When I started on this journey of pedal building, I made sure to grab the essential components. One of which is a Multimeter. I looked on Amazon, and found Mastech one. This one seemed to be a good price and had tons of functions:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JQ4O2U/ref=s9_acsd_hps_bw_c_x_1_w (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JQ4O2U/ref=s9_acsd_hps_bw_c_x_1_w)
A couple of years later, and my multimeter is starting to go a bit haywire. I'll often turn the big dial to a particular function, and the functionality goes in and out. For example, if I turn it to test resistance, sometimes it jumps to hFE, sometimes to capacitance. When measuring values, sometimes it take a long time to settle down; resistors when measured can take up to a minute to zero in on the value. So I'm starting to look at getting another one (potentially having this as a backup or a 2nd) and wanted to see what the community's experience was.
I know these are the functions I 100% use:
* Resistance
* Continuity
* Fwd Voltage on Diodes
* Capacitance
* DC Voltage
* hFE for Transistors (I have a board I built to test this so it's not mandatory)
* DC Amperage
The multimeter has all of that + AC Voltage/Amperage (I don't use that) as well as some sort of frequency tester.
I know that multimeters can get expensive, but I'm sure spending more money on one would be something of better quality, but I don't know if I need something in the high end range like a Fluke considering I build 3 pedals a month max (more like 20 a year on average). I have a budget where I could afford something in the $150 range, (That's the cost of a Fluke 117), but there's loads of options in the $50 range too and I wanted to see if there's something that would suit my needs.
In that price range, you might be able to find a used Fluke 189 or 89 V. Both are very nice meters.
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Sorry, I just reread your post and picked up that you can afford the Fluke but would prefer something cheaper. I'll leave those suggestions to others.
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Hey Tim,
I have the same mestech multi meter with the same issues. It sucked! I did get another meter...this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SU0W2C6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SU0W2C6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1). It works really well. The only thing it doesn't have is an hfe reader. I held onto the Mestech and still use it for hfe testing. I also use a crappy HFT meter (this one http://www.harborfreight.com/7-function-multimeter-98025.html (http://www.harborfreight.com/7-function-multimeter-98025.html)) incase i want to A/B readings.
I do recommend the Tekpower meter. it has served me well for almost 2 years now. Plus it's pretty inexpensive too!
Quote from: pickdropper on March 29, 2017, 06:44:01 PM
Sorry, I just reread your post and picked up that you can afford the Fluke but would prefer something cheaper. I'll leave those suggestions to others.
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I don't mind spending the money on a Fluke, but is it something I would benefit from? I can buy a lot of electrolytic caps for the extra $100 :).
I'm using a 35$ VC97 that fits those qualifications. While a little fuzzy on accuracy (capacitance wanders a bit) it has served my pedal building needs just fine. Even has a frequency counter for biasing flangers, and came with a thermocouple so I could figure out just how wildly inaccurate my Oven's temp settings were.
Quote from: Timko on March 29, 2017, 06:52:10 PM
Quote from: pickdropper on March 29, 2017, 06:44:01 PM
Sorry, I just reread your post and picked up that you can afford the Fluke but would prefer something cheaper. I'll leave those suggestions to others.
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I don't mind spending the money on a Fluke, but is it something I would benefit from? I can buy a lot of electrolytic caps for the extra $100 :).
I think everybody has to figure out what things are worth to them. For me, I got a nicer Fluke with the hope that it will last me many many years.
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I got an Extech MN47 from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Extech-Instruments-MN47-Function-MultiMeter/dp/B003WFJ0UG
Plenty good enough for what I'm doing, and I use it 100% for pedal circuit testing and part value verification. It doesn't measure transistor gain, but I have a separate tester for that.
I won't cut it for heavy field use, but it's good enough (and then some) for most hobbyists. The non-contact voltage detection is also handy if you're replacing household outlets or similar.
