Electronics > Beginners
First DMM?
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Gizzygone:
Good Morning!

I’m sure this may be a fairly common question, but I’ve been researching for a few days now, and can’t come to a conclusion.

I find myself looking for a multimeter from time to time for oddball home projects.  I’m by no means an electronics Guru, but it’s one of those tools that seems nice to have.

I’m hoping somebody can help me choose a DMM based on what I do...


First of all: I’m the “buy it right and buy it once” kind of guy. I know there are plenty of cheap meters to be had, but I want one that is safe, fairly well featured, and long lasting.

Also, though, I have budgets. I know fluke is one of the gold standard brands, but at the same time the 87 is just not in the cards.

I’ve seen the Chinese market flukes touted around, but I know they lack some features (I’m not sure I even need!). Plus I’m not sure if there are even knock-off Fluke Chinese market items out there... so I’m wary as to what to look for.

I also understand that EEV has their own option around, which seems decent, and it’s approaching the higher end of what I want to spend.... but if it’s worth it...


Anyways I’m just a home tinkerer.  I don’t necessarily repair TV’s at the moment, but if I do need to work on a board, I dont want to be fried.   For the most part I find myself wanting a meter to check continuity, voltage (car audio, home electronics), and resistance (again, for home electronics).  Where should I start looking and what features are musts? (True RMS? Graph? Etc)
drussell:
Seriously consider getting a used Fluke 27/FM.  They are the military-spec version and come up surplus from various armed forces all the time.  They are readily available on places like eBay at very reasonable prices.  You can even get them with the little hard plastic carrying case and accessory kit.
mtdoc:
Get a Brymen 257 or the EEVblog Brymen 235.

Both are safe meters, with more features than you're likely to need.

Gizzygone:

--- Quote from: drussell on July 11, 2018, 01:16:26 pm ---Seriously consider getting a used Fluke 27/FM.  They are the military-spec version and come up surplus from various armed forces all the time.  They are readily available on places like eBay at very reasonable prices.  You can even get them with the little hard plastic carrying case and accessory kit.

--- End quote ---

Any concern with accuracy?  I’ve heard that after a year they need to be recalibrated? Will a used one with unknown history pose any issue?
Muttley Snickers:
Welcome to the forum.   :)

It would probably help those offering assistance and guidance if you were able to declare your location and budget so that people don't have to assume anything, your location may also determine which brands/ models and pricing is the best option for your requirements.
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