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ralphmariafinch(at)gmail.
Guest

Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2010 8:38 pm Post subject: Recommend a digital multimeter?

I just discovered my faithful old Radio Shack DMM is wonky, the little scale

at the bottom of the LCD displays reads correctly between 0-30, but the

digits don't correspond.  Time for a new DMM.



I could just go back to the Shack and get whatever they have, but would like

to check here for a recommendation.  Mr. Nuckolls, any advice?  A brief

search using Google reveals many nifty new features in DMMs these days.

Anything an airplane builder should look for?



Thanks,

Ralph Finch

Davis, California, USA

RV-9A QB-SA

etienne.phillips(at)gmail
Guest

Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2010 10:55 am Post subject: Recommend a digital multimeter?

Hi Ralph



In my experience, those cheap and nasty ones offer the best value for money. After I damaged my mid-range DMM (snapped the knob off), I replaced it with a cheapy, and have had twice the service life, maybe 1% less accuracy, and complete lack of concern for its well-being when chucking it into the tool box. I've gone through a single 9V battery in about 8 years, and the little beast keeps on going. Unlike my nice one.



For what we do (if all you're doing is typical hobbyist stuff), the true-rms, computer-connectible, super gizmo is complete overkill. Something that can measure voltage, current (even if you have to change plugs for the different scales) and continuity will provide all the functionality that you'll ever need, and none of those require any sort of precision better than a few parts in a hundred.



My 2c anyway!

Etienne



On 15 Nov 2010, at 6:32 AM, Ralph & Maria Finch wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   

 

 I just discovered my faithful old Radio Shack DMM is wonky, the little scale

 at the bottom of the LCD displays reads correctly between 0-30, but the

 digits don't correspond.  Time for a new DMM.

 

 I could just go back to the Shack and get whatever they have, but would like

 to check here for a recommendation.  Mr. Nuckolls, any advice?  A brief

 search using Google reveals many nifty new features in DMMs these days.

 Anything an airplane builder should look for?

 

 Thanks,

 Ralph Finch

 Davis, California, USA

 RV-9A QB-SA

raymondj(at)frontiernet.n
Guest

Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2010 11:42 am Post subject: Recommend a digital multimeter?

My solution is to have one GOOD meter for my bench, which I treat with 

TLC, and 1/2 dozen of the ultra cheap (<$5) from HF or RS.  I'm able to 

have one at hand where ever I am and if I question what the cheap one 

says, I can bring out the good one.



 	  Quote: 	
		   http://www.harborfreight.com/7-function-digital-multimeter-90899.html?utm_term=90899&utm_medium=cse&utm_source=googlebase


	


do not archive



Raymond Julian

Kettle River, MN



On 11/14/2010 10:32 PM, Ralph & Maria Finch wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   



 I just discovered my faithful old Radio Shack DMM is wonky, the little scale

 at the bottom of the LCD displays reads correctly between 0-30, but the

 digits don't correspond.  Time for a new DMM.



 I could just go back to the Shack and get whatever they have, but would like

 to check here for a recommendation.  Mr. Nuckolls, any advice?  A brief

 search using Google reveals many nifty new features in DMMs these days.

 Anything an airplane builder should look for?



 Thanks,

 Ralph Finch

 Davis, California, USA

 RV-9A QB-SA

nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelect
Guest

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 7:57 am Post subject: Recommend a digital multimeter?

Ralph asks:



I just discovered my faithful old Radio Shack DMM is wonky, the little scale

at the bottom of the LCD displays reads correctly between 0-30, but the

digits don't correspond. Time for a new DMM.



I could just go back to the Shack and get whatever they have, but would like

to check here for a recommendation. Mr. Nuckolls, any advice? A brief

search using Google reveals many nifty new features in DMMs these days.

Anything an airplane builder should look for?



Etienne says:



In my experience, those cheap and nasty ones offer the best value for 

money. After I damaged my mid-range DMM (snapped the knob off), I 

replaced it with a cheapy, and have had twice the service life, maybe 

1% less accuracy, and complete lack of concern for its well-being 

when chucking it into the tool box. I've gone through a single 9V 

battery in about 8 years, and the little beast keeps on going. Unlike 

my nice one.



For what we do (if all you're doing is typical hobbyist stuff), the 

true-rms, computer-connectible, super gizmo is complete overkill. 

Something that can measure voltage, current (even if you have to 

change plugs for the different scales) and continuity will provide 

all the functionality that you'll ever need, and none of those 

require any sort of precision better than a few parts in a hundred.