I have Fluke 179 and that's because my boss got wacked on a 208/230 line, The socket inside failed and he thought line was dead so he threw it out. I rebuilt it and know have it at home for years. If you got $200 to drop on a fluke go ahead, youll have it for live. Other wise I Extech would be my next choice http://www.extech.com/display/?id=14823 (http://www.extech.com/display/?id=14823)
Check eBay for used Fluke meters. I picked up a nearly new model 287 for a couple hundred bucks shipped.
You really have to watch for deals and be patient. The model 87V is very popular and commands a premium on eBay and in pawn shops. The lesser-known models are just as well-made and don't get bid up as high. Don't be afraid to buy used Fluke meters, they are industrial grade and meant to last a long, long time.
Blast! I just bought that same Mastech one a couple months back. I'll just use it till it goes bad and get another one. Its working fine now, thpugh its a little slow on measurements.
Quote from: AntKnee on March 30, 2017, 01:44:55 AM
Blast! I just bought that same Mastech one a couple months back. I'll just use it till it goes bad and get another one. Its working fine now, thpugh its a little slow on measurements.
Yours might be fine. I think its the switch that went / is going bad on mine and Tim's. Hopefully they upgraded / replaced the switch on it.
Quote from: flanagan0718 on March 30, 2017, 12:56:23 PM
Quote from: AntKnee on March 30, 2017, 01:44:55 AM
Blast! I just bought that same Mastech one a couple months back. I'll just use it till it goes bad and get another one. Its working fine now, thpugh its a little slow on measurements.
Yours might be fine. I think its the switch that went / is going bad on mine and Tim's. Hopefully they upgraded / replaced the switch on it.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170330/ff0009116350e5186a9a0710d559ccce.jpg)
I got this for 12 US and it seems to work really well for testing components. It goes lower than my VC97 for measuring CAPs plus the lever socket thingy makes life easy. That is the real technical term for those blue lever socket thingies. It's not a DMM but it is a good supplemental device.
Quote from: blearyeyes on March 30, 2017, 05:02:08 PM
I got this for 12 US and it seems to work really well for testing components. It goes lower than my VC97 for measuring CAPs plus the lever socket thingy makes life easy. That is the real technical term for those blue lever socket thingies. It's not a DMM but it is a good supplemental device.
ZIF socket. (Zero Insertion Force.)
OK a ZIF blue lever socket thingy.
Quote from: culturejam on March 29, 2017, 11:34:33 PM
I got an Extech MN47 from Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Extech-Instruments-MN47-Function-MultiMeter/dp/B003WFJ0UG
Plenty good enough for what I'm doing, and I use it 100% for pedal circuit testing and part value verification. It doesn't measure transistor gain, but I have a separate tester for that.
I won't cut it for heavy field use, but it's good enough (and then some) for most hobbyists. The non-contact voltage detection is also handy if you're replacing household outlets or similar.
I've had one of these Extechs for a number of years now and works great. I've also an old Fluke bench top found on ebay and a few cheapies with the hfe function. The Extech is the one in constant use.
https://www.amazon.com/Extech-Instruments-EX330-Autoranging-Temperature/dp/B000EX0AE4/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1490917184&sr=1-1&keywords=ex330
dave
Thanks community! After these responses, I think I'll pick up an Extech. I'm sure down the road I'll pick up a 2nd (and 3rd) one, but this looks perfect for my needs now.
Quote from: blearyeyes on March 30, 2017, 05:02:08 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170330/ff0009116350e5186a9a0710d559ccce.jpg)
I got this for 12 US and it seems to work really well for testing components. It goes lower than my VC97 for measuring CAPs plus the lever socket thingy makes life easy. That is the real technical term for those blue lever socket thingies. It's not a DMM but it is a good supplemental device.
What is this and where do I get it? This looks really handy.
I've gone through several of those, they aren't bad for the price, but they don't hold up very well. I found the cap measurement and lead/pin identification for diodes and transistors worked great. hFE not so good. It's a low resolution device so there's big gaps between what it will show, ie you may see 77 hFE and the next step is 112, with nothing in between.
The screen cracked on one pretty easily, the other the voltage regulator flaked out. On another one of the buttons crapped out. I found the one with the character LCD screen (not the graphics one) held up better than the others.
