Re: [Elecraft] DMM Recommendations -- Fluke 179?

[Chip Stratton]

True RMS for a $20 on Amazon multimeter.

Review here: https://youtu.be/xdGQEVdxmQQ

Chip
AE5KA

On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 5:23 PM, hawley, charles j jr <c-haw...@illinois.edu
> wrote:

> True RMS for $19.95?
>
> Chuck Hawley
>  c-haw...@illinois.edu
>
>  Amateur Radio, KE9UW
>  aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles
> 
> From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net]
> on behalf of Dave Heil [k...@frontiernet.net]
> Sent: Monday, March 19, 2018 10:30 AM
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] DMM Recommendations -- Fluke 179?
>
> In the past, I had Fluke and Beckman meters and, in my days in
> industrial electronic sales, I sold both of them.
>
> In recent years, I've become a fan of the Chinese-made copies at Harbor
> Freight.  They have the functions but not the price.  At $19.99, I was
> able to buy a couple of them--one for the shack and one for the barn.
> You might give them a look before throwing money at the market leaders.
>
> 73,
>
> Dave K8MN
>
>
> On 19-Mar-18 15:09, Dauer, Edward wrote:
> > My inexpensive DMM is becoming troublesome – internal rotary switch
> contacts intermittent, requiring wriggling back and forth before it will
> give a reading on some ranges.  And it has limited functions
> >
> > Some research suggested the Fluke 179.  I would like to have
> autoranging, all the usual DMM functions, plus capacitance, diode testing,
> frequency, and temperature.  Amazon sells it with an accessory kit (the
> Fluke 179/EDA2) for just under $300.  That’s about four times what the less
> expensive brands go for.  But on the theory that it’s better to buy the
> best first and cry only once, is the Fluke 179 worth the price?
> >
> > Ted, KN1CBR
> >
> > __
> > Elecraft mailing list
> > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> >
> > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> > Message delivered to k...@frontiernet.net
>
>
> ---
> This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
> http://www.avg.com
>
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to c-haw...@illinois.edu
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to lightdazz...@gmail.com
>
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] DMM Recommendations -- Fluke 179?

[hawley, charles j jr]

True RMS for $19.95?

Chuck Hawley
 c-haw...@illinois.edu

 Amateur Radio, KE9UW
 aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles

From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] on 
behalf of Dave Heil [k...@frontiernet.net]
Sent: Monday, March 19, 2018 10:30 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] DMM Recommendations -- Fluke 179?

In the past, I had Fluke and Beckman meters and, in my days in
industrial electronic sales, I sold both of them.

In recent years, I've become a fan of the Chinese-made copies at Harbor
Freight.  They have the functions but not the price.  At $19.99, I was
able to buy a couple of them--one for the shack and one for the barn.
You might give them a look before throwing money at the market leaders.

73,

Dave K8MN


On 19-Mar-18 15:09, Dauer, Edward wrote:
> My inexpensive DMM is becoming troublesome – internal rotary switch contacts 
> intermittent, requiring wriggling back and forth before it will give a 
> reading on some ranges.  And it has limited functions
>
> Some research suggested the Fluke 179.  I would like to have autoranging, all 
> the usual DMM functions, plus capacitance, diode testing, frequency, and 
> temperature.  Amazon sells it with an accessory kit (the Fluke 179/EDA2) for 
> just under $300.  That’s about four times what the less expensive brands go 
> for.  But on the theory that it’s better to buy the best first and cry only 
> once, is the Fluke 179 worth the price?
>
> Ted, KN1CBR
>
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to k...@frontiernet.net


---
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
http://www.avg.com

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to c-haw...@illinois.edu
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] DMM Recommendations -- Fluke 179?

[Charlie T]

I know, lets start a thread about whether test leads should be red (+) and 
black (-), or black (hot) and white (neutral) or maybe combine it all to Euro 
standards of wiring with a Blue & Brown leads?.

THAT should keep everyone busy at least till next Christmas, or as long as 
another "which mike is best?" question would. 

