multimeters

there both important how ever, having a true RMS meter is very important also one that is rated in the CAT II and III. The Auto Ranging is good if you make a mistake. Some lower meters are not forgiving. If you're careful, you'll be ok.

lobotomy"

just curious of ur opinion on which one would be better. thanks

So go with the one with the true RMS?

lobotomy"

if you have to select from those 2, Take the 8 function, 20 range with true RMS.

lobotomy"

lobotomy"

Well I solved the problem.... I bought one that has the true RMS reading function, the CAT III-600V and it has a built-in InfraRed thermometer. So I think this one sould do it.

lobotomy"

lobotomy"

InfraRed

lobotomy"

lobotomy"

built-in InfraRed

Technically speaking, the True RMS function is more important. Without True RMS, you can't measure all AC signals as accurately. But lack of autoranging does not compromise the actual meters performance.

The two are not mutually exclusive, get one with both! A Meterman 37XR/38XR is True RMS and autoranging, and it top quality at a reasonable price. If you are really strapped for cash, get a cheaper brand with both. Autoranging is a must-have, so much more convenient than manual ranging.

There is really no reason to buy a manual range meter these days, Autorange is cheap and readily available.

Dave.

lobotomy"

lobotomy"

So what's the brand and model of the one you bought?

Dave.

lobotomy"

lobotomy"

Ex830, 1000 Amp Clamp AC/DC with all the goodies

Good tool box toss around meter.., It also has thermo pointer in it.

I wouldn't do anything precision with it how ever, it's good for basic industrial probing around. It's also great for HVAC guys, it just about has it all in one..

"David Lying Jones "

There is nothing inherently more "accurate" about measuring / computing the rms value of an AC wave.

Non " rms " multimeters respond to the "average rectified value" of the AC wave - scaled up to display the exact rms value with sine wave signals. As the vast majority of AC voltages and currents encountered in ELECTRICAL work have close to sine wave shape - this is perfectly good method.

The peak value and /or the average rectified value of a non-sine AC wave are more likely to be important to know than the more obscure " true rms" value. If the wave shape matters, then you need a scope to look at it.

PLUS - the "true rms" function of budget multimeters has *woefully narrow* measurement bandwidth ( often < 500Hz ) which * INHERENTLY * spoils the supposed accuracy of all readings of non sine wave forms - which typically contain harmonics to well beyond the accurate measurement range of such multimeters.

...... Phil

Autoranging is invaluable.

True RMS is nice but hardly necessary for most electronics and certainly not for a beginner. It's also expensive. Just be aware that most meters indicate average current not RMS.

Graham

Ignore Jamie's nonsense.

He's not very experienced in electronics but has a big mouth and can't resist talking about stuff he doesn't understand.

Graham

For my purposes I didn't need anythign special. I picked up a DMM at Radio Shack for $29 Catlog number 22-813.

It does auto-range for AC and DC voltage.

The only gripe I have is the way the leads plug into the unit. They can come loose very easily.

That's unreliable and potentially dangerous.

Do yourself a favour and toss it in the bin.

Dave.

Considering that for the most part the highest voltage it will ever see is 12V I don't think I'll have too many problems.

I note that most of the bad reviews have to do with blown fuses on the unit. One of them was ridiculous, the end had broken off where the leads connect and the reviewer didn't know how to fix it? Come on.

I have no problem opening it up to fix it should I have to do so.