Anyone's got experience with this multimeter? I'm getting into DIY and I have the possibility to acquire a used unit in mint condition for 135$. From what I've read, Fluke dmm are generally a safe bet, but I was wondering if anyone had some feedback to give about this particular model.

Anyone's got experience with this multimeter? I'm getting into DIY and I have the possibility to acquire a used unit in mint condition for 135$. From what I've read, Fluke dmm are generally a safe bet, but I was wondering if anyone had some feedback to give about this particular model.

Probably a nice meter but you could also probably live with a lot less. If you're one of those people (like me) who generally buys good tools because you know you'll use them for a long time, buy it. Otherwise for a third of that budget you can get something that will handle most of what you would need for DIY and everything you'd need unless you get really hardcore.

Well, I'm doing a degree in electrical enginerring so I guess it could be useful once I graduate. We already have a shitload of measurement tools at school so the Fluke will be more for my personal usage, but like you said, I think it's a good long-term investment.

Who's the dude that is a metrologist over on head-fi? I thought he said to stay away from the Fluke 17x series and go for the 18x series instead... dammit, can't remember his name (handle). bigcat39 is the one.

But, $135 isn't a bad price I wouldn't think (haven't priced them lately though).

But, $135 isn't a bad price I wouldn't think (haven't priced them lately though).

Seems like a good price for a meter that can do the normal stuff plus capacitance and temp, I'd like to have a meter that had both of those functions as well.

Thanks for the input guys, I think I'll go for it. The 170 series is supposed to be slower taking AC measures and is quite a bit less precise than the 180 to match resistors, but it costs 200$ less.

Also, this is a local deal, so no shipping and possible Canadian customs fees.

I don't know about the 179 specifically, but I have a 189 and absolutely love it. Would've probably gotten the 187, since I don't use the logging, but I found a good deal on a used 189 before I could find one on a 187.

One thing I will suggest is getting a decent set of test leads, you wouldn't believe how much they can come in handy. I have ones that'll clip onto component leads so you can easily adjust trimpots and such, tips with a plastic guard that'll safely measure one pin on a DIP IC (like an opamp) without sliding off and shorting against the adjacent ones, ones with long sheathed extensions to measure in tight spots, etc. I really don't know how I got by with just regular test leads before.

I'd probably rather use a more basic meter with good leads than a fancy meter with only standard leads, but maybe I'm just weird.

I'd probably rather use a more basic meter with good leads than a fancy meter with only standard leads, but maybe I'm just weird.

Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but I've decided that I need a better DMM that the little battery powered unit that I keep on my motorcycle. Fitz's line above describes exactly what I'd like, a basic meter with good leads. Would knowledgeable people please recommend such a DMM?

Thanks.

what features do you need? You can just buy nice probes and using your existing meter, just as another option. In fact, I think Fitz posted a link somewhere for the probes he really likes.

I like the BK Precision meters. Here's a list, with MSRP:

Handheld Digital Multimeters - Multimeters - B&K Precision

Depending on the features you need, I think you'll find something that will work for you there.

Thanks. I'm sure one or more of these would work fine. Please tell me what features I need. My work contract is ending and I'll have some time for DIY play time. Here's a minimum of what I need:

1. Changeable leads

2. Volt meter

3. Amp meter

4. Ohm meter

5. Continuity tester.

Considering I hope to eventually progress to doing tube amps, please suggest other features that I might need. I'd like to keep the cost under $100 for meter and leads, but I'm kind of like Vicky.

you can definitely get that way under $100, not counting the leads.

I like this one, built to withstand my abuse and high voltage.

4. Ohm meter

5. Continuity tester.

FYI (not DIY) -- these two are effectively the same thing.

I use the one from RatShack, it does all those things except for the detachable leads. Which, I suppose, if you attach to other leads would lead to the same thing.

Considering I hope to eventually progress to doing tube amps, please suggest other features that I might need.

Probably a "transistor tester", which measures hfe as well as a temperature probe would be the only other things I could think of. Looks like the meter I have, the BK2706A is now discontinued and replaced with a version with less features.

If I was going to buy something, I'd consider taking a chance on this one:

VC99 3 36/7 Auto range DMM analog bar better FLUKE17B - eBay (item 170388685166 end time Oct-29-09 08:12:04 PDT)

but perhaps there are some better recommendations out there...

Fluke 73 III 3 Multimeter - Calibrated and Certified - eBay (item 180420065591 end time Nov-14-09 04:35:51 PST)

You could make an offer on something like that. I think I paid ~$75 for the one I had years ago which I've since replaced with a 179.

I use a fluke 87 Series 3. Its an older model but very very nice. You can buy them used for about 75-120$.

Thanks for your suggestions. I bought the VC99 on Ebay that Marc suggested. I'll let you know how it works out. or

Now I just need to find some leads for it. Google hear I come.

I would try the ones it comes with first.

Oops, didn't read down far enough. I assumed it came without leads. Eventually I'll want clip-on leads so we'll see if they are included.

Hmmmmm, I might take a punt on the VC99 as well. If I do bite the bullet on the eXStata, my current meter might not be suitable as it only manages 600VDC.

I have similar temptations. The VC99 looks quite nice. Also need an inductance meter (well, want), signal generator, and quite a bit of other test equipment.

Oops, didn't read down far enough. I assumed it came without leads. Eventually I'll want clip-on leads so we'll see if they are included.

heh, I chose that one because the probes looked decent look at the same seller, I believe he has nice probe packs.

Bought one. If it's crap, I'll find you

see, that's not fair

Bought one. If it's crap, I'll find you

Ditto... I have have Marc's address if we need it.