New multi meter req...
 

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[Closed] New multi meter required.

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I need/want a new multi meter. I've got a couple of cheap(er) digital multi meters but I usually end up comparing readings & not knowing which one to believe.

I need good basic & accurate functions. Volts, Resistance & Amps etc.

I've been looking at the Fluke range but there's masses of choice & I'm not sure which one I need.

Anyone care to make a recommendation please.

TIA Dave.


 
Posted : 21/02/2014 11:46 am
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You are looking in the right place. Can't go wrong with Fluke IMHO. I have a very basic one for work. Some of the guys call it " my first multimeter" but for does all you are asking for.

What are you using it for? Might help point to a suitable model. I use mine for indication purposes only. Hence i dont get it calibrated. Other stuff costs an arm and a let for calibaration.
Sometimes it is cheaper to buy a new one each year for stuff like a basic meter.


 
Posted : 21/02/2014 11:55 am
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I've yet to kill my Iso-Tech one - it's a RS own-brand I think, but very good.


 
Posted : 21/02/2014 11:56 am
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I have no problems with my UNI-Trend mulitmeter.

But then I dont need accuracy and Ive never had it calibrated.

Good range of scales and functions. Wont do big currents though.

UT50 range
http://www.uni-trend.com/UT50A.html

about £25

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UNITREND-UT50A-MANUAL-RANGING-DIGITAL-MULTIMETER-TESTER-/191062626663?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item2c7c385167


 
Posted : 21/02/2014 11:57 am
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I've yet to kill my Iso-Tech one - it's a RS own-brand I think, but very good.

Posted 23 seconds ago #Report-Post

I found my old iso-tech in the garage at weekend, un-used for 3-4 years, still working, must be 10 years old !!


 
Posted : 21/02/2014 12:01 pm
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I like the Maplin Precision Gold stuff. My main one is well over ten years old and still works well. Fluke stuff is nice but a bit unnecessary unless you really need the mega precision (were talking fractions of a percent) and then you'll need to annually calibrate as well anyway.


 
Posted : 21/02/2014 12:05 pm
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Used mainly on household stuff, auto electrics & anything else that I care to dismantle 😀 The main feature I want is accurate & believable readings that I don't have to cross check with another instrument.

D.


 
Posted : 21/02/2014 12:08 pm
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I'm quite annoyed I can't find my old Maplin analogue meter (bought in about '86). There's something about the needle moving about which is so pleasing. I find digital MMs quite dull.


 
Posted : 21/02/2014 12:08 pm
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Surely for household and automotive stuff +/-10% is easily accurate enough and any meter over a fiver will manage 1%


 
Posted : 21/02/2014 12:12 pm
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My Fluke (78??) is pushing 20 years old, spent a good 10 of those in an automotive workshop. Still on the original leads!


 
Posted : 21/02/2014 12:14 pm
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Any of these will do:

http://www.tester.co.uk/electrical-electronic/multimeters/digital-multimeters


 
Posted : 21/02/2014 12:17 pm
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If you are using the MultiMeter for work, day in day out then go for fluke - as per the Volkswagen Advert you get exactly what you pay for.

If it's just for occasional use the other recommendation are fine. As for features / functions specify ONLY what you need. I have two Multimeters myself an really nice & basic Fluke (Current, Resistance & Voltage) that I have had for years and years that is built like a tank and gets all the abuse on site and a Wavetek that has all the bells and whistles on it including a frequency counter, capacitance, HFE transistor port, etc. I couldn't quite stretch to the oscilloscope version (wish I had). The Wavetek is treated like royalty.


 
Posted : 21/02/2014 12:31 pm
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We use some fancy fluke stuff at work (dont ask me, not my area) and the guys using it really rate it, but if its a multimeter you are looking for with basic functionality then id use iso tech, ive got a few myself (work and home) and they work well and are very robust. they are cheaper than fluke but work just as well. I suppose id look at megger as well but to be honest if you are not using it everyday then id go with the isotech.


 
Posted : 21/02/2014 12:37 pm
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I have a Fluke provided for work, but it stays there.
My own diy/hobby multimeters are more than adequate as usually all I want is a yes it's there or no it isn't, be that AC or DC volts and continuity or resistance.
I have a Draper, UniTrend and £4.99 cheapo from Maplins that I don't mind lending out.
I also have a old AVO analogue meter from BITD and a cheap CRT 'scope.
Even when I had access to almost any topline electronic test equipment did I really need to use for home use.


 
Posted : 21/02/2014 12:50 pm

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