Need Multimeter Recommendation

Does anyone have a suggestion for all around good multimeter ? I've looked at several, including many listed at "Harbor freight" , but not sure which one/s might be best for the semi-novice mechanic. Use would be pretty much restricted to whatever might tested on my '86 930. Thanks !

Omega makes a bewildering number of models in all price ranges and capabilities. Check out their web site at www.omega.com. I have the HHM19C model and am very pleased with it. One accessory for this model is a surface temperature probe, useful for measuring tire temperatures at the track.

Tom Harris
89 Carrera

Harbor Freight is probably not the place to buy this tool. I've seen some multimeters there, but they are of poor quality and lack important features. I used the Sears unit that cost me about fifty dollars several years ago. Volts, Ohms and Dwell, plus diode tester. Dwell is missing from the cheaper units.

Temperature gauge (pyrometer I bet) would be real cool.

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'83 SC

Fluke makes more digital multimeters than I could possibly list here, but the Model 16 and 88 have temperature capability with Type K thermocouple probes. Fluke also makes the model 52 and 52 dedicated Thermometers that can use the Type K probes, which are available in many types, including stainless steel pin-point probes. Many Fluke models and accessories are sold on eBay on a regular basis!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

I go along with Warren. I use fluke for all my electrical/control troubleshooting problems and there is none better. They may be more expensive than a lot of the other brands, but they are built to last.

Steve

Yes, I will have to agree with the fluke owners. I have dropped mine from a scissor lift that was extened 26' in the air, and it is still the most accurate digital meter I have ever owned. Also, it has out lasted, any others I have owned.

Tim in Sac

I'll add my $.02 in favor of the Flukes. They are able to use a large variety of accessories, even a pressure adapter (albeit expensive) for measuring oil and other pressures. And they have a lifetime warranty.

I bought my Fluke brand new in the box from someone on E-bay for 1/2 the retail price and it has already paid for itself by my not replacing parts willy nilly to track down an electrical problem.

Rod Walter
'88 911 coupe

[This message has been edited by Rod Walter (edited 01-14-2001).]

The Fluke 87 is used as reference in some manuals, incl. Bentley. Tougher to go wrong when you're following the directions using the same tools.

I just bought a Fluke Series 10 multimeter at Home Depot for about $70. I'd love to have a model 87 or 88, but I just couldn't justify a $500 multimeter. The series 10 is a basic model that measures volts and ohms, but it still carries Fluke quality, accuracy, and support. Remember that these meters only come with probes, so don't forget to pick up some alligator clips when/if you purchase one.
HTH,



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Aubrey Parker
'79 SC (silver/cork)

Aubrey ,
is the difference between the 87 and 88 the temp probe?

I just checked Fluke's site and I couldn't find a model 88. I don't know what I was thinking!

It must be that I used the model 87 and it's been so long that I got confused on the models. However, according to this link, they have a universal temp probe that's compatible with all Fluke DMM's.
http://www.fluke.com/products/home.asp?AGID=6&SID=9&PID=8573

HTH,



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Aubrey Parker
'79 SC (silver/cork)

Thanks every one for the recommendations. I will be getting a Fluke Model , just not sure yet which one.

I did check out various webSites and found that there is model 88. It lists for $479.

Another vote for Fluke-I've used the same Model 77 meter for 11 years (so far)-replaced plenty of leads (keep them away from fan belts) and a fuse or two (you'd be amazed how much current a 7.2v Nicad battery pack will put out, all at once), dropped it, even had the dog chew on it-it's still ticking. My 912 website has a small section about how expensive "cheap" tools can be-when you have to buy them two or three times.

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Clay Mcguill www.geocities.com/the912guy

Here you go - A Fluke 87 on Ebay, and cheap, too.

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Mark Szabo
1986 911 Targa 3.2
1987 Escort 5-speed 1.9
The Porsche Owners Gallery

Mark-thanks for the link to the Fluke on E-Bay ! I had a bid out on a Fluke 16, which I just received notice of being the top bidder and now own . Looks like I got it for $61 + shipping.

Thanks again !

[garagodaisuke]

Originally Posted by orph

Does anyone have a suggestion for all around good multimeter ? I've looked at several, including many listed at "Harbor freight" , but not sure which one/s might be best for the semi-novice mechanic. Use would be pretty much restricted to whatever might tested on my '86 930. Thanks !

Hi orph are you referring on this meter https://www.abestmeter.com/clampon-ultrasonic-flow-meters/?

[911pcars]

Originally Posted by garagodaisuke

Hi orph are you referring on this meter https://www.abestmeter.com/clampon-ultrasonic-flow-meters/?

Quite adequate for measuring liquid flow; maybe not appropriate measuring electrical current flow.

S

[T77911S]

just get a cheap one from sears, or home depot or some place like that.
I have done auto electric work for a living and I have also been an electronics tech for the FAA for 20+ yrs now, you don't need an expensive MM for the work you will be doing.

get a test light, much easier and cheaper to use. only time you really need a MM is for the charging system.
plus, a MM can lead you down the wrong road. I have seen it happen here many times.
a MM does not need much current to measure 12v(or any voltage). you may measure 12v but there is not enough current to operate the load, such as a light, so guess whats in a test light, a light bulb!! it needs more current to light than a MM needs to measure 12v.

[ian c2]

I use fluke , but only because they’re used for work too and are calibrated .
I’d say a Sears , autozone etc that will do volts and continuity can be bought cheap enough to go along with a test lamp .

Test lamp is only good for certain things , but handy to have .
A multimeter can be used for most everything even without power , such as checking fuses , switches , and cable-runs us9ng the continuity function .

Just check the once you’re going to buy has audible continuity , as more often than not you’ll be in a position where you can’t see the screen

[Knockdown]

I just bought one of these for the current clamp measurement, does nvm, temp also.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XJ1YHXS/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1