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Which multimeter?

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Ken

12-22-2000 21:21:31




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I would like to get a multimeter to check voltage on 6 and 12 volt coils and current draw etc. What should I get? I would use it on these old tractors!




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Keith

01-05-2001 21:27:35




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 Re: Which multimeter? in reply to Ken, 12-22-2000 21:21:31  
I have to say that one of the best meters out there is any model of Fluke. I have at least three different models and the just keep on going. The good thing about Fluke meters is that they will not allow themselves to become damaged from the incorrect settings or lead placements. For example, while attempting to read resistance after shoving the leads into a wall outlet! This sort of thing will destroy most cheap meters. What ever you do, do not buy a meter from Radio Shack, or anything else for that matter! These guys are long overdue to go out of business. There are plenty of other places to buy tools and components and most are on the internet these days.

Try www.digikey.com www.alliedelec.com www.newark.com/

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Steve in MD

12-31-2000 21:57:08




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 Re: Which multimeter? in reply to Ken, 12-22-2000 21:21:31  

Check out the attached link. I got one of these multimeters from Actron for $14.95 Has many useful features (Dwell, Tach, Voltage) for working on any engine. I saw the identical unit at Pep Boys a few days ago for $60.



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ltf in nc

12-24-2000 12:48:31




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 Re: Which multimeter? in reply to Ken, 12-22-2000 21:21:31  
Check the pawnshops. Got my Fluke 83 digital there for very little money.



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kimk

12-23-2000 15:21:21




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 Re: Which multimeter? in reply to Ken, 12-22-2000 21:21:31  
No reason to spend a lot of $$$. I hate goin into Radio Shack. At least around here all the employees work there only because thy can't learn to say "do you want fries with that?" But for good cheap meters I'll put up w/ them. Definatly buy an extra set of leads w/ alegator clips. worth an extra set of hands sometimes. They also sell a NEAT little meter. w/ cover closed it's 2x4 inches and 'bout 3/4 inch thick. The leads are permanently wired so I expect some problems someday but for small pocket sized it's some nice.

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Franz

12-23-2000 09:01:09




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 Re: Which multimeter? in reply to Ken, 12-22-2000 21:21:31  
Ken, your posting definitely indicates you have a lot to learn about meters, so you will doubtless burn up a couple in the learning process. I was in Walmart the other day, and they sell Gardner Bender meters, both digital and swing needle for around $20. Given your circumstance, and use, start with one of these, when you blow it, you won't beat yourself up as long. You also need to be aware of the reverse spike generated by a coil when it is deenergised, it becomes a virtual spark coil. That will kill a meter quick.

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Bus Driver

12-23-2000 07:33:26




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 Re: Which multimeter? in reply to Ken, 12-22-2000 21:21:31  
I agree with the other responses to your question. But I must say that these precision instruments have many functions which have no application to old tractors. The precision resistance reading that they offer is helpful in diagnosing magneto and battery ignition coils, for example. My suggestion is a voltmeter, such as JC Whitney (1-800-529-4486) #15HV1417Y for about $21.00. The letters HV may have changed, just look for the rest of the numbers. Whitney is too high on shipping charges. Their Web link is below. Look at what they offer and then a local source may have a better deal. If you break this meter, you will not cry as long as with the expensive multi-meter, of which I have two. The voltmeter is the quickest check for charging. Put the meter on the battery- caution, a DC voltmeter is polarity sensitive! Read the voltage and then crank the tractor. If the voltage does not rise, the charging system is not functioning. If full throttle does not show a voltage rise, the charging system needs some repair. It's that simple. The voltmeter has lots of other uses, too lengthy to list here . Incidentially, the typical multimeter does not have the DC amperage ranges that will be useful for most tractor testing. Consider also ordering meter # 17HV9446X. Both these meters come with some instructions. Hope this helps.

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Bus Driver

12-23-2000 07:40:07




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 Re: Re: Which multimeter? in reply to Bus Driver, 12-23-2000 07:33:26  
Web link did not post before.



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Bus Driver

12-23-2000 07:45:39




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 Re: Re: Re: Which multimeter? in reply to Bus Driver, 12-23-2000 07:40:07  
Trying again. http://www.jcwhitney.com



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JMc...Idaho

12-23-2000 05:54:49




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 Re: Which multimeter? in reply to Ken, 12-22-2000 21:21:31  
Ken home depo sells a bunch of voltage ohm meters. When you buy one get somthing digital the needle ones dont tell you much on six volts Flukes probably the best I bought one for $80 , electricians supply house in town may have a greenlee digital for around $30also look at sears they have some alright voms good luck JMc



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T_Bone

12-23-2000 00:55:57




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 Re: Which multimeter? in reply to Ken, 12-22-2000 21:21:31  
Hi Ken, Fluke or Simpson is the best on the market but awful spendy for tractor/farm use, approx $150 up.

Radio shack builds some decent meters for under $50 and they would do just fine for general work as long as you keep them out of the sun continously or any digital meter for that matter. The rotary switches last longer than the push button type and get one that has simple directions printed right on the face of the meter so you don't have to remember which setting to use or refer to the manual before using.
250 AC voltage, 20 VDC, 10amp DC, and 10 mega ohms, bannana plug-ins for probes, carry case, should be the least you will want, then you have a meter for general farm use. And a pair of aligator slip on probe test clips as these you will use alot. They also sell medium aligator test leads for jumping controls/switches that come in handy in trouble shooting.

T_Bone

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