So as I have heard, I need to get a digital multi-meter in order to start doing some diagnosis and repair of my own machines.  This one is on sale right now at Canadian Tire:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/bro.....&fromSearch=true

Would this be adequate for what I need?  I am also looking at this one ending soon on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAP.....K:MEWA:IT&ih=020

Used and a little beat up but it is a Fluke so not sure if it would be better or not.  Any opinions?  Would both work fine?  Is one better than the other?  Thanks in advance...

I am currently on my 4th DMM.  First one was a cheapo Cdn Tire model.  I ended up buying a Fluke because they are made for industrial use and should last you a lifetime. I cheaped out the first couple of times and regretted it.  There is nothing more frustrating than trying to troubleshoot something where you can't trust your meter.  

Also, when I got my Fluke, it had a slight problem.  Sent it to Fluke in Toronto and it was repaired, calibrated and returned within about 2 weeks, all under warranty (even though I bought it in the US).

Good suggestion from Monkeybug:
Get something that is reliable in fonction and measurements,
and that also contains protection circuits (e.g. against user error
such as trying to measure voltage in the ohms position for instance).
Make sure it has an audible continuity beeper, along with diode check,
in addition to the usual voltage measurements.

I had purchased a Radio Shack multimeter 'lab top' DMM about 20 years ago,
and it is still serving me well. Flukes are even better.

Good luck !
- Sylvain.

I have the Canadian Tire multimeter you're talking about and let say it do the job. Probes will broke fast and it's little slow. It's a cheap option... if you think about doing many repair or project, invest more. If you do only basic maintenance, it think it can do the job for first level electronic... you will probably never use half the options on it anyway   

Quoted from sylvain

Get something that ... also contains protection circuits (e.g. against user error
such as trying to measure voltage in the ohms position for instance).
- Sylvain.

Hyann,  do you know if it has that??

Can't tell you 100%, don't find the info sheet... no audible warning for sure. I guess it have protection circuit for ohm/voltage because I made some and nothing happen to circuit or multimeter

I'm gonna go out and buy the one on sale at Canadian Tire.  Includes 1 year warranty and should be good enough for my needs.

THanks,

The crappy tire one has served me well - but I don't do extensive repairs.   I definately has the continuity-tone - and can be set to auto-range / or not.   Not sure if it has protective circuitry - but I'm sure if it didn't it wouldn't be working.   It has a backlight, too - so for the price a good start - as the fluke's are pricey (>$100)

rec.games.pinball talks a fair bit about DMM & Flukes such as:
http://groups.google.com/group.....uke#39ec212839459aea

One day I'd like a Fluke - makes you look professional  

I ordered one from marco's pinball one day when I ordered an inventory of common parts when I first bought my machines.  It's been good enough to check transistors, measure resistors, voltage at the flippers, etc.  Don't really know why you'd need an expensive one...

Quoted from Hyann

I have the Canadian Tire multimeter you're talking about and let say it do the job. Probes will broke fast and it's little slow. It's a cheap option... if you think about doing many repair or project, invest more. If you do only basic maintenance, it think it can do the job for first level electronic... you will probably never use half the options on it anyway   

Same thing here, I've done my electrical degree with something like the one you can find at Canadian Tire, never had any problem.

It depends on what you're planning on doing...and always remember, this tool will help you diagnose a lot of things such as house electrical problems, automotive repairs....wiring...A lot...!

Eric

I have a Fluke 75 that I've had since I was in high school (about 16 years now, scary) and it works well. Other than the clear plastic over the display is cracked from being accidentally stepped on. *oops* It was a meter more geared towards automotive use, but it has all he basic features including tone on the diode test and auto-ranging. The only two things I wish it had was a built in stand on the back and a backlit display.

Anyhow, I do have one of the CTC meters from when they were on sale last year. It's nice, but it's no Fluke, I guess I'm just spoiled. But I have used that CTC meter a few times, and it is a good meter for basic usage.

Quoted from Firehawk734

Don't really know why you'd need an expensive one...

Depends what you use it for...  If it's just looking for voltages on coils then fine...  If you're troubleshooting boards then get a good one.  For me, the important things were auto-ranging and response time.  Response time is really important when troubleshooting logic issues.  HAd lot's of cheap ones before seeing the light.  It's all worth it for my use...

Mike (Proud owner of a Fluke 179 - never go back!)

  

Fluke is the way to go !!! you can drop it (yellow handheld one ) on the concrete with no problem !!! now if you buy it new they are lifetime warranty !!!

been using Fluke for more then 20 years !!!

owner of Fluke's 12, 79 and 87 !!!!!

Bruno