looking for a good digital multimeter

[Karlo_Moharic]

Try  FLuke 15b on ebay.

[carnage]

That was a great video explaining the internal of a DMM and how it works in reply #110.

[carnage]

Since the Klein and Amprobe are safe to use, its comes down to preference and I have to decide which one should I go with.

[tigr]

Amprobe37XR-A.

[carnage]

Does Uni-t and Amprobe have something in common, making things for each other?

[Lightages]

Amprobe has meters made by Brymen, perhaps Uni-Trend, and by others. Extech has meters made by CEM, Brymen, and others. any brands are made by other companies. As far as I know, Amprobe does not actually manufacture digital multimeters.

[carnage]

What is the difference between a meter that  true-rms and one that don't?

[xrunner]

What is the difference between a meter that  true-rms and one that don't?

Fluke: True RMS

[Muxr]

What is the difference between a meter that  true-rms and one that don't?

It has to do with how DMMs measure AC signals. True RMS will typically give you a more accurate reading when it comes to non perfect sine waves.

w2aew does a really nice job at explaining this in detail:

[carnage]

What is the difference between a meter that  true-rms and one that don't?

Fluke: True RMS

As soon as I posted this question I google trms and found that page on Fluke. I don't understand some of the information but I'm learning.
Does true rms make a meter accurate compare to meter that doesn't have true rms?
Is true rms is used in all setting like volts, amps, etc, or is it used in certain one?

[Muxr]

What is the difference between a meter that  true-rms and one that don't?

Fluke: True RMS

As soon as I posted this question I google trms and found that page on Fluke. I don't understand some of the information but I'm learning.
Does true rms make a meter accurate compare to meter that doesn't have true rms?
Is true rms is used in all setting like volts, amps, etc, or is it used in certain one?

It's used in all AC modes. So AC Volt and AC Amp modes. DC, continuity, resistance does not benefit from True RMS.

[carnage]

What is the difference between a meter that  true-rms and one that don't?

Fluke: True RMS

As soon as I posted this question I google trms and found that page on Fluke. I don't understand some of the information but I'm learning.
Does true rms make a meter accurate compare to meter that doesn't have true rms?
Is true rms is used in all setting like volts, amps, etc, or is it used in certain one?

It's used in all AC modes. So AC Volt and AC Amp modes. DC, continuity, resistance does not benefit from True RMS.

Since I'm using the meter for 110/120 volts and measuring batteries Nimh 1.2v and Lithium Ion 3.7v  will I benefit from a true-rms meter?

[Electro Detective]

It's only for AC voltage and AC current,

very handy if repetitive AC waveforms are crap, and gives you a better picture of what's going on

Otherwise the reading may be 10% off or more with a non TRMS meter

If your 120 volt power is decent quality and you just need a go-no go reading or comparison,
a TRMS meter may not be worth the extra cash layout for you.

What is the difference between a meter that  true-rms and one that don't?

Fluke: True RMS

As soon as I posted this question I google trms and found that page on Fluke. I don't understand some of the information but I'm learning.
Does true rms make a meter accurate compare to meter that doesn't have true rms?
Is true rms is used in all setting like volts, amps, etc, or is it used in certain one?

It's used in all AC modes. So AC Volt and AC Amp modes. DC, continuity, resistance does not benefit from True RMS.

Since I'm using the meter for 110/120 volts and measuring batteries Nimh 1.2v and Lithium Ion 3.7v  will I benefit from a true-rms meter?

[kalel]

Since I'm using the meter for 110/120 volts and measuring batteries Nimh 1.2v and Lithium Ion 3.7v  will I benefit from a true-rms meter?

I'm not an expert when it comes to how meters work or even what True RMS is, but it's only going to matter with measuring AC. Batteries provide DC (Direct current) and in that case, it really doesn't matter.

But, as for measuring 110/120 volts, you would get somewhat different/more accurate results with a True RMS meter.

