Digital multimeter

[WoodyP]

My multimeter has died. It was only a cheapie but has done as much as my limited knowledge has needed for a number of years.
I would like to hear what current makes you think are good value.
I'll leave the other bad puns up to you, but any recommendations gratefully received. Thanks.

 

[The Q]

only about £17,000 a piece and I have 3 of those and 1 of it's predecessors

on the shelf behind me, and 2 8508As on my desk in work..
Mind you I'm not paying..

For most peoples use 12VDC, a few resistance measurements and maybe 230VAC, almost any DMM is good enough , BQ do one for £8.99 that'll do.

 

[AngusMcDoon]

You can get them for a fiver but the really cheapies seem to give up after not too long. £20 is as much as you need to spend for something like this...

Digital Multimeter AC / DC Voltage NCV Diode Multi Tester Test Leads 6000 Counts | eBay

The benefits over the £5 ones are a buzzer for continuity, auto ranging, higher current measuring capability and NCV for detecting mains voltage without making a connection.

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

My multimeter has died. It was only a cheapie but has done as much as my limited knowledge has needed for a number of years.
I would like to hear what current makes you think are good value.
I'll leave the other bad puns up to you, but any recommendations gratefully received. Thanks.

There are a plethora out there, for simple boat work anything from the online markets at around £10 - £15 quite adequate. AS per Angus!

 

[stuartwineberg]

The unit-t ut210e is pretty much universally (ie on the many review sites) taken to be the best budget clamp meter. So for not a lot of cash you get a full multimeter plus ac and dc clamp function. On Amazon at £44. Measures diodes and capacitance as well.

 

[Biggles Wader]

Cheapies are start price £0.99 on Ebay but you have to buy your own 9volt battery. I have two on the boat which have been reliable except the test wires fall apart and are getting a bit short!

 

[WoodyP]

View attachment 138992
only about £17,000 a piece and I have 3 of those and 1 of it's predecessors
View attachment 138993
on the shelf behind me, and 2 8508As on my desk in work..
Mind you I'm not paying..

For most peoples use 12VDC, a few resistance measurements and maybe 230VAC, almost any DMM is good enough , BQ do one for £8.99 that'll do.

Give me a loan please.

 

[ghostlymoron]

I got one from CPC farnel for about £10 several years ago but nowadays I'd go for a clamp on model which are now only about £20.

 

[Plum]

My multimeter has died. It was only a cheapie but has done as much as my limited knowledge has needed for a number of years.
I would like to hear what current makes you think are good value.
I'll leave the other bad puns up to you, but any recommendations gratefully received. Thanks.

I bought this one over 2 years ago and it has been excellent. Even turns it's self off after a time and has an illuminated screen for working in dark areas. ANENG AN8002 Digital True RMS 6000 Counts Multimeter AC/DC Current Voltage Frequency Resistance Temperature Tester ℃/℉

www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[Boater Sam]

If you buy a clamp meter be certain that it will measure DC current, many will only do AC current which is no use on a boat.

 

[WoodyP]

I bought this one over 2 years ago and it has been excellent. Even turns it's self off after a time and has an illuminated screen for working in dark areas. ANENG AN8002 Digital True RMS 6000 Counts Multimeter AC/DC Current Voltage Frequency Resistance Temperature Tester ℃/℉

www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

Currently our of stock unfortunately.

 

[WoodyP]

There's so many that look the same at a range of prices that real life experience is best.

 

[Plum]

Currently our of stock unfortunately.

oh sorry but if you search its available elsewhere such as ANENG AN8002 Digital Multimeter RMS 6000 Counts Volt Meter Ohmmeter Auto-Ranging Tester AC/DC Voltage and Current, Temperature - Red or ANENG AN8002 6000 Counts True RMS Multifunctional Digital Multimeter J4X5 | eBay

 

[Boathook]

My one on the boat was starting to play up so I recently purchased a Lidl one. Not to sure when they will be back which is the problem with lidl.
Haven't had to use it in anger yet. Does a lot more than I require but the display seems to be good which is important in my view.

 

[ChromeDome]

A clamp meter is next level to the ordinary multimeter. Costs more but indeed is a different device.

 

[Refueler]

Todays digital meters are pretty well accurate even when cheapest ... and certainly good enough for our use. It was in the days of the analogue meter that cheap was questionable.

Trip to the local B&Q or other such store and pick up a meter .... no need to waste money / time on it ...

 

[Dellquay13]

the LAP one from Screwfix is perfectly suitable for basic needs and knowledge, and usually under a tenner, I've got one on the boat and one in my workbag

 

[stuartwineberg]

If you buy a clamp meter be certain that it will measure DC current, many will only do AC current which is no use on a boat.

See my post #15. You are dead right

 

[davidpbo]

If you are likely to do anything with mains voltage make sure a cheapy has a high enough AC voltage range. I was surprised to see the cheapy i used on the boat was only good to 200V A.C.

 

[WoodyP]

The only thing I do with mains electricity is check if it's live and I have a handy probe for that. Wets finger.....