[user_12345a]

My meter broke and figure I should get something that can do everything.

Problem is I can't justify spending more than $50 considering it would be used less than once a month.

Want clamp amps, capacitance and the regular stuff at a minimum. Would be nice to be able to read DC micro-amps.

Any opinions on the cheaper chinese manufacturer ones for casual use?
(Not that I'm fond of chinese manufacturing but north american branded stuff is made there anyway)

For example, this one does everything I want:

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/BSIDE-Digit...165742?hash=item21696546ee:g:hvkAAOSwgNZeHqvO

Same thing is around $45 on amazon.

 

[surferdude2]

Sounds too good to be true. I see it's available at WalMart with a 30 day guarantee and returnable to the store... free shipping. If you have to have one, I'd say give it a shot since the risk is small if you buy it from Wallyworld.

 

[user_12345a]

hmmm - there are complaints about dc current measurement accurancy on amazon. otherwise reviews not too bad.

 

[yuri]

MA-Line makes very good affordable meters and tools.

I use mine in -40C and take them straight into a warm house with no problems.

I also have UEI and Testo high end manometers etc but for basic multi testers I am happy with theirs.

https://www.ma-line.com/

https://www.ma-line.com/capacitor-testor/

 

[user_12345a]

couldn't find any pricing or where to buy, but thanks to the link i learned some regular multi-meters have a clamp attachment.

 

[yuri]

Google: MA-Line and scroll down 2 and there are lots of distributors in the US.

Not sure if they sell to Canada but probably some do.

I get mine from a HVAC wholesaler who does not do on line sales.

 

[user_12345a]

Ended up with astroai - https://www.amazon.ca/AstroAI-Digit...1?keywords=astroai+6000&qid=1588464434&sr=8-1

Seems very decent for the money so far and it is from an american company.

Unwise to trust meters from chinese companies as safety certifications may be faked.

 

[surferdude2]

I like what you got there! The little conveniences of the hanger magnet and kickstand are icing on the cake. I may get one too. I need it like a submarine needs a screen door since I'm retired and only work on the friends and relatives stuff. It does have good specs.

 

[user_12345a]

It's not a super high quality meter as far as I know (nothing like fluke, field-piece, Klein) but for the casual user it works decently.

oh yah forget to mention, 3 year warranty, not bad for $40 canadian.

Resistance doesn't read zero with the probes touching, more like 0.1 or 0.2, they didn't put in compensation for the leads i guess.

Capacitance read is a little slow.


didn't get something with a clamp ammeter for now...
The cost of a decent meter with a built in amp clamp in addition to dc micro-amps far exceeds that of buying a separate cheap clamp meter. There are no savings either getting a clamp accessory for $30 to $40.