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DMM - Fluke, Protek, Wavetek, etc?

Posted by Cousin_Dupree (A) on January 7, 2002 at 13:42:13

Hello,
Thanks for helping. If you haven't guessed already, I'm looking for a DMM. I kind of feel like Homer Simpson shopping for a computer: the salesman tells Homer that he needs a top of the line model that costs $5000 to read email... I have fairly simple needs at this time. I will be building the JR power conditioner/surge protector & possibly the JR balanced power in the next month.

Given my needs, as I understand them, I originally thought that a $50 DMM would be a real indulgence and that $20 was more like it. However, after reading several archives on this subject the hot brands/models seemed to be Fluke 179, Protek 506, & Wavetek 2015 (street price ranges from $150-$200 after a preliminary search). I saw only derision for lesser priced models. Am I missing the boat here? I certainly could have missed an outstanding inexpensive unit since I'm very unfamiliar with all this stuff.

It would be nice to measure capacitance on my DIY & pre-made IC's (though it's far from a necessity). Will any of these units accurately measure such a thing? Other than more capabilities, most of which I have only vague or no understanding of what they are, what am I paying for?

I own NCMS speakers & have been progressively gaining ambition to tackle more complex projects, though I don't have plans for much more DIY audio other than power conditioner & balanced power. I can think of few other applications for the DMM.

With my limited knowledge of electronics & my present understanding of my own needs it's hard for me to understand why I should spend this kind of money. Let me very clearly state that I do understand why others would. I know that accuracy improves with the models specifically mentioned over a $20 - $50 model, and that's always valuable, but I don't think I can justify the marginal cost for accuracy alone -- or can I? I would like a unit that I won't "outgrow" and is of good quality, but am seriously questioning whether one of the above is necessary.

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