Multi meter recommendation

73.159.213.43

Posted on September 26, 2016 at 09:16:03

gonzo
Audiophile

Posts: 2512
Location: new england
Joined: November 28, 2002

My old analog basic rat shack multimeter died, must have been 30 yrs+ old. Some years ago when I thought I would learn more and attempt basic repair I bought a fluke 87 Mk Iv. Well, I am in my mid to late 60's, my brain doesn't work as well as it used to, and this meter is just too complex for me and my occasional needs. I hate needing a manual just to use it. So, is there an inexpensive, simpler but good multimeter. I will be checking continuity, ohms, volts capacitance, basic stuff, but it needs to be simple and obvious to use. Thanks for any ideas. Norm

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RE: Multi meter recommendation

krankkall

09:05:53 12/10/16

RE: Multi meter recommendation

gordguide

08:10:04 12/10/16

I use a Simpson 270-2.

J. S. Bach

17:36:39 09/29/16

...

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RE: Multi meter recommendation

krankkall

09:05:53 12/10/16

RE: Multi meter recommendation

gordguide

08:10:04 12/10/16

I use a Simpson 270-2.

J. S. Bach

17:36:39 09/29/16

RE: Multi meter recommendation

gkargreen

16:51:53 09/26/16

You could break into a military surplus and get a simple one like I have.

alaskahiatt

15:42:44 09/26/16

RE: Multi meter recommendation

Blackdog

15:19:15 09/26/16

I love analog meters and well and my all time favorite is right here.

Michael Samra

13:46:19 09/26/16

4

What's the difference between the 260a and other

gonzo

13:51:50 09/27/16

RE: What's the difference between the 260a and other

Michael Samra

18:56:49 09/28/16

Ditto that - I learned on one and will always have one in my tool set

caffeinator

20:12:28 09/26/16

RE: Ditto that - I learned on one and will always have one in my tool set

airtime

07:58:43 09/27/16

RE: Multi meter recommendation

Coner

13:08:33 09/26/16

why not just

DavidLD

12:17:08 09/26/16

RE: Multi meter recommendation

Uncle Mike

11:33:07 09/26/16

RE: Multi meter recommendation

airtime

10:39:37 09/26/16

RE: Multi meter recommendation

geezerrocket

09:38:55 09/26/16

2

That's the one (nt)

Bill Way

18:33:56 09/26/16

Fluke 87III

FenderLover

09:56:02 09/26/16

RE: Multi meter recommendation, posted on September 26, 2016 at 09:38:55

geezerrocket

Fluke.

http://en-us.fluke.com/products/digital-multimeters/

Fluke 87III, posted on September 26, 2016 at 09:56:02

FenderLover

I've had mine for ages. Most reliable and dependable tool. I don't think it's too overwhelming (like some of today's cellphones).

Use it for audio, house wiring, car fixing, you name it. I could not think of a more reliable DVM, for the $$$ it cost me.

Checking DC voltage leakage off coupling cap:

photo coupling cap voltage after_zpsms5p4kse.jpg

RE: Multi meter recommendation, posted on September 26, 2016 at 10:39:37
airtime Audiophile Posts: 11287 Location: Arizona Joined: February 4, 2003	Get a Fluke or do be ready to my a meter every year or so.

RE: Multi meter recommendation, posted on September 26, 2016 at 11:33:07
Uncle Mike	The problem is a new cheap meter would have most if not all of the functions of your Fluke, just little to no documentation to show how to use the functions. Honestly that Fluke 87 is a pretty basic DMM and a good one! Another option is to look for a used analog Simpson meter.

why not just, posted on September 26, 2016 at 12:17:08
DavidLD Audiophile Posts: 4884 Joined: May 29, 2002	go on ebay and do a search on "Radio Shack Multimeter". There are any number of working meters from the 1980s there. Some of them are probably close to your broken one. USUALLY the problem with the RS meter is just a blown fuse. Have you checked?

RE: Multi meter recommendation, posted on September 26, 2016 at 13:08:33
Coner Audiophile Posts: 3703 Location: S.W. Washington state, USA Joined: November 17, 2001	Besides Fluke, I like my Wavetek DMM's.

I love analog meters and well and my all time favorite is right here., posted on September 26, 2016 at 13:46:19

Michael Samra
Dealer

Posts: 36118
Location: saginaw michigan
Joined: January 30, 2005

I use a Simpson 260A and I also use a Viz Volt-Ohmyst which is the same as the RCA Volt-Ohymst and you can't go wrong with either.Here is an idea what they go for used so just go on Ebay and do a search.