Ray suggests:



My solution is to have one GOOD meter for my bench, which I treat 

with TLC, and 1/2 dozen of the ultra cheap (<$5) from HF or RS.  I'm 

able to have one at hand where ever I am and if I question what the 

cheap one says, I can bring out the good one.



    Right on guys.



    A few days ago I mentioned an experiment wherein

    I gathered up all the multi-meters within handy

    reach to compare their agreement for reading a

    particular voltage on the workbench. The price

    range of the sampled instruments ran from $30 to

    $300. A $3 Harbor Freight sample wasn't handy but

    I've got a few of those around somewhere too. The

    experiment demonstrated the relatively equivalent

    accuracy of a wide range of devices.



    As others have already suggested, it's better to

    have a few cheapies than to blow your total budget

    on one Cadillac device. This is because the vast

    majority of uses for a multi-meter is to answer

    yes/no questions. Is the bus hot? Is the device

    drawing ballpark expected current? Does this pathway

    have continuity? The relative precision of the

    instrument doesn't help you do a better job.



    50 years ago, price bought you more precision,

    perhaps more robustness and certainly more

    sensitivity. My very first purchase of a

    "professional" multimeter was the day I got

    hired at Boeing for $86/wk. The instrument was

    a Tripplet 630 an cost me most of that week's

    pay.



http://ralphselectronics.biz/images/TRIP-630NS.jpg



    The modern descendant of that instrument is

    still offered for about $500. It's got a few

    more features than the one I bought 59 years

    ago. Interestingly enough, the $3 Harbor Freight

    special is more sensitive (higher input impedance)

    and just as accurate (1.5%) as the 630 for a

    tiny fraction of the money.



    The $3 device IS not as robust but for most

    of our purposes, we can treat it as a disposable

    device. If the Tripplet craps, or gets crunched,

    you get it fixed or perhaps cry a lot. If the HF

    craps, you pitch it and get another one. In fact,

    when you buy the el-cheapo, you might get two or three.



    Need to set up your voltage regulator? Do the

    po-boy's calibration study I suggested earlier

    this week and you're good to go without having

    to invest a lot of $time$ on an instrument with

    features that may not offers a good return

    on investment.



    At the same time, keep an eye on the offerings

    at garage sales, ebay, and periodic special sale

    prices at RS, etc. You can often exploit a really

    good value on the purchase of an instrument

    with more chrome and foxtails.

   Bob . . .

handainc(at)madisoncounty
Guest

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 8:26 am Post subject: Recommend a digital multimeter?

Bob -



Do you have any experience with the Knight multimeters.  Looking at 

their website  http://www.knightonline.com/meters, they seem to have a 

nice variety at price that seem to be a good value.  Some friends of 

mine bought 15 of them for use in a vo-tech school program for aircraft 

and auto mechanics and are totally sold on the quality and value (if 

anyone is rough on tools, it is mechanic students!).  Looking at the 

variety offered on the site, what features would you recommend for a 

home hobbyist, aircraft homebuilder?  I'm just getting started in the 

electronics end of things, have been lurking on here, but know just 

enough to be dangerous right now.  I am interested in purchasing one, 

because they have temperature measuring that appears to be quite 

accurate, and since I teach fabric covering for Stewart Systems, and do 

custom covering, I need one for calibrating my heating irons.



M. Haught



On 11/16/2010 9:57 AM, Robert L. Nuckolls, III wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   

 <nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelectric.com>



 Ralph asks:



 I just discovered my faithful old Radio Shack DMM is wonky, the little 

 scale

 at the bottom of the LCD displays reads correctly between 0-30, but the

 digits don't correspond. Time for a new DMM.



 I could just go back to the Shack and get whatever they have, but 

 would like

 to check here for a recommendation. Mr. Nuckolls, any advice? A brief

 search using Google reveals many nifty new features in DMMs these days.

 Anything an airplane builder should look for?



 Etienne says:



 In my experience, those cheap and nasty ones offer the best value for 

 money. After I damaged my mid-range DMM (snapped the knob off), I 

 replaced it with a cheapy, and have had twice the service life, maybe 

 1% less accuracy, and complete lack of concern for its well-being when 

 chucking it into the tool box. I've gone through a single 9V battery 

 in about 8 years, and the little beast keeps on going. Unlike my nice 

 one.



