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I am on DigiKey's website buying some fuses and holders as I am trying to repair my VTL 300 Deluxe tube amp that blew a ceramic fuse and melted the holder..... now to figure out what tube is bad....... yuck. Remember the day when every grocery store had a tube tester? Anyway, I am on Digikey's website and thought I would add a new multimeter to the list. The crappy RadioShack unit I have floats all over the place in AC.... I actually read some current on a dead AC line.... sheesh! Wasted time.
Anyway, DigiKey has a ton of units with prices all over the place. I want a good unit that doesn't float - read zero when zero - and is easy to use with real words on the face and not symbols (I had to tape a cheat sheet to the back of my RadioShack unit). I just need it for the basics... reading current, voltage, capacitance, AD/DC, continuity etc etc etc..... basic stuff. I am not looking for a cheepie unit... I want a nice rugged one but not a Porsche-model. (see, I did have Porsche content)
Buy a cheap one at Harbor Freight for $6 (often free with one of their frequent coupons) and a second as a spare. As accurate as you will ever need for that kind of work.
I've used Fluke for over 30 years. Can't beat their electronic equipment. You can go cheap per Tony if budget is a worry. He is right about what he says. But if you like the feel of a good tool in your hands (it's Friday night so I'll give anyone out there with a need a free shot here), spend the extra bucks.
Keep one hand in your pocket and use a dim bulb to avoid letting the smoke out during debug. Better yet, why not let Luke Manley take care of your amp?
As good as Fluke is, Flukes are generally for engineers whom are using them for circuit debug/design where millivolts of resolution are needed. For automotive use its overkill as you only need tenths of a volt of resolution. Don't get me wrong though they probably are the best meters but like any meter they need yearly calibration for true precision so they are not superior in that sense.
The HF as someone else mentioned is fine for automotive stuff, i would also look at say a B&K precision or Extech as they are some of the best bang for the buck however the issue for you is tube amps have very high supply voltages usually 200-400VAC, so you'll need something that has that kind of range. High voltage meters will sacrifice resolution as its just not needed.. Since your working with tubes, make sure you are familiar with working with high voltages. Try Jameco as they have what you need for less than 50 bucks.
As good as Fluke is, Flukes are generally for engineers whom are using them for circuit debug/design where millivolts of resolution are needed. For automotive use its overkill as you only need tenths of a volt of resolution. Don't get me wrong though they probably are the best meters but like any meter they need yearly calibration for true precision so they are not superior in that sense.
The HF as someone else mentioned is fine for automotive stuff, i would also look at say a B&K precision or Extech as they are some of the best bang for the buck however the issue for you is tube amps have very high supply voltages usually 200-400VAC, so you'll need something that has that kind of range. High voltage meters will sacrifice resolution as its just not needed.. Since your working with tubes, make sure you are familiar with working with high voltages. Try Jameco as they have what you need for less than 50 bucks.
I've owned Radio Shack, Craftsman and keep a cheap harbor freight one in my cars. Bought my first Fluke 88VA auto kit last year. Wish I had bought a Fluke a long time ago as my shop go to.
Agree that fluke's are the best - all of my electricians at work swear by them - but not needed for home use. I have a craftsman digital one that has served me well for most home/car tasks, but splurged for an Extech clamp meter a few years back and it is great. Paid for itself helping me troubleshoot a bad start cap on one of my AC units a few weeks ago since it has the capacitance measuring feature.
I would agree with Fluke choice. I have over 30 years of electronic experience. Get a cheapest one with ruggedized case. Like 110 or 116. Will last a life time. Yes, you can get a cheapy Chinese little boxes and it may show similar number for a while. But just like everything in life...
07-24-2015, 07:06 PM
Need a multi-meter rec
