the ultimate multimeter!

[Asa Cannell]

I've recently done an extensive web search for the ultimate
multimeter. Ideally it would have at least the following features:

-inductance, capacitance, resistance
-frequency
-voltage (ac/dc, truerms)
-current (ac/dc)
-relative mode
-temperature
-autoranging for all measurements
-continuity
-backlight
-10000 counts (or better)
-less than $200

The wavetek meterman 37xr (www.metermantesttools.com) meets all of the
criteria except it doesnt measure temperature. But I WANT temperature
(why dont they just throw it in?). It seems that there are many meters
that almost meet the criteria, except they dont measure inductance.

Does anyone know of a meter that has everything?

Asa

 

[Rich Webb]

I've recently done an extensive web search for the ultimate
multimeter. Ideally it would have at least the following features:

-inductance, capacitance, resistance
-frequency
-voltage (ac/dc, truerms)
-current (ac/dc)
-relative mode
-temperature
-autoranging for all measurements
-continuity
-backlight
-10000 counts (or better)
-less than $200

The wavetek meterman 37xr (www.metermantesttools.com) meets all of the
criteria except it doesnt measure temperature. But I WANT temperature
(why dont they just throw it in?). It seems that there are many meters
that almost meet the criteria, except they dont measure inductance.

Actually, I *have* a 37XR. Nice meter, hardly ultimate though. That
would also need to have at least a USB or serial port along with an
h/fe/ socket with C-B-E ident.

 

[John Miles]

The wavetek meterman 37xr (www.metermantesttools.com) meets all of the
criteria except it doesnt measure temperature. But I WANT temperature
(why dont they just throw it in?). It seems that there are many meters
that almost meet the criteria, except they dont measure inductance.

Does anyone know of a meter that has everything?

Nope, including that one. Its capacitance- and inductance-measuring
precision are both literally 1,000 times worse than an inexpensive
dedicated LC meter (http://www.aade.com) can offer, and 40 nF/4 mH
minimum ranges aren't useful for anyone except maybe an HVAC repairman.

This is just an example of a product that does a great many things
badly.

For temperature measurement, you can buy a thermocouple adapter (e.g.,
http://bkprecision.com/www/np_searchmodel7.asp?
lf=DMM+Temperature+Adapter) that will work with any DMM.

-- jm

 

[Ken]

Nope, including that one. Its capacitance- and inductance-measuring
precision are both literally 1,000 times worse than an inexpensive
dedicated LC meter (http://www.aade.com) can offer, and 40 nF/4 mH
minimum ranges aren't useful for anyone except maybe an HVAC repairman.

This is just an example of a product that does a great many things
badly.

For temperature measurement, you can buy a thermocouple adapter (e.g.,
http://bkprecision.com/www/np_searchmodel7.asp?
lf=DMM+Temperature+Adapter) that will work with any DMM.

-- jm

I have a Protek 506 that comes pretty close to the specs you describe. I
still you a separate cap meter though.

-- remove the transistor from my name to respond


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[Asa Cannell]

I have a Protek 506 that comes pretty close to the specs you describe. I
still you a separate cap meter though.

-- remove the transistor from my name to respond


==============================================================
Posted with Hogwasher. Mac first, Mac only:
http://www.asar.com/cgi-bin/product.pl?58/hogwasher.html
==============================================================

Wow. Thats got the most features I have ever seen in a multimeter. Too
bad its not 10000+ count. Otherwise I would snatch it up. I ended up
buying the Meterman 37XR from http://www.reliableprocurement.com/ for
$114 with free shipping and no tax in california, the lowest price on
the net. (testmart is $99 but has 2 week lead time, no free shipping,
and tax in CA)

Asa

 

[Watson A.Name - \Watt Sun, the Dark Remover\]

I've recently done an extensive web search for the ultimate
multimeter. Ideally it would have at least the following features:

-inductance, capacitance, resistance
-frequency
-voltage (ac/dc, truerms)
-current (ac/dc)
-relative mode
-temperature
-autoranging for all measurements
-continuity
-backlight
-10000 counts (or better)
-less than $200

The wavetek meterman 37xr (www.metermantesttools.com) meets all of the
criteria except it doesnt measure temperature. But I WANT temperature
(why dont they just throw it in?). It seems that there are many meters
that almost meet the criteria, except they dont measure inductance.

Does anyone know of a meter that has everything?

I just love it when someone expects everything and doesn't want to pay
for it. Raise your max price until you get what you want. Duh.

 

[Watson A.Name - \Watt Sun, the Dark Remover\]

Nope, including that one. Its capacitance- and inductance-measuring
precision are both literally 1,000 times worse than an inexpensive
dedicated LC meter (http://www.aade.com) can offer, and 40 nF/4 mH
minimum ranges aren't useful for anyone except maybe an HVAC repairman.

This is just an example of a product that does a great many things
badly.

Typical Wavetek. I have the AADE LC meter IIb, and I'm very satisfied
with it. The only thing I wished it had was a power jack for an AC
adapter. But I took care of that.. ;-)

 

[Ed Price]

I just love it when someone expects everything and doesn't want to pay
for it. Raise your max price until you get what you want. Duh.

I used to have a Fluke DMM that had a nice function; you could turn on a
continuous tone that was frequency proportional to a full-range indication.
It was really handy to be able to just listen to the tone when I was
adjusting some peak or null condition, and I often used it to test ground
bonds on airframes. Sure was handy to be able to grab and shake some big
turbine mount while listening for erratic bond conditions.

Ed
wb6wsn