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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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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
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.
Later Gator,
Dave
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!
They are built real tough on the inside, but I don't have a picture.
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
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
260 models. Prices do seem to vary. Thanks Norm
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
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.
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!!!
Besides Fluke, I like my Wavetek DMM's.
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?
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.
Edits: 09/26/16
Get a Fluke or do be ready to my a meter every year or so.
Fluke.
Meat; It's the right thing to do. Romans 14:2
nt
"A man need merely light the filaments of his receiving set and the world's greatest artists will perform for him." Alfred N. Goldsmith, RCA, 1922
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:
Edits: 09/26/16 09/26/16
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