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Multimeters

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L

LLAngus

Jedi Knight
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I was working on the Misses Nissan Quest and need to measure a sensor to see if it was regestering the correct ohmage for heat. The electric fan motors(radiator) stay on high all the time. Book said to measure between terminals and if it is not 2K ohms then the unit is bad. Did that and went to the local NAPA dealer to buy a new one. Got home and decided to put the meater across the terminals of the new unit to see if it registered the correct ohmage and the meter (Mac) showed an open condition. I was starting to go into the Oh C**p mode when I noticed the meter was only rated to 200 ohms (very bad form Mac). So now I am looking on Ebay for a new digital multimeter. I saw a lot of Flukes 8050A. But I wanted ideas on getting a good hand held unit. I noticed the new units have a built-in temperature range and probes. Any ideas? Yes, I do want a digital as I have two analog meters.
 
I have a Fluke (cant remember the model number), and I am very happy with it. I have had it about five years, working on everything from PC's to MGs. I replaced a cheaper unit with the Fluke, and I can say it was worth the money. It has fallen off fenders, and generally been used hard. It continues to work just fine, with just the occasional battery change.
 
Flukes are a good brand, and if you're willing to spend the money on one, it's a great one to have. Even the cheaper ones at Radio Shack aren't bad, but I like the Flukes as they are electronically calibrated (no mechanical trimpots to drift or get knocked out of whack). Only downside I have with my Fluke 111 I have is the rather expensive 11-amp fuse Flukes tend to use for the Amps ranges. Trust me, you'll only forget to switch the leads before measuring voltage once when you find out the fuse costs abut $10 and usually has to be special ordered. I used a Fluke 87 (a VERY nice handheld with a price to match), and that one was smart enough to beep at you if the lead was in the amps position and the function was set for volts.
 
I've got a Fluke 77 that I've had for over 20 years, and it's never missed a beat. I've got two other Fluke meters, but usually reach for the 77.
Jeff
 
Please try not to laugh, since I'm an electrical engineer, but I get by quite happily with the cheapo meters from Harbor Freight. You can get one for about $7, and they're pretty good meters; I've checked the accuracy against my Hewlett-Packard lab meters and they are right on. I also have some high-end digital meters, but I don't use them for the car; just for my lab. Finally, I have an old Simpson 260 moving-coil meter, which I've owned for 45 years.

I do suggest that, if you want a high-end meter, check ebay for one used. There are loads of them, and you can get quite a bargain.

Keep in mind that the electrical systems of cars are pretty nasty, generating all kinds of electrical noise, which can easily upset a digital meter. For voltage and current measurements on a running car, you probably should use a moving coil (analog) meter.
 
I'm bidding on a Fluke 8050A even though it is 110 volts. I will use the Mac for voltage but need something for ohmage. I have two stereo units to trouble shoot. I gave a signal tracer to my uncle and I wish I had it back.
 
Need the digital for the Quest, analog will not do the frequency/pulse for the newer computor Nissan.
 
I use a fluke 77 mostly, have had one for 20 years. only problem i've had is when i've tried to use it in freezing weather. i still keep an analog meter around for outdoor work in the winter.
 
Lost the bid on the Fluke. I will be out of town so I'll look when I get back. I have earmarked a couple of meters.
 
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