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What multimeter should I get? — Parallax Forums

What multimeter should I get?

garnoldgarnold Posts: 12
edited 2011-07-19 09:10 in General Discussion
Being a beginner here and not having a lot of knowledge on electronics what multimeter would you recommend I get for simple "Getting my feet wet" projects? I know I need to be able to test voltage and continuity but what else should this thing do? Are there other testing features this meter should be able to do for me that would help a beginner? It would be great to be able to test lots of components so I can see if I blew any of them up :)

Comments

  • stevebzzzzzstevebzzzzz Posts: 38
    edited 2011-07-18 07:47
    Digital vs Analog. They both have their advantages. I have a digital meter with all sorts of functions, and right now I wish I had an Analog one. Here's my thought. An Analog meter, is the one with the needle. It pretty much has most of the basic functions that you will need for a beginner, also, in my opinion, you learn better on an Analog. For the most part, in the beginning, you'll just be measuring voltage, resistance, current, and continuity. An analog meter is great, because you can just look at the position of the needle and know what you are seeing. And you will understand more because you will have to take into account the knob settings to make your measurements. I would pick up a cheap analog meter for 10 dollars at radio shack. Now, having said that...

    Digital meters have more functions and take out the guess work, but they do have their place. But, they are harder to use, depending on the model, and they annoy me sometimes because it takes a few seconds for the meter to display what you are looking for. An analog meter makes you think, and therefore learn more. Once you grasp the concepts, you can pick up a cheap digital meter for 20 dollars.

    JMHO,

    Steve...
  • Heater.Heater. Posts: 21,230
    edited 2011-07-18 08:04
    You need a classic AVO Model 8. Like this http://www.richardsradios.co.uk/avo8.html
    There seems to be quite a few up on ebay.
  • stevebzzzzzstevebzzzzz Posts: 38
    edited 2011-07-18 08:22
    Heater. wrote: »
    You need a classic AVO Model 8. Like this http://www.richardsradios.co.uk/avo8.html
    There seems to be quite a few up on ebay.

    Yes...perfect!!! :o)

    Convert it to digital using the Basic Stamp to read the position of the needle perhaps?

    Cheers....
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2011-07-18 09:24
    This question comes up pretty often. Check this link:

    recommendation for a good, affordable multimeter?
  • ercoerco Posts: 20,257
    edited 2011-07-18 11:02
    For analog, it's hard to beat a classic Simpson 260. Plenty to pick from on Ebay.

    http://cgi.ebay.com/Simpson-260-7PM-VOM-Volt-ohm-Amp-Meter-K-/280709418464?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item415b95cde0
  • garnoldgarnold Posts: 12
    edited 2011-07-18 11:32
    So I ended up getting this one http://www.amazon.com/Mastech-YG188-Pocket-size-analog-multimeter/dp/B00064CH6A/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1311013720&sr=8-10 from Amazon. I have Amazon Prime so I try to buy there when I can. The Radio Shack ones seemed to get poor reviews and this one looked good. For $9.00 and 2 day shipping included it was a no brainer. I'm cool with the "learn the basics first before you go" idea and glad you brought that up. This meter will be fine to get me started and then I can pick up something more complex later. Thank you all for the help!
  • stevebzzzzzstevebzzzzz Posts: 38
    edited 2011-07-18 12:30
    Looks like a good pick...Here is my "Multimeter" :smile:
    Meter Close.jpg
    Meter Far.jpg
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    Meter Far.jpg
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  • TorTor Posts: 2,010
    edited 2011-07-18 12:46
    You need a classic AVO Model 8. Like this http://www.richardsradios.co.uk/avo8.html
    There seems to be quite a few up on ebay.
    Haha, I remember those :-)
    During the first year of my electronics education we got a deal on a very good analogue multimeter. I still have it. However, I must admit that I only use it if I can't find my digital multimeter. I've carried around a very small, solar-powered (or indoor-light-powered actually) great multimeter which _easily_ fits in almost any pocket for what must be more than 20 years now. Until some time ago. It looks like someone stole it. Bummer. It's been missing for several months but I'll keep looking.
    [..]also, in my opinion, you learn better on an Analog. For the most part, in the beginning, you'll just be measuring voltage, resistance, current, and continuity. An analog meter is great, because you can just look at the position of the needle and know what you are seeing. And you will understand more because you will have to take into account the knob settings to make your measurements. I would pick up a cheap analog meter for 10 dollars at radio shack.[..]
    This is true.. but as soon as you "get it" (and it doesn't take that long) you'll find that you will want to move on to a _good_ digital multimeter, and never look back. But you can get a cheap analogue one so it's not bad advice to start with one.