73, Charlie k3ICH





__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] DMM Recommendations -- Fluke 179?

[Edward R Cole]

I bought a Fluke-73 in 1984 and the dang thing took a lot of hits and 
kept on working.  In final years cracked case was held together with 
electric tape until one day it died.  I used is as professional 
technician all those years and six years into retirement.  So...I 
bought another Fluke (on Amazon) and it was shipped from China 
(instruction book in chinese).  But the labels are all in 
english.  Spent $109 got model 17B auto-ranging mv, V, ua, ma,  A, 
ohms, diode test, continuity beeper, capacitance tester, AC and DC 
plus temperature with probe.  Maz/min, Hold, Relative 
keys.  Illuminated screen on/off.  Came with rubber shock case.


It will be in my will as it will probably outlast me.

73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] DMM Recommendations -- Fluke 179?

[hawley, charles j jr]

I’ve been using a Fluke 87 that I bought at the Ft. Wayne hamfest about 20 
years ago. The seller had dozens of them in a big pile. It was $100 which 
seemed like a lot for a used meter, condition somewhat unknown, but I’ve never 
regretted it.

Chuck KE9UW
c-haw...@illinois.edu

Sent from my iPad

> On Mar 19, 2018, at 1:27 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV  wrote:
> 
> 
>> But on the theory that it’s better to buy the best first and cry only
>> once, is the Fluke 179 worth the price?
> I have a Fluke 85 that I got 30 years or more ago and have never had a
> moment's problem/regret.  In that time, I replaced many "off brand"
> instruments that simply did not hold up for technicians in the shops I
> supervised.  While I'm sure there may be other good products out there,
> unless the requirements call for some special feature not otherwise
> available, I would still stick with the Fluke.
> 
> 73,
> 
>   ... Joe, W4TV
> 
> 
>> On 3/19/2018 11:09 AM, Dauer, Edward wrote:
>> My inexpensive DMM is becoming troublesome – internal rotary switch contacts 
>> intermittent, requiring wriggling back and forth before it will give a 
>> reading on some ranges.  And it has limited functions
>> Some research suggested the Fluke 179.  I would like to have autoranging, 
>> all the usual DMM functions, plus capacitance, diode testing, frequency, and 
>> temperature.  Amazon sells it with an accessory kit (the Fluke 179/EDA2) for 
>> just under $300.  That’s about four times what the less expensive brands go 
>> for.  But on the theory that it’s better to buy the best first and cry only 
>> once, is the Fluke 179 worth the price?
>> Ted, KN1CBR
>> __
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to li...@subich.com
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to c-haw...@illinois.edu
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] DMM Recommendations -- Fluke 179?

[Al Lorona]

If we are to be consistent and follow advice from countless (delighted) 
Elecraft owners on this list, any buyer of test equipment like the DMM in 
question is going to ensure that the company will be easy to contact and work 
with and stand behind its product when necessary. Yes, many times I've thrown 
away twenty dollars here and there on cheap stuff, but I'm getting mighty tired 
of doing so.

Al  W6LX
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] DMM Recommendations -- Fluke 179?

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

But on the theory that it’s better to buy the best first and cry only
once, is the Fluke 179 worth the price?

I have a Fluke 85 that I got 30 years or more ago and have never had a
moment's problem/regret.  In that time, I replaced many "off brand"
instruments that simply did not hold up for technicians in the shops I
supervised.  While I'm sure there may be other good products out there,
unless the requirements call for some special feature not otherwise
available, I would still stick with the Fluke.

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV


On 3/19/2018 11:09 AM, Dauer, Edward wrote:


My inexpensive DMM is becoming troublesome – internal rotary switch contacts 
intermittent, requiring wriggling back and forth before it will give a reading 
on some ranges.  And it has limited functions

Some research suggested the Fluke 179.  I would like to have autoranging, all 
the usual DMM functions, plus capacitance, diode testing, frequency, and 
temperature.  Amazon sells it with an accessory kit (the Fluke 179/EDA2) for 
just under $300.  That’s about four times what the less expensive brands go 
for.  But on the theory that it’s better to buy the best first and cry only 
once, is the Fluke 179 worth the price?

Ted, KN1CBR

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to li...@subich.com


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] DMM Recommendations -- Fluke 179?

[Wes Stewart]

When I was in aerospace we used to say, "If it works, it's a Fluke."

On 3/19/2018 10:49 AM, Harlan Sherriff via Elecraft wrote:

Ted
As a 32 year metrology lab supervisor, we used MANY Fluke DMM models. I can’t 
speak highly enough of this manufacturer. Their actual accuracy is usually much 
better than the published specs. And are very rugged.  I would have no 
reservations in purchasing one.

