Hamer of Multimeters?

[a.bandini]

Hey Guys,

My 15 year old Micronta multimeter gave up the ghost today, may its ohmmeter rest in peace.

What is the Hamer of multimeters then? I'd rather spend a few extra $$ now, and not have to buy another new multimeter within the next decade or two. A quick look on Amazon suggests I can do pretty well for <$150, but what is best?

It will be for home use, and will live in a protected tool box, rather than bouncing around in the back of a truck or something like that. A sheltered life.

Your recommendations are appreciated! Thanks.

[RobB]

Fluke.

[Brentrocks]

I picked up this FLUKE from a pawn shop a couple yrs ago and it has worked great for me. i think it might be a little more than $150 new? i paid $125

[veatch]

^^^

I think I have the same model Brent does.

The only problem with digital is you can't test caps. You can't really watch the needle swing on a digital meter. For analog, I also have an old Micronta. Simpson seems to be the way to go for analog, built like a frickin' tank. Probably looking at a lot more than 150, though.

Good luck. Let us know what you get. Not sure how many more years I will get out of the Micronta here. :/

[cynic]

I recommend analog over digital.

I've got two digital Fluke's and a cheap Radio Shack analog.

I rarely touch either of the Fluke's.

There's just something about seeing that needle move...

Edited to add....actually, I'd recommend getting an inexpensive version of each. Digital is nice when the precise number matters. Analog is great for everything else. There are plenty of sub $40 examples of each with great reviews on Amazon.

[Toadroller]

^^^^

I agree.

I've had an analog Radio Shack since I left home* in '90 and still use it first.

When all the local Radio Shacks closed last year, I picked up their mac-daddy best of the best for something like $70 and rarely use it. But I'm doing the occasional continuity or voltage or resistance measurement. That's it.

*It might even have been my dad's, but I'm pretty sure I had the integrity to buy my own even as young and poor as I was back then. I know I took one of his hammers (not Hamers- he doesn't play guitar) though.

[Thundersteel]

The only problem with digital is you can't test caps.

A lot of the digital meters CAN test caps. The one pictured from Brent has it. It is adjacent to the ohms function, but hidden in the glare.

[specialk]

Simpson 260:

Hard to beat!

[JGravelin]

The Fluke stuff is great, but be sure to take a look at the Extech offerings also. I use the EX330 multi-meter and their LCR meter (Model 380193) in my shop daily and have for years. Accurate and reliable.

[veatch]

The only problem with digital is you can't test caps.

A lot of the digital meters CAN test caps. The one pictured from Brent has it. It is adjacent to the ohms function, but hidden in the glare.

That's cool! I'll have to look at the fluke here. I think I've had that meter for about 10 years and never even noticed that before. I've always just used the analog for caps..

Old Dog = 0

New Tricks = 1

ETA - The Fluke i have here is a model 77 - no cap testing function. :/ Oh well, at least don't feel so dumb...

[a.bandini]

Well I've spent hours looking into this, and decided to go with the Fluke 179.

We had Flukes on the submarines I served on, and they never gave us any trouble. (note: my submarines did not have flukes. We did have a fin, and some planes, but no flukes, despite what I just said.)

The 179 is at least assembled in the USA, and comes with a pretty decent warranty, from what I can tell.

Thanks for everyone's inputs!

[Thundersteel]

decided to go with the Fluke 179.

That's the one I have--good choice!

[JGravelin]

You won't be disappointed in the Fluke.

So...what's the Hamer of Submarines?

[Boomerang~Junkie]

Sammiches or Crazy Ivan?

[a.bandini]

You won't be disappointed in the Fluke.

So...what's the Hamer of Submarines?

Sammiches? That would have to be a MLT

[Brentrocks]

You won't be disappointed in the Fluke.

So...what's the Hamer of Submarines?

NUKE!!!!!