 For what we do (if all you're doing is typical hobbyist stuff), the 

 true-rms, computer-connectible, super gizmo is complete overkill. 

 Something that can measure voltage, current (even if you have to 

 change plugs for the different scales) and continuity will provide all 

 the functionality that you'll ever need, and none of those require any 

 sort of precision better than a few parts in a hundred.

 Ray suggests:



 My solution is to have one GOOD meter for my bench, which I treat with 

 TLC, and 1/2 dozen of the ultra cheap (<$5) from HF or RS.  I'm able 

 to have one at hand where ever I am and if I question what the cheap 

 one says, I can bring out the good one.



    Right on guys.



    A few days ago I mentioned an experiment wherein

    I gathered up all the multi-meters within handy

    reach to compare their agreement for reading a

    particular voltage on the workbench. The price

    range of the sampled instruments ran from $30 to

    $300. A $3 Harbor Freight sample wasn't handy but

    I've got a few of those around somewhere too. The

    experiment demonstrated the relatively equivalent

    accuracy of a wide range of devices.



    As others have already suggested, it's better to

    have a few cheapies than to blow your total budget

    on one Cadillac device. This is because the vast

    majority of uses for a multi-meter is to answer

    yes/no questions. Is the bus hot? Is the device

    drawing ballpark expected current? Does this pathway

    have continuity? The relative precision of the

    instrument doesn't help you do a better job.



    50 years ago, price bought you more precision,

    perhaps more robustness and certainly more

    sensitivity. My very first purchase of a

    "professional" multimeter was the day I got

    hired at Boeing for $86/wk. The instrument was

    a Tripplet 630 an cost me most of that week's

    pay.



 http://ralphselectronics.biz/images/TRIP-630NS.jpg



    The modern descendant of that instrument is

    still offered for about $500. It's got a few

    more features than the one I bought 59 years

    ago. Interestingly enough, the $3 Harbor Freight

    special is more sensitive (higher input impedance)

    and just as accurate (1.5%) as the 630 for a

    tiny fraction of the money.



    The $3 device IS not as robust but for most

    of our purposes, we can treat it as a disposable

    device. If the Tripplet craps, or gets crunched,

    you get it fixed or perhaps cry a lot. If the HF

    craps, you pitch it and get another one. In fact,

    when you buy the el-cheapo, you might get two or three.



    Need to set up your voltage regulator? Do the

    po-boy's calibration study I suggested earlier

    this week and you're good to go without having

    to invest a lot of $time$ on an instrument with

    features that may not offers a good return

    on investment.



    At the same time, keep an eye on the offerings

    at garage sales, ebay, and periodic special sale

    prices at RS, etc. You can often exploit a really

    good value on the purchase of an instrument

    with more chrome and foxtails.

   Bob . . .

nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelect
Guest

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 8:46 am Post subject: Recommend a digital multimeter?

At 10:20 AM 11/16/2010, you wrote:


<handainc(at)madisoncounty.net>



  Bob -



Do you have any experience with the Knight multimeters.  Looking at 

their website  http://www.knightonline.com/meters, they seem to have 

a nice variety at price that seem to be a good value.  Some friends 

of mine bought 15 of them for use in a vo-tech school program for 

aircraft and auto mechanics and are totally sold on the quality and 

value (if anyone is rough on tools, it is mechanic 

students!).  Looking at the variety offered on the site, what 

features would you recommend for a home hobbyist, aircraft homebuilder?



   I have no personal experience with these devices so

   your friend is in much better position to tell

   you how he assess the return on his investment.



  I'm just getting started in the electronics end of things, have 

been lurking on here, but know just enough to be dangerous right 

now.  I am interested in purchasing one, because they have 

temperature measuring that appears to be quite accurate, and since I 

teach fabric covering for Stewart Systems, and do custom covering, I 

need one for calibrating my heating irons.



   You have identified a specific feature (thermocouple

   input) that drives your purchase decision. I didn't

   see the Knight device with this feature but a number

   of suppliers offer it. I note that Radio Shack is offering

   the EXtech EX430 with a thermocouple input for

   about $90.



   I can offer you observations about the instruments I have used

   but I have no first hand knowledge of the devices

   you've cited.

   Bob . . .

nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelect
Guest

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 8:47 am Post subject: Recommend a digital multimeter?

