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Can someone recommend a good Multimeter to buy?

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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=:

--- Quote from: JustMichael on October 27, 2005, 08:48:10 pm ---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.

--- End quote ---

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

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