I need a multi-tester

Related to my bikey no starty thread, I have decided I should get a good multimeter multi-tester electrical probe thingy. I'm no electrical expert, so can you folks point me to a good brand? Also, what features do I want to get?

I'll use the interweb to learn how to use it once I get it.

Thanks!

 

Comes with instructions.

http://www.radioshack.com/sm-15-range-d ... 03174.html

Best 20-Bucks you'll ever spend for troubleshooting electrical problems on your bike.

 

Thanks!

I was just looking at their site and was checking out the following:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... age=search

Any benefit to springing for the fancier one with the auto-range?

 

The second one you posted is the one that I have. Then again, I had to buy it for one of my Electrical Engineering circuits classes.

I have to say though, that it is absolutely amazing and that I've never had a problem with it!

Then again, the lab equipment that I used before I bought my own, were analog ones that were everything you needed to test stuff, it was just if you knew how to use them. The higher cost ones with digital readouts and auto-range are good if you have no idea what the heck kind of settings to put it on, or what readings you are expecting.

Either way, both will do exactly what you want.

Good luck!

 

hey xj600s Im in circuits this semester and it BLOWS. Im learning alot of good stuff however. Taint I would go with ricks choice if you arent going to be using it every day for the rest of your life. the 20$ one is fine.

 

The problem with the auto ranging ones is they usually show a number. You have to note the range it's at to know what it's telling you.

For instance, when I set my auto ranging meter to volts it will start flashing numbers, before I put the probes on anything. You have to look at the units to see that it's rattling off millivolts, which is essentially the error of the device. When you are slightly past 30 (like me) that tiny units display can be difficult to see, especially in poor light.

On the manual one however you set the range to 20 volts (when working on the bike where you expect 12-15 volts) and it'll read 0.0 until you put some voltage to it. Lot easier for diagnosis like you're trying to do.

 

just get something with auto-off, takes some kind of regular batteries and beeps for continuity
get some alligator clips so you don't have to hold both leads at once

 

Excellent advice. Below the meters at the RadioShack store you will find clips that slip onto the ends of the probes.

The meter Rick recommended is a good choice. It does take a rather pricey battery (GP23 $4.99) but it should last you for years. I believe that meter has an auto off feature.

HERE are the clips.

In fact, just give the following list to the RadioShack associate:

22-810
27-354
23-144

(I guess maybe I worked there too long )

 

You don't have to pay that much for the battery. Try this for instance:
http://tinyurl.com/2gml9d
I would assume that a local store would have some.

 

Harbor Freight cheapie works fine. Just spend the extra $20 and get one that is autoranging.