Kitz Forum
Chat => Tech Chat => Topic started by: Weaver on June 26, 2020, 12:23:21 AM
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my multimeter is getting a bit long in the tooth, so I looked around at Amazon for a replacement. I went to amazon.co.uk, fell in and drowned. Could someone recommend a model or help me choose one? Just the usual basic functions.
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My personal view is you want good auto-ranging and protection and with a nice big screen (my eyesight is crap) , there are some really good expert reviewers online, I like bigclive (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOvmVK1G_3c)personally.
If you can afford it and the professional choice is usually Fluke (https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/page/6F21B7B1-203A-4F72-862E-3CE748465D48?store_ref=SB_A08798803NO3R69BT0GT0&pf_rd_p=34d4bbdf-2a2a-4bdd-a42e-3fe9c578c28d&aaxitk=Fgu8nm9jJglA3c.ol4w.1Q&hsa_cr_id=1691950340702&lp_asins=B001VXX2O6,B00CSRYG8A,B00KS74MNQ&lp_mat_key=fluke meter&lp_query=fluke meter&lp_slot=auto-sparkle-hsa-tetris&ref_=sbx_be_s_sparkle_mcd_cta)(or maybe Amecal) but they are expensive, if you are prepared to buy direct from China (where they are made) on ebay and avoid the copies / counterfeits you can get them at much reduced prices and still with the same quality. I bought mine like this and its a great piece of gear and about 50% of retail price in UK. My Fluke is an FCH17 not sold in UK but I bought for £80, the UK equivalent on Amazon is around £200
If you just want it for voltage testing get a voltage tester, they are cheaper. For messing about and if you want super cheap you will need to do some research as there is some real crap out there, suggest you start with the reviews on YouTube.
C
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One suggestion I’d make is, take a look at what somebody who specialises, like RS Components, have to offer.
https://uk.rs-online.com/web/c/test-measurement/multimeters-accessories/digital-multimeters/
...RS do sell sone high end stuff, on that link, you probably want to order on ascending price.
Or maybe others too, like Farnell. I personally like RS because they use Next Day Parcel Force, for my postcode at least. Only downside is they’ve recently added a £30 minimum spend for free delivery for private (non business) sales, though it seems a bit sporadic whether they apply it or not.
Buying from Amazon, I’d probably just buy pretty much the cheapest, within reason. That way, if it turns out to be complete and useless tat, it’s not cost me much. And I’ll probably have learned a bit about DMMs in the process, so I’d be more confident spending more bucks on something better.
If you do go for Amazon, I find reviews on gear like this can be useful. Fake reviews are easier to spot as genuine reviewers generally want to show off a bit, demonstrating their understanding (or more often misunderstanding) of basic electronics.
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+1 for using RS or Farnell.
I use a Fluke 73, years old, reliable just needs new battery now and again.
I also have my fathers AVO 9 ;D which still works well.
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I also own a Fluke 73 which I bought years ago, but still works perfectly, but still pricey!
R S Components have this one https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/digital-multimeters/1611625/ which is good value and from a known source and should be at least Class 3 minimum compliant.
If your after the simplest type look for "Auto ranging" as you only have to select voltage/resistance etc and it will do the rest, and will save the hassle of turning the dial.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Fluke-101-Basic-Handheld-and-Easily-Carried-Digital-Multimeter-CAT-III-600V/273069256164? is the one I would go for.
Added Fluke 101 link
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Good tips thank you re RS and Farnell used to use both at work many moons ago. And using Royal Mail delivery is very important up here where we get constant geo-racism or whatever the word might be for discrimination against postcodes. What indeed would be a good word? - one that doesn’t trivialise and abuse the term ‘racism’?
Auto-ranging would be nice, a usability enhancement.
I’m utterly amazed at the low prices I’ve seen.
Thank you to all, and keep ’em coming if you’re willing.
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It depends what you want to use it for. My needs are very simple - I wouldn't pay more than £5 to £10, the one I bought I got from one of the cheap tool stalls at a country fair - it looks very like this: https://smile.amazon.co.uk/Lorenlli-Multimeter-Continuity-Voltmeter-Ohmmeter-Yellow/dp/B088682NQW/ref=sr_1_11?crid=3EYARJGZVKJIP&dchild=1&keywords=multimeter&qid=1593166160&sprefix=multi%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-11
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My needs will be basic testing, buzzing out tests, fault finding. nothing high end nor anything that requires very high voltage, current or very hugh frequencies.
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I agree with jelv that you don't need to spend a lot for general home use.
I'm very happy with my £10 Powerfix meter from Lidl a few years ago. They reappear in the store every so often, and there's a detailed look here -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=16&v=ufx3rhCTmpY&feature=emb_logo
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I loved this line in the link jelv quoted:
"New (1) from £0.01 + £32.97 Shipping" ;D
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Giving it more thought...
Apart from two Avo 8s in a cupboard, I’m still using a cheap DMM I bought in Maplin, about 10 years ago.
Features I like....
Mine has a maximum resistance scale of 20MΩ whereas I see some may be somewhat less. I do find the larger range is useful as it can sometimes confirm that unexpected leakage is present. It’s no substitute for a proper leakage tester as used by an electrician but, since I don’t possess such a thing, so it is better than useless.
