Need a new Multimeter

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  • mx270hb
    Overworked, Underpaid
    • Feb 2012
    • 26
    #1

    Need a new Multimeter

    Hey,

    need some feed back on what multimeter i need for field work. as I spend most of my time in the workshop, Anything to do with voltages etc the service manager tends to jump in and use some fancy one he has..
    Seeing as I'm doing a but more field work.. I really should brush up on my multimeter skills.

    However there seems to be so many different types and voltages etc Im not sure what I need, What features I need

    Thanks
    Tags: None
    • blackcat4866
      Master Of The Obvious

      Site Contributor
      10,000+ Posts
      • Jul 2007
      • 22999
      #2
      Re: Need a new Multimeter

      I've never had any of the really fancy meters, i.e. Fluke, but if you look around you can find an off-brand meter with all the same features at around $60 (rather than $200 or more), from a place like Harbor Freight.

      For field work, I'm mostly just reading DC and AC voltages, checking resistance on fuser components, and occasionally using the temperature probe (it's worth a few extra bucks to get the temperature probe).

      For phone work, you're better off with a D'Arsonval movement (analog meter). The quick voltage fluctuations that just blank out a digital meter can be easily observed on a $10 analog VOM.

      For network cables I bought a tester just for the purpose. It's worth every bit of the $60 I spent on it.

      =^..^=
      If you'd like a serious answer to your request:
      1) demonstrate that you've read the manual
      2) demonstrate that you made some attempt to fix it.
      3) if you're going to ask about jams include the jam code.
      4) if you're going to ask about an error code include the error code.
      5) You are the person onsite. Only you can make observations.

      blackcat: Master Of The Obvious =^..^=

        Comment

        • JR2ALTA
          Service Manager

          Site Contributor
          1,000+ Posts
          • Feb 2010
          • 2031
          #3
          Re: Need a new Multimeter

          Been doing this 6 years and have never had to use a meter.

          If any component fails the on-board I/O check, I will swap sensors, clutches or boards.

          Intermittent problems won't show up by meter readings anyway.

          My company is diligent about carrying parts machines extra parts etc. This helps keeps cost low, and 'shotgunning' more affordable.

            Comment

            • mjarbar
              #4
              Re: Need a new Multimeter

              I use a Wavetek 15xp, I find it has all I need for copier work. Get a set of crocodile clips and ensure the probes you get with whatever you go for have quite a long 'reach' as some parts of the copiers as you may know are hard to get to.

                Comment

                • blaze2000
                  Trusted Tech

                  Site Contributor
                  100+ Posts
                  • Sep 2010
                  • 232
                  #5
                  Re: Need a new Multimeter

                  About 3 years ago I bought a new meter that I love. It's a Gardner Bender GDT-3200. It has digital display with backlight that you can turn off and on, auto-range voltages, and temperature probe.

                    Comment

                    • kingarthur
                      Service Manager

                      1,000+ Posts
                      • Feb 2008
                      • 1336
                      #6
                      Re: Need a new Multimeter

                      i use a Digitek ino1506....mainly cos it's nice & compact
                      Tip for the day; Treat every problem as your dog would.....If you cant eat it or f*ck it....then p*ss on it & walk away...

                        Comment

                        • mikadonovan
                          Senior Tech

                          Site Contributor
                          2,500+ Posts
                          • May 2008
                          • 2931
                          #7
                          Re: Need a new Multimeter

                          Originally posted by JR2ALTA
                          Been doing this 6 years and have never had to use a meter.
                          Wow, not even for a continuity check?
                          NEVER ASSUME ANYTHING

                            Comment

                            • emujo
                              Field Supervisor

                              2,500+ Posts
                              • Jun 2009
                              • 3009
                              #8
                              Re: Need a new Multimeter

                              Most manufatcures have such robust troubleshooting built in...test modes for checking motors sensors etc..the only thing I use my meter for is verifying voltage at the AC outlet,( and that is done better with very cheap plug in testers) checking fuses, and the occasional fuser lamp (IH coils being very prevelent)...But if you want to actually see anything be sure you invest in needle probes, the standard probes are too thick to be inserted in todays connectors. Emujo
                              Last edited by emujo; 03-05-2012, 03:59 PM.
                              If you don't see your question answered in the forum, please don't think it's OK to PM me for a personal reply...I do not give out firmware and/or manuals.

                                Comment

                                • Hemlock
                                  Trusted Tech

                                  250+ Posts
                                  • Dec 2009
                                  • 432
                                  #9
                                  Re: Need a new Multimeter

                                  Originally posted by mikadonovan
                                  Wow, not even for a continuity check?
                                  That's the only thing mine comes out for anymore.
                                  “Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'” (Isaac Asimov)

                                    Comment

                                    • Tricky
                                      Field Supervisor

                                      Site Contributor
                                      2,500+ Posts
                                      • Apr 2009
                                      • 2620
                                      #10
                                      Re: Need a new Multimeter

                                      Originally posted by emujo
                                      But if you want to actually see anything be sure you invest in needle probes, the standard probes are too thick to be inserted in todays connectors. Emujo
                                      A crocodile clip for attaching to the chassis is useful too and auto power off.

                                        Comment

                                        • mx270hb
                                          Overworked, Underpaid
                                          • Feb 2012
                                          • 26
                                          #11
                                          Re: Need a new Multimeter

                                          Awesome! .. than't for the input, I'm going shopping! :P

                                            Comment

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