Digital MultiMeter

S

SuzukiGS750EZ

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Dec 30, 2008
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Hey guys. Looking to purchase a DMM online. 75$ max. My grandfather has a fluke 88 that I'm spoiled by, so I'm trying to find something with as many functions as possible for the price. I will use it in automotive, computers and household applications. I've found two, but am not too savvy right now with the features. I plan to learn and ask so I can learn how to use it fully, as I have an interest in electronics. I will list the two I've looked at in my price range. Don't know much about reliability of the two or which has more features.

http://www.equus.com/Product/3340/Automotive-DMM™-(10-MegOhm-UL)

http://www.service.kleintools.com/Tools/PRD/Category/Multimeters TESTERS-MULMETERS/Product/MM1000

I've been looking more at the equus just because I have one of their scan tools and love the quality.
 
I have 3 Fluke DMM's, a Fluke Scopemeter, and a Simpson analog meter... can't say enough good about them. They are all very good, but expensive. I also have a cheaper Sears DMM for the garage and an even cheaper radio shack folding model with leads that roll up inside the case. 9/10 at home I grab for the radio shack unit because it is quick and easy and it is good for 99% of what I do at home. Both of the units you listed look good, but you could go even cheaper for your first one just to use it a while and get a feel for what you need / want in a meter. In electronics school we built a meter to use in class, not sure if that is appealing to you, but it was fun and gives you a peak into the circuitry involved in the meter.
 
Been working on flight simulators, computers and electronics for 30 years and have owned only Flukes, I swear by them. The majority of government shops I have worked in all had Flukes as their shop meters. They make a wide range of meters and if possible I would find one close to my price range. With a bit of care it should last the rest of your life.
 
Yeah. I know, I wish I could afford a fluke, I'd get an 88va and be done with it. Which of those looks to be better feature and accuracy wise? I'd like to be able to check coolant temps, ac temps, battery in the car as well as electronics and such on vehicles. Is the equus a touch better?
 
Electronic Specialties makes some good budget dvoms. IMHO if you just using it for personal use , I would get a craftsman auto ranging meter. Innova makes some decent electronics. I use a bosch mmd 540 for work.
 
Between those two which would you pick? Or is there better for cheaper? I kind of doubt that though. 75$ for the equus brand new and 62 for the klein
 
At work we use Flukes only.
At home I have a Craftsman that gets the job done. It's no Fluke obviously, but good enough for one-tenth the price.
 
I won't be able to afford a fluke or I would lol. Trying to just find a budget DMM for my money's worth. Wish though :-/
 
Unless you need special features like conductive amperage or temp readings just go grab a cheap one from sears, home depot, wal mart.... The more you learn about electronics the more you will know what you need. Just about any budget meter is going to read AC/DC voltage, Ohms, audible continuity, and amperage, just look for a $30 auto ranging unit and it will do just fine for learning and around the house stuff. If you are dead set on one of the two you listed go for the Innova, you would probably get some use out of the automotive features.
 
I have the Radio Shack DDM's scattered all over the house (5 at last count). They're more useful if they are at your fingertips.
 
Between those two? No question. Get the Klein.

For me?? Fluke or Agilent is all I use.

I have an Agilent 34401 which I absolutely LOVE; but this is a $1500 multimeter, so just a little bit too much for most users (and that's without adding the $500 lead set you really need to properly use this meter.)

But look at the Fluke 114. Is just a little above your range.

Whatever you get, you want a Cat III meter. You might say, "But I'm not going to be anywhere near 600 volts; I don't need Cat III." But the things that make a meter Cat III also make it just good quality.

Oh, and whatever meter you get, if you intent to probe any of today's smaller electronics, plan to spring $40 for a Pomona 6341 precision lead set. The 6341 is a must-have in my book... and for my meter.
 
Don't know if they are any good, but Milwaukee nmakes meters around your price range.
 
Yeah. I have 75$ on a prepaid credit card that ill be using. My budget doesn't allow me to spend anymore than that. I really do wish I could afford a fluke 88 kit, but I'm not well enough off to spend that kind of money.
 
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