"For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong" H. L. Mencken

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=simpson+260a&_in_kw=1&_e

RE: Multi meter recommendation, posted on September 26, 2016 at 15:19:15
Blackdog Manufacturer Posts: 1505 Location: Ontario Joined: March 20, 2006	How much simpler do you want? The Fluke is as easy as it gets. It's auto ranging, has separate setting for VDC, VAC, ohms, diode checker etc. You don't get much simpler or much better for the money. I would suggest you learn how to use it. You won't be sorry. Dan Santoni

You could break into a military surplus and get a simple one like I have. , posted on September 26, 2016 at 15:42:44
alaskahiatt Audiophile Posts: 7501 Joined: December 9, 2000 Contributor Since: November 1, 2005	They are built real tough on the inside, but I don't have a picture.

RE: Multi meter recommendation, posted on September 26, 2016 at 16:51:53
gkargreen Audiophile Posts: 1562 Location: DC Joined: February 5, 2005	If you want to sell that Fluke, let me know! Or I can trade you my Fluke 73 which is a bit simpler and has been my cornerstone DVM for 20 years and works like a beast!

That's the one (nt), posted on September 26, 2016 at 18:33:56
Bill Way Audiophile Posts: 1884 Location: Toms River NJ Joined: May 28, 2012 Contributor Since: December 14, 2012	nt "Put on your high heeled sneakers. Baby, we''re goin'' out tonight.

Ditto that - I learned on one and will always have one in my tool set, posted on September 26, 2016 at 20:12:28

caffeinator
Audiophile

Posts: 1729
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 22, 2003

We used the Simpson 260 in High School electronics class, and our instructor always called it a "Simpson Meter" instead of a multi-meter. When I meandered back to electronics as a hobby a few decades ago, I was aghast when I went looking for a Simpson and was met only with blank stares. When I described what I meant, I would typically hear in response "Oh, you mean a Fluke?"

I still use the 260 and my old Radio Shack knock-off, as well as the couple of DMMs I have around the place, of course.

RE: Ditto that - I learned on one and will always have one in my tool set, posted on September 27, 2016 at 07:58:43
airtime Audiophile Posts: 11287 Location: Arizona Joined: February 4, 2003	I had a simpson and it disappeared????? It was given to me by a retired electrical engineer. Like a work of art and built like a tank!!!

What's the difference between the 260a and other, posted on September 27, 2016 at 13:51:50
gonzo Audiophile Posts: 2512 Location: new england Joined: November 28, 2002	260 models. Prices do seem to vary. Thanks Norm

RE: What's the difference between the 260a and other, posted on September 28, 2016 at 18:56:49
Michael Samra Dealer Posts: 36118 Location: saginaw michigan Joined: January 30, 2005	They are all pretty similar and reliable meters. "For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong" H. L. Mencken

I use a Simpson 270-2., posted on September 29, 2016 at 17:36:39
J. S. Bach Audiophile Posts: 9575 Location: Chester, SC Joined: November 28, 2001 Contributor Since: June 29, 2004	Later Gator, Dave

RE: Multi meter recommendation, posted on December 10, 2016 at 08:10:04

gordguide
Audiophile

Posts: 302
Joined: January 20, 2002

Continuity, Ohms, Volts ... you are in solid $10 Digital Multimeter (DMM) territory. Buy whatever you find at a low price. Modern DMMs in the sub-$100 price category use basically the same chipsets and are very accurate at the above tasks.

Capacitance. OK, now we have a problem. You cannot expect just any old meter to measure capacitance, or to measure it accurately if it does offer a reading.

Decide how important it is to you. If you really need it I suggest the DER EE 5000 LCR meter, about $120 from eBay, choose a Japan-based supplier and get the accessories with it. Note that you are now using two meters ... the basic DMM and the LCR meter. It is very expensive to get a one-box device that would perform both jobs at the accuracy of the two handhelds together.

You may also consider a third meter ... although you have the 87-V, which I also encourage you to learn how to use. It's an outstanding unit, and today represents the least expensive FLUKE handheld that is not made in China.

But two DMMs are very useful together, depending on what you are measuring. In fact if you are into DIY then you can't have too many meters for simultaneous measurements. Five is a nice number.

So, learn the 87-V is your best bet. Buy an inexpensive DMM and the DER EE 5000 is your second best bet. And buying more than one inexpensive DMM is a third option.

RE: Multi meter recommendation, posted on December 10, 2016 at 09:05:53
krankkall Audiophile Posts: 296 Location: New Mexico Joined: April 5, 2014	Unless you're using a DVM at work, or on a daily basis, save you money on buying an expensive FLUKE. Most inexpensive DVM now days, will give you basic and accurate functions. I've been using an inexpensive IDEAL DVM now for the last ten years, with no problems whatsoever. Steve

Vintage Asylum

Multi meter recommendation

73.159.213.43