#1
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Multimeters?
After working on my Admiral for awhile, I quickly came to realize that my $20 analog Greenlee would not suffice. I'm looking around for good deals on quality digital multimeters that can handle basic television repair work, and of course be a natural for any work I should do on radios. Are there any in the $50 price range or less that would be suitable?
And just wondering, what meters do you guys prefer in general? |
#2
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The best all purpose (and affordable) meter would be from Harbor Freight:
http://www.harborfreight.com/ac-dc-d...ter-37772.html A few years back, there was a page where a guy compared this to his Fluke. It held up pretty well, until you got into the <5% accuracy range. But for $20, you will not find a better deal. Tests all the voltages and resistances you would need to radio and tv work. |
#3
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At that price, I should have started with one of those all along! But yeah, I just bought one so I could have it here sooner better than later. I'm beyond tired of not being able to take any accurate measurements and having to do so much guesswork...
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#4
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The best DMM I have ever used (and I still do use) is a Beckman Tech 310. It has not been made for probably 15-20 years, though.
I have a few of the Harbor Freight DMMs that often go on sale for $3 each, and it is certainly usable for basic stuff.
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Chris Quote from another forum: "(Antique TV collecting) always seemed to me to be a fringe hobby that only weirdos did." |
#5
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Don't bother with the $3 Harbor Freight meters, I don't think they can even measure any resistors over 1 meg (the $20 model will do up to 20meg).
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Audiokarma |
#6
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Quote:
As for the $3 HF meters, I have about 30 of them, all "MEET USA" brand - got them in Dubai at their 5&10 store. I paid 5 Dirhams each, or about $1.36 each, with an alkaline battery that was actually pretty good. I checked them for accuracy - 50VDC from my Fluke 332B measured +/- .5V, or about 1% basic DC accuracy. AC was off by about 3-1/2% at 60Hz, and 12% out at 400Hz. Resistance is the worst, about 10 percent off across the board. Still, they are ok for measuring use with the truck, or as a go/no-go tester for Christmas lights. I've yet to toss one out, which is what my original plans were should one fail. But for regular use, these are useless. Cheers,
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Brian USN RET (Avionics / Cal) CET- Consumer Repair and Avionics ('88) "Capacitor Cosmetologist since '79" When fuses go to work, they quit! |
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