At 10:20 AM 11/16/2010, you wrote:


<handainc(at)madisoncounty.net>



  Bob -



Do you have any experience with the Knight multimeters.  Looking at 

their website  http://www.knightonline.com/meters, they seem to have 

a nice variety at price that seem to be a good value.  Some friends 

of mine bought 15 of them for use in a vo-tech school program for 

aircraft and auto mechanics and are totally sold on the quality and 

value (if anyone is rough on tools, it is mechanic 

students!).  Looking at the variety offered on the site, what 

features would you recommend for a home hobbyist, aircraft homebuilder?



   I have no personal experience with these devices so

   your friend is in much better position to tell

   you how he assess the return on his investment.



  I'm just getting started in the electronics end of things, have 

been lurking on here, but know just enough to be dangerous right 

now.  I am interested in purchasing one, because they have 

temperature measuring that appears to be quite accurate, and since I 

teach fabric covering for Stewart Systems, and do custom covering, I 

need one for calibrating my heating irons.



   You have identified a specific feature (thermocouple

   input) that drives your purchase decision. I didn't

   see the Knight device with this feature but a number

   of suppliers offer it. I note that Radio Shack is offering

   the EXtech EX430 with a thermocouple input for

   about $90.



   I can offer you observations about the instruments I have used

   but I have no first hand knowledge of the devices

   you've cited.

   Bob . . .

nuckollsr

Joined: 24 Mar 2009
Posts: 95
Location: Medicine Lodge, KS

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 9:07 am Post subject: Re: Recommend a digital multimeter?

PostPosted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 10:47 am    Post subject: Recommend a digital multimeter?

At 10:20 AM 11/16/2010, you wrote:



<handainc>



Bob -



Do you have any experience with the Knight multimeters. Looking at

their website http://www.knightonline.com/meters, they seem to have

a nice variety at price that seem to be a good value.



   See: http://tinyurl.com/2bhdsnv

handainc(at)madisoncounty
Guest

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 9:36 am Post subject: Recommend a digital multimeter?

Thanks Bob -



That at least gives me a ball park price for comparison.  They have a 

model they call an "Automotive" (http://www.knightonline.com/automm.htm)

that looks handy and has the thermocouple input.  Unless someone on here 

has a better recommendation, I think that is the way I will go.  Price 

is $117 plus shipping and has an available AC/DC current clamp and a RPM 

measuring device.



M. Haught



On 11/16/2010 10:45 AM, Robert L. Nuckolls, III wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   

 <nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelectric.com>



 At 10:20 AM 11/16/2010, you wrote:

 

 <handainc(at)madisoncounty.net>



  Bob -



 Do you have any experience with the Knight multimeters.  Looking at 

 their website  http://www.knightonline.com/meters, they seem to have a 

 nice variety at price that seem to be a good value.  Some friends of 

 mine bought 15 of them for use in a vo-tech school program for 

 aircraft and auto mechanics and are totally sold on the quality and 

 value (if anyone is rough on tools, it is mechanic students!).  

 Looking at the variety offered on the site, what features would you 

 recommend for a home hobbyist, aircraft homebuilder?



   I have no personal experience with these devices so

   your friend is in much better position to tell

   you how he assess the return on his investment.



  I'm just getting started in the electronics end of things, have been 

 lurking on here, but know just enough to be dangerous right now.  I am 

 interested in purchasing one, because they have temperature measuring 

 that appears to be quite accurate, and since I teach fabric covering 

 for Stewart Systems, and do custom covering, I need one for 

 calibrating my heating irons.



   You have identified a specific feature (thermocouple

   input) that drives your purchase decision. I didn't

   see the Knight device with this feature but a number

   of suppliers offer it. I note that Radio Shack is offering

   the EXtech EX430 with a thermocouple input for

   about $90.



   I can offer you observations about the instruments I have used

   but I have no first hand knowledge of the devices

   you've cited.

   Bob . . .

handainc(at)madisoncounty
Guest

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 9:47 am Post subject: Recommend a digital multimeter?

Thanks Bob - Actually found that same unit for $19.99 on a google 

search.  That works for me at an almost  "throw away" price.



M. Haught



On 11/16/2010 11:07 AM, nuckollsr wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		   



 PostPosted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 10:47 am    Post subject: Recommend a digital multimeter?

 At 10:20 AM 11/16/2010, you wrote:



 Bob -



 Do you have any experience with the Knight multimeters. Looking at

 their website http://www.knightonline.com/meters, they seem to have

 a nice variety at price that seem to be a good value.



