Multi Meter Thread.

[aXit]

Fluke 87V.

Worth about $350US.

I wouldn't call in necessary for the laser hobby, it's more for my electronic engineering.

But if you know fluke, you know why it's worth it.

 

[Toke]

Fluke 87V.

Nice, my standard issue on most ships. (or close enough)
Less specialised than the 787, and therefore more useful.

But if you know fluke, you know why it's worth it.

Yes.

Actually Maersk Line had a company wide announcement/circular that Fluke were the only instrument allowed. It happened after somebody blew himself up with some other instrument.
(You could do that with a Fluke too, try measure* the Amp across the main switchboard)
*No, don't.

 

[aXit]

While I'm far from recommending doing it, flukes are designed to protect the user when faults like that occur.

HRC (high rupture capacity) fuses, blast shields and HV isolation slots all help with this.

Add to that a multitude of input protection, and superb build quality. And you have yourself a very safe tool.

 

[Toke]

Well, yes, Ok, Fluke are great and safe, but I am still not trying to measure the amp's on the main switchboard.

Jokes aside , your point stand, there is a reason why some brands are more expensive that others. One of the things is the protection level, another is accuracy.

Still, for this hobby, one could be served more cost effectively by a £5 meter and the rest on diodes etc.

 

[Toke]

????
Double post.

 

[aXit]

Enough of this, everyone else, start posting pics.

 

[boscoj]

I have a nice old HP but I've lent it to my Dad . . .

Blue Point MT586B, Fluke 322 and the awesome GB GMT-12P lol . . .

 

[rpaloalto]

If your going for a inexpensive DMM don't get one that is auto ranging. The cheaper $30 and under DMM that are auto ranging tend to be over sensitive and don't like metering currents that fluctuate.
I have a Extech MN36. Paid about $32, it's a nice DMM but you can forget about setting the current on your laser driver. As soon as you turn the pot up or down, the thing jumps all over the place gives all kinds of false readings. You actually have to turn it off just to get it to stop jumping like crazy. So as of now I use my 6 year old $15 manual no name brand DMM

 

[aXit]

All autoranging DMMs have a range select feature.

It really shouldn't be a problem...

 

[chipdouglas]

it will be a problem if a person doesnt know what range they need.


michael

 

[Tech_Junkie]

Just picked up a ~1950 Simpson model 266 vacuum tube voltmeter. It the one pictured at the bottom.

 

[SodaAnt]

I just got a fluke 179, it works great. Here's a picture:

 

[rpaloalto]

If your going for a inexpensive DMM don't get one that is auto ranging. The cheaper $30 and under DMM that are auto ranging tend to be over sensitive and don't like metering currents that fluctuate.
I have a Extech MN36. Paid about $32, it's a nice DMM but you can forget about setting the current on your laser driver. As soon as you turn the pot up or down, the thing jumps all over the place gives all kinds of false readings. You actually have to turn it off just to get it to stop jumping like crazy. So as of now I use my 6 year old $15 manual no name brand DMM

All autoranging DMMs have a range select feature.

It really shouldn't be a problem...

So does that mean something is wrong with my meter?
When I'm using it to adjust a driver it will take the first reading and show it properly, but as soon as I go to move the pot it goes crazy and gives all kinds of false readings. I actually have to shut it off to make it stop.
I thought it was doing that just because it was a piece of crap.

It takes great readings of constant voltages, just not anything that fluctuates.
The only good thing about it is the thermal probes. I use it in the kitchen as a meat thermometer. My wife hates it when I use it. Always telling me to get that dirty thing out of here

 

[Toke]

Just picked up a ~1950 Simpson model 266 vacuum tube voltmeter. It the one pictured at the bottom.

Cool, it will add class to any mad scientists lab.
(Do the tubes still work, are they still available?)

I just got a fluke 179, it works great. Here's a picture:

Good one, and much better for this purpose than my 787.
(I can measure up only to 400mA, and the 4-20mA out for calibration is of limited use, even if the fuse had been intact.)

 

[Tech_Junkie]

Cool, it will add class to any mad scientists lab.
(Do the tubes still work, are they still available?)

Exactly. I love old meters. I have quite the collection growing.

Yes it does work, even came with an extra tube. I collect tubes too, so I'm sure I'd have the a tube if one broke down. I dont have the original leads though. But I cant really cry, the whole thing cost me $5.

I'd post some pictures but my camera is still packed.

 

[Toke]

the whole thing cost me $5

:drool:

It you ever get problems storing them I might be able to fit a few in my living room, and would even be willing to pay slightly more than shipping to help you get rid of them.

(My dad pull that kind of stunt on flee markets with 50-70'es Danish ceramics, glass, etc.) Hjortheden Antik