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Voltage Multimeter Suggestions?
jtslade:
Can anyone point me to a good quality voltage multimeter online that can be used for arcade games?
Something that does the voltage ranges found in Arcade Games, easy to use and of quality that it will last for a while with regular usage.
I have seen them from ten dollars to 300 for a Fluke meter, but what do I need to look for?
Thank you...
matsadona:
Almost any would do it.
The most common voltages I measure is either (+/-)5 or 12V DC. Many multimeters have a 0-20V range, so that is covered.
And there is the live voltage range, i.e. 120V or 240V AC depending on were you live. That is also covered by almost every multimeter on the market.
It should also have a “beeper” mode, so that you can verify connection between different places in the circuit.
With this you cover most scenarios.
If you want to go hardcore you can also use transistor and diode measuring etc, but that is for replacing faulty parts on a pcb.
For more advance troubleshooting it could also be nice to have a logic analyzer and oscilloscope etc. But that is a different story with a different price range.
TopJimmyCooks:
Don't laugh but I have gone through phases of working on guitar amplifiers, car stereo installation, computer networking, home rewiring and now, pinball repair for 15 years with one of these: It's just starting to have to be slapped around to wake up.
because of board repair I got some accessory probe hooks just recently. Unless you are a pro or need longer leads regularly, it gets the job done for 98% of what's out there. it was $15 way back when. 400V range and does what Matsu describes. there are tons of multimeter reviews, showdowns of all available models within certain price ranges, etc. on the web.
tebrown:
I live Fluke meters because they are reliable and accurate. Most of the Flukes are "True RMS" which means the sine wave does not have to be a perfect sine to get an accurate voltage measurement. Unless you are doing lab grade voltage measurements and get the DMM (Digital Multimeter) calibrated annually, it doesn't make sense to spend $300 on a DMM, but I would still consider a Fluke (maybe the 114) for its ruggedness and reliability. My dad has a Fluke 76-II years and years ago, and that thing still works great.
Even if you don't get a Fluke, I would recommend something that is auto-ranging. If you don't know the voltage you are measuring, it's nice when you don't have to click through all the range settings to get something meaningful. I believe that all DMMs also have overcurrent protection fuses, but you definitely want that. The last thing you want to do is blow up your brand new DMM because you hooked it up wrong :)
monkey puzzle:
I personally would go for a cheap multimeter. If it measures AC volts, DC volts and continuity then thats all thats important for you. I've used cheap meters in my work and had many years use of them. Accuracy will never be important unless you are getting into hardcore electronics. Usually you are just looking to see if you have 5V, 12V etc. It doesn't matter if your meter is reading 12V or 12.2V or 12.26V, CLOSE enough is GOOD enough.
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