Quote from: Timko on March 31, 2017, 03:56:41 PM
What is this and where do I get it? This looks really handy.
You can find them all over Ebay and amazon. A few are even in kit form to satisfy your DIY craving. Can usually be found by just searching "Transistor tester" (even though most will test many things beyond that) and are about 20$ these days. Yeah build quality is... debatable and accuracy is what you'd expect for 20$ but if you're a hobbyist on a budget they're not bad.
Blearyeyes, I got one of those with the case and it works great. I love the features and addin extras you can attach. I need to use it and learn more of its features
So a quick follow up: I began researching some multimeters, and I stumbled upon a forum devoted to nothing but them. Holy balls, talk about information overload. The forum is dedicated to a lot of testing gear that is very expensive, but what a great resource none the less.
Check out my post here and the suggestions people have given:
www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hello!-new-member-with-multimeter-questions/msg1178553/ (http://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/hello!-new-member-with-multimeter-questions/msg1178553/)
The Uni-T UT139C seems to be a very popular $50 DMM. This forum not only looks at features, but construction and safety of the boards and components inside (super cool). On top of that, I think I'm going to try to fix my wonky DMM with help from these people!
fluke 179 ... not because I'm a fluke elitist but because I wanted to buy one meter and be done with it. I'd suffered with the fluctuation and crappy readings of cheap digitals for years before making that move.
Here's a cool list of recommended DMMs:
http://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/a-list-of-recommended-multimeters/ (http://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/a-list-of-recommended-multimeters/)
The Brymen's are also very well reviewed, and should be on the level of the Fluke.
I'm going with the Mastech MS8229. cool price. need temp and condo
Has anyone tried one of these? http://www.ebay.com/itm/FLUKE-101-Portable-Handheld-Digital-Multimeter-Tester-F101-15B-Smaller-Version-/351230522178?hash=item51c6f87342:g:yM4AAOSw9IpXxp0-#rwid
Quote from: krisk on April 05, 2017, 02:51:18 PM
Has anyone tried one of these? http://www.ebay.com/itm/FLUKE-101-Portable-Handheld-Digital-Multimeter-Tester-F101-15B-Smaller-Version-/351230522178?hash=item51c6f87342:g:yM4AAOSw9IpXxp0-#rwid
As a note if you're going to buy a fluke, Ebay is not an authorized retailer, so no warranty. And that model is only 8$ more from amazon. I'd pay for the peace of mind at that rate.
I bought one of those 12$ tranny testers and love it as a 2nd tester for the small stuff
FYI, this is the one I ended up getting after quite a bit of research. It cost me $38 from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Signstek-UNI-T-UT139C-Digital-Multimeters/dp/B00XOSD79G (https://www.amazon.com/Signstek-UNI-T-UT139C-Digital-Multimeters/dp/B00XOSD79G)
If I was going to buy a more expensive ($100+) meter, I believe I would go this this one in terms of quality vs. features
https://www.amazon.com/EEVblog-BM235-Brymen-Multimeter/dp/B01JZ1ADCO (https://www.amazon.com/EEVblog-BM235-Brymen-Multimeter/dp/B01JZ1ADCO)
Now I'm on the hunt for some new probes for testing. These look AMAZING (alligator clips, spring clips, tiny bendy leads to getting into boards), but at $50, my leads would cost more than my DMM...
http://probemaster.com/8000-series-test-lead-master-kits/ (http://probemaster.com/8000-series-test-lead-master-kits/)
The type of lead i use most besides the probes that came with my meter are the grabber type. I bought a pair of Pomana's from Digikey and they're really nice quality, just wish i bought ones with longer leads.
(http://media.digikey.com/Photos/Pomona%20Photos/3782-12-2_sml.jpg)
dave
I'm looking at a lead set with changable tips.
Alligator clips
Pinchers (like above)
super thin, flexible probe tips
I'm going through some things on eBay. When I find a kit I think that would be good (features and price), I'll post back here.
Those probes are your third and fourth...... etc hand