One thing mine has, and I’d miss, is a transistor gain test. I thought that was a common feature, but actually seems more rare than I thought. Probably of no interest to OP.
Mine also has a capacitor measurement. That is useful but less so, and again, probably not much relevance here.
A feature I’d like to see but not sure if any have it, is auto power off. It is so easy to find myself picking it up after a few weeks disuse, to find I’ve left it switched on and battery flat. :-X
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I agree with jelv that you don't need to spend a lot for general home use.
I'm very happy with my £10 Powerfix meter from Lidl a few years ago. They reappear in the store every so often, and there's a detailed look here -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=16&v=ufx3rhCTmpY&feature=emb_logo
You mean you aren't still using your trusty Meter Multi Range 12D like me? :) :)
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I also have my fathers AVO 9 ;D which still works well.
I still use my AVO not found anything it can’t do very well
[Moderator edited to fix the broken [quote] tag.]
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[quote
I also have my fathers AVO 9 ;D which still works well.
I still use my AVO not found anything it can’t do very well
Yep, can't beat a good analogue meter, all this digital stuff will never catch on!! :lol: :lol:
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Yep, can't beat a good analogue meter, all this digital stuff will never catch on!! :lol: :lol:
I have a new and unused "Detector No4, Mk10" tucked away somewhere in The Grotto.
A "Beattie Bellman" branded "Beckmann Industrial BIL/86/1 MMF1A" is my DMM of choice.
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I have a new and unused "Detector No4, Mk10" tucked away somewhere in The Grotto.
Ahh, Detector No4, now that takes me back a long way! :) :)
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Avos are lovely instruments, but challenging to fix, in my experience.
I bought one of mine s/h, not working quite right. Fault was easily traced to a weak contact in one of the leaf switch assemblies, specifically a contact that is meant to “shunt” the zero ohms knob, when not reading resistance. The factory service manual, of which I have a copy, sanctions simple retensioning of the leafs with “duck bill” pliers. Trouble is, I need to get access first, and three years on I have yet to pluck up the courage for what looks like a marathon of desoldering and resoldering fragile old wires. :D
Another caution in the factory manual is, during disassembly, using a piece of non magnetic material to shield the movement magnets, avoiding contact with screwdrivers. I guess the screwdriver might otherwise become slightly magnetised and, in turn the movement would become slightly demagnetised, throwing it out of calibration. I’d not have thought of that, and wonder how many other things I might not have thought of. :-\
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my multimeter is getting a bit long in the tooth
I suggest several of the responses to this topic endorse the view that just because something is long in the tooth it should be replaced.
Lets go back to basics: how is your current meter broken and/or what is your current multimeter not doing that you need?
In view of what you've said about the impact of the pandemic on Janet's business, I find it strange that you might be changing something because it's old. Watch out in case Janet decides the same about you! :lol:
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Avos are lovely instruments, . . .
I've used a few over the last double-digit number of years but have never owned one. A quick couple of questions: What does one do when its battery/batteries requires replacement? Are they still obtainable?
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You mean you aren't still using your trusty Meter Multi Range 12D like me? :) :)
Never had a 12C or 12D, but I do use my similar SA9083 (small with yellow case) on occasion - in some scenarios an analogue needle is required. :)
I once had an original 9083 (metal, large with brown case), and I can't remember now how it met its end.
Also entered retirement with a BT MMF1A (Fluke 8022). Nice meter, but fiddly switches, so donated to daughter who's inherited the 'tinkering' gene. :)
General workhorse these days is an old (1999-ish) Maplin White Gold WG 023.
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I've used a few over the last double-digit number of years but have never owned one. A quick couple of questions: What does one do when its battery/batteries requires replacement? Are they still obtainable?
The Avo 8 has two batteries.
One is a ‘D’ cell, in modern talk, so no problem there.
The other is a B121 15V, which is less easy to find, although I see a few modern ‘equivalents’ seem to be around.
I’ve also heard of diy improvisation involving a stack of button cells. The 15V battery is only needed for high resistance range, as far as I recall though, the Avo 8 works perfectly on all other ranges without the 15V battery. So actually, not a disaster if unobtainable.
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The 15v cells are still available from RS. However all functions ( as said) except for the highest ohm measurement work without that battery.
There is something about the device Thant makes it feel like a “ proper instrument “. I remember when I bought it, I thought it was VERY expensive!
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Worth adding my oscilloscope is about 25 years old and it perfect ( and accurate) in every way. I wonder how many of the “ younger generation “ even know how to measure voltage on such a device :P
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The 15v cells are still available from RS. However all functions ( as said) except for the highest ohm measurement work without that battery.
There is something about the device Thant makes it feel like a “ proper instrument “. I remember when I bought it, I thought it was VERY expensive!
Darn, I had a delivery from RS only this morning. If only I’d known. :D
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Never had a 12C or 12D, but I do use my similar SA9083 (small with yellow case) on occasion - in some scenarios an analogue needle is required. :)
I once had an original 9083 (metal, large with brown case), and I can't remember now how it met its end.
Also entered retirement with a BT MMF1A (Fluke 8022). Nice meter, but fiddly switches, so donated to daughter who's inherited the 'tinkering' gene. :)
General workhorse these days is an old (1999-ish) Maplin White Gold WG 023.
Yes, I had one of the original large 9083's and likewise don't know what happened to it. :( :(