does anyone know of, or can recommend a digital multimeter that is around $100? i am looking for one that does everything, including: capacitance, inductance, frequency, 10a current ac and dc, i dont need diode or transistor tests. auto range would be cool as well as temp. all the ones i have found are hundreds. for me accuracy isnt critical. TY

 

eevblog.com

Watch the $100 dollar meter shootout

EEVblog #99 Part 1 and 2.

 

$100 multimeter shootout:

http://www.eevblog.com/2010/07/11/e...probe-bk-precision-ideal-uei-uni-t-part-1of2/

http://www.eevblog.com/2010/07/11/e...probe-bk-precision-ideal-uei-uni-t-part-2of2/

Also found this very useful:
http://www.eevblog.com/2010/04/14/eevblog-75-digital-multimeter-buying-guide/

Initially I wanted to go cheap but in the end I spent a few hundred to get something I could use for years and not worry about reliability. Check Amazon pricing. You might also consider a cheap pocket meter in addition (some projects may require use of several meters, I'm not at that level yet myself).

Cheers.

 

You trying to make me look bad?

 

Started typing it up before you did but got a second place finish.

 

Its ok.. You and your "fancy links" and stuff..



Welcome aboard any-hoo.

 

Get a Fluke 87 or 87-V off Ebay from a reputable seller, you will NOT regret getting a Fluke!

 

hear-hear!

If you can get a Fluke 87 or 87-V within your budget, get it.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fluke-87-3-Seri...191?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27b71545c7

Fluke 87-III for $87

Fluke 87-V are around double that, there are a couple extra features like temp and stuff, but nothing worth buying a cheaper meter instead for.

I've got several 87s, only one V version, others are original 87s and 87-III, and I use the 87s the most since I KNOW the reading is always right, and I don't mind dropping them (I paid new prices *ugh*).

Just a couple things about them that save you reaching for a 'scope all the time: Frequency and True RMS values to over 20kHz, Duty Cycle %, "Glitch Catching" of 1 or 100mS peak. Min/Max/Avg over 1s or 100s samples, backlight, and FAST reading of values. Capacitance and resistance match a Sencore LCR meter within a few percent as well. Almost forgot, Siemens mesurement for multi-Megohm values (Measures conductivity instead of resistance)

 

thank you for your replies. now i hope i get one for xmas!