Decent multimeter?

[Xander_Hal]

Any recommendations on a decent multimeter?

The main use will be testing circuitry in my electric guitars and fencing swords, but I can see myself wanting to measure PSU outputs and that sort of thing in the future.

Thanks

[cloasters]

Fluke brand are probably the best. Perhaps there's a Canadian-made one? Radio Shack, not so much.

[JimF]

If you just want to measure continuity between tracks or short-circuits (or their absence) then a cheap multimeter is fine.

I agree - Fluke are probably the best in the world for multimeters - but if you want to diagnose audio problems (hum or interference) or transient PSU issues (spikes or short term glitches) then an osilloscope or storeage scope are the tools you need.

[Gizmo]

I used to swear by the Beckman Industrial meters, but something happened about 15 years ago, and they started putting out some stuff that wasn't real whippy for the money. Fluke make about the best in the hand-held arena (IMO), although for serious bench-top work, HP used to make some very nice 4 1/2 digit bench-top meters. I don't even know if HP are still in the market, though.

JimF is right though, if you are trying to measure transients, there's no substitute for a good 'scope.

[cloasters]

But do you really need a dual channel one? Tektronix used to be my fave, but they're expensive nowadays. Multimeter, if you have to RS will do--but Mongo not like.

[Groltz]

I have a Simpson 270-5RT and can recommend it. Most everyone here will probably laugh though... It's analog.

[Xander_Hal]

Thanks for all the input guys. All I want for now is to measure continuity in circuits, so I'm thinking of going for this:

http://www.byramlabs.com/product_inf...oducts_id/6632

or this:

http://www.byramlabs.com/product_inf...products_id/29

Just gotta price it out and find one that ships to Canada. Maybe I'll wait for boxing week...

[Gizmo]

Ah, I had forgotten about the Simpson analog meters. Simpson definitely make the best analog I've ever used.

I used to own a Fluke 73; that's definitely a good meter to have.

It'd be hard to go wrong with either of those meters, but I'd probably go with the Fluke 73. Being a digital meter, it'll be more rugged than the Simpson, and probably a tad easier to use.

[Samuknow]

I second that. I have a Fluke 112 set now. Came with the amp clamp....

[cloasters]

What's wrong with a RS $15 special? Plenty! But seriously, those are some nice meters.

[noob]

Myself I use a $10 build it yourself one.

then I don't use it for much more than continuity, and having had it calibrated, it is actually pretty accurate (~+/-2%), for resistance, and it has a diode and transistor test, does capacitance, and isn't to bad on small amperages (max about 4A) and voltages to about 150V. Above that its a little flakey.

[Samuknow]

noob....

Your avitar is killing me....

[Xander_Hal]

@cloasters

We don't even have Radio Shack up here any more. It's now called "The Source", although it stocks pretty much exactly the same products just rebranded...

I'll have to reconsider the $15 special if I can't find any fancier ones close to home for a good deal

[noob]

ok will change it, can't have people dieing on me

EDIT: is that better?

[Samuknow]

Both make me laugh so it's all good....

[noob]

I want it as a aprt of my sig at work, but for some reason they wont allow it

[Samuknow]

I really can't imagine why...

[noob]

neither can I, I only send emails to potential students, students, and staff members who have problems.
Its not like they wouldn't care or anything

[cloasters]

You must hide your don't give a hoot attitude behind a facade of I care deeply about your fullfilment, oh customer. Especially during this most wonderful time of the year. I know I'm happy!!!!!

[noob]

I'm good enough that I should become a politician. But I hate politics and politicians.