     See: http://tinyurl.com/2bhdsnv





 Read this topic online here:



 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=319590#319590

mdnanwelch7(at)hotmail.co
Guest

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 9:55 am Post subject: Recommend a digital multimeter?

  Although I have a Radio Shack DMM, which cost me about $20, it definitely feels

 like a cheapie.  It works fine and all, but it has about 10" test leads, and they are

 near impossible to fold back inside the unit, and then close the cover.

  

  Again, this little meter worked fine, but I just felt like get something that felt

 more "substantial."  We don't have much decent shopping in my new town, except

 for WalMart.  I looked over their selection, and one unit caught my eye.  It was

 the typical bright yellow/black standard appearence DMM.  At $20-$21, it looked

 like a bargain.  So I bought it, and initially I used it for checking hot circuits, etc, 

 on my house, which I was building at the time.

  

   After I finished the house, I needed to check on some resistors, and found that my

 year-old preferred DMM didn't work anymore.  Upon taking it apart, my guess is they

 don't work long after someone dumps coffee in them.  Greatly dissapointed, I tried

 to find the SAME one on eBay.  No luck.  After looking everywhere and not finding it

 elsewhere, I checked back at my local WalMart, and fortunately, it's still there.  So, 

 I grabbed a new one.  I'm very pleased with it's performance, and I keep it away

 from most beverages!  (it wasn't ME that dumped something in it)

  

   The DMM unit is made by "Etek".  The model # is 10709.  It has the basic functions

 you'd expect to find, plus a thermister for checking temperatures.  I like it, I'd recommend it.

 It also has a few bonus features, like; flashlight and "non-contact" voltage warning alarm,

 although with my hearing, I don't hear it if it sounds.  It's probably Chinese, but I wouldn't

 necessarily consider it a total cheapie.

   One small "oh goodie" of having to buy a new one is, I now have two sets of leads.  So, I

 converted one set into alligator clips.  Now, I have a choice....clips or pointy ends.  So, that's 

 my recommendation;  Etek #101709   ~$21.  Just keep your employees coffee away from it.

  

 Mike Welch

 		 	   		    [quote][b]

rampil

Joined: 04 May 2007
Posts: 870

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 10:14 am Post subject: Re: Recommend a digital multimeter?

DMM T/C for fabric covering...

Interesting, I was going to recommend you look for a cheapy with

thermocouple input.  I'd find that feature useful for troubleshooting

EGT probes.  The DMMs I have seen mostly have K type curves built

in, not the lower temp J curves. A K tc would be completely unusable

for your purpose, but probably still a more useful function than

"diode test" or hFe (transistor gain)

_________________
Ira N224XS

rmitch1(at)hughes.net
Guest

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 11:21 am Post subject: Recommend a digital multimeter?

I have several from Harbor Freight from time to time they go on sale for $3.99, seem to work as good as a top of the line Radio Shack DMM.

Bob Mitchell



Sent from my iPad



On Nov 16, 2010, at 12:14 PM, "rampil" <ira.rampil(at)gmail.com> wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   

 

 DMM T/C for fabric covering...

 

 

 Interesting, I was going to recommend you look for a cheapy with

 thermocouple input.  I'd find that feature useful for troubleshooting

 EGT probes.  The DMMs I have seen mostly have K type curves built

 in, not the lower temp J curves. A K tc would be completely unusable

 for your purpose, but probably still a more useful function than

 "diode test" or hFe (transistor gain)

 

 --------

 Ira N224XS

 

 

 

 

 Read this topic online here:

 

 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=319602#319602

nuckolls.bob(at)aeroelect
Guest

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 12:16 pm Post subject: Recommend a digital multimeter?

At 12:14 PM 11/16/2010, you wrote:

  	  Quote: 	
		  --> AeroElectric-List message posted by: "rampil" <ira.rampil(at)gmail.com>



 DMM T/C for fabric covering...



 

 Interesting, I was going to recommend you look for a cheapy with

 thermocouple input.  I'd find that feature useful for troubleshooting

 EGT probes.  The DMMs I have seen mostly have K type curves built

 in, not the lower temp J curves. A K t/c would be completely unusable

 for your purpose, but probably still a more useful function than

 "diode test" or hFe (transistor gain) 	


    How does a K wire device become "unusable" unless the only

    t/c wire you own is type J?  I think K-wire t/c is

    the industry preferred because it is suitable for use over

    a wider range than J-wire. I don't recall ever seeing

    a spool of J-wire at HBC. We used a lot of K and some T wire.