Harlan
K4HES



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] DMM Recommendations -- Fluke 179?

[Harlan Sherriff via Elecraft]

Ted
As a 32 year metrology lab supervisor, we used MANY Fluke DMM models. I can’t 
speak highly enough of this manufacturer. Their actual accuracy is usually much 
better than the published specs. And are very rugged.  I would have no 
reservations in purchasing one. 

Harlan
K4HES 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 19, 2018, at 11:09 AM, Dauer, Edward  wrote:
> 
> 
> My inexpensive DMM is becoming troublesome – internal rotary switch contacts 
> intermittent, requiring wriggling back and forth before it will give a 
> reading on some ranges.  And it has limited functions
> 
> Some research suggested the Fluke 179.  I would like to have autoranging, all 
> the usual DMM functions, plus capacitance, diode testing, frequency, and 
> temperature.  Amazon sells it with an accessory kit (the Fluke 179/EDA2) for 
> just under $300.  That’s about four times what the less expensive brands go 
> for.  But on the theory that it’s better to buy the best first and cry only 
> once, is the Fluke 179 worth the price?
> 
> Ted, KN1CBR
> 
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to hsherr...@reagan.com

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] DMM Recommendations -- Fluke 179?

[EricJ]

I have HB's top-of-the line autoranger for less than $40 and the next 
one down which is not autoranging for less than $25. One for the 
electronic shop and one for the garage. I build a LOT of electronic 
stuff and find them completely adequate for hobby level work. I only use 
AC/DC volts, amps, milliamps and resistance. I don't use any of the 
other functions. I have better, specialized tools to take care of the rest.


BTW, you have to CAREFULLY research Fluke features. They make so many 
different models with feature sets aimed at particular professions. 
There are some that look great for ham use, but when you dig into the 
features they don't even have a milliamp range!


No matter what meter you use, I don't think you should ever go in for a 
measurement unless you have already estimated or calculated what you 
expect to see. A weird reading could be caused by a circuit problem, 
test equipment failure or a lack of understanding of the circuit 
operation. Making a stab at it on paper first, makes it a lot easier to 
eliminate two of those.


Eric KE6US


On 3/19/2018 9:06 AM, David Fleming via Elecraft wrote:

+1 for the inexpensive offerings from Harbor Freight. I have several of these 
cheap knock offs. They’re certainly not professional grade instruments, but 
they are more than adequate for hobbiest level work. I use a small CEN-TECH 
model for quick voltage, resistance and current measurents.  It works well and 
was actually FREE with a coupon. The readings are very close to my trusty, much 
more expensive, Fluke 79.
David, W4SMT

On Monday, March 19, 2018, 11:33 AM, Dave Heil  wrote:

In the past, I had Fluke and Beckman meters and, in my days in
industrial electronic sales, I sold both of them.

In recent years, I've become a fan of the Chinese-made copies at Harbor
Freight.  They have the functions but not the price.  At $19.99, I was
able to buy a couple of them--one for the shack and one for the barn.
You might give them a look before throwing money at the market leaders.

73,

Dave K8MN


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to eric.c...@gmail.com


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] DMM Recommendations -- Fluke 179?

[Chip Stratton]

If looking for something more "name brand", the Greenlee DM-510A is made by
Brymen. I have this and have been very happy with it. Also on Amazon.

73
Chip
AE5KA

On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 11:09 AM, Dauer, Edward  wrote:

>
> My inexpensive DMM is becoming troublesome – internal rotary switch
> contacts intermittent, requiring wriggling back and forth before it will
> give a reading on some ranges.  And it has limited functions
>
> Some research suggested the Fluke 179.  I would like to have autoranging,
> all the usual DMM functions, plus capacitance, diode testing, frequency,
> and temperature.  Amazon sells it with an accessory kit (the Fluke
> 179/EDA2) for just under $300.  That’s about four times what the less
> expensive brands go for.  But on the theory that it’s better to buy the
> best first and cry only once, is the Fluke 179 worth the price?
>
> Ted, KN1CBR
>
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to lightdazz...@gmail.com
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] DMM Recommendations -- Fluke 179?

[Chip Stratton]

For a good solid multimeter whose safety and features were spec'ed by Dave
Jones of EEVBLOG fame, do a search on Amazon for
EEVblog Brymen BM235 Multimeter
That one will set you back $125, but it has just about all of what you need.

