Multimeter Recommendation for Home/Electronics Use

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networkn

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#303106 16-Jan-2023 23:06

I use a multimeter occasionally. I used one to make a Headphone Amplifier kit a few years ago, and occasionally to test voltage on an AC or DC Adapter.

I don't want to spend crazy money but something with a decent range of features, and is accurate. I have the option to pick one up in the US if needed, but happy to buy in NZ.

I know Fluke are the gold standard, but at the prices they charge, they should be. Probably couldn't justify that for the amount of use I get.

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#3022477 17-Jan-2023 05:40

just get something thats CAT III rated for 600V and you should be good

https://www.jaycar.co.nz/cat-iii-multimeter-with-temperature/p/QM1323

something like that would be fine for occasional use. Jaycar laso have an large range of them. so there are slightly more expensive ones

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Senecio

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#3022479 17-Jan-2023 06:17

I have the same one linked above, it's perfect for my use. I can't see any reason to pay more for limited home use.

frankv

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#3022493 17-Jan-2023 08:09

If I could justify the price, I'd be getting a Pokit meter or Pokit pro meter/scope/logger. But at US$98 and US$198 respectively, they're waiting for a Lotto win.

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#3022494 17-Jan-2023 08:17

The Pokit is a bit limited

"Voltage: 10mV to 60V DC, 42V AC (RMS), ±1%
Current: 1mA to 2Amax, ±1%"

mdooher

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#3022518 17-Jan-2023 09:41

I got a Fluke from AliExpress. It is the real deal for half the price. I even had it checked and calibrated locally. They said the only difference appeared to be the insulation piece between the lead sockets. That is why it is cat III not cat IV rated. I also registered on the Fluke website so just seemed to be a Chinese spec version.

Oh, the case it came with is a knock off for sure

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#3022528 17-Jan-2023 10:01

I have a couple of Aneng / Aneng clones that were recommended in this thread: https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=73&topicid=265598

Work well for the limited hobby stuff I do.

networkn

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#3022603 17-Jan-2023 11:27

Question, how do you know if something is 'auto ranging'? If it doesn't state it, would it support it?

I'd be quite keen on something palm sized or pocket sized if that was possible as well.

https://www.amazon.com/Multimeter-Non-Contact-Klein-Tools-MM320KIT/dp/B08W1THSM8/ref=sr_1_11?crid=24H2HPPL3ZG0W&keywords=multimeter&qid=1673863337&s=hi&sprefix=multimeter%2Ctools%2C261&sr=1-11&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/AstroAI-Multimeter-Resistance-Transistors-Temperature/dp/B071JL6LLL/ref=sr_1_16?crid=1ZBCM8K4K4VYS&keywords=multimeter+auto+ranging+pocket&qid=1673865349&s=hi&sprefix=multimeter+auto+ranging+pock%2Ctools%2C273&sr=1-16

https://www.amazon.com/Multimeter-Auto-Ranging-Klein-Tools-MM400/dp/B018EXZO8M/ref=sr_1_12?crid=1ZBCM8K4K4VYS&keywords=multimeter%2Bauto%2Branging%2Bpocket&qid=1673865349&s=hi&sprefix=multimeter%2Bauto%2Branging%2Bpock%2Ctools%2C273&sr=1-12&th=1

EMB

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#3022620 17-Jan-2023 11:39

Have a look here - I have no relationship with them other than as a satisfied customer for some of their higher end test equipment. I believe their lower end stuff is mostly sold into school science labs.

https://electrotest.co.nz/home/775-owo-ow18e-dmm.html

Rust

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#3022625 17-Jan-2023 11:45

I have the Klein MM2300A, which is very similar to the MM400 that you linked to above. I find the Klein brand to be excellent products. Measures Voltage, Amperage, current, frequency, resistance, diodes .. all the necessary stuff. The MM2300A is auto-ranging, I would assume the MM400 is also.

networkn

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#3022633 17-Jan-2023 11:59

Would someone who knows more than me link me to a recommended Fluke from Aliexpress?

hsvhel

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#3022639 17-Jan-2023 12:10

This would probably tick most of your boxes

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001543114135.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.25.3fa64eff0SJ4me&algo_pvid=4d8f5a3d-bd25-4390-9a08-3f6d38ace7f9&algo_exp_id=4d8f5a3d-bd25-4390-9a08-3f6d38ace7f9-12&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2212000020112633835%22%7D&pdp_npi=2%40dis%21NZD%21149.57%2179.27%21%21%21%21%21%40211bf31616739104146901291d06c2%2112000020112633835%21sea&curPageLogUid=1VPt5ZD61cq1

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mdooher

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#3022694 17-Jan-2023 12:35

networkn:

Would someone who knows more than me link me to a recommended Fluke from Aliexpress?

This is one I got.. gone up about $50 since I got mine

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2035936280.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.371.3c5b1802gM3UD6

Matthew

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#3022699 17-Jan-2023 13:01

mdooher:

networkn:

Would someone who knows more than me link me to a recommended Fluke from Aliexpress?

This is one I got.. gone up about $50 since I got mine

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/2035936280.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.371.3c5b1802gM3UD6

Definitely want to stay under $100.

networkn

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#3022708 17-Jan-2023 13:10

What does the LCD Count relate to? Some talk about 2000, 4000, 6000? Is that the maximum number of times the LCD supports being turned on and off?

NM:

The count refers to the limit of the highest value the Multimeter will display for each range. As soon as a measured value reaches this limit, the range will move up and the resolution will be downgraded by a factor of 10, that is, the decimal place will be moved to the right one spot.

Jase2985

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#3022863 17-Jan-2023 17:09

easiest way to tell if its auto ranging is it will have a range button. and the dial will have a lot more options for each type of reading, the first klien tools one you have is not auto ranging as you can see it has 4-5 for each type of thing being measured.

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