    I think all the common multi-meters with T/C inputs are

    K-wire. 



    But every temperature you might wish to explore with J-

    wire can also be quantified with K-wire sensors.



    By the way, I was unpacking some moving bins

    looking for some parts and found an HF $3 multimeter

    waiting for some service. The internal fuse was popped.

    I replaced the fuse and compared it with the bench Fluke.

    It proved to be a 1% accuracy device on the DC and

    resistance scales.



    One thing I forgot to mention about selecting a multimeter:



    I avoid instruments with captive test probe leads. Banana

    plug jacks for a variety of leads is handy. It's even better

    if the jacks are spaced 3/4" . . . this allows you to take

    advantage of dual banana plug accessories and adapters



 [img]cid:.0[/img]



 [img]cid:.1[/img]



    that have been very popular in test leads market

    for many moons. You'll want to make up leads with insulated

    alligator clips on the end. 



 [img]cid:.2[/img]



    More often than not, I can "probe" a circuit with the

    tip of an alligator clip but quite often I want to

    have my hands free to do something else while the

    meter is clipped into place for a measurement.



    But if you can find a good deal on something that is

    not 3/4" spaced, it's not a big deal.



 

 

   Bob . . .

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handainc(at)madisoncounty
Guest

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 12:39 pm Post subject: Recommend a digital multimeter?

Okay - this is strange!  I have that exact same unit, and never     noticed that it had temp measurement on it!  However, I did not get     a thermocouple with the unit - did yours come with the thermocouple     probe? 

     

     M. Haught

     

     On 11/16/2010 11:53 AM, Mike Welch wrote:     [quote]                Although I have a Radio Shack DMM, which cost me about $20, it       definitely feels

       like a cheapie.  It works fine and all, but it has about 10" test       leads, and they are

       near impossible to fold back inside the unit, and then close the       cover.

        

        Again, this little meter worked fine, but I just felt like get       something that felt

       more "substantial."  We don't have much decent shopping in my new       town, except

       for WalMart.  I looked over their selection, and one unit caught       my eye.  It was

       the typical bright yellow/black standard appearence DMM.  At       $20-$21, it looked

       like a bargain.  So I bought it, and initially I used it for       checking hot circuits, etc, 

       on my house, which I was building at the time.

        

         After I finished the house, I needed to check on some resistors,       and found that my

       year-old preferred DMM didn't work anymore.  Upon taking it apart,       my guess is they

       don't work long after someone dumps coffee in them.  Greatly       dissapointed, I tried

       to find the SAME one on eBay.  No luck.  After looking everywhere       and not finding it

       elsewhere, I checked back at my local WalMart, and fortunately,       it's still there.  So, 

       I grabbed a new one.  I'm very pleased with it's performance, and       I keep it away

       from most beverages!  (it wasn't ME that dumped something in it)

        

         The DMM unit is made by "Etek".  The model # is 10709.  It has       the basic functions

       you'd expect to find, plus a thermister for checking       temperatures.  I like it, I'd recommend it.

       It also has a few bonus features, like; flashlight and       "non-contact" voltage warning alarm,

       although with my hearing, I don't hear it if it sounds.  It's       probably Chinese, but I wouldn't

       necessarily consider it a total cheapie.

         One small "oh goodie" of having to buy a new one is, I now have       two sets of leads.  So, I

       converted one set into alligator clips.  Now, I have a       choice....clips or pointy ends.  So, that's 

       my recommendation;  Etek #101709   ~$21.  Just keep your employees       coffee away from it.

        

       Mike Welch

        	  Quote: 	
		  



	
     [b]

rampil

Joined: 04 May 2007
Posts: 870

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 12:40 pm Post subject: Re: Recommend a digital multimeter?

Hi Bob,



My recollection of the voltage curves for J and K types would

render the fabric range down at the low  voltage end for a K type.

If these are the cheap meters, you'll get better resolution with a J

because of higher voltage per degree and larger voltage at 300F.



OK, so less desirable if not useless.

_________________
Ira N224XS

mdnanwelch7(at)hotmail.co
Guest

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 1:05 pm Post subject: Recommend a digital multimeter?

Marvin,

  

   Geesh, what are the odds?!!  As a matter of fact, yes, I have it, plus I also the extra temp probe from 

 the first one.  Want it?  It's yours.

   Send me your address and I'll mail it to you.

  

  Mike W.

