I need some help choosing a new multi meter, as my old meter bit the dust. I had an esi 597 and liked it but it broke and was only about 2 years old. I want something more durable than that but won't cost a fortune. I was kind of looking at a fluke 115 but would like some input from those more knowledgable than me.
I also have a u scope if that influences anything.
festus wrote: I need some help choosing a new multi meter, as my old meter bit the dust. I had an esi 597 and liked it but it broke and was only about 2 years old. I want something more durable than that but won't cost a fortune. I was kind of looking at a fluke 115 but would like some input from those more knowledgable than me.
I also have a u scope if that influences anything.
If you can afford any Fluke then I can't loose the 115 would be great and can take a good beating before breaking
There really isn't any need to spend a a lot take a look at the Owon B35T also the UNI-T UT203.
The Owon B35T is quite popular on the forum I have had my Owon B35T for over a year and really like it. It has a big back lit display, a wide range of scales, it also runs on two small AAA batteries the batteries and the fuse are easy to change without dismantling the meter. The Bluetooth function that connects to a mobile phone has come in handy a couple of times when working single handed. The currrent range is fused at 20 amps rather than the 10 amps on most cheaper meters.
The other meter I use most is the UNI-T UT203 I have had mine for four or five years, as well as being a good general purpose meter it has a useful DC clamp ammeter function.
" We're trying to plug a hole in the universe, what are you doing ?. "
(Walter Bishop Fringe TV show)
Andy.MacFadyen wrote: There really isn't any need to spend a a lot take a look at the Owon B35T also the UNI-T UT203.
The Owon B35T is quite popular on the forum I have had my Owon B35T for over a year and really like it.
Another vote for the B35T. I've had mine for months now, and it's been amazing. That 20A feature is no joke - I was doing a parasitic drain test on a Caddy last week, when it decided to wake up and turn the alarm on. Meter was reading 18A before I shut everything down. :lol:
I started a similar thread in February, definitely worth checking out. Had a lot of members weigh in with their suggestions.
In your case, you may not need them, since you'll likely be using your uScope for anything that involves frequency OR duty cycle. But there are times that your scope may be out of action, or you'll be taking two measurements at once.
Just picked up a Cen-Tech 98674 from Harbor Freight. It's a re-badged Mastech MS8229, which I hear is a quality brand. Regardless of what I've read or heard though, It's badass.. The moment I pulled it out of the box, my eyebrows shot up. The leads on this thing are fluke levels of nice. It's got the professional in mind for sure. Back light, auto-off, 7 functions including sound and temp. Get this: when you select a function, the correct associated lead ports light up bright red, to remind you how to connect your lead properly. And also get this: If your leads aren't correctly connected, the thing will scream at you with an audible alarm. It reminds me of when I was a kid, and I had an electric keyboard with lightup keys which told me how play a song.I never got good at the piano, but I never missed a note either.
I think this meter's gonna kill it out in the automotive world.
That be the one. Like I said, didn't think much of it while it was in the box (snagged it cuz it's on Inside Track Club special for $44). But once unboxed, it'll surprise you for sure.
I've had two of the throw away free ones from them, and they painted a negative picture for me of the rest of the meters there. Looks like I might have been unfair in my assumption!
Had the Free/$5 dollar one too. The lead wires have exactly 2 strains of copper in them. That's it.. two strains. How do I know? To find out, just get one, and you'll see. All you have to do is... woops... see? you just broke it.
the 115 would be great and can take a good beating before breaking 