For a bit less than $60, the UNI-T UT61E is a favorite.

And for only about $20, look for the AN8008 or AN8009. They are sold under
various names, and the two differ slightly in features, but for a compact,
quicky DMM you won't be using on anything scarier than house wiring mains,
they should fit the bill.

You'll want to look carefully at all the features, but you won't go wrong
with the BM235. I have a UT61E and an AN8008, and they offer good value. I
have another Brymen meter similar to the BM235, and it is a very high
quality unit. They OEM for Greenlee and others, BTW.

If you are really picky about your features and specs, take a look at this:
http://www.eevblog.com/forum/testgear/multimeter-spreadsheet/

73
Chip Stratton
AE5KA

On Mon, Mar 19, 2018 at 11:09 AM, Dauer, Edward  wrote:

>
> My inexpensive DMM is becoming troublesome – internal rotary switch
> contacts intermittent, requiring wriggling back and forth before it will
> give a reading on some ranges.  And it has limited functions
>
> Some research suggested the Fluke 179.  I would like to have autoranging,
> all the usual DMM functions, plus capacitance, diode testing, frequency,
> and temperature.  Amazon sells it with an accessory kit (the Fluke
> 179/EDA2) for just under $300.  That’s about four times what the less
> expensive brands go for.  But on the theory that it’s better to buy the
> best first and cry only once, is the Fluke 179 worth the price?
>
> Ted, KN1CBR
>
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to lightdazz...@gmail.com
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] DMM Recommendations -- Fluke 179?

[Johan Ymerson]

There are certainly some decent cheap DMM's out there, but also some terrible. 
I had one (CH-something) that was quite accurate when the batteries was new, 
but when the battery voltage got lower, it showed >25% too much. It apparently 
used the battery voltage as voltage reference...
Combined with no low-battery indication it was quite useless.
 
So if you need to trust the readings from the DMM, get one that has good 
reputation (doesn't need to be Fluke).

73 de Johan SM0XHJ

On Monday, 19 March 2018 17:06:48 CET David Fleming via Elecraft wrote:
> +1 for the inexpensive offerings from Harbor Freight. I have several of
> these cheap knock offs. They’re certainly not professional grade
> instruments, but they are more than adequate for hobbiest level work. I use
> a small CEN-TECH model for quick voltage, resistance and current
> measurents.  It works well and was actually FREE with a coupon. The
> readings are very close to my trusty, much more expensive, Fluke 79.  
> David, W4SMT
> 
> On Monday, March 19, 2018, 11:33 AM, Dave Heil  wrote:
> 
> In the past, I had Fluke and Beckman meters and, in my days in
> industrial electronic sales, I sold both of them.
> 
> In recent years, I've become a fan of the Chinese-made copies at Harbor
> Freight.  They have the functions but not the price.  At $19.99, I was
> able to buy a couple of them--one for the shack and one for the barn. 
> You might give them a look before throwing money at the market leaders.
> 
> 73,
> 
> Dave K8MN
> 
> 
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to jo...@e-626.net


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] DMM Recommendations -- Fluke 179?

[David Fleming via Elecraft]

+1 for the inexpensive offerings from Harbor Freight. I have several of these 
cheap knock offs. They’re certainly not professional grade instruments, but 
they are more than adequate for hobbiest level work. I use a small CEN-TECH 
model for quick voltage, resistance and current measurents.  It works well and 
was actually FREE with a coupon. The readings are very close to my trusty, much 
more expensive, Fluke 79.  
David, W4SMT

On Monday, March 19, 2018, 11:33 AM, Dave Heil  wrote:

In the past, I had Fluke and Beckman meters and, in my days in 
industrial electronic sales, I sold both of them.

In recent years, I've become a fan of the Chinese-made copies at Harbor 
Freight.  They have the functions but not the price.  At $19.99, I was 
able to buy a couple of them--one for the shack and one for the barn.  
You might give them a look before throwing money at the market leaders.

73,

Dave K8MN


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] DMM Recommendations -- Fluke 179?

[Phil Hystad]

I own three DMMs and you can never have enough.  Well, maybe you can.  I use 
them because I am forever measuring multiple points in a circuit 
simultaneously.  Not for ham radio but rather for hobby play with digital 
circuits.

