Multimeter Preference

[S33k3r]

If you were testing current draw or high, life-threatening voltages (110VAC house power included) and needed utmost accuracy, then I'll add my vote for a FLUKE to the list.

The plan was to get a general purpose one, but I may end up having to go with a cheap one <sigh>. Thanks.

 

[Rocket Man]

The plan was to get a general purpose one, but I may end up having to go with a cheap one <sigh>. Thanks.

I guess it all depends on what you want. If you’re looking for a good tool, one that will do whatever you want in the future and will last a lifetime, buy the Fluke. If you just want something cheap then you don’t need to ask us, just buy any cheap dvm and you’ll be fine. I thought you were looking for recommendations for a quality tool, my bad. I guess I read more into the question than was there.

 

[iamdub]

The plan was to get a general purpose one, but I may end up having to go with a cheap one <sigh>. Thanks.

The way I see it, if you had enough situations in your life that required a DVOM, you'd already have one (maybe even a really nice one) and wouldn't be asking such questions on a car forum. If testing such a simple circuit as lighting up a 12VDC bulb is what brought you to considering getting a DVOM, then you'll be perfectly fine with a ~$20 one from a big box store, Amazon, etc. They're pretty much all the same with testing AC volts, DC volts, impedance ("Ohms"), continuity, and amperage (usually up to 10 amps- plenty for tracing parasitic draws on a car).

 

[S33k3r]

The way I see it, if you had enough situations in your life that required a DVOM, you'd already have one (maybe even a really nice one) and wouldn't be asking such questions on a car forum. If testing such a simple circuit as lighting up a 12VDC bulb is what brought you to considering getting a DVOM, then you'll be perfectly fine with a ~$20 one from a big box store, Amazon, etc. They're pretty much all the same with testing AC volts, DC volts, impedance ("Ohms"), continuity, and amperage (usually up to 10 amps- plenty for tracing parasitic draws on a car).

I am old, I suppose. I learned to build and test circuits when I was 10, from my dad. But it's been a while since I could do anything on my own, so I am not used to something as "simple" as a multimeter being so expensive. The last one was sacrificed to an oven to which I *thought* I had cut the power, but for which the multimeter served its purpose. And the <sigh> about having to go cheap is that we have poured a good deal of money into a truck for my daughter. It was a "deal" I failed to properly check out, and has been constantly biting me in the ass since mid February.

Thanks.

 

[Fless]

Wow! Looks just like my first multimeter, which I got used from someone, back in the 60's. It was great for working on electronic assemblies, particularly the very sensitive Ohm resistance scale, as before semi-conductor technology was introduced, precise resistance measurements were much more critical in maintaining oscillator circuits, as well as other circuits.

Still have the Simpson?

 

[Fless]

For cab roof marker lights, you could use any dirt cheap DVOM or even test light. If you were testing current draw or high, life-threatening voltages (110VAC house power included) and needed utmost accuracy, then I'll add my vote for a FLUKE to the list. I have Cen-Tech DVOMs all around the house since I got them free with other purchases at Harbor Freight and they're perfectly fine for testing batteries or for continuity. I have a few $20-$40 ones from the big box stores and Radio Shack around the garage and shop that serve my needs just fine. For any automotive use, especially cab lights, a $20 DVOM would be plenty over-equipped for your needs.

Totally agree with this philosophy. I have several inexpensive ones and keep one in each vehicle, in the garage, the basement. Anything to keep from having to walk those steps to find one at home, or wonder what's going on while on the road.

 

[bill1013]

This is the multimeter I use. It's really old school, but it works really well. I bought the original 25 years ago from Radio Shack. The battery exploded/leaked and ruined it, so I bought another one on Amazon Prime. It cost a little bit more than the original ($25) but it works like a charm, easy to understand symbols and it's compact. Aloha!

Bill 1013

 

[96-2D-Hoe]

I used to use one every day, but rarely use my meter now. I bought it used and it was still expensive.

Something like this would do what you need it to and more. I would find the temp probe useful as I don't have one.

https://www.amazon.com/Meterk-Multimeter-Capacitance-Resistance-Temperature/dp/B073Y162BZ?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_4



And then If you accidentally drop it in a bucket of something it's not a big deal

 

[iamdub]

I am old, I suppose. I learned to build and test circuits when I was 10, from my dad. But it's been a while since I could do anything on my own, so I am not used to something as "simple" as a multimeter being so expensive. The last one was sacrificed to an oven to which I *thought* I had cut the power, but for which the multimeter served its purpose. And the <sigh> about having to go cheap is that we have poured a good deal of money into a truck for my daughter. It was a "deal" I failed to properly check out, and has been constantly biting me in the ass since mid February.

Thanks.

I didn't mean anything derogatory. Was just stating and concluding from the simple facts. Definitely, in this case, going cheap is not being cheap. It's being sensible. Buying a $100 FLUKE to test a light circuit is like buying a lathe to sharpen a pencil.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Still have the Simpson?

Unfortunately, no. It was a victim of releasing lesser-used items, when making of one of my geographical moves.