Re: Multimeter?


"dave" <dave@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:t5q8j450iqij5k1q6d2e4c4d75eekrorke@xxxxxxxxxx
On Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:39:17 GMT, "Mrcheerful" <nbkm57@xxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

Alex Buell wrote:
Can anyone recommend a good multimeter for testing the electrical
system in my car (to track down the drain on the battery), or to test
the car battery etc?

Thanks,
Alex

the best type is a Fluke, but they are expensive. Maplins sell them.
Maplins also sell a quite reasonable car specific (non Fluke) one for 20
quid.

I have Fluke DVM I bought new many years ago. It has proved very
robust and reliable. I did cost me about £90 (years ago). All I've
ever had to do to it is charge the battery. Having said that I just
remembered, one of the test leads has fractured near the connector
end. This is not cheap as these leads (the real ones) are about £25 (I
think) but then at least 10 years use (hobby level) isn't bad.
ps Agree with what Dave P said, have to unplug one lead and plug it in
to another socket to read current. Two ranges 10A and 300mA.
One thing I like about this meter is that I trust the actual readings
it gives.

I wouldn't bother with splashing out on a Fluke for car use. My £2.99 Maplin
mulitmeters are plus/minus 1.5%on current up to 200mA and all voltage is
plus/minus 0.5%. More than adequate for car use. Flukes are designed for
electronic design and repair work ott for car stuff. Personally I still use
my Avo 8 for electronics, although it does have limitations these days, it's
still nice to use. You can see a lot from a mechanical meter that is with a
DMM is just jumping digits.

I fully endorse what someone said about putting a car bulb in series with
the battery/meter when checking current drain. That will prevent the the DMM
fuse blowing if something suddenly tries to draw lots of amps, without
affecting your low current measurment.

Mark


.

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