Hello all,

I'm an avid electronics enthusiasts who needs help choosing between a few multimeters. Recently, my cheapy Harbour frieght multimeter broke and I'm looking to replace it. My budget is around 25 bucks. Note: I don't need (or have the means to get) a fluke, so please don't tell me all cheap multimeters are terrible.

The things I need in a meter is: being able to measure DC current, resistance and continuity.

I did a bit of research and found a few meters. Also, please feel free to suggest any other meters.

#1: etek city, http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NWGZ3A6/ref=dp_ob_neva_mobile

#2, Mastech, http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000J...multimeter&dpPl=1&dpID=51VzEMc6+9L&ref=plSrch

#3, tenma, note: this sale is only for 9 hrs, otherwise it's out of my price range,
http://www.makershed.com/products/d...tent=image&utm_campaign=flash+friday+20160325

 

The DVM I use most frequently is similar to this HF meter http://www.harborfreight.com/ac-dc-digital-multimeter-37772.html

 

We just did this 15 days ago.

http://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/threads/multimeter-recommendation.121784/

 

Hello all,

I'm an avid electronics enthusiasts who needs help choosing between a few multimeters. Recently, my cheapy Harbour frieght multimeter broke and I'm looking to replace it. My budget is around 25 bucks. Note: I don't need (or have the means to get) a fluke, so please don't tell me all cheap multimeters are terrible.

Did your cheapy Harbor Freight meter do everything you need right now?

If so, then get a couple more cheapy Harbor Freight meters.

Don't worry about "stepping up" until you need functionality that you don't already have.

Of course, if you WANT to use this as an opportunity to step up, then by all means do so. You decision needs to be driven by what features you either need or would at least be useful. Think back to times that your HF meter got you by, but you thought, "This sure would have been easier if my meter only has such-and-such feature." Then look for meters with that feature and see if any are reasonably priced.

Unless you are working with dangerous voltages, the quality of even the cheapest meters is good enough for most hobbyist applications. Your dollars are usually better spent elsewhere.

 

Yeah, the harbor freight one was fine except for the fact that it had no continuity function with a speaker. That's the main reason I want a new one, that and build quality, the HF ones feel cheap.

 

Yeah, the harbor freight one was fine except for the fact that it had no continuity function with a speaker. That's the main reason I want a new one, that and build quality, the HF ones feel cheap.

They ARE cheap -- but even the "high quality" ones aren't what they used to be. Everything I have heard is that even the Flukes are nowhere near the quality they once were and that they are largely living on their reputation.

Find the cheapest one you can that has the features you want. If it doesn't work out then you still have one more meter in your box, which is never a bad thing.

 

Yep, I found 3 (linked above) that has the features I need. Can yall take a look at it and help me decide?

 

being able to measure DC current, resistance and continuity.

The good old 830 does that. They go for like $5 each.

Otherwise, I have a uni-t 136 and really like it.

 

Hello all,

I'm an avid electronics enthusiasts who needs help choosing between a few multimeters. Recently, my cheapy Harbour frieght multimeter broke and I'm looking to replace it. My budget is around 25 bucks. Note: I don't need (or have the means to get) a fluke, so please don't tell me all cheap multimeters are terrible.

The things I need in a meter is: being able to measure DC current, resistance and continuity.

I did a bit of research and found a few meters. Also, please feel free to suggest any other meters.

#1: etek city, http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NWGZ3A6/ref=dp_ob_neva_mobile

#2, Mastech, http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000JQ4O2U/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1458927147&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=mastech+multimeter&dpPl=1&dpID=51VzEMc6+9L&ref=plSrch

#3, tenma, note: this sale is only for 9 hrs, otherwise it's out of my price range,
http://www.makershed.com/products/d...tent=image&utm_campaign=flash+friday+20160325

I will pick Mastech, #1 has too much photoshop, I don't trust it. #3 it over your budget, so no no. So only #2 left. mastech multimeter

edited:
I would think #1 is very inconvenient to use, due to the fact that the rotating switch / knob has nothing for you go hold on. I am guessing you need to press and turn the switch at the same time to change the function, I personally don't like it.

edit 2:
Dont use any of these meter in main voltage.

 

I think you will be pleased with the Mastech. I have yet to kill mine and I am rough on meters.

Just for giggles here's a link to another recent multimeter thread.

http://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/threads/won-me-a-meter.122117/