Time for a new multimeter...

[big10p]

I'm currently on my 3rd multimeter since getting into this hobby. It's served me well, but has become a bit flakey, so think it's time for a new one.

Think I'll treat myself to an upgrade, too. Are Fluke ones still considered the best? They vary widely in price, so wondering if there's one that's particularly suited to this hobby? One that comes with all the probe attachments I'm likely to ever need, would be a plus.

Recommendations welcomed. What are you guys using? Cheers

 

[thegreathopper]

I like Fluke, before that Avo were great. 👍

 

[big10p]

I like Fluke, before that Avo were great. 👍

Any particular model recommend?

 

[NivagSwerdna]

Don't overthink it. I bought a ANENG AN8008 some time back... super cheap... super small... super lightweight... I use it all the time despite having better things on my bench. AN8008 is a few years old now... probably updated models by now.

 

[Brettster]

The better flukes are made in USA, but any of them will be of a decent quality and should last for many many years
I have an F87 V as my daily, and a 115 as backup (its also smaller for on the go stuff) both are excellent and do more than I need for Arcade stuff and electronics work

 

[qjuk]

I‘ve got a Rapid Electronics DMM which has served me for about 20 years but unfortunately has now drifted out of spec.

About 2 years ago I purchased a Fluke 115 which I think is a brilliant piece of kit. It can do a lot more than cheaper DMM’s and it’s now my goto for pcb board repairs.

It really depends on what you want from a DMM. If it’s mainly for checking voltages and continuity then a much cheaper meter will suffice.

 

[Chihiro]

I prefer the simple & pocket friendly: UNI-T UT20B received one as secret santa & has served me well.

 

[thegreathopper]

Any particular model recommend?

Just a very basic one-simple is good. Mine is at work but will check the model, it was about £150.

Fluke 113 Digital Multimeter

Buy online Fluke 113 Multimeter and all your other test instrument requirements from Edwardes Bros. 24 Hour next day UK Dispatch

www.edwardes.co.uk

I have other meters for testing installations but prefer to have separate meters for each job.

 

[John Bennett]

Yeah, I'm not sure what I'd want particularly in a multimeter for arcade boards, other than it not being completely wrong. The oscilloscope gets much more use.
I use a pretty nice fluke I 'acquired' from a job decades ago. The one downside is it doesn't measure current - slight oversight when I ordered it 😐.

 

[NivagSwerdna]

If you do want to pay slightly more then you might consider a meter that you can connect to and log. There are meters like the AN9002 which have Bluetooth and can connect to your phone (and maybe a computer) so you can leave it on and log.
I have done that on my original no name DMM.

Measuring resistance is obviously pretty standard and also measuring frequency, diode mode for transistors, less so current along with continuity and measuring voltage any cheapo DMM should do that.

If you do have more money than sense then a meter like a Fluke will have more weight so tend to stay more where you left it whilst a Aneng for instance will float about more because it is small and light.

If I was you I would order a AN9002 and see how you get on. I did the same when I got my AN8008 and expected never to use it but ended up having it around for most things. If you don't like it you are only down £25 or whatever they are now.

 

[Mr20to5]

I prefer the simple & pocket friendly: UNI-T UT20B received one as secret santa & has served me well.
View attachment 43230

I have the same model. Great little meter.

 

[big10p]

Thanks for all the replies. I've been looking at all the suggestions.

There seems to be a crazy amount of Fluke models, but a lot would be overkill for me. The 17b MAX looks like it might fit my needs.

Aneng looks good value.

 

[NivagSwerdna]

If deeper pockets... Brymen BM867s

 

[NivagSwerdna]

Watch the conclusion

 

[big10p]

Watch the conclusion

Well, that's disappointing.

 

[Ace`]

I use a Fluke 77 III that was rescued out of a skip use it all the time, it's had a few new leads over the leads but otherwise been great and can be picked up for about £50 these days. The only thing is doesn't have a is a backlight for the display.

 

[Spanky]

I treated myself to a Fluke 113 a few years ago. I know it'll last me for the rest of my life. For me, a loud continuity beep is important.
Used a cheapass one earlier today, could barely understand what I was looking at.

 

[Phils Arcade]

My go to is the Fluke 17B as shown above. Ended up getting silicon leads for it as the PVC costed ones are too stiff.

There are cheap Chinese versions, yes Fluke are made in China, but knock off Flukes. These have cheaper components in them and the fuses are tiny, not safe at all.

 

[Bods]

I use a Fluke 77 III that was rescued out of a skip use it all the time, it's had a few new leads over the leads but otherwise been great and can be picked up for about £50 these days. The only thing is doesn't have a is a backlight for the display.

I still have a Fluke 70 III that I kind of acquired over the years, shame about the front melted from soldering iron falling on it, should look for a replacement front for it really

Got another one similar with amps on but forget the model of that one, still got original leads on both

 

[tronads]

I have a Hantec 2C42 which I really like but its more of a digital scope with multimeter functionality. Its a bit too weighty and bulky for regular use though so it doesn't get much use...and consequently when I do want to use it, its usually gone flat after several months untouched. It is good though.
Day to day I'm still using a Draper multimeter I have had for decades. Its probably terribly inaccurate and cheap, but its served me well.

I have just ordered myself a Brymen BM2257 after watching the video someone posted earlier.