Need a new multimeter

[ian-83]

Looking to buy a new multimeter for work. I work in a garage fixing cars. Looking to get a digital one with auto-ranging and if possible a temperature probe for checking air con systems efficiency.

I have looked at the ones on the Snap-On van but there expensive for what they are. My budget is up to about £80.

What do people recommend?

 

[mex]

You can get a decent Fluke on eBay at a reasonable price.

something like this? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-FLUKE...118190?hash=item4d3efafdee:g:BfQAAOSwAL9UfA3O

 

[Steep]

I got my last/current multimeter from RS components. If you don't need it to be calibrated* there's one just at the top of your price bracket - http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/digital-multimeters/7961696/ I'd recommend the RS own brand but they seem to be out of stock till July.

Calibration can be handy if you're ever likely to be asked to 'prove' a temperature but only lasts for a while before it's invalid and has to be re-done at extra expense. In most cases it's not needed.

 

[AndyB1976]

As a diy'er 'I've often considered buying a Uni T 81B mini scope/meter but can't really find enough info on the speed of it, would it be useful in real world automotive sensor diagnostics? Its a bit over budget but if useful might be very well worth it. I personally couldn't stretch to a proper Pico/Snap-on scope so viewed this as budget scope option with multimeter capabilities.

http://eud.dx.com/product/ut81b-3-2-lcd-digital-multimeter-red-black-4-x-aa-844113631#.Vv-izfkrKUk

 

[Nod]

Mine came from Tandy, 2? (as in twenty something) years ago and is still going strong. Can't vouch for its ultimate accuracy other than say that it registers what I'd expect in terms of voltage from batteries and resistance through resistors.

 

[ian-83]

You can get a decent Fluke on eBay at a reasonable price.

something like this? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-FLUKE...118190?hash=item4d3efafdee:g:BfQAAOSwAL9UfA3O

Cheers had a look at Fluke meters seem to be recommended.

I got my last/current multimeter from RS components. If you don't need it to be calibrated* there's one just at the top of your price bracket - http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/digital-multimeters/7961696/ I'd recommend the RS own brand but they seem to be out of stock till July.

Calibration can be handy if you're ever likely to be asked to 'prove' a temperature but only lasts for a while before it's invalid and has to be re-done at extra expense. In most cases it's not needed.

Our multi meters at work get calibrated once a year. My current one has stopped reading resistance right. Not sure if we have temperature function that's checked for accuracy by the calibration company.

As a diy'er 'I've often considered buying a Uni T 81B mini scope/meter but can't really find enough info on the speed of it, would it be useful in real world automotive sensor diagnostics? Its a bit over budget but if useful might be very well worth it. I personally couldn't stretch to a proper Pico/Snap-on scope so viewed this as budget scope option with multimeter capabilities.

http://eud.dx.com/product/ut81b-3-2-lcd-digital-multimeter-red-black-4-x-aa-844113631#.Vv-izfkrKUk

Will have a look thanks.

Mine came from Tandy, 2? (as in twenty something) years ago and is still going strong. Can't vouch for its ultimate accuracy other than say that it registers what I'd expect in terms of voltage from batteries and resistance through resistors.

My current one is a Draper one which has lasted about 9 years.