Can someone recommend a good Multimeter to buy?

[2PacMan]

I need a multimeter to buy as i'm getting into pinball/arcade restoration.  I would like a digital one.

Anyone have any recommendations for a good one that will work well for arcade/pinball troubleshooting??

Of course i don't want to spend a fortune, so what are some good, reasonably price multimeters that you guys use?

[quarterback]

Harbor Freight, Cen-Tech   ~$4   


EDIT:  Here's a link: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Category.taf?CategoryID=170&pricetype=

Yes it's $10 right now, but it's always going on sale and/or there are HF coupons available.

[Mr. Bubblehead]

Back in the day I purchased a Metex meter like this one for around $150:



link


And just last year I bought one like this on sale at Harbor Freight for $3:



link


If all you are doing is checking voltages, continuity, resistance, etc. I recommend the $3 one.

[2PacMan]

Wow, $3.00??

[Level42]

What makes you think an arcade videogame or pinball is any different from any other electronic device like a TV or PC ?
All multimeters will work fine for your goal. However, I'd invest in the 30 bucks one instead of the $3. Just MHO.

If you want the best, buy a Fluke. Nothing beats it, I've used them for 16 years in my work now, and they never fail.

http://us.fluke.com/usen/products/categorydmm

[2PacMan]

I don't necessarily think there is a difference, i just wanted to state that this is ALL i would be using it for, and i don't want to get something that has way more bells and whistles than what i would need....thanks for your recommendation, i will check them out.

[Bumblebounces]

If you want the best, buy a Fluke. Nothing beats it, I've used them for 16 years in my work now, and they never fail.

http://us.fluke.com/usen/products/categorydmm

I second the vote for Fluke.

[quarterback]

No offense to anybody in this thread, but I think it's a little crazy to pay $200 for an item when I can get the same results from a $3 item.  Maybe if you're an electrician or do lots of electronics work, but all I've ever needed was something to use every once in a while when I need to test stuff.  None of my multimeters have ever failed on me. 

The one I've had the longest is the predecessor to this $30 one from RadioShack.  I've had it for more years than I can remember (10 or so) and it's served me well.  ALthough I use my $4 Harbor Freight meter more frequently now, just because I don't have to wrap up the wires when I'm done.

IMO the OP doesn't need to spend even $50 on a multimeter, let alone the hundreds that a Fluke can cost.  So while I'm sure that they're better made than the Cen-Tech, I would never recommend a $200 meter to a casual user on BYOAC looking for multimeter advice.

[Q*Bert_OP]

I like the Fluke model 11, but I think it has a new number...

[NoOne=NBA=]

The only bell or whistle I would recommend is a diode tester.
They come in handy when you need them.

I just picked up a meter for work the other day at Wal-mart that has a diode tester, and ran about $15.

[JustMichael]

A diode tester?  A couple continuity checks will show a good diode from a bad one.
Set the meter to do a continuity check (meter beeps or lights up when the probes touch).
Touch opposite sides of the diode with the probes.
If you get a sound then the diode is good.
If you get no sound then switch sides with the probes.
If you get a sound the the diode is good.
If you still get no sound the diode is bad.

[NoOne=NBA=]

A diode tester?  A couple continuity checks will show a good diode from a bad one.
Set the meter to do a continuity check (meter beeps or lights up when the probes touch).
Touch opposite sides of the diode with the probes.
If you get a sound then the diode is good.
If you get no sound then switch sides with the probes.
If you get a sound the the diode is good.
If you still get no sound the diode is bad.

It could also be shorted.

In which case, you will get continuity in BOTH directions--if your multimeter supplies enough current.
Digital meters usually don't produce enough current to adequately check diodes--thus they come with diode testers.

[missioncontrol]

I got my digital multi-meter at Home Depot for $8 I've had it 5 years now. still works fine. It's a bright yellow so it's easy to spot where I left it last.

[Ted_Striker]

Here's another vote for Fluke.  They are the best.  I have gotten to the point that I won't use a meter unless it is a Fluke.  It just isn't worth it.  I tried the Cen-tech from harbor freight.  A buddy of mine bought one and brought it to me to "show it off".  I did some basic testing with it and it was always a couple of volts off (when the same voltage source was measured with 2 different Fluke meters  (that read identical btw).  This probably isn't a big issue if you just want it for basic voltage "guesses" and continuity checks.  But please don't anyone delude themselves that the cheap meters are good tools.  Another issue that nobody hit upon was short circuit protection, and over voltage protection.  If your meter doesn't have it, you can blow your meter out or even shock yourself.  I would recommend getting the $30 Home Depot meter over the Harbor Freight one.  I just wasn't impressed with the HF one.

But personally I won't trust anything but a Fluke.  I am an Electrical Engineer with 15 years exp. working on, designing and troubleshooting industrial electronics.  I've seen too many electrical injuries to recommend a cheap tool.  So I guess consider the source (and personal bias's) of this info.

Hope this helps someone.

[missioncontrol]

I agree if you want the best go with a fluke, but if your doing just basic stuff the Home Depot one woks well

[Level42]

Little computer program:

IF you want the best THEN
     BUY Fluke
ELSE
    BUY Another moderate prices meter (the 30 bux one looks ok to me).

I would never buy a Fluke myself because indeed for the simple testing I need it for, I can use another one. But my concequent employers (ALL of them !!!) gave Fluke's as the professional tool to use. In my work I need to measure currents, voltages etc. and I need to rely on the measured values. Also, when it drops from 3 meters high, I still want it to work and be acurate. You're not going to get that from a 30 bucks meter, let alone anything cheaper. But for hobby those are fine....

But I like my joysticks to be the best there is, so I pay extra for them too..