Looking for a multimeter just to test out batteries etc. (Including car batteries). Can someone please recommend some multimeters for that purpose. I had a look at Banggood.com and Aneng/Bside look good. Haven't owned one before so don't know much about the performance.
Recommend a Multimeter
[Deactivated] on 24/04/2017 - 13:41
Last edited 24/04/2017 - 13:58 by 1 other user
Last edited 24/04/2017 - 13:58 by 1 other user
Comments
^This is all true.
The $5 models will do what you want.
Note most either take a 9v battery or a weird 12v battery half the size of a AAA. I suggest choosing one that uses 9v so you can easily replace the battery.Thanks. Will mostly be using on batteries etc. Jaycar is a bit pricey compared to importing from China, the amount I spend getting something from jaycar, I can either buy it cheaper or something more fancy for the same amount.
Jaycar is a bit pricey compared to importing from China
Jaycar use to have one for $5 … seems like the price has gone up to $9.95 now. Cheapest on ebay is $3.36 (inc post).
I'd probably get the ebay one too, unless you're in a hurry!
I would stick with Fluke for serious work
Cheap chinese meters aren't certified for AC in Australia and death is imminent, however for basic DC projects a cheapie will doYou can add Kyoritsu to that list.
Fantastic equipment!
Any cheap multimeter will do what you want. If you want to measure current (amps) easily from the car as well, you probably want a clamp meter. These allow clamping over one wire to measure current without breaking the circuit to measure it. Virtually any model you choose would be fine for the basics. I'd look into the $20-$50ish Uni-T models on ebay. If your budget is higher, you can also consider some China-market Fluke models (15B, etc) but for the basics I wouldn't bother going Fluke.
I went to Jaycar to get one. Can't remeber how much, but probably around $20 and it will do everything I will need - with local support for warranty (I can just about roll there on bike without pedalling).
For just checking battery voltage got to your local shop and buy the cheapest. Can get them from auto suppliers, hardware, electronics places like Jaycar and probably even woollies.When testing batteries remember to do it with a load or else the reading can be meaningless. The simplest method is to measure it in-circuit and operating. If this is not possible, have a test load (like a light globe) clipped across the battery when testing the voltage.
Quick Look & Destruction Of A Cheap Multimeter: http://youtu.be/glzLlPO6CjY
Using cheap multimeters….. fluke all the way fellas.
Use fluke for years now. strongly recommend
Just bear in mind that Fluke equipment is ridiculously expensive to repair if anything goes wrong. They have fixed price servicing so you'll looking at $300+ charge no matter what the issue (up to $1000+ for some of their products).
I have:
fluke 87 series 2 multimeter, used full time for 15 years and nothing wrong with it at all.
Fluke T5 1000 used for 4 years full time and yes its rough atound the edges still going strong.
Fluke loop calibrater used on and off for 5 years and still kickin along.
fluke megger used and owned for 6 years.All in all i have never had any problem with my gear and i do send it out to get calibrated yearly.
Fair enough. I send Fluke stuff to Celemetrix for repair fairly regularly.
About half the time the client opts for replacement as repair cost is too high.
Not bad units, just expensive to buy and service.
I use a Fluke 179 day in, day out. But they are pricey, and I work with AC power.
If you're only doing DC power like batteries, then cheap multimeters are fine. (Jaycar and Supercheap sell them)
If you need DC current, you can buy combination clamp meters