voltage/amp tester

[Anonymous-0]

I would like your oppinons on what I should look for in a meter for diagnostics on my 2N (12V). I am not looking to break the bank but I would like something dependable and hand held for work in field as well as garage.

 

[Kurt-NEPA]

I would hop on down to Walmart or TSC and pick up a cheapy analog multimeter. They work about as well as anything, and accurate enough for tractor work. They are less than $20. If you want something better, check Ebay for a good used Simpson meter. They usually sell for less than $50 and are rock solid.

One word of caution. As an ammeter, they are a milli-ammeters. In other words - good for low amperage electrical circuits, but useless for tractor work. You'll need to go to a big buck multi-meter for one that will handle 10-20 amps.

What ever you get, don't let the meter sit on a ohm (resistance) scale. That will draw down the batteries. Most meters have an Off setting. Use it.

Let us know what you get.

 

[old]

Most any volt/ohm meter if you know how to use one will do well. I have one I picked up years ago from harbor freight for around $20 and it works just fine. Radio shack will have a good number to choose from or some other place may have them also

 

[asphelt]

From the land of "almost good enough" this meter at Harbor Freight looks like it'll do the job. Includes 10A current range which would be somewhat useful for checking coil current.

http://www.harborfreight.com/lcd-automotive-multimeter-with-tachometer-kit-95670.html

Ron

 

[Wings]

As already mentioned, for tractor related use, any analog meter is fine. Most low-cost meters are capable of measuring 10 amps, but double-check to make sure.
If you need to measure more current, and especially for any length of time, you'd need larger wires than most meters have anyway. A shunt is an option - google it if interested.

As long as the meter leads are not touching themselves, or anything else conductive, leaving the meter in any of the Ohms ranges will not run down the internal batteries. However, it's not wise to do so as it's always possible for the leads to inadvertently get pushed together or fall upon something conductive without your noticing it.

Regards,
wings

 

[Geo-TH,In]

My Harbor Freight is giving there electronic VOM away free with the pruchase of anything. I have about 10 of them as stocking stuffers for Christmas. Been using them for years..cheap and good.

Also have an ammprobe from HF. Under $20. Cheap and good as well.

 

[souNdguy]

get a cheap analog with a 10a unfused amp range and a cheap digital vom.

many times the cheap digital vom can be had for 3-4$ at harbor freight.. and a cheap analog 5-10$ at radioshack, walmart, tractor supply, harbor freight.. etc.

with both you are pretty well covered..

soundguy