partsmgr
RCTalk Racer
Lifetime Supporter!
Supporter
Military Veteran
I'm looking for recommendations for a good multimeter to check batteries and other electrical items. Any one here use one?
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
True, I wouldn’t spend a fortune if it’s just for rc use. eBay might have some really good deals on someone’s used equipment. Those harbor freight ones would get you by.I got a chepo one off Aliexpress, works just fine (or good enough for RC use). I don't think you have to spend Fluke money to check batt voltages and continuity
I also use it for other stuff around the house.
I do have a Fluke, it's good and I also use it professionally. But they are seriously overpriced. I would not spend the money on it again. To be fair I did buy it 25 years ago and options were more limited.Fluke is good. Field piece is good. I would look at eBay.
I got a great deal on my fluke meters, someone getting out of the trade. Found them on eBayI do have a Fluke, it's good and I also use it professionally. But they are seriously overpriced. I would not spend the money on it again. To be fair I did buy it 25 years ago and options were more limited.
If you want a Fluke branded meter I would only buy it from a known distributor, there are too many fakes. There is a low end model ($50) is the Fluke 101, meant for the manufacturing line. But its no better/more accurate than one than many others and it's VERY basic.
The whole "Fluke cult" is based on consistent usability and the warranty.
For the usability, they will make a product and the operation will be exactly the same for the life of the product. Meaning if you have a manufacturing line, you don't need to update your process documents every time you replace or update a meter.
They also have a lifetime warranty, but you pay for it.
Prior to that I had a BK Precision. It was fine until the dial got really hard to turn and I had to scrap it.
I have used the cheap-o Harbor Freight DMM and they work just fine for basics. Prepare to replace it when it takes a dump though, but what do you want $7. If you haven't used them before and don't know how much you will use it, this is the place to start. It's the cost of a cheap hamburger these days.
If you want something a bit nicer. I have not used them but they have a good rep.
Whatever you choose make sure it has the functions you want and covers the range (volts/amps) you need.
- Klien tools (sold at Lowes) has good meters.
- Kobalt DMM is $20 and they have a good warranty too.
- Craftsman tools