 

   Date: Tue, 16 Nov 2010 14:36:08 -0600

From: handainc(at)madisoncounty.net

To: aeroelectric-list(at)matronics.com

Subject: Re: Recommend a digital multimeter?



 Okay - this is strange!  I have that exact same unit, and never noticed that it had temp measurement on it!  However, I did not get a thermocouple with the unit - did yours come with the thermocouple probe? 



M. Haught



On 11/16/2010 11:53 AM, Mike Welch wrote:  [quote]  .ExternalClass .ecxhmmessage P {padding:0px;} .ExternalClass body.ecxhmmessage {font-size:10pt;font-family:Tahoma;}     Although I have a Radio Shack DMM, which cost me about $20, it definitely feels

like a cheapie.  It works fine and all, but it has about 10" test leads, and they are

near impossible to fold back inside the unit, and then close the cover.

 

 Again, this little meter worked fine, but I just felt like get something that felt

more "substantial."  We don't have much decent shopping in my new town, except

for WalMart.  I looked over their selection, and one unit caught my eye.  It was

the typical bright yellow/black standard appearence DMM.  At $20-$21, it looked

like a bargain.  So I bought it, and initially I used it for checking hot circuits, etc, 

on my house, which I was building at the time.

 

  After I finished the house, I needed to check on some resistors, and found that my

year-old preferred DMM didn't work anymore.  Upon taking it apart, my guess is they

don't work long after someone dumps coffee in them.  Greatly dissapointed, I tried

to find the SAME one on eBay.  No luck.  After looking everywhere and not finding it

elsewhere, I checked back at my local WalMart, and fortunately, it's still there.  So, 

I grabbed a new one.  I'm very pleased with it's performance, and I keep it away

from most beverages!  (it wasn't ME that dumped something in it)

 

  The DMM unit is made by "Etek".  The model # is 10709.  It has the basic functions

you'd expect to find, plus a thermister for checking temperatures.  I like it, I'd recommend it.

It also has a few bonus features, like; flashlight and "non-contact" voltage warning alarm,

although with my hearing, I don't hear it if it sounds.  It's probably Chinese, but I wouldn't

necessarily consider it a total cheapie.

  One small "oh goodie" of having to buy a new one is, I now have two sets of leads.  So, I

converted one set into alligator clips.  Now, I have a choice....clips or pointy ends.  So, that's 

my recommendation;  Etek #101709   ~$21.  Just keep your employees coffee away from it.

 

Mike Welch

 	  Quote: 	
		  



	




_blank>www.aeroelectric.com

/" target=_blank>www.buildersbooks.com

=_blank>www.homebuilthelp.com

=_blank>http://www.matronics.com/contribution

-List" target=_blank>http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?AeroElectric-List

ttp://forums.matronics.com

[b]

mdnanwelch7(at)hotmail.co
Guest

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 1:13 pm Post subject: Recommend a digital multimeter?

Ira,

 

  Having done the fabric last year on my Kolb MkIII, I can't imagine using a DMM temp probe

on the Poly Fiber, when you consider they have IR Thermometers that are SO fast and

 accurate, like these;

  

  http://cgi.ebay.com/Non-Contact-IR-Infrared-Digital-Thermometer-Laser-/390225147065?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5adb3b34b9

  

   I paid about $35 for mine about three years ago, but the prices appear to have come down a 

 lot.  I used it to monitor the iron mostly, sometimes every 10-15 seconds.  Takes about 2 seconds to check 

 a temperature.  Just a thought.......

  

 Mike Welch

 



  		 	   		    [quote][b]

handainc(at)madisoncounty
Guest

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 1:37 pm Post subject: Recommend a digital multimeter?

LOL!  Yes, I want it!! I didnt' get the temp probe with mine and was     just searching on line for a source!  

     

     This is great!!  Thanks Mike!  I'd be glad to pay you something for     it or at least, pay the postage!!  

     

     Marvin Haught

     P.O. Box 419

     Huntsville, AR 72740 

     

     M. Haught 

     

     On 11/16/2010 3:02 PM, Mike Welch wrote:     [quote]              Marvin,

        

         Geesh, what are the odds?!!  As a matter of fact, yes, I have       it, plus I also the extra temp probe from 

       the first one.  Want it?  It's yours.

         Send me your address and I'll mail it to you.

        

        Mike W.

        

              Date: Tue, 16 Nov 2010 14:36:08 -0600

       From: handainc(at)madisoncounty.net (handainc(at)madisoncounty.net)

       To: aeroelectric-list(at)matronics.com (aeroelectric-list(at)matronics.com)

       Subject: Re: Recommend a digital multimeter?

       

              Okay - this is strange!  I have that exact same unit, and never       noticed that it had temp measurement on it!  However, I did not       get a thermocouple with the unit - did yours come with the       thermocouple probe? 

       

       M. Haught

       

       On 11/16/2010 11:53 AM, Mike Welch wrote:        	  Quote: 	
		            .ExternalClass .ecxhmmessage P {padding:0px;} .ExternalClass body.ecxhmmessage {font-size:10pt;font-family:Tahoma;}    Although I have a Radio Shack DMM, which cost me about $20, it         definitely feels

         like a cheapie.  It works fine and all, but it has about 10"         test leads, and they are

         near impossible to fold back inside the unit, and then close the         cover.

          

          Again, this little meter worked fine, but I just felt like get         something that felt

         more "substantial."  We don't have much decent shopping in my         new town, except

         for WalMart.  I looked over their selection, and one unit caught         my eye.  It was

         the typical bright yellow/black standard appearence DMM.  At         $20-$21, it looked

         like a bargain.  So I bought it, and initially I used it for         checking hot circuits, etc, 

         on my house, which I was building at the time.

          

           After I finished the house, I needed to check on some         resistors, and found that my

         year-old preferred DMM didn't work anymore.  Upon taking it         apart, my guess is they

         don't work long after someone dumps coffee in them.  Greatly         dissapointed, I tried

         to find the SAME one on eBay.  No luck.  After looking         everywhere and not finding it

         elsewhere, I checked back at my local WalMart, and fortunately,         it's still there.  So, 

         I grabbed a new one.  I'm very pleased with it's performance,         and I keep it away

         from most beverages!  (it wasn't ME that dumped something in it)

          

           The DMM unit is made by "Etek".  The model # is 10709.  It has         the basic functions

         you'd expect to find, plus a thermister for checking         temperatures.  I like it, I'd recommend it.

         It also has a few bonus features, like; flashlight and         "non-contact" voltage warning alarm,

         although with my hearing, I don't hear it if it sounds.  It's         probably Chinese, but I wouldn't

         necessarily consider it a total cheapie.

           One small "oh goodie" of having to buy a new one is, I now         have two sets of leads.  So, I

         converted one set into alligator clips.  Now, I have a         choice....clips or pointy ends.  So, that's 

         my recommendation;  Etek #101709   ~$21.  Just keep your         employees coffee away from it.

          

         Mike Welch

          	  Quote: 	
		  



	
       



_blank>www.aeroelectric.com

/" target=_blank>www.buildersbooks.com

=_blank>www.homebuilthelp.com

=_blank>http://www.matronics.com/contribution

-List" target=_blank>http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?AeroElectric-List

ttp://forums.matronics.com





	
     [b]

handainc(at)madisoncounty
Guest

Posted: Tue Nov 16, 2010 1:54 pm Post subject: Recommend a digital multimeter?

Mike - 

     

     I'm a distributor for Stewart Systems and use irons extensively, and     have found that the IR units vary greatly in accuracy, hence my     desire to have reliable testing source in the form of a     mulltimeter.  Now, I calibrate the little temp sensitive spring     units with a multimeter and use them in my classes rather than     relying on the IR units, except for the ones I have verified are     accurate.  I have several brands of the IR units and several of the     brand I sell, and only 3 of the 10 or so are accurate (of course, it     depends upon the type of surface you are reading).  And when I say     "inaccurate" I'm talking 40 to 50 degrees either hot or cold.  Like     you, I monitor my irons carefully when shrinking.  

     

     M. Haught 

     

     On 11/16/2010 3:10 PM, Mike Welch wrote:     [quote]              Ira,

        

         Having done the fabric last year on my Kolb MkIII, I can't       imagine using a DMM temp probe

       on the Poly Fiber, when you consider they have IR Thermometers       that are SO fast and

       accurate, like these;

        

        http://cgi.ebay.com/Non-Contact-IR-Infrared-Digital-Thermometer-Laser-/390225147065?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5adb3b34b9

        

         I paid about $35 for mine about three years ago, but the prices       appear to have come down a 

       lot.  I used it to monitor the iron mostly, sometimes every 10-15       seconds.  Takes about 2 seconds to check 

       a temperature.  Just a thought.......

        

       Mike Welch

        

       

        	  Quote: 	
		  



	
     [b]

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