My Fluke 179 is clearly the best of the lot and the auto-ranging feature is 
very nice.  Many other features though I have not used.  I also own a Triplett 
9007 which is my second best and a BK Survivor model 2860A.  I also have a 
Fluke clamp style current meter which I have never used.  Bought it at a 
charity auction with a $20 bid and I think most others didn't even know what it 
was.

I also have a Triplett analog VOM and two other cheaper analog VOM type meters.

If you want to spend money, clearly by the Fluke but apart from auto-ranging 
(and there are probably other meters with that capability) I don't think it is 
that much more useful then my Triplett or my BK which are cheaper but not dirt 
cheap.  Amazon has the Triplett for under $60.

73, phil, K7PEH

> On Mar 19, 2018, at 8:09 AM, Dauer, Edward  wrote:
> 
> 
> My inexpensive DMM is becoming troublesome – internal rotary switch contacts 
> intermittent, requiring wriggling back and forth before it will give a 
> reading on some ranges.  And it has limited functions
> 
> Some research suggested the Fluke 179.  I would like to have autoranging, all 
> the usual DMM functions, plus capacitance, diode testing, frequency, and 
> temperature.  Amazon sells it with an accessory kit (the Fluke 179/EDA2) for 
> just under $300.  That’s about four times what the less expensive brands go 
> for.  But on the theory that it’s better to buy the best first and cry only 
> once, is the Fluke 179 worth the price?
> 
> Ted, KN1CBR
> 
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to phys...@mac.com

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] DMM Recommendations -- Fluke 179?

[Charlie T]

It should be a simple matter to pull it apart and clean the contacts with 
De-Oxit.

That said, the auto ranging, hand-held digital Chicom meters on ebay for under 
$25 are decent.
The non-auto-ranging types are under $10.
Or, you can get a free one at Harbor Freight.

I bought one of the HF top-of-the-line hand-held meters which measures 
everything you could ever want, temperature, sound pressure, light intensity, 
capacitors etc.,  for under $50 and beat the krapp out of it. It still works.  
The internal fuse has saved it on numerous "Oh shXX" happenings. 

I have a lab standard (traceable) meter calibrator for Voltage that is good to 
3 decimal places past zero, and my fancy Fluke is no more accurate than these 
cheap throw-away's.

MCM, now Newark, has the Tenma line that are also good meters.  I also use a 
few of those, bench types on the test bench.

73, Charlie k3ICH




-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Dauer, Edward
Sent: Monday, March 19, 2018 11:10 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] DMM Recommendations -- Fluke 179?


My inexpensive DMM is becoming troublesome – internal rotary switch contacts 
intermittent, requiring wriggling back and forth before it will give a reading 
on some ranges.  And it has limited functions

Some research suggested the Fluke 179.  I would like to have autoranging, all 
the usual DMM functions, plus capacitance, diode testing, frequency, and 
temperature.  Amazon sells it with an accessory kit (the Fluke 179/EDA2) for 
just under $300.  That’s about four times what the less expensive brands go 
for.  But on the theory that it’s better to buy the best first and cry only 
once, is the Fluke 179 worth the price?

Ted, KN1CBR

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message 
delivered to pin...@erols.com

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] DMM Recommendations -- Fluke 179?

[Dave Heil]

In the past, I had Fluke and Beckman meters and, in my days in 
industrial electronic sales, I sold both of them.


In recent years, I've become a fan of the Chinese-made copies at Harbor 
Freight.  They have the functions but not the price.  At $19.99, I was 
able to buy a couple of them--one for the shack and one for the barn.  
You might give them a look before throwing money at the market leaders.


73,

Dave K8MN


On 19-Mar-18 15:09, Dauer, Edward wrote:

My inexpensive DMM is becoming troublesome – internal rotary switch contacts 
intermittent, requiring wriggling back and forth before it will give a reading 
on some ranges.  And it has limited functions

Some research suggested the Fluke 179.  I would like to have autoranging, all 
the usual DMM functions, plus capacitance, diode testing, frequency, and 
temperature.  Amazon sells it with an accessory kit (the Fluke 179/EDA2) for 
just under $300.  That’s about four times what the less expensive brands go 
for.  But on the theory that it’s better to buy the best first and cry only 
once, is the Fluke 179 worth the price?

Ted, KN1CBR

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to k...@frontiernet.net



---
This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
http://www.avg.com

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com