Decent multimeter

[Yukster]

I am a DIYer and I'd like to get a decent multimeter. I dont need anything too sophisticated. Can you please let me know what you think I should get? Thanks

 

[Taylortwocities]

What do you want to do with it? just domestic electric circuits, and to what level?

Or other stuff like auto electrics, detailed work with sub miniature components, computer repairs, etc??

Each has differerent requirements and may need additional functions from a meter. More specific info please!

 

[Yukster]

What do you want to do with it? just domestic electric circuits, and to what level?

Or other stuff like auto electrics, detailed work with sub miniature components, computer repairs, etc??

Each has differerent requirements and may need additional functions from a meter. More specific info please!

I need it for domestic and maybe car electrics. Not sure to what level, I'm guessing it will be pretty basic

 

[Yukster]

What do you want to do with it? just domestic electric circuits, and to what level?

Or other stuff like auto electrics, detailed work with sub miniature components, computer repairs, etc??

Each has differerent requirements and may need additional functions from a meter. More specific info please!

I need it for domestic and maybe car electrics. Not sure to what level, I'm guessing it will be fairly basic

 

[pompeygit]

This one is really great and packed with features

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VICHY-VC9...sGames_RadioControlled_JN&hash=item461033e9c2

 

[Taylortwocities]

Fine for general domestic electric fault finding etc. As is just about any basic multimeter.

If the OP wants to INSTALL and TEST new electrics then he would need a more advanced tester that has, as a minimum:
Low ohms range
Insulation resistance testing
and maybe even an RCD tester.

Then we are talking £500+

 

[pompeygit]

Thought he was just a hobbyist tracing circuits, voltages etc...yeah if he's going to do full domestic testing then a MF is required at 500+

 

[Jackrae]

If he's doing commercial I wonder why he would be asking the question because one of the first items that an apprentice needs is his own test meter.
However he says he's a DIYer so any basic meter will do, from either the likes of Maplins or the ebay site listed.
Ideally for car work it should have a 20volt range (19.99v)

 

[ericmark]

You say car and for DC amps the price soars for clamp on meter but also can get cheap hold on ammeter for DC so it's the car bit that makes me uncertain. Most cheap meters as supplied do not leads designed for mains likely you will need to buy a good set of leads but the biggest problem with new meter users is selecting the wrong scale and burning out the meter.

This is the cheapest I can find at £7 there are better of course but because the current is measured with the clamp less likely to make an error and burn out meter. But this one says it measures AC/DC at £32 very cheap but although it says AC/DC it does not say hall effect would like to see what others say but auto range with just two connections for leads unlikely you can make a mistake to damage the meter.

Started using a clamp on when working in Hong Kong I would never return to multimeter with wired amp range now except for specials. My AVO Mk8 rarely sees the light of day I have four meters I use the other three are specials I do not carry a wired ammeter any more.

GS38 leads look like this

They have less metal showing, are fused, have disks to stop finger slipping down the lead etc. This should be used for 230 volt the one that come with meter are OK for car but not really good enough for mains work.

 

[ericmark]

As a PS for car amps I used one of these at £18 not very accurate but easy to use. Also a 75-0-75 amp version. Set some pictures as links click on picture.

 

[ekmdgrf]

My AVO Mk8 rarely sees the light of day

Proper olde skool

 

[Yukster]

Thanks guy. I got the VICHY VC99 3 6/7 Auto Range LCD Digital Multimeter off ebay. it looks good enough and at a decent price

 

[Monkeh]

This one is really great and packed with features

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VICHY-VC9...sGames_RadioControlled_JN&hash=item461033e9c2

Oh god, no, they're terrible turds.

Sorry, OP, you ended up with a POS.

 

[pompeygit]

In fact he did not get a turd. I have one of these. I purchased it mainly for mreasuring capacitance and also kilo ohms and milliamps...something not possible on my Kewtech or fluke. For the price an absolute bargain, especially for diy.
See here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y5wjaNusr0

 

[ekmdgrf]

Get a set of leads with croc clips on too.