Multi-tester

[shemandr]

Both my multi testers are kaput. I need a new one and would like to get a decent one that is easy to use and store. Suggestions?
Criteria:
1) Prefer a dial to digital if possible
2) Leads should store in self contain package - realistically
3) Do not need Pro features for use every day. Just a upgrade from the cheepo's which have not served me that well.
4) Do any have leads that can test wiring in mid-length so that it would be necessary to strip a wire or break a connection such as a butt connection to test it?
5) Whatever else
Thanks in advance

 

[rgarrison@gmail.com]

Not sure about all the criteria, but I just got an elcheapo, $5, at Harbor Freight

 

[Stu Jackson]

If you don't go digital, I think you're doing yourself a disservice. Our Radio shack modest one has been doing fine for 20 years! Depending on what you're planning to use it for, you'll have to make the choice. If you were Maine Sail, you'd make a different choice than if it were someone else with more modest usage goals.

 

[navigator97]

Re: Testing wires "mid length" (between terminations), I have used a needle to pierce thru the insulation, and then clipped on to the needle. That has worked fine for me when needed. Then just remove the needle and the insulation will just "close up" around the very small hole it made.

I also prefer a decent digital Multimeter. Craftsman (at Sears) has some decent ones - one that includes temperature measurement.

 

[Ron20324]

Triplett used to be the standard where i worked for Ma Bell.

 

[MrUnix]

I believe this subject was hammered about at length just a few weeks ago

Cheers,
Brad

 

[Lake Superior Sailor]

Did you think to change the batterys in the old ones?...Dale

 

[Benny17441]

You need a digital unit. The voltage values you may need to discern are in a very narrow band and dial reading may be difficult at best. A digital unit may display measurements of 1/100 of a volt while a dial reading may only allow you to guess.

 

[MrUnix]

Hey Benny.. what in the world are you doing on your boat where you need to be accurate to 1/100th of a volt?!?!?

Also, while digital is nice, it requires a battery to operate regardless of what you are measuring. With an analog meter, the battery is only used to check resistance values (or continuity). I always turn to my digital meters first, but I do keep a cheap little analog meter handy just in case. Just saying

Cheers,
Brad

 

[shemandr]

Did you think to change the batterys in the old ones?...Dale

Yes

 

[LloydB]

I like two, 1st a cheap analog needle wiggler to check against my main goto digital meter for those rare times that I don't believe its readings or when I want to see the pulsing readings. 2nd an auto-ranging, auto-off, large display digital, with a protective boot built to store the test leads in it. Go anyplace that sells an analog for $8.95 and buy 2 one to use and one to hide until you drain or smoke the first one, as I expect you're not working on a bench.

I go to a shop that sells to computer/radio repair parts they have a variety of meters and test leads and also know which meters don't come back thru the door. Glad you didn't ask what meters will survive a 15 foot drop.

 

[shemandr]

FYI I bought a Radio Shack digital 29 range (What does that mean) multi tester. I overpaid at about $40. I needed it for my new boat - a 1972 Anchor Craft runabout. The wiring is scary. I'll send pics but wiring buffs like Stu and Mainsail should have the Digitalis handy before looking at them.
New question: If I were to install a distribution panel for the five circuits (Lights, GPS, Fishfinder, stereo & bilge pump), would you install the panel near the battery or at the driving station (I just can't call that a helm)? Is there a weatherproof 6 circuit panel that's pretty small?

 

[Chris Patterson]

You can put the panel anywhere you want it, providing the supply wires to it are sufficient.

Blue Seas makes a decent little 6 gang panel that seems to be highly regarded. Seachoice makes a small one at about 25 bucks, but it strikes me as a REAL P.O.S.
I'm not too crazy about the Blue Seas either as I like breaker panels, but the mechanics swear they are good switches..

 

[kenn]

76 posts and counting here.

Having several meters, I like wiggling needles too, but the advantages and ruggedness of digital meters simply make them the hands-down choice for your main meter. Keep spare batteries around.

An essential feature - beep continuity.

Some digital meters (eg Fluke 70 series) have a fast-responding bar-graph which gives you the same "action" feedback of an analog needle. Stiill not convinced? Buy one of each

 

[Big Windy]

Not sure about all the criteria, but I just got an elcheapo, $5, at Harbor Freight

HF has coupons every where. They give away, flash lights, screw driver sets, scissors as well as volt meters and other stuff. Some require a $10 min purchase. I have a half dozen volt meters from there...all free, all work fine.