[Lightages]

carnage:

TRMS is nice to have when you get more advanced and understand its use. If you don't get a meter with TRMS right now, don't worry. You will likely be getting more than one meter and when you do it will be to fill in the functions you didn't get the first time or to add the capabilities you get when you want to measures two things at once.

The UT139C is less than $50 and it is not a high price for a good basic meter, TRMS or not.

[nanofrog]

The UT139C is less than $50 and it is not a high price for a good basic meter, TRMS or not

+1  (Got mine for ~$36 shipped).

For disclosure, I've a 120,000 count GwInstek bench meter (8251A), a couple of 50,000 count meters (Agilent/Keysight U1252B & Brymen 857A), a Fluke 27/FM, and a Uni-T 139C (some DT830 clones from Harbor Freight as well).

[GameProgrammer79]

I am too a old new bee  .. recently I was searching for answer to the same question. What is a good multi meter when I am working on mostly 0-30V and 0-5A current. There are enticing models ex Uni-t ut139c or ut61e 22k count and TrueRMS which are available for $40-$60 range. So my logic tree is like below


If  ( you are a student and occasional hobbyist ) then
         don't spend a lot of money go for a name brand.

else ( if (you are sure you want that extra resolution and want to be precise to 0.05%) ) then
         spend a bit and go for mid range Brymen / ExTech / CEM // and so on
         An excellent example would be eevBlog re-badge Brymen

else ( if (money is not an object and you can spend a few $1000s i.e. $600is )) then
       you have so many options..
       Fluke is definitely a very good brand to consider.. their meters will virtually last ages and can be found in prehistoric sites used by our ancestors ..
       Fluke 87v - $360ish, Brymen 869s $220ish, Extech 530 - $170ish, Extech 540 - $300ish, CEM DT (equivalent) $150sh there are so many
else
       do your research - budget -> requirement -> models


Btw I have gone ahead and purchased

Fluke 87v new for $370       
Extech EX540 - Ebay for $120
Uni-t UT171B $180


       
         

[rsjsouza]

Since I'm using the meter for 110/120 volts and measuring batteries Nimh 1.2v and Lithium Ion 3.7v  will I benefit from a true-rms meter?

I'm not an expert when it comes to how meters work or even what True RMS is, but it's only going to matter with measuring AC. Batteries provide DC (Direct current) and in that case, it really doesn't matter.

But, as for measuring 110/120 volts, you would get somewhat different/more accurate results with a True RMS meter.

In my opinion, given the very small price difference between the models available in the marketplace today, a meter purchased new without True RMS does not make much sense.

There are a few discussions on this forum about whar and how useful True RMS is. This link contains some articles about this, while further into the discussion (here) there is a bit of history.

[carnage]

I was browsing around looking at DMM and saw Greenlee DM-45. How is this one for a basic meter?

[MosherIV]

I was browsing around looking at DMM and saw Greenlee DM-45. How is this one for a basic meter?

Here is a thread reviewing it
https://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/dm-45-review/

The summary is that it is not safe, does not have the input protection (MOVs and PTCs)

[carnage]

Is the Greenlee 510A is a better model?

The more I look at meter the they starting to look a lot like each other.

[Lightages]

Is the Greenlee 510A is a better model?

The more I look at meter the they starting to look a lot like each other.

That is a great meet that is made by Brymen. It is a re branded BM257S. The original Brymen is much less expensive but Greenlee warranties theirs for "life". IMHO the Brymen is the better buy and either is a big step up in quality over the other meters you have been looking at.

[carnage]

What about the Fluke 17B+?

[MosherIV]

What about the Fluke 17B+?

yes, perfectly safe if it is a genuine Fluke.

Are they available in USA?
Are they within your price range?

The 15 and 17 were for Chinese market only. Fluke do not officially sell it out side of Asian market.
Some companies import them because they are cheaper than domestic models.
It is unclear whether Fluke will support them outside of China.
Many hobbiests have bought them and are perfectly happy with them.

[carnage]

The Fluke is as is no warranty, no support. I found it on amazon.com and everything is in chinese no english, might need a translator. I'm not sure if it worth it because of the no support from Fluke.