best multimeter?

[Decko]

Hi,

I am looking at a Fluke 115 series multimeter.

10A, 600volt

Is this sufficient?

http://www.myflukestore.com/p3718/fluke ... _tab=specs

Thanks,
Decko

[selloutrr]

yes but... 600volts is cutting it pretty close. you may blow fuses on some amps.

i'm more familiar with the 87 series as a tech meter.
hopefully others can chime in more.

personally i use the fluke 867B but it's over kill for most every situation.
and chews threw the battery fast, but it's incredible accurate and the display is great.

[gearhead]

For finer measurements, others can chime in. Low value capacitance seems to be particularly difficult.

However, when measuring a "live" amp for (mostly) voltages, I use a cheapy-chinese model that goes on sale about every 3 months for 4.95. It's voltage rating is sufficient, but I end up measuring something patently stupid somewhere along a build. Instead of frying my good multimeters, the cheapy goes on the heap. It's been about one per build, lol.

[David Root]

I've been using a Fluke 187 for a few years now. Occasionally I do something dumb and blow the 400mA fuse, which are about $8.00 each. No problems since I started buying two at a time!

[Phil_S]

When I see this question asked at other forums, I see there are three answers: Fluke, Fluke, and Fluke.

Apparently, it is hard to kill a Fluke and they are worth the price.

I'm an amateur, and don't need fancy tools. A while back, bought an old Fluke 8600A bench meter for very little money. It does a great job.

Do you really need a new one? I only ask because they are expensive. If I made my living with it, I wouldn't think twice about buying one, maybe two.

[Structo]

From what I hear you can find them on ebay for good prices if you look around.

I bought a Meterman meter, same quality as Fluke as far as I can tell.

[Decko]

Thanks for your responses everyone.

I decided on the Fluke 115 series. Some guy was selling a used one on Craigslist so I got a good deal.

That said I have aready blew up two multimeters! I was checking current and forgot to put the probe in the current input. Oops!

I also zapped my self....

Thanks!
Decko

[David Root]

Structo, I used a Meterman before I got the Fluke. Meterman is a good DMM and at $70 vs $325 for the Fluke 187 it's a good value, however I think it may not be as accurate as the Fluke.

I used to use my Meterman as a full time wall voltage monitor when I lived in Tucson, because my shop was in an area where the wall voltage varied +/- 5V from 120 nominal, with no predictability. Made it very hard to maintain 120V with a Variac to get "120V base" DC quiescent voltages.

After I moved to BC, my shop is in the basement of my house and the wall voltage still varies but nowhere near as bad as in AZ. One day I compared the two meters and the Meterman was consistently 1V low compared with the Fluke.

To be fair I've not had either one calibrated since I bought them, so I could be subject to correction!

[David Root]

While I think of it, and this is a bit off-topic, my LCR meter is acting up on capacitance, and I'm not getting a low battery notice. It wanders around all over the place and will not settle on a stable value.

Any advice appreciated.

[Structo]

I have the Meterman 37R and paid $135 for it.

It is not their entry level meter.

I have several meters but that is my best one.

[selloutrr]

Change the battery in the LCR if it keeps acting up put it on the side lines and buy a sencore (fluke) of capacitor meters.
they have several models very easy to use!
the new model tests in circuit as well but will make you pay for that feature.
I purchased the last generation and a cap wizard for in circuit
(saved about $2k)

The LCR are very handy to a point. it was a huge selling point for the Fluke 867B to have capacitance metering as a function. it works well for basic good bad tests but i've found it's lack of hi test voltage to be misleading.
You can use an ohm meter for a basic good bad test... i.e. filter caps should be above 15k ohms. DISCHARGE THE CAPACITOR BEFORE TAKING A READING!!!

[selloutrr]

another thought you should be able to search the owners manaul for the LCR and see if it has a calibration / reset / or trouble shooting section.

[David Root]

I should have thought of that. Now I just have to find it, having recently moved! I started using the cap setting on my Fluke 187, not sure how good that is either.

[Structo]

What brand is the LCR?

A lot of times you can find owner manuals on line.

[Noel Grassy]

While I think of it, and this is a bit off-topic, my LCR meter is acting up on capacitance, and I'm not getting a low battery notice. It wanders around all over the place and will not settle on a stable value.

Any advice appreciated.

Mine has begun doing the same thing. Battery is fresh @ 9.375VDC.
Perhaps it's the Sun's activity. At least that's what's caused skip tracing to diminish by 75%.
Hell I haven't a clue.

NG.