    -Tor
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2011-07-18 20:21
    Those 'old-timers' really are pretty good multi-meters. After all, with an analog meter, the larger size of the meter scales really help. These days, most analog meters are tiny low-end market meters whereas those oldies were real engineering work horses - meant to last and meant to make work more pleasant.

    So, regardless of which you decide on, make sure that it is easy to read.
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2011-07-18 22:30
    I still have my first meter. It still works and I still use it sometimes. I actually prefer the analog type for current measurements.
    MMeter.jpg
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  • ercoerco Posts: 20,257
    edited 2011-07-19 00:10
    @RDL2004: I have that exact meter from the "Shack", also my first. I trust you also have the cheesy black vinyl case? :)
  • LoopyBytelooseLoopyByteloose Posts: 12,537
    edited 2011-07-19 00:30
    You mention current readings. I suppose it should be pointed out that one may prefer to have TWO meters.

    One to be used for precise component measurement and specific calibrations that require great sensitivity.

    The other to be sacrificial. It can be used outdoors in the rain or under the hood of a greasy old car. And, most importantly it can be used to measure heavy current.

    My good meter will only measure 250ma with the fused side. For up to 10amp measurements, the meter is unfused. Of course that means that any current over 10amps is likely to destroy the meter - why use a Fluke for such hazardous duty?
  • RDL2004RDL2004 Posts: 2,554
    edited 2011-07-19 07:38
    Two meters are often needed so that you can measure both voltage and current simultaneously. A decent but cheap third meter for "hazardous duty" is also a good idea.

    However, it should be pointed out that Fluke makes meters that are designed to survive "hazardous duty".

    Death and Destruction of a Fluke Multimeter

    @erco: I sure don't remember having a case for that meter. If I ever did, it's long gone now - that meter is about 25 years old....
  • stevebzzzzzstevebzzzzz Posts: 38
    edited 2011-07-19 08:15
    garnold wrote: »
    So I ended up getting this one http://www.amazon.com/Mastech-YG188-Pocket-size-analog-multimeter/dp/B00064CH6A/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1311013720&sr=8-10 from Amazon. I have Amazon Prime so I try to buy there when I can. The Radio Shack ones seemed to get poor reviews and this one looked good. For $9.00 and 2 day shipping included it was a no brainer. I'm cool with the "learn the basics first before you go" idea and glad you brought that up. This meter will be fine to get me started and then I can pick up something more complex later. Thank you all for the help!

    So just be careful when measuring current so you don't burn out your meter. Meters are usually place in series with the circuit, so all the current running through the circuit will run through the meter. Think of tapping into a water hose, and bypassing it through a meter. The meter has to be able to handle all of the flow of water. If you hook up a nine volt batter directly to a current meter, you will most likely burn it out. You need some resistance to hold back the pressure to slow down or resist the flow of electricity. See my chicken scratch diagram, and have a good laugh everyone lol
    Circuit.jpg
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  • ercoerco Posts: 20,257
    edited 2011-07-19 09:10
    RDL2004 wrote: »
    @erco: I sure don't remember having a case for that meter. If I ever did, it's long gone now - that meter is about 25 years old....

    It was a seperate purchase for about 3 bucks...

    There's a meter (sans case) on Ebay now... http://cgi.ebay.com/Micronta-Multimeter-Voltmeter-/140579847621?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item20bb363dc5
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