which multifunction tester

[Guest bluewhirpool23]

Hi I am planning to buy new multi meter can fluke seems to be most expensive but is it worth it?

cheers

[Bobbsy]

I have to admit I've never tried the Megger range of multi-meters. For some reason I always associate them with their clamp meters (which are very good) and forget they do multimeters too.

 

However, what I can say is that the Fluke multimeters are very good and long lasting...how long I can't say since the first one I ever bought is still going strong about 25 years on!

 

Bob

[morepowerigor]

Hi I am planning to buy new multi meter can fluke seems to be most expensive but is it worth it?

cheers

 

I have used both, prefer the Megger MFT :P 1552 which is great and we also own 3 other MFT1502 :o

[dbuckley]

Hi I am planning to buy new multi meter can Fluke seems to be most expensive but is it worth it?

Only you can make that call. You are more likely to lose it (or have it grow legs and run off on you) than it is to let you down. I have three Fluke instruments of one sort or another (a simple multimeter, a graphic multimeter and a clampmeter), and never regretted buying any of them.

 

Having said that, a meter at a tenth (or less) of the price of a fluke is probably good enough for almost all the jobs one ever does, it's just the comfortable feeling of "in Fluke we trust". Also, when you are in a debate, if you pull out a Fluke you get respect, if you pull out a no-name, which may be every bit as accurate (or indeed even more so), you lose credibility.

[Ekij]

I've a fluke 75 that I've had for 16 years and a RadioShack jobby at 1/10th the cost that I've had for 6 years (I got fed up having to swap back and forth between V and A when I wanted to meter both at the same time, hence 2nd meter).

 

In all honesty for most jobs the RadioShack does just as well. The fluke has developed a fault with the LCD that makes it very faint (no it's not the battery) so sometimes (especially in poor light) the RS is the better choice.

 

I have one complaint about Flukes in general, that I discovered with the 80 range, once the "low battery" icon comes on stop believing anything they say on screen. I had assumed that the warning was just to let me know the meter would fail soon, actually the meter was displaying garbage (on the A.C. setting this is downright dangerous).

[Neil Hampson]

Through work we have always specified Fluke meters, from the humble 77 all the up to the big scope meters. in the theatre I currently use a Fluke187, but I admit that it's overkill for the job but I do like the backlit display. I prefer the feel of the flukes and the bounce proof (but not flytower-proof) rubber cases. I have heard about the low battery inacuracies that have been mentioned before but I expect even a cheap multimeter will do that as the battery fades, at least the Fluke warns you. I have not used the Megger units much, it does the job, but I just didn't like the feel, the one we had just felt a little 'fragile'

 

If you like the Flukes, have a good look at the 'ISOtech' range in the RS book, they are a fraction of the price of a fluke, and come in a lovely red. We bought some IDM69s in the training dept as a cheap alternative to some ageing Fluke 83s and so far there has only been good reports you can get a decent multimeter, with calibration for around £90

 

Link to RS Isotech Range

[dbuckley]

I've also got an Isotech meter, IDM600, and that really has been thrown about from piller to post, its my first choice meter.

 

Although it's seen lots of action, I cant comment on "working at height" type incidents, basically 'cos I'm allergic to heights, and I dont expect my test gear to go places I wont. Sillyness aside, its been reliable tool for must be over a decade of frequent use. And mine is a yellow fluke colour, not red...?

 

And.... I can only locate two Fluke meters. #3 is AWOL, this is not good...

[Guest lightnix]

Back on topic: It's Fluke all the way chez lightnix and I'd certainly agree with dbuckley's "in Fluke we trust" comment. I've had my faithful old 77 a good fifteen years and it's never let me down.

 

But yes, do change the battery when the low power warning shows.

 

 

Moderation: A bit of housekeeping

[Ekij]

I expect even a cheap multimeter will do that [give misleading readings] as the battery fades, at least the Fluke warns you.

On the contrary, I've encountered at least one meter (much cheaper than the fluke) that displays "----" when the battery is too low to give good readings.

[bruce]

Flukes have more credence on the black market - several times my colleagues and I have been walking between buildings carrying carrying some tools including a small black case with yellow piping, and we've been approached by some neds/chavs/whatever offering "20 quid for your Fluke"

[morepowerigor]

I really should read things properly. I read multi meter as multi tester. If you want a good frontline unit then the Fluke t5-1000 is the mutts nuts. God for all sorts of skills, auto ranging, auto ac/dc swap, ohmeter and 100A clamps built in. Get the belt holster as well and the kit is complete.

[Dominicg]

I've got myself a UT70D (http://www.uni-trend.com/UT70D.html ) which I'm rather impressed with. In fact most of the range looks steady.

 

 

Edited: Fixed the link.

[cedd]

Hi all

Thought I'd bring up an old post rather than start a new one.

 

I'm looking to buy a new multimeter, my work is mainly DC and my main involvement with theatre is as a noiseboy. I'd say I'm mainly looking at electronics, rather than electricals, with the occasional bit of household and distro work as well.

One thing I'm after in particular, which my meter at work has, is the ability to display in dB's. The meter at work is an AVO M2037, but I can't seem to find any current models or any second hand. I also quite like the style of the M2037 - more laptop "opening book" type than handheld "classic" avo.

 

The question really is, what is there out there now and what is reccomended judging by the work I do listed above?

Budget is going to be up to £150, though the cheaper the better!

 

I can cope without the dB's if needed, though that model in particular seemed to be pitched far more at electronics, with the ability to do electricals as well. Most of the ones in the catalogues are automotive or electrical.

Have been through catalogues and am still at a loss.

What do you use?

[KevinE]

Fluke all the way. I think most of the megger digital multimeters are (or were) actually rebadged Gossen Metrawatt Camille Baur units. I dont know if it's the same now but within recent memory, Megger (formerly AVO) refused to supply spares to non authorised dealers; whereas Fluke Europe (formerly Philips T&M) were ok with it so long as you made the minimum order value.

[cedd]

Thanks for that.

 

Whilst I'm keen to stick with big brands, I've just found the following which will also read in dB's and dBm's.

 

http://ar.rs-online.com/web/search/searchB...t&R=4567440

 

Might be of use to some people. Looks to be around £180, so slightly over budget, but seems to do an awful lot.