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| Why get a multimeter |
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| Ferroto:
I was wondering what would be better if i could only get 1, a multimeter or an oscilloscope. Then I got thinking why do we need both instruments. Can't an oscilloscope measure just as high voltages as a multimeter with a greater degree of accuracy. A multimeter gives voltage in realtime, an oscilloscope gives voltage OVER time. A decent oscilloscope will cost almost 400$ and a decent multimeter about the same. There are hand held oscilloscopes available as well as handheld multimeters. |
| Murphy:
I'm not enough of an expert to comment on accuracy for voltage but remember a multimeter doesn't JUST measure voltage. Multimeters also measure current, resistance, capacitance, diode voltage drop, and have that nice continuity test beeper. Maybe other functions if you have a fancier meter. Also, oscilloscopes aren't very portable and the ones that are and are still good are in the many thousands of dollars (and still large). Both are necessary and at least a cheap multimeter is an essential to work with electronics, even if you had the most expensive oscilloscope in the world. Why would you only get one??? |
| GeekGirl:
--- Quote from: Ferroto on February 09, 2010, 01:58:56 am ---I was wondering what would be better if i could only get 1, a multimeter or an oscilloscope. Then I got thinking why do we need both instruments. Can't an oscilloscope measure just as high voltages as a multimeter with a greater degree of accuracy. A multimeter gives voltage in realtime, an oscilloscope gives voltage OVER time. A decent oscilloscope will cost almost 400$ and a decent multimeter about the same. There are hand held oscilloscopes available as well as handheld multimeters. --- End quote --- A Good Multimeter will have a high end ADC with a high accuracy and 12+ BIT ADC. most of the DSO,s on the market around the same price EG Rigol are only 8 bit. A multimeter is doubly insulated, NOTHING is referenced to Mains earth so I can do voltage mesurements anywhere, with the probes anyway around ;) A scope has one side of the probe (ground) at mains ground, which will if used wrong blow the circuit and posibly damage the scope. a Decent Multimeter may be CatIII 1000V Cat IV 600V (I doubt you will find a scope as good for under us$10K) It is all about using the right tool for the right job. |
| EEVblog:
An oscilloscope won't easily measure resistance, current, diode voltage drop, capacitance, or continuity beep. Not to mention as safely, accurately, or quickly (autoranging) as a multimeter. It's called a "multi" "meter" for a reason! It's no contest at all. BTW, even the most expensive oscilloscopes are only 1% or worse in vertical accuracy, and usually only 8 bits at that. Not even close to the accuracy or resolution of even a $20 no-name multimeter. GeekGirl nailed it on the head by saying, "It is all about using the right tool for the right job. " Dave. |
| Neilm:
It might be of interest to know that there are adapters that can be used (quite safely) to uprate an ordinary oscilloscope to make CAT IV measurements. I use one to do measure voltage transients. Neil |
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