.

author: KedasProbe
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2013, 04:10:50 pm
content: ideal:be able to set current and max voltage.fast obviously, and a tone that gives you info about the voltage value. freq == voltage

author: c4757p
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2013, 04:16:47 pm
content: Quote from: deephaven on July 18, 2013, 10:23:32 amOh, that is just beautiful. Hmm..... I am a massive cheapass, so I don't think I'm going to spend money on a continuity tester, but I think you've just added one more weekend project to my long list...

author: Bloch
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 18, 2013, 04:20:50 pm
content: Quote from: KedasProbe on July 18, 2013, 04:10:50 pmVoltage up to 1000V so it can be used as a meggerCurrent up to 1000A so it can be used to test bus-bar / connectionLast but not least adjustable sound level

author: Tooms
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 18, 2013, 05:00:12 pm
content: Hi guysI am in the process of writing a review of the Fluke CNX multimeter and has just tested the continuity tester function on it and compairing it to other meters.I have tested the shortest time for an good beep and here is the results..Fluke 179_____________________0.49 msFluke CNX 3000 Multimeter_______0.68 msFluke 789_____________________0.88 msFluke 287_____________________1.17 msFluke T5-1000_________________4.05 msFluke 27_____________________69.05 msFluke 8846A__________________79.06 msI dont have a 87V so i can test that time, sorry.Tooms

author: olsenn
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2013, 05:05:08 pm
content: My ideal continuity tester is one where god speaks to my inner conscience telling me "they are one"

author: ddavidebor
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2013, 05:10:07 pm
content: Quote from: Bloch on July 18, 2013, 04:20:50